Do I Need To Register My Business Name As A Sole Proprietorship In Sc

Step 1: Choose a Concern Structure

Recommended: We typically recommend forming an LLC for most entrepreneurs considering this structure comes with personal nugget protection, has no double revenue enhancement, and is pretty easy to maintain.

If yous would similar to apply a service, read our guide on the best LLC formation services.

Sole Proprietorships and General Partnerships

By default, sole proprietorships operate equally the same proper noun every bit the possessor while general partnerships must include the surnames of all the partners.

Stride 2: Check Proper name Availability

When registering a concern name, it'south important to make sure information technology'south unique and no one else in your state formed a visitor with it or has control of it online every bit a domain name.

Domain Proper noun Search

We strongly recommend that you besides check to see if your business organization name is bachelor every bit a web domain (URL). Fifty-fifty if you don't programme to create a business concern website today, you may want to purchase the web address to forbid others from acquiring that domain name. If the spider web domain is available then it'south likely the proper name will besides be bachelor in a concern search.

Discover a Domain At present

Southward Carolina Business Name Search

Side by side, search the Southward Carolina Secretary of State business name search tool. This is an important step in the process because your filing will exist denied if you try to file for a name already in use.

Search requirements can vary depending on your business needs. For example, a unique and available name is required to:

File for formal business organization structures like LLCs and corporations.

A state-level name search isn't required for breezy business structures like sole proprietorships or general partnerships in South Carolina.

Pace 3: Class Your Business With the Country of S Carolina

Once you accept selected your business structure and name, you will demand to file your formation documents with the state, which will register your business with the Country of South Carolina.

To register your South Carolina LLC, you'll demand to file the Articles of Organization with the South Carolina Secretary of State. Y'all tin apply online or by mail. Read our Form an LLC in South Carolina guide for details.

Or employ a professional service like ZenBusiness or LegalZoom to form your LLC for yous.

To register your South Carolina corporation, you lot'll need to file the Articles of Incorporation with the South Carolina Secretary of Land. Read our Form a South Carolina Corporation guide to learn more.

Additional Considerations

Protect Your Business Proper name With a Trademark (Optional)

One time yous ostend the availability of your concern name and secure information technology, you can choose to apply for a trademark for your business organization. This typically costs effectually $225 to $400 plus any attorney fees as well as a renewal fee every x years.

While this cost can be high for a kickoff-up or fledgling business organization, it will give your company brand nationwide protection backed past federal constabulary. That means if others endeavor to do business with the same — or a similar — name as yours, you'll have legal precedent on your side. For well-nigh small businesses, this really isn't necessary unless they are thinking of going national.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a business concern license required in South Carolina?

At that place's no statewide business license in South Carolina. Merely, depending on your location, yous may need to apply for local business licenses.

How much does it cost to start an LLC in Due south Carolina?

Forming an LLC in South Carolina costs $110 to file your Articles of Organization with the Secretary of Land.