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Every company operating in the United States is legally obligated to designate a registered agent that can receive “service of process”. Service of Process is broadly defined to include any legal proceeding, legal notice or official government communication presented to the company while it is within the jurisdiction of a state. This is a common requirement in all states, including South Carolina, and applies not only to the state in which your company is incorporated or organized, but in every state where your company does business. Registered agents are mandatory for companies of all sizes and configurations.
National Registered Agent, Inc. is a reputable professional provider of registered agent services across the nation serving businesses large and small, foreign or domestic. With a comprehensive registered agent network in all 50 U.S. states, it is an industry leader in SOP services. Moreover, NRAI has other solutions to fit your business needs as well.
The job of a registered agent is not one you want to entrust to just anyone. Maintaining compliance with state laws is essential for the longevity and well being of your company. Making the wrong decision could jeopardize your business’ continued growth and good reputation. So let NRAI do the job for you. Enjoy our personal service when you call us at (800) 520-6724 or visit us at www.registeredagent.com. And if you already have a registered agent, but wish to try NRAI, it’s never too late—we can help you make a seamless transition that you will not regret.
In addition to providing registered agent services, NRAI offers a variety of cost-effective professional services that can help your business, including Business Links, an online portal that gives you instant access to business information, compliance guidance and advice from top business consultants.
Continue reading below for additional information about requirements in South Carolina that you need to know if you’re starting a new company there or if your existing company is looking to transact business in the state.
Starting a Business in South Carolina
If you are looking to start your own company in South Carolina, your business will act as a “domestic” entity in the state. Domestic businesses are those that file their “Articles” of formation in the State of South Carolina. The below guidelines will explain the differences in establishing an LLC or corporation.
- Forming an LLC: Creating your LLC begins with choosing a name. State law requires that it include the words limited liability company, limited company or an abbreviation of those terms, like LLC. You must also designate a registered agent to execute your Articles of Organization and confirm your agent’s intent to represent your company. Lastly, file the Articles with the Secretary of State, along with a $110 filing fee.
- Forming a Corporation: Form a corporation by choosing a name that includes the words company, corporation, incorporated, limited or an abbreviation of those terms. There are no requirements for the number of authorized shares of your corporation or the amount of capital to start your business. File your Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State, along with your Initial Annual Report of Corporations. Your Articles must include a certificate signed by a South Carolina attorney confirming your compliance with all state requirements. The fee for filing your Articles of Incorporation and Annual Report is $135.
Registering to Do Business in South Carolina
Foreign companies are businesses that are incorporated or organized in a state other than South Carolina but wish to conduct business within South Carolina. Please see below for guidelines for registering your LLC or corporation.
- Registering an LLC: When registering your LLC name in the state, make sure that it includes the words limited liability company, limited company, or an abbreviation of those terms. File your Application for a Certificate of Authority with the Secretary of State, along with a certificate of existence from the state in which your LLC is organized. The filing fee for foreign LLCs is $110.
- Registering a corporation: When registering your corporation name, make sure it includes the words company, corporation, incorporated, limited or an abbreviation of those terms. File your Application for a Certificate of Authority with the Secretary of State, along with a certificate of existence from the state in which your company is incorporated. Also provide a copy of your Initial Annual Report of Corporations. The filing fee for the Application and Annual report is $135. Remember that a foreign corporation will face a civil penalty of $10 for each day it does business unlawfully in South Carolina.
