South Carolina Registered Agent Services
CorpNet can act as your South Carolina registered agent ensuring your business stays compliant with any service of process, legal notices, or official mailings.
Our registered agent services are fast, affordable, guaranteed, and just $149 per year.
Why You Need to Appoint a Registered Agent in South Carolina
When a South Carolina business is formed, the company must designate a registered agent and office within the formation documents for a Business Corporation, Statutory Close Corporation, Professional Corporation, Nonprofit Corporation, Benefit Corporation, Limited Liability Company (LLC), Limited Partnership (LP), or Limited Liability Partnership (LLP).
Appointing a registered agent is legally required under South Carolina Code of Laws Sections 33-5-101, 33-20-105, 33-18-101, 33-19-101, 33-31-101, 33-44-101, 33-42-101, and 33-41-1110.
Failure to appoint and maintain a commercial registered agent could result in default judgments (in the case of a lawsuit), fines, and penalties. You might also risk having your business suspended or terminated in the state of South Carolina.
Quick & Easy Ordering
What Does a Registered Agent Do?
A registered agent is an individual or business that is appointed by the company to receive and sign for any legal service of process documents, notices, or demands served upon the company.
Some examples of the documentation include:
- Official federal and state correspondence
- Subpoenas for information
- Tax notices
- Lawsuit notifications
- Summonses to appear in court
- Wage garnishment notices
- Corporate filing notifications
What South Carolina Business Entities Require a Registered Agent?
The following domestic and foreign businesses require a resident agent in South Carolina:
- Business Corporation
- Statutory Close Corporation
- Professional Corporation
- Nonprofit Corporation
- Benefit Corporation
- Limited Liability Company (LLC)
- Limited Partnership (LP)
- Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
Who Qualifies as a Registered Agent in South Carolina?
To serve as a resident agent or office, you must meet the following requirements:
- An individual who resides in South Carolina and whose business office is identical to that of the registered office
- A domestic corporation or not-for-profit domestic corporation whose business office is identical to that of the registered office Or A foreign corporation or not-for-profit foreign corporation authorized to transact business in South Carolina whose business office is identical to that of the registered office.
Why a Commercial Registered Agent is Your Best Option
A commercial registered agent has filed a special listing statement with a state’s agency responsible for business registrations and compliance. Information that a commercial registered agent provides on the list includes its company name, entity type, and address to which service of process should be sent.
Commercial registered agents often maintain a physical address in multiple states and work with many business entities. Commercial agents like CorpNet also will notify businesses of upcoming state filings and legal notices and they can prepare and submit compliance filings on your behalf.
There are many advantages to working with a commercial registered agent. From convenience and privacy to easy online document access, a commercial registered agent offers peace of mind.
Verified Trustpilot Review of ★★★★★
For many years, and through several different companies, CorpNet has been there for me. I have used their LLC formation and dissolution services…and then their formation service again, and then once again. I have also taken advantage of their services for annual report filing as well as registered agent monitoring and notification. I honestly don’t know what I’d do if left to my own devices with these matters.
What really makes CorpNet stand out, in my opinion, is the level of service, the consistency of the experience, and the price. You speak to live humans whenever you want (during business hours, of course). And beyond that, these are live humans that actually get to know you. State fees aside, the fees for CorpNet services are so nominal. And you just can’t put a price on doing the best you can for your small business. You and your company provide endless examples of how to rock a small business on every level.
FAQs About South Carolina Registered Agent Services
Does South Carolina require a registered agent?
Yes. The majority of businesses within the state of South Carolina must appoint a registered agent and office.
What government entity manages registered agents in South Carolina?
South Carolina Secretary of State
1205 Pendleton Street
Suite 525
Columbia, SC 29201
Website: https://sos.sc.gov/
What forms are used to appoint a registered agent in South Carolina?
- Articles of Incorporation (Form F0001)
- Articles of Organization Limited Liability Company – Domestic
- Application for a Certificate of Authority by a Foreign Limited Liability Company to Transact Business in South Carolina (Form F0008)
- Articles of Incorporation Professional Corporation (Form F0009)
- Articles of Incorporation Benefit Corporation Professional Corporation – Statutory Close Corporation (Form F0010)
- Articles of Incorporation Benefit Corporation – Statutory Close Corporation (Form F0011)
- Application By a Foreign Nonprofit Corporation for a Certificate of Authority
to Transact Business in the State Of South Carolina (Form F0013) - Articles of Incorporation Nonprofit Corporation – Domestic (Form F0014)
- Application for Registration of Foreign Limited Partnership (Form F0019)
- Articles of Incorporation Professional Corporation (Form F0023)
- Articles of Incorporation Benefit Corporation – Professional Corporation (Form F0024)
- Articles of Incorporation Statutory Close Corporation (Form F0026)
- Articles of Incorporation Professional Corporation – Statutory Close Corporation (Form F0137)
- Application for Registration of a Limited Liability Partnership / Application for Renewal of a Limited Liability Partnership (Form F0007/F0138)
- Notice of Change of Registered Office or Registered Agent or Both
- Resignation of Registered Agent and Discontinuance of Registered Office
How much does a registered agent cost?
There is a wide range of pricing for registered agents. Some service providers offer super low rates, however, this comes with limited services, hidden costs, and they do not offer important things your business needs like compliance monitoring, online customer portals, live customer service, or a money-back guarantee.
While at face value, a low-priced registered agent may seem like a sweet deal, things can turn sour quickly. So rather than looking only at the price low-cost providers flash prominently on their websites, dig deeper into what you’ll be getting and what you’re not getting.
How do I change my existing registered agent?
Resident Agent changes must be made by filing a Notice of Change form with the South Carolina Secretary of State.
If you hire a commercial registered agent, they can process the paperwork for you. Request CorpNet to change your registered agent for you.
Can my registered agent manage my annual report?
Yes! When you appoint a commercial registered agent you can receive a wide range of business compliance assistance. CorpNet handles online filings for a wide range of requirements at the state, federal, and local levels:
- File Articles of Incorporation
- File Articles of Organization
- File a foreign qualification
- File a DBA (Doing Business As)
- File initial reports and annual reports
- Request an S Corporation election
- Request EINs (Federal Tax ID Numbers)
- Register for business licenses
- Register for sales and use tax permits
- Register for payroll taxes
Are discounts available for multiple businesses or states?
CorpNet offers nationwide registered agent services supporting multi-state, multi-company, and bulk registrations. Our full coverage across the United States is enhanced by a single point of contact that offers volume discounts for multiple entities, states, or years of service. Learn more about CorpNet’s bulk registered agent discounts.
