How long does it take to register a business in South Carolina?

Processing times vary: 3-5 business days. Online filings are typically faster than mail submissions. Expedited processing may be available for an additional fee.

Do I need a business license in South Carolina?

Yes, most cities in South Carolina require a general business license. Requirements vary by location and industry. Contact your local city or county clerk's office for specific requirements.

Can I use my personal name as my business name?

Yes, you can use your personal name as your business name. For an LLC, you'll need to add "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company" to the end. However, using a unique business name often provides better branding opportunities and legal protection.

What if my desired business name is already taken?

If your preferred name is unavailable, you have several options: 1) Choose a different name, 2) Add descriptive words to make it unique, 3) Use a different LLC suffix (LLC, L.L.C., etc.), or 4) Consider filing a "Doing Business As" (DBA) name while keeping a different legal name.

How much does it cost to start a business in South Carolina?

The LLC filing fee is $110. Additional costs include business licenses ($50-500), registered agent fees ($50-300/year if using a service), and other startup expenses. Total first-year costs typically range from $200.

Do I need a trademark for my business name?

While not required, trademark registration provides nationwide protection for your business name. Registering your LLC with the state only protects your name within South Carolina. If you plan to expand beyond the state or want stronger legal protection, consider applying for a federal trademark with the USPTO.

Can I change my business name later?

Yes, you can change your LLC name by filing an amendment with the South Carolina Secretary of State. This typically costs $20-100 and takes a few weeks to process. However, changing your name can be expensive when you consider updating all your marketing materials, domain, signage, and legal documents.

South Carolina Business Name Generator

Generate unique business names for your South Carolina LLC or startup. Get AI-powered suggestions tailored to South Carolina businesses and local market.

Generate Business Names for South Carolina

Describe your business idea

Choose naming style

Professional & corporate

Why Start a Business in South Carolina?

$110

Filing Fee

3-5

Processing (days)

450K

Total Businesses

55K/yr

New Businesses

No annual report required

Growing Charleston tech scene

Low cost of living

Business-friendly tax environment

Starting a Business in South Carolina

Top Cities for Business

Charleston150,227
Columbia136,632
North Charleston114,852
Mount Pleasant92,955
Rock Hill74,372

Popular Industries

Manufacturing
Tourism
Agriculture
Aerospace
Automotive

Cost to Start a Business in South Carolina

LLC Filing Fee$110

Name Reservation (optional)$25 for 120 days

Business License (varies by city)$50-500

Estimated Total First Year$200

Processing time: 3-5 business days

South Carolina Tax Overview

South Carolina has income tax rates from 0-6.4%. Corporate tax is 5%. Sales tax is 6% state plus local.

South Carolina Business Name Requirements

Must include "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company"
Must be distinguishable

Restricted Words: The following words cannot be used without special approval:

Bank, Trust, Insurance

Business Name Ideas for South Carolina

Explore 30 pre-generated business name ideas across popular industries. Use these as inspiration or starting points for your own unique name.

restaurant

Palmetto Table
SC Cuisine
Charleston Kitchen
Lowcountry Dining
Carolina Eats
Local Flavors

barbershop

Charleston Cuts
Premium Grooming
Palmetto Barbers
Classic Style
Carolina Shave
Expert Service

construction

SC Builders
Quality Construction
Palmetto Build
Building SC
Charleston Construction
Trusted Partners

consulting

Charleston Strategy
Business Growth
Palmetto Advisors
Strategic Solutions
SC Consulting
Expert Guidance

retail

SC Mercantile
Local Goods
Palmetto Market
Quality Products
Charleston Supply
Premium Retail

Home Services

SC Home Care
Complete Solutions
Palmetto Services
Professional Care
Charleston Home Pros
Expert Maintenance

technology

Charleston Tech
Innovation
Palmetto Digital
Tech Solutions
SC Software
Custom Development

healthcare

SC Wellness
Quality Healthcare
Palmetto Medical
Patient Care
Charleston Health
Trusted Providers

Real Estate

SC Properties
Dream Homes
Palmetto Realty
Expert Service
Charleston Living
Premium Properties

fitness

Charleston Fitness
Peak Performance
Palmetto Strong
Community Fitness
SC Athletics
Elite Training

Official South Carolina Business Resources

SC Secretary of State

Business registration

SC Department of Revenue

Tax information

SC SBDC

Business counseling

How to Register a Business in South Carolina

Annual Compliance Requirements

After forming your South Carolina LLC, you'll need to maintain compliance with these ongoing requirements:

No annual report required
Maintain registered agent
Pay state taxes
Obtain local licenses

Check Domain Availability

Enter your business name to search for available domains

Business name

Opens GoDaddy search in a new tab

Frequently Asked Questions

Useful Tools for South Carolina Business Owners

Self-Employment Tax

Calculate SE tax liability

Profit Margin Calculator

Calculate your profit margins

S-Corp Salary

Optimize salary vs distribution

Generate Names for Nearby States

Ready to Launch Your South Carolina Business?

Jupid AI Accountant handles everything from LLC formation to ongoing tax compliance. Focus on growing your business while we handle the paperwork.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Information is accurate as of 2026-01. Always verify current requirements with the South Carolina Secretary of State and consult with qualified professionals before making business decisions.