South Carolina Registered Agent for an LLC

If you’re thinking of forming a limited liability company (LLC), you should know that in South Carolina you will need a registered agent to handle all of your official paperwork. The registered agent, which is also required for corporations, LLPs, and nonprofits, is a specific role that involves several key considerations and restrictions, as detailed below. 

What Is a Registered Agent?

A registered agent, also known as an agent for service of process, is a person or business authorized to accept legal, tax, and financial documents on behalf of your business. Some states do not require a registered agent, but in South Carolina your LLC needs a registered agent.

South Carolina’s Registered Agent Requirements

In South Carolina, you can be your own registered agent for your LLC, or it can be another member of the LLC, an outside individual or a qualified business service. 

In South Carolina, the requirements to be a registered agent are:

• Must be 18 years or older
• Have a physical address in the state 
• Be personally available during normal business hours 
• If the agent is a business entity, it’s registered to operate in the state

Responsibilities of a Registered Agent

Essentially, the purpose of a registered agent is to ensure compliance with state laws and to make sure all official matters are handled in a timely manner. Having one person or entity handle state documents helps ensure nothing is missed, helping avoid potential potholes.

Documents that the agent may receive include:

• Tax forms and documents
• Government correspondence
• Legal documents
• Summons documents in case of a lawsuit

Advantages of a Registered Agent Service   

A registered agent service is a professional service that will handle official correspondence and documents for your business. Registered agents ensure that all official correspondence is handled on time and keep copies of documents for you. They also keep track of deadlines and send reminders of things you need to file, such as tax forms and annual reports.

A registered agent service will help keep you in compliance with the law and save you time by keeping track of key documents and filing deadlines. This also frees you up to focus on growing your business. The agency will also offer support if problems or questions come up.

Using an agency enables you to have flexible hours. If you are your own registered agent, you must be personally available from 8 AM to 5 PM at your registered agent address. If you use an agency, they are available during those hours and you are free to focus on growing your business. 

Choose Your Registered Agent Service in South Carolina

If you use a national agency, they will help you form an LLC or corporation in another state or multiple states where you do not have residency. A good agency also offers a level of privacy, as you would never be served with a summons at your business in front of customers or employees. 

You need a service that has an office in South Carolina, but you may want to choose a national service so you have the flexibility to form LLCs in other states. Other than that, you should choose a service that offers:

• Compliance management, to send reminders of key deadlines 
• Document copying and digital storage so you can access documents online
• Availability during the required hours, with prompt customer service
• Service in all 50 states and US territories

Best Registered Agent Services in South Carolina

ZenBusiness

4.7/5

• Registered agent service starts at $99 per year
• Great customer support
• The site is easy to use (only takes several minutes to set it up)

Visit ZenBusiness

Northwest Registered Agent

4.6/5

• Registered agent service costs $125 per year
• Transparent pricing/no hidden fees
• Commitment to privacy

Visit Northwest

Incfile

4.2/5

• If you form your LLC through Incfile, registered agent is free for the first year. Otherwise, it’s $119 per year.
• An easy to use digital dashboard
• An always-available South Carolina registered agent

Visit Incfile

Harbor Compliance

4/5

• Registered agent service costs $99 per year (discount if you choose 2+ years)
• Local registered agent office in Charleston, South Carolina
• Quick and easy service

Visit Harbor Compliance

How to Appoint Your Registered Agent in South Carolina

When you form your LLC, your registered agent information is required on the articles of organization.

When you file your articles of organization, the registered agent is officially registered as your agent as soon as your LLC filing is approved. You can file your articles of organization in South Carolina online, or you can download the form and file by mail.

NOTE: If you don’t already have a Business Entities Online account, you will need to create one before filing online.

If you want to file by mail, you can download the form and mail the articles of organization and the $110.00 filing fee to:

South Carolina Secretary of State’s Office
Attn: Corporate Filings
1205 Pendleton Street
Suite 525
Columbia, SC 29201 

Once you have chosen your registered agent, whether it’s you, another member, or a professional service, you do not need to register the agent with the state. Instead, in South Carolina your registered agent just needs to be named on your articles of organization, along with address and other relevant information, and the state will record this as your LLC’s official registered agent. 

Conclusion

In South Carolina, having a registered agent is legally mandated. If you would prefer not to deal with the added hassle yourself, you might consider hiring a professional service, which will ensure your LLC’s compliance with all state regulations and renewal requirements and simplify expansion beyond your state. 

Keep in mind that registered agents provide valuable, and necessary, services for your business.