Frequently Asked Questions

What is a registered agent?

A registered agent is a person or business entity designated to receive legal documents, official correspondence, and service of process on behalf of your South Carolina business. They maintain a physical address in the state and are available during standard business hours, 9 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday.

Why does my South Carolina business need a registered agent?

South Carolina law generally expects every LLC and corporation to designate a registered agent. This provides the state and legal parties with a reliable method to deliver important documents such as tax notices, lawsuits, and compliance correspondence to your business.

Who can serve as a registered agent in South Carolina?

Individuals serving as registered agents must be at least 18 years old with a physical South Carolina address. Business entities must be authorized to operate in South Carolina. The registered agent must maintain a physical street address in the state where they're available during standard business hours, 9 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday. PO boxes are not acceptable.

Can I serve as my own registered agent in South Carolina?

Yes, South Carolina law allows a person to serve as their own registered agent if they meet the age and address requirements. However, doing so means your personal address will appear on public business filings, you'll need to be available at that address during business hours, and you risk missing documents when traveling or managing other business matters.

What documents will South Carolina Registered Agent receive on my behalf?

We receive service of process, official correspondence from the South Carolina Secretary of State, tax notices, compliance notifications specific to your business structure, and other legal documents addressed to your business entity.

How quickly do you forward documents?

We scan and forward documents the same day we receive them. Legal documents often contain response deadlines, and prompt forwarding ensures you have maximum time to address time-sensitive matters.

How much does it cost to change my registered agent in South Carolina?

South Carolina charges a $10 state filing fee to change your registered agent, one of the lowest change fees in the country. Once you switch to our service, the annual fee is $99 per year. The state filing fee is a one-time cost for the transition.

Does South Carolina require annual reports?

South Carolina doesn't require annual reports for standard LLCs taxed as partnerships or disregarded entities. Only LLCs electing corporate tax treatment file Form CL-1, which is a $25 one-time initial report, not an annual filing. This makes South Carolina one of the more efficient states for ongoing compliance.

Does South Carolina have a franchise tax?

No, South Carolina has no franchise tax for LLCs. This eliminates a common ongoing cost that exists in many other states.

What if my LLC elects corporate tax treatment?

If your LLC elects to be taxed as a corporation, you'll need to file Form CL-1, which is a $25 one-time initial report. This is not an annual filing. We'll forward any correspondence from the South Carolina Secretary of State regarding this requirement immediately.

What's included in your $99 annual fee?

Everything: a registered office address in Columbia, same-day document scanning and forwarding, compliance monitoring and immediate forwarding of state correspondence, access to our online document portal, and privacy protection with our address on your public filings. No setup fees or hidden charges.

Why do you charge less than other registered agent services?

Many services in South Carolina charge $125 to $436 per year. We maintain professional service standards while operating efficiently, allowing us to offer competitive pricing. Professional registered agent service doesn't require premium pricing to maintain high standards.

Can I use your address for general business mail?

Our address serves as your registered office address for official legal and state correspondence. It's not intended for general business mail, customer correspondence, or package delivery. You'll need a separate mailing address for day-to-day operations.

Will using your service protect my privacy?

Yes. Our Columbia address appears on your public business filings with the South Carolina Secretary of State instead of your home or office address. This keeps your personal information private and reduces unwanted solicitation.

How do I access my documents?

All documents we receive are scanned and uploaded to your secure online portal. You can log in anytime to view, download, or print your documents. You'll also receive email notifications when new documents arrive.

How long does it take to set up service?

Setup takes just a few minutes. Once you complete enrollment, we're ready to serve as your registered agent immediately. If you're switching from another agent, you'll also need to file a change form with the South Carolina Secretary of State and pay the $10 state filing fee.

What if I'm forming a new South Carolina business?

You can list South Carolina Registered Agent directly on your formation documents when you file with the South Carolina Secretary of State. Use our Columbia address and business information, and we'll be ready to accept documents as soon as your business is officially registered.

Can I switch from my current registered agent to South Carolina Registered Agent?

Yes. We'll provide the change form and instructions. You'll file it with the South Carolina Secretary of State along with the $10 state filing fee. Once processed, we'll begin handling your documents with same-day forwarding.

Do you serve businesses outside of South Carolina?

We specifically serve businesses registered in South Carolina, including both South Carolina-formed entities and foreign entities authorized to do business here. If your business operates in South Carolina and requires a registered agent, we can provide service regardless of where you're personally located.

How do I contact you with questions?

You can reach us at support@scregisteredagent.org or call . Our office hours are Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm Eastern Time. We typically respond to inquiries within one business day.