South Carolina LLC Taxes

State entity taxes

Franchise / privilege tax: None for LLCs taxed as pass-through; corporate license fee for LLCs taxed as corporations.

State income tax on members: South Carolina taxes its residents on personal income. Members pay South Carolina state income tax on their share of LLC pass-through income at ordinary rates.

Federal taxation

By default, single-member LLCs are disregarded entities and report on Schedule C of the owner’s personal return. Multi-member LLCs file Form 1065 (partnership). Either may elect S-Corp or C-Corp tax treatment via Form 2553 or Form 8832.

Sales tax

If your South Carolina LLC sells tangible goods or certain taxable services, you generally need a state sales tax permit. Check the South Carolina Department of Revenue / Taxation for the applicable rate and registration process.

South Carolina-specific note

South Carolina does not require LLCs (taxed as pass-through) to file an annual report. LLCs taxed as C-corporations must file an annual report and license fee with SCDOR.

Self-employment tax (federal)

Members of pass-through LLCs generally pay self-employment tax (15.3% on the first ~$168,600 of net earnings, plus 2.9%+ Medicare beyond that) on their distributive share. Electing S-Corp status can sometimes reduce SE tax but adds payroll-administration complexity.