S. Carolina
Taxes and business formation • USA 2025–2026
TL;DR
S. Carolina at a glance — 2026 figures
State filing fees and tax position for individuals and companies registered in S. Carolina.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Personal income tax | See the income tax section below |
| LLC formation fee | $125.00 |
| LLC annual report fee | No report required |
| LLC annual report deadline | No report required |
| LLC dissolution fee | $10.00 |
| Corporation formation fee | $250.00 |
| Corporation annual report fee | Filed together with the tax return |
State filing fees are set by the Secretary of State and change without notice — the official source is linked in each section below. Federal figures for tax year 2026 are on the 2026 tax cheat sheet.
Updated: August 2026
LLC in S. Carolina
Corporation in S. Carolina
Tax system of S. Carolina
Income Tax
South Carolina levies a personal income tax on individuals on a progressive scale. Rates range from 0% to 6.5% depending on income level. Since 2023, a program of gradual reductions to the top rate has been in effect, aimed at making the state's tax system more competitive. At the same time, the state provides a number of tax deductions and benefits, including for retirees and homeowners.
Sales Tax
South Carolina's base sales tax rate is 6%. In addition, counties may impose local surtaxes, bringing the total rate up to as much as 9%. Sales tax applies to the sale of most goods and to certain types of services, including rentals and repairs. The state has specific rules for taxing online sales, subscription deliveries, and remote services. We provide services for business registration, obtaining a Sales Tax Certificate, and preparing and filing the Sales and Use Tax Return. We advise entrepreneurs on registration, rate calculation, and reporting specifics.
Property Tax
The property tax rate varies depending on the type of property and its location. For residential real estate (primary residence), a reduced rate of about 0.56% applies, making the state one of the more affordable in terms of homeownership. However, rates are higher for commercial real estate and rental properties.
Business Taxes
South Carolina levies a Corporate Income Tax of 5% on taxable profit. This tax applies to C-corporations, while S-corporations and LLCs are exempt from corporate tax but are required to file annual reports. Companies doing business in South Carolina are required to file an annual Public Information Report by May 15 of each year.
Excise Taxes
South Carolina levies excise taxes on items such as gasoline, alcohol, and tobacco products. In recent years there has been a trend toward increases, especially on fuel, as part of road infrastructure funding.
Frequently asked questions
Does S. Carolina have a personal income tax?+
Yes. S. Carolina levies a personal income tax on residents. The current rates and brackets are set out in the income tax section on this page, with a link to the state tax authority — rates are revised by the legislature, so always check the official source before filing.
How much does it cost to register an LLC in S. Carolina?+
The state filing fee in S. Carolina is $125.00. On top of that you need a registered agent with a physical address in the state, and FinTaxes charges from $299 for the formation service itself.
When is the annual report due for a S. Carolina LLC?+
The S. Carolina annual report fee is No report required, due No report required. Missing it typically triggers a late penalty and, if left unresolved, administrative dissolution of the company.
Do I need to live in S. Carolina to open an LLC there?+
No. You do not need to live in S. Carolina — or in the United States at all — to own an LLC registered there. Non-residents can form and own a US LLC; what the state requires is a registered agent with a physical in-state address. Your own tax residency is a separate question and decides which returns you file.
Can FinTaxes file my S. Carolina state return remotely?+
Yes. FinTaxes prepares and e-files federal and S. Carolina state returns entirely remotely, for clients anywhere in the US or abroad, as an Authorized IRS e-file Provider.
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