A certificate of good standing from South Carolina validates that a limited liability company (LLC) or corporation was founded lawfully and has been properly maintained.
We will explore the qualifications for good standing and how to get a certificate of good standing in South Carolina in our Certificate of Good Standing South Carolina guide.
How Do I Obtain a South Carolina Certificate of Good Standing?
In South Carolina, you may get your certificate of good standing, also known as a certificate of existence, by requesting it from the Secretary of State.
There are two major processes involved in obtaining your certificate of good standing:
1. Maintain your LLC’s compliance
2. Request a certificate of good standing.
What exactly is a good standing certificate? A certificate of good standing is a state document that confirms your company was created lawfully and has been properly maintained.
Step 1: Ensure that your South Carolina business is in compliance.
To be eligible for a South Carolina certificate of existence, your company must meet the following state compliance requirements:
Permits and Licenses
To run a company in South Carolina, you must adhere to federal, state, and municipal licensing requirements. Regulations such as health permits and construction permits are examples of this.
South Carolina’s official state website has further information on state licensing requirements.
State levies
Depending on your company activity, you may be required to register for several types of South Carolina state tax. Sales tax, withholding tax, and Unemployment Insurance (UI) tax are all examples of this.
Reports on a Year
As part of their income tax return, South Carolina firms must produce an annual report. This report confirms the company’s fundamental facts, such as its primary office location and registered agent.
The annual report must be submitted together with either the C or S company tax returns. By April 15, these returns must be submitted to the Department of Revenue. They may be submitted either online or by mail. There are no filing costs.
LLCs in South Carolina are not required to produce an annual report.
Step 2: Request a South Carolina Certificate of Good Standing.
Once your company is in good standing with the state, you may apply to the Secretary of State for a South Carolina certificate of existence. This is something that can be done online.
Is a Certificate of Good Standing Required in South Carolina?
While you don’t always need a certificate of existence to operate a company in South Carolina, there are a few situations when you may. These are some examples:
Purchasing commercial insurance
Applying for commercial loans
Setting up a business checking account
Getting a business license in another state