How to File Articles of Organization in South Carolina

In South Carolina, as in most states, the primary step in creating a limited liability company (LLC) is to file articles of organization with the state. This is an absolutely crucial document that helps define your business, so it’s important to do it correctly.

An LLC is a business entity that offers liability protection for owners, as well as pass-through taxation, much like a sole proprietorship. 

What are Articles of Organization?

The articles of organization is a legal document you need to file with the state to form your LLC. It will specify details about your company and establish your LLC as an officially registered business entity in South Carolina. 

The document is similar to the articles of incorporation you would file to form a corporation instead of an LLC. 

How to File the South Carolina Articles of Organization

In South Carolina, the process to file articles of organization is quite simple. The crucial first step is gathering the required information about your new LLC, before proceeding with the filing itself. 

Here are the steps you’ll need to take to create your new business entity: 

1. Gather the required information about your business. 

• Business name
• Business office address
• Registered agent name and address
• Organizer name
• Management structure
• Manager names and addresses (if manager-managed only)

2. Visit the state’s South Carolina website 

Find South Carolina’s articles of organization form here. It’s easiest to fill out the form online and file immediately, but you can also download it, fill it out and mail it in. 

3. Filling out Articles of Organization Document

Click to start a new business filing. Then you will be prompted to search your proposed business name to see if it’s available, then register for an account before you can complete the articles of organization filing.

Enter your business name again and select “limited liability company”. You’ll then be prompted to enter your contact address, before moving on to enter your registered agent information. 

You’ll then select if your LLC will be managed by managers and answer a few other questions. Then you’ll enter the organizer info— the name of the person or entity doing the filing — and sign electronically.

When filling out your articles of organization form, be sure to double-check that all the information is accurate and up-to-date. Maybe you’ve just moved, or use your middle initial in official documents, such as with your bank account. If you get it wrong now, changing it later can be a real pain. So accuracy is crucial. 

• File Articles of Organization 

Once you’ve signed the document, you’ll be taken to your dashboard. You can review your document or continue to payment. 

You’ll then go to the payment screen to pay your filing fee, which in South Carolina is $110. 

South Carolina Secretary of State Contact Info

South Carolina Secretary of State

SC Secretary of State’s Office
1205 Pendleton Street, Suite 525
Columbia, SC 29201

(803) 734-2170

The Bottom Line

In South Carolina, it’s relatively easy to create an LLC, but you do need to jump through a few hoops. You now have all the information you need to officially create your new business and begin your entrepreneurial journey in the Palmetto State.