South Carolina Business Startup Laws at a Glance | 2023

how-to-start-a-business-in-south-carolina

Are you interested in starting a business in South Carolina? The Palmetto State is a fantastic site for your new business since it has among the lowest state property and corporate income taxes.

But how can you get started in business? You must sell something. Selling a product or service without registering with the state makes you a sole proprietor, but this does not provide you with asset protection.

If you want to preserve your own assets, you should follow the measures outlined in our detailed guide.

Related: 15 Profitable and Proven Businesses You Can Start With 50k in 2023

How to Start a Business in South Carolina

South Carolina has been a popular destination for aspiring business owners. If you want to start a business in South Carolina, follow our step-by-step approach below.

#1. Develop a Business Strategy

Every South Carolina business need preparation. Create a business plan to outline your vision for the firm and how you intend to generate money.

You may find templates online, but most include a company description to explain your unique business, a set of SMART goals, and a competitive analysis.

You should also describe the company’s target clients, how you intend to market to them, and how the business will be organized and administered.

Don’t hesitate to identify possible issues and detail your plans for dealing with them. Because potential lenders will know you’re prepared, the more precise the strategy, the simpler it will be to acquire money.

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#2. Decide on a Business Structure

One of the first considerations a South Carolina entrepreneur must make is how to organize the firm.

There are various business entities, but sole proprietorship, general partnership, limited liability company (LLC), and corporation are among the most common for starts.

Information on Sole Proprietorship

A sole proprietorship is the simplest type of business to establish. You must declare all company revenue and losses on your personal tax return, but you will not have the same liability protections as an LLC or corporation.

A general partnership functions similarly but with several owners splitting earnings.

Corporations and Limited Liability Companies

On the other hand, entities such as corporations and LLCs create a legal separation between your business and your personal property, safeguarding your personal assets if the business is sued.

You must file with the South Carolina Secretary of State to establish one.


There will be upfront costs but consult with a qualified business, financial, or legal professional to determine which company organization is best for your startup.

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#3. Determine Your South Carolina Business’s Launch Costs

Before you establish a business in South Carolina, you should estimate your costs. Consider both one-time and continuing costs.

Fees for Registration

The cost of registering your firm and other state fees linked with business licenses or permits may be included in your beginning costs.

Investigate the licenses and permissions required for a firm like yours to understand the requirements and the fees connected with each.

Employees and the Location of the Office

Regarding recurring expenditures, your organization may have a commercial business site lease. Investigate the expenses per square foot in the city where you intend to put your office.

If your company expands and you need to recruit more people, budget for payroll, healthcare bills, unemployment insurance, and South Carolina workers’ compensation charges.

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Costs of a Website and Marketing

Consider how you will advertise the firm, such as your company website, social media posting, advertising (online, print, and broadcast), and industry events. Investigate the expenses of each marketing strategy.

While obtaining cash to pay initial costs may take some time, it is a crucial stage in the process. Therefore include it in your thorough business plan.

#4. Pick a Name for Your South Carolina Business

Do you have a company name in mind? No two businesses in South Carolina, like in many other states, can have the same name. So, go to the South Carolina Secretary of State’s website and look up a business name.

Business Name Guidelines

South Carolina also has unique requirements for naming businesses, so you should investigate the naming regulations before deciding on a name.

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Reservation of a Company Name

The state also allows company owners to reserve a name for 120 days before filing papers to form an organization such as an LLC or corporation. 

This isn’t essential, but it can prevent another company from using your preferred name before you finish your paperwork.

Social Media and Website

After deciding on a name for your new business, you may register a domain name for your website and develop social media profiles on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and other platforms.

#5. Register Your Business and Set up Bank Accounts

Once you’ve decided on a business structure, you may apply for a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) with the IRS. You’ll need this tax ID number even if you don’t have workers or wish to register a company bank account.

You can create an account on your own or with the help of a partner by utilizing a particular document known as a banking resolution.

An EIN is not necessary for sole proprietorships but is required for corporations and LLCs. You can apply for your EIN online at the IRS website.

Each state has its unique set of business rules and taxes. Go to the South Carolina Department of Revenue, Taxes & Insurance portal to learn about relevant state-administered business taxes and to register for an account to submit taxes online.

Dedicated Business Bank Account

Dedicated business bank accounts keep the money of the firm distinct from your personal funds. This saves you money at tax time and protects your limited liability status if you own a business like an LLC or corporation.

Related: How To Start A Tutoring Business As A Teenager | 2023

#6. Obtain the Required Licenses and Permissions

To start a business in South Carolina, you may need to apply for various permissions and licenses, depending on the business you are starting. A restaurant, for example, will require a liquor license, while a pawn store will require a reseller’s license.

The documentation may be time-consuming, but it is a necessary evil to protect you against penalties, litigation, and other legal pitfalls.

South Carolina entrepreneurs can handle all of their business license requirements in one location: the state maintains a License, Permits, and Registration page where you can learn about licensing requirements based on the nature of your business and contact the state agencies in charge of issuing the licenses you require. 

#7. Promote Your Company in South Carolina

It’s one thing to open your doors, but what will entice people to enter? Create a marketing strategy and consider advertising online through Google or Facebook, in print publications such as newspapers, TV and radio stations, and/or other places (for example, billboards).

Social Media and Google My Business

Optimize your company’s profile on Google My Business so that individuals looking for your services may discover you.

If you use social media for marketing, be sure to post material and interact with people on sites like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram frequently.

Printing Supplies

Print assets are still effective. Business cards, brochures, and postcards may help bring your brand to the forefront of someone’s mind.

Working with a South Carolina marketing business can help you go ahead.

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Examples of Successful South Carolina Businesses

Business-friendly South Carolina has chances for a variety of growing and trending industries, including:

  • Services in finance
  • Car Rental
  • Fitness
  • Farming of poultry

The Advantages of Starting a Business in South Carolina

South Carolina offers a variety of tax breaks to stimulate business. A favorable corporate income tax structure is one of them, as is the absence of an inventory tax, wholesale tax, state property tax, or municipal income tax.

Several workforce training programs are available, such as the readySC program, which assists companies looking to relocate to South Carolina with recruiting and training, and the Apprenticeship Carolina program, which assists employers in creating their registered apprenticeship programs.

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Conclusion

There are several chances for South Carolina firms to succeed. The state has a business-friendly atmosphere, a pro-business tax framework, and several incentives to assist businesses to prosper.

However, you should know that starting your own business in South Carolina requires a number of processes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does a Company Make?

In South Carolina, a license costs $50.

Any retail firm must get a South Carolina sales tax license from the Department of Revenue. The fee for the license is $50. A license is not required for businesses that provide professional services rather than products.

How Long Does it Take to Obtain a Business License in South Carolina?

Typically, the online filing procedure is finished within 24 hours. If the file is sent, the Secretary of State’s Office will normally finish the procedure within two to three business days, while lengthier filing periods may occur depending on workload level.

Is it a Good Time to Start a Business in South Carolina?

Indeed, South Carolina is routinely ranked as one of the most business-friendly states in the US, with a cheap cost of doing business, a tax base that encourages economic expansion, and a variety of additional benefits: There is no state property tax.

There is no inventory tax. There is no municipal income tax.

FAQs

How Much Does a Company Make?

In South Carolina, a license costs $50.
Any retail firm must get a South Carolina sales tax license from the Department of Revenue. The fee for the license is $50. A license is not required for businesses that provide professional services rather than products.

How Long Does it Take to Obtain a Business License in South Carolina?

Typically, the online filing procedure is finished within 24 hours. If the file is sent, the Secretary of State’s Office will normally finish the procedure within two to three business days, while lengthier filing periods may occur depending on workload level.

Is it a Good Time to Start a Business in South Carolina?

Indeed, South Carolina is routinely ranked as one of the most business-friendly states in the US, with a cheap cost of doing business, a tax base that encourages economic expansion, and a variety of additional benefits: There is no state property tax. There is no inventory tax. There is no municipal income tax.

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