You can browse the Secretary of State website for information on any company or commercial entity in South Carolina. A search will offer a quick answer for prospective company owners wishing to enquire about the availability of a South Carolina business name, since it searches the SC Secretary of State’s database for all businesses already on file. This tool can be used to look up the information of an existing business, enabling you to see all of the details made public by the secretary of state.
| Official Website: | https://www.secstates.com/SC_South_Carolina_Secretary_of_State_Corporation_Search |
| Address: | Secretary of State’s Office, 1205 Pendleton Street, Suite 525, Columbia, SC 29201 |
| Telephone: | 1(803)734-2158 |
| mailto:www.sos.sc.gov/index.asp?n=39&p=0&s=39 |
South Carolina Business Search Shortcut
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How To Lookup An Entity In South Carolina
- Go to the secretary of state’s website to search for an entity that is already registered in South Carolina.
- Click Search after entering the business or registered agent’s name in the appropriate entry area.
- The next page will show a list of related names based on your search. Scroll down until you find the business in interest and click on its name.
- On the next page, you will be able to explore all the company’s information.
Steps To Forming A New Corporation In South Carolina
- Choose a Name for Your Cooperation: When it comes to naming your company, South Carolina’s corporate name requirements must be followed. During the procedure, there are several aspects to consider. These include ensuring that your company name is distinct, appropriate for your industry, compliant with all legislation, and contains a corporate designator.
- Nominate Directors: A corporation’s board of directors is in charge of overseeing the company’s activities. A board of directors will be required for your company kick off.
- Select a Registered Agent in South Carolina: A registered agent is a person or company who agrees to accept legal papers, court summons, and significant state correspondence on behalf of a corporation.
- Submit the South Carolina Articles of Incorporation
- Establish corporate bylaws: The incorporators should then draft the company bylaws. The bylaws lay out all of your company’s policies and day-to-day operations. All corporations in South Carolina are obliged to create corporate bylaws.
- A Shareholder Agreement should be drafted.
- This is a statement that describes all shareholders’ rights and duties.
- Obtain the Required Business Permits or Licenses
- Check out the South Carolina licensing quick chart to determine if a business license is required in your county and how to apply for one.
- Apply for an EIN and check the tax requirements
- Open a bank account in South Carolina.
Frequently Asked Questions On South Carolina Secretary Of State Business Search
In South Carolina, how can I dissolve a corporation?
It is necessary to properly dissolve your corporation if you want to stop conducting business or close your company permanently. Refusal to do so on time might result in tax obligations, fines, and even legal action.
- Put an end to your business.
- Hold a board meeting, decide on dissolving, and keep the minutes of the meeting.
- Submit the Articles of Dissolution with the Secretary of State of South Carolina.
- Cancel your federal and state corporate tax accounts with the Internal Revenue Service and the South Carolina Department of Revenue.
- Close your corporate bank accounts.
Why do I need an EIN for my South Carolina Corporation?
The IRS needs companies to get an EIN in order to file federal tax returns. The South Carolina Department of Revenue requires an EIN in order to register a business, and the state also demands this number on the first report filed upon incorporation. When opening a bank account, obtaining a loan, or filing for local business permits and licenses, you may be requested for your EIN.
How can I get my South Carolina corporation a bank account?
You’ll need the following items to create a corporate bank account in South Carolina: Bylaws of the corporation, a copy of the Articles of Incorporation of the South Carolina corporation, and EIN of the corporation
You may also wish to introduce a corporate resolution to create a bank account if your bylaws don’t clearly grant the right to do so. The resolution would declare that the individual going to the bank has been given permission by the company to create an account in the company’s name.