5 Best LLC Services in South Carolina (2025 Comparison)

In South Carolina, choosing the right LLC service provider is crucial for your business to stay compliant with state laws.

To help you out, we solicited expert advice from our legal team and reviewed the companies that have the best LLC service in South Carolina.

Here are the top five that you can consider for your South Carolina company.

Company	LLC Packages	LLC Fees	Registered Agent Price	Same & Next Day Filing	Money-Back Guarantee	Free Package Features	BBB Accredited	Advisory Services
ZenBusiness (Best Overall)	3	From 0$	$199	Pro & Premium Package	60 days	LLC Filing & 100% Accuracy Guarantee	Yes	Accounting Consultation
Northwest (Best Premium)	1	$39 (using our link)	First year free with LLC purchase / $125 from 2nd year	No	90 days	None	No, A rating	No
Rocket Lawyer (Best Essentials)	1	Free with Rocket Legal+ / $99.99 with Rocket Legal	$249.99 with Rocket Legal / $124.99 with Rocket Legal+	No	30 days	None	Yes	Legal: Ask-a-lawyer via email & 30-minute monthly phone consultation per new matter (with subscription)
Bizee (Most Affordable)	3	From $0	First year free with LLC purchase / $119 from 2nd year	Platinum Package	Order refundable before state payment (usually 24h), minus $30 fee.	LLC Filing, FREE Registered Agent (1 year), EIN, Operating Agreement, Business Tax Consultation & more	No	Tax: Free 1-hour Consultation
Swyft Filings	3	From $0	$149	Premium Package	60 days	LLC Filing & Lifetime customer support	No	No

Top 5 LLC Formation Services in South Carolina (April 2025)

1 - ZenBusiness (Best Overall)

Would you recommend ZenBusiness (Best Overall)?

When we started our first business, we turned to ZenBusiness, attracted by their promise of a rapid and easy business creation process. This promise is backed by an impressive track record, as evidenced by their 14,500 5-star reviews on Trustpilot.

Their team was there every step of the way, ensuring everything was filed correctly and on time.

They claim a user-tailored system guarantees a quick 10-12 minute filing. We tested this by going through the filing process ourselves and found that it took 10 minutes. They present straightforward package options, emphasizing the importance of features like an EIN.

Another useful feature we appreciated was the option to monitor the status of our orders and track the progress of our formation filing on their dashboard.

For a detailed exploration of this organization, we recommend referring to our comprehensive review of ZenBusiness.

LLC Formation Packages:

• Starter Formation Package ($0 + $132 State Fee): Starter Package handles name searches, registration, ensuring accuracy, and standard filing speed (7 to 10 days). Enjoy free worry-free compliance in the first year, meeting state-required annual reports and filing up to 2 amendments yearly. Renew at $199/year after the first year if preferred.
• Pro Package ($199 + $132 State Fee): This package includes starter perks and quick ''rush'' filing (1 day average). Pro adds EIN for identification, banking, and staff hiring. Get an LLC operating agreement for $99, ensuring clear governance and swift procedures.
• Premium Package ($299 + $132 State Fee): Upgrade to Premium for access to professional features and additional website services, including domain registration, hosting, business email, and document templates. Enjoy faster service with 1 business day filing speed, and use the templates to handle tasks with greater accuracy and efficiency.
• South Carolina Registered Agent Service ($199): The $199 annual renewal charge for their registered agent services is a delayed payment and is not paid until after the business has been fully incorporated.

2 - Northwest Registered Agent (Best Premium)

Would you recommend Northwest Registered Agent (Best Premium)?

I remember when I was in the initial phases of my entrepreneurial journey, feeling swamped with all the requirements. Turning to Northwest Registered Agent was a game-changer. Their 20 years in the industry was evident as they managed each of my concerns efficiently and thoroughly.

In the United States, where small companies employ 61.6 million individuals, making up 45.9% of the nation’s workforce according to the Economic Profile for Small Businesses, the services provided by Northwest Registered Agent made the LLC formation process straightforward and intuitive.

The beginning filing was done in just 9 minutes, with everything finalized within 72 hours, even though we chose a 5-day service and began on a Saturday. Their thoroughness and service were evident throughout.

Using PrivacybyDefault ensured that we could forget about protecting our data.

LLC Formation Packages:

• Basic Plan ($39 + $132 State Fee): Fast LLC setup service with additional state filing fees, including one year of free registered agent service, a business address, and complimentary mail forwarding when you form your LLC with Northwest Registered Agent. Enjoy added privacy by default, along with a free domain, website, email, and business phone to kick-start your business effortlessly.
• Registered Agent Services ($125): When you create your LLC with Northwest Registered Agent, you receive the first year of this service for free. Afterward, it will be billed annually. Discounted to $100 for national registered agent service for multi-state businesses.

3 - Rocket Lawyer (Best Essentials)

Would you recommend Rocket Lawyer (Best Essentials)?

I once needed to draft a contract and stumbled upon Rocket Lawyer. Their free legal tools were an absolute lifesaver, and I even spoke with one of their cost-effective attorneys.

Rocket Lawyer’s services for LLC formation are known for their ease of use, accessibility, and affordability.

The platform’s user-friendliness, paired with professional legal support, makes it an attractive choice for entrepreneurs eager to begin their businesses quickly.

Typically, forming an LLC through Rocket Lawyer takes 7-10 business days.

Regular compliance assistance is provided for an additional fee, including notifications for filing deadlines and news specific to your state.

Their website dedicates a full page offering information on topics such as technical support, membership, and launching a business online.

LLC Formation Packages:

• Rocket Lawyer Bundle ($0 + $132 State Fee): Register your first LLC for FREE with Rocket Legal+ subscription ($19.99/month, charged annually at $239.88 after a free 7-day test period).
• Registered Agent Service ($249.99): $124.99 / year with Rocket Legal+ membership ($19.99/month, billed annually at $239.88 following a free 7-day trial)

4 - Bizee (Most Affordable)

Would you recommend Bizee (Most Affordable)?

Bizee advertises free formation plans as a major advantage. We utilized this plan and evaluated the included services against typical business needs, finding them to cover basic requirements effectively, which validates their promotional claim.

This LLC company offers bookkeeping and accounting services at a reasonable monthly fee.

With this, you can access accounting software, monthly reports, and tax consultation.

Bizee prides itself on outstanding customer service. We tested this by contacting their support with a range of issues and found the service to be highly responsive and helpful, confirming their claim.

While many business formation providers take weeks or months to finish the LLC services, Bizee has a quick turnaround time—we got our orders within a single working day.

LLC Formation Packages:

• Silver Package ($0 + $125 State Fee): Silver Package includes preparing & filing the articles of organization, free registered agent service for a full year, unlimited name searches, and phone and email support.
• Gold Package ($199 + $125 State Fee): In addition to the previous plan, in Gold Package you get an EIN Business Tax Number and an IRS Form 2553, banking resolution, an operating agreement & online access dashboard, business banking account, and business tax consultation.
• Platinum Package ($299 + $125 State Fee): This plan has all the Gold Package plus a domain name with a business email, free next-day filing, and business contract templates.
• Registered Agent Services ($119): Bizee offers you a personalized dashboard to access your documents online. If you decide to start your LLC with Bizee, the first year of the registered agent is included in the formation package. After that first year, the renewal will be $119 per year for Agent Services.

5 - Swyft Filings

Would you recommend Swyft Filings?

When I was in a rush to get my LLC established, I turned to Swyft Filings. Their speed and efficiency in the LLC formation process were remarkable.

Setting up a business ought not to be challenging or time-consuming, so they supply a formation package that can help businesses set up swiftly.

While forming an LLC with them, we learned that Swyft Filings offers a 100% money-back guarantee.

The largest downside of using them is that their packages do not offer a free registered agent service for your New Mexico business.

LLC Formation Packages:

• Basic Package ($0 + $132 State Fee): This will secure basic LLC incorporation plus document filing.
• Standard Package ($199 + $132 State Fee): Includes LLC incorporation and document filing, plus a Federal Tax ID (EIN) and a good selection of documents to start your business. Premium
• Premium Package ($299 + $132 State Fee): The premium package provides all Basic and Standard services, plus a customized digital corporate kit, free domain, and business website hosting.
• Registered Agent Service ($149 per three months): The registered agent service is a subscription billed every 3 months.

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Why You Should Trust Us

Here at Venture Smarter, we pride ourselves on guiding you, the Venture Smarter reader, through the complexities of forming an LLC in South Carolina. Our team, deeply rooted in the business formation landscape, leverages extensive firsthand experiences to provide you with advice that's not just reliable, but also tailored to your unique entrepreneurial journey.

The Venture Smarter team has meticulously evaluated numerous LLC services in South Carolina, ensuring our recommendations are based on comprehensive analysis and real-world testing. This rigorous approach guarantees that our advice is not only trustworthy but also directly applicable to your business needs.

Our commitment extends beyond mere suggestions. Led by Jon Morgan, a seasoned entrepreneur with a wealth of experience in business formation, our team is dedicated to your success. We understand the hurdles and challenges of starting a business, which is why we offer practical, actionable advice that stems from genuine experience and a deep understanding of the industry.

Choosing to trust the Venture Smarter team means partnering with experts who are genuinely invested in your success. We're here not just to recommend services but to support you through every step of your LLC formation journey in South Carolina.

Join the community of Venture Smarter readers who have successfully navigated the path to business ownership with our guidance. Trust us to provide you with the knowledge, support, and confidence you need to start your business on the right foot.

Related Articles:

• Looking Up An LLC in South Carolina
• Dissolving an LLC in South Carolina
• How Long Does It Take to Form an LLC in South Carolina

How We Picked And Tested The Best LLC Services In South Carolina

In our quest to identify the best LLC services in South Carolina, we embarked on a comprehensive review process. We meticulously examined 16 leading LLC service providers, engaging with their services anonymously to ensure an unbiased evaluation.

Our assessment criteria were multi-faceted, focusing on aspects crucial for a reliable LLC service. We evaluated the cost-effectiveness of each provider, the range of primary and supplementary services offered, their reputation in the market, and the user experience of their platforms.

Additionally, we considered their proficiency in South Carolina-specific regulations, the efficiency of their service delivery, the quality of customer support, and feedback from existing users.

1. Pricing

Price plays a pivotal role in selecting an LLC service, as it directly impacts the affordability and value proposition of the service.

In our analysis, we found that ZenBusiness offers an attractive package, including a free registered agent, at no initial cost except the state fee. Bizee also stands out with its free formation plan, including a year of registered agent service.

Northwest, although slightly higher priced at $39, provides a compelling offer with a free registered agent for those opening an account through our link.

2. Turnaround Time

The speed of service is a crucial factor, especially for time-sensitive business decisions.

"A registered agent with a swift turnaround ensures your important documents are processed quickly avoiding any penalties."

- Delina Yasmeh, J.D./Tax LL.M, Distinguished Expert in Mergers & Acquisitions

Providers like ZenBusiness and Bizee demonstrated remarkable efficiency in processing and relaying legal documents, significantly outperforming others in this regard.

3. Service Offered

The range and quality of services are critical in choosing an LLC service. We looked for services like operating agreements, EIN registration, and additional offerings like legal advice or tax consultation.

ZenBusiness and Bizee emerged as leaders, offering a comprehensive range of included and additional services.

On the other hand, a provider like Swyft Filings, despite its merits, fell short in offering a broader spectrum of services.

4. Customer Support

Effective customer support is vital in navigating the complexities of LLC formation. We evaluated the communication channels offered by these companies, including phone, email, and online chat, and assessed their responsiveness and availability.

Our findings revealed that ZenBusiness and Bizee offer exceptional customer support, with quick response times and helpful assistance.

However, a company like Swyft Filings, while providing good support, did not match the level of its competitors in this area.

5. Ease of Use

Many business owners are time-constrained and cannot afford to spend hours navigating a complex service. User-friendly LLC services streamline the process of forming and maintaining an LLC, saving valuable time.

Our analysis found that ZenBusiness and Bizee offer exceptionally user-friendly online platforms that are easy to navigate and access information, making the process seamless for users.

6. Reliability and Reputation

A provider's reputation and reliability are gauged through customer reviews and ratings on platforms like TrustPilot and BBB.

ZenBusiness and Bizee again stood out, showing high levels of customer satisfaction and trustworthiness.

7. Local Expertise

If legal disputes arise, understanding the local legal environment, including South Carolina's court system and case law pertaining to LLCs, can be crucial for effective resolution.

Providers like ZenBusiness demonstrated significant expertise in South Carolina's laws and regulations and provided invaluable assistance in ensuring legal compliance, optimizing tax obligations, maintaining good standing, and leveraging state-specific opportunities and resources for the benefit of our LLC.

Related Articles:

• Looking Up An LLC in South Carolina
• Dissolving an LLC in South Carolina
• How Long Does It Take to Form an LLC in South Carolina

Key Financial & Business Insights in South Carolina

1. South Carolina-Specific Resources

• South Carolina Small Business Development Centers (SC SBDC): Provides free business consulting and low-cost training through 21 centers statewide.
• South Carolina Department of Commerce: The state's economic development agency offering business assistance, incentives, and workforce training programs.
• Chambers of Commerce: Includes the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce and local chambers (e.g., Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach) providing networking, advocacy, and business support.

2. South Carolina Business Statistics

• Between March 2022 and March 2023, approximately 17,940 establishments opened and 15,360 closed in South Carolina, resulting in a net increase of 2,580.
• Employment expanded at 28,670 establishments and contracted at 25,430.
• Small businesses accounted for 17,040 openings and 14,590 closings.
• Opening and expanding establishments added 214,800 jobs, while closing and contracting establishments lost 187,300, resulting in a net increase of 27,500 jobs.
• Small businesses contributed 18,150 net new jobs, or 66.0% of the total job growth.
• In 2022, South Carolina businesses with revenues under $1 million received $2.8 billion in small business loans.
• Total reported new lending to businesses in 2022 was $3.4 billion for loans under $100,000 and $7.3 billion for loans under $1 million.

Source: Business Employment Dynamics (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and CRA Aggregate Data (FFIEC).

3. Financial Incentives for LLCs

• Job Development Credit: Rebates a portion of new employees' withholding taxes for companies creating new jobs.
• readySC Workforce Training: Customized training programs for companies creating new jobs.
• Economic Development Set-Aside Program: Grants for infrastructure improvements to attract and grow businesses.

4. South Carolina State Taxes

• Corporate Income Tax: Flat rate of 5.0% for corporations.
• Income Tax on LLCs: Most LLCs are pass-through entities with income taxed at individual rates, unless they elect corporate taxation.
• Personal Income Tax: Progressive system with rates from 0% to 7.0% (reduced from a previous top rate of 7.0% in recent tax reforms).
• Sales Tax: State rate of 6.0%, with local jurisdictions adding up to 3% for a maximum combined rate of 9.0%.
• Annual Report Fee: LLCs in South Carolina don't file annual reports but must instead file an initial annual report (one-time filing) with the Secretary of State and pay a fee of $110.
• Business License Tax: Many municipalities require businesses to obtain local business licenses with fees based on gross revenue.
• Job Tax Credit: Offers up to $25,000 per year for five years for each new full-time job created.
• Manufacturing Property Tax Exemption: Manufacturers receive a statutory exemption from county property taxes for five years on new investment.

Steps To Start an LLC In South Carolina

Here's a step-by-step guide to starting an LLC in South Carolina on your own:

• Step 1: Choose a name for your South Carolina LLC
• Step 2: Search for a registered agent in South Carolina
• Step 3: File the South Carolina Certificate of Formation
• Step 4: Create a South Carolina LLC Operating Agreement
• Step 5: Obtain your Employer Identification Number (EIN)
• Step 6: Select the type of your LLC in South Carolina
• Step 7: File your South Carolina LLC annual report

FAQs

Our Verdict

Having navigated the maze of LLC formation in South Carolina myself, we can't emphasize enough the importance of a reliable LLC service.

Drawing from our firsthand experience, ZenBusiness, with its pocket-friendly plans and responsive customer service, truly stood out for us.

Their comprehensive offerings, from business formation to legal services, made our journey smoother. We were particularly impressed with their knowledgeable customer service team, always ready to assist.

If you're looking to set up an LLC in South Carolina, ZenBusiness is a choice we'd vouch for. They not only helped us get our business off the ground but also provided invaluable support along the way.