How to Do a South Carolina Business Entity Search

Considering starting a business in South Carolina or need to research an existing company? The South Carolina Secretary of State’s “Business Entities Online” portal provides a comprehensive database of all registered business entities in the state. This step-by-step guide explains exactly how to use the South Carolina business entity search tool, what the results mean, and what steps to take after conducting your search.

What is the South Carolina Secretary of State Business Entity Search Tool?

The South Carolina Secretary of State’s Business Entity Search tool (officially called “Business Entities Online”) is the state’s official portal for searching registered businesses, including corporations, LLCs, nonprofits, limited partnerships, and limited liability partnerships. This free search engine allows you to verify if a business name is available for registration or to find information about existing businesses in South Carolina.

The database contains essential information about companies registered with the state, including:

• Business name and entity type
• Filing date and entity status
• Registered agent details
• Business address
• Business filing history
• Entity identification number

When to Use the South Carolina Business Entity Search

There are several situations when you might need to use this search tool:

1. Before starting a new business – Check if your desired business name is available
2. When researching potential business partners – Verify a company’s official status
3. For legal purposes – Confirm a company’s registered agent to serve legal documents
4. When purchasing a business – Determine the company’s standing with the state
5. For competitive research – Identify related businesses in your industry

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the South Carolina Business Entity Search

Step 1: Access the Official Search Portal

1. Navigate to the South Carolina Secretary of State’s Business Entities Online portal at https://businessfilings.sc.gov/BusinessFiling/Entity/Search
2. The official search page will load, displaying a search box at the top of the page

Step 2: Enter Your Search Criteria

1. In the search field, enter the business name you wish to search for
2. Pro tip: You can search full names or partial names – for the most accurate results, use just the key words of the business name without designators like “LLC” or “Inc.”
3. For example, if searching for “Charleston Bakery LLC,” simply enter “Charleston Bakery”
4. Click the “Search” button

Step 3: Complete the CAPTCHA (If Required)

1. The South Carolina portal occasionally requires users to complete a CAPTCHA verification
2. If prompted, complete the CAPTCHA by entering the characters shown in the image
3. Click “Submit” to continue with your search

Step 4: Review the Search Results

1. The results page will display all businesses that match your search criteria
2. Results are presented in a list showing:
   • Entity name
   • Entity type (LLC, corporation, etc.)
   • Status (active, dissolved, etc.)
   • Entity ID number
3. Understanding the results display:
   • Results are displayed in order of relevance to your search term
   • If you see many results, consider refining your search with more specific terms
   • If no results appear, your search term might be too specific or the business might not be registered in South Carolina

Step 5: Access Detailed Business Information

1. Click on the business name in the results list to view the detailed business profile
2. The business profile page contains:
   • Filing date
   • State of formation (domestic or foreign)
   • Registered agent name and address
   • Principal office address (if available)
   • Latest annual report information (if applicable)
   • Filing history
3. South Carolina Unique Feature: Unlike some states, South Carolina does not require regular annual reports for LLCs unless they elect to be taxed as corporations, so this information may not be available for all entities.

Step 6: Access Additional Documents (Optional)

1. From the business profile page, you can:
   • View filing history
   • Request certified copies of documents ($10 by mail, $15 online)
   • Request a Certificate of Existence/Good Standing ($10 by mail, $15 online)
   • File additional documents for the business (if you are authorized)
2. Document Fees:
   • Regular copies: $3-$5 depending on document type
   • Certified copies: $10-$15
   • Certificate of Existence: $10-$15

Understanding South Carolina Business Entity Statuses

When viewing search results, you’ll see different status designations. Here’s what they mean:

Common Entity Statuses in South Carolina:

1. Good Standing: The business is properly registered, has met all requirements, and is authorized to conduct business in South Carolina. This doesn’t necessarily mean the business is currently operating, only that its legal existence has not been terminated.
2. Administratively Dissolved: The Secretary of State has dissolved the entity due to non-compliance, such as failure to file required documents or pay required fees/taxes. Administratively dissolved entities:
   • Cannot conduct normal business operations
   • Are limited to activities necessary to wind up affairs
   • Can be reinstated within two years (for LLCs and nonprofits) or at any time (for corporations)
   • Risk officers/members being personally liable for debts incurred while dissolved
3. Dissolved: The company has voluntarily ended its existence by filing dissolution documents.
4. Withdrawn: For foreign (out-of-state) entities that have formally ended their authorization to do business in South Carolina.
5. Forfeiture: The entity has been administratively dissolved specifically for tax-related non-compliance.

What To Do After Your South Carolina Business Entity Search

If Your Desired Business Name is Available:

1. Reserve Your Business Name (Optional)
   • You can reserve your business name for 120 days by filing an Application to Reserve a Limited Liability Company Name with the South Carolina Secretary of State
   • The reservation fee is $25 by mail or $32.50 online
   • This gives you time to prepare your formation documents
2. Form Your Business Entity
   • File the appropriate formation documents based on your entity type:
     • LLC: Articles of Organization ($110 by mail, $125 online)
     • Corporation: Articles of Incorporation plus CL-1 form ($110 + $25 = $135)
     • Nonprofit: Articles of Incorporation ($25)
3. Appoint a Registered Agent
   • Every South Carolina business must designate a registered agent with a physical address in the state
   • The registered agent accepts legal documents on behalf of the business
   • You can serve as your own registered agent if you have a physical office in South Carolina

When Your Desired Business Name is Taken:

1. Modify Your Business Name
   • Add a distinctive word or phrase
   • Consider geographic identifiers (e.g., “Charleston” or “Upstate”)
   • Include your name or a unique descriptor
2. Check Name Similarity
   • In South Carolina, your business name must be “distinguishable” from existing names
   • Even names that are similar but not identical might be rejected
3. Consider a DBA (Doing Business As)
   • In South Carolina, DBAs are not registered with the Secretary of State
   • Local registration may be required at the county level

If Researching an Existing Business:

1. Certificate of Existence
   • If needed for legal or financial purposes, request a Certificate of Existence (also known as a Certificate of Good Standing)
   • This confirms the entity’s current status with the state
2. Business Documents
   • You can request copies of filed documents like Articles of Organization/Incorporation
   • Fees apply for document copies

South Carolina Business Entity Search: Tips and Quirks

Unique Features of the South Carolina System:

1. No Annual Reports for LLCs
   • Unlike most states, South Carolina does not require regular annual reports for LLCs
   • Only LLCs taxed as S-Corporations must file annual reports with the Department of Revenue
2. Login Requirement for Filing
   • To file documents online, you must create an account in the Business Entities Online system
   • Searching does not require an account
3. Corporation Requirements
   • South Carolina corporations must file a CL-1 form with the Department of Revenue within 60 days of formation ($25 fee)
4. Name Reservation Duration
   • Name reservations last for 120 days, longer than many other states that offer 30-90 days
5. Name Availability After Dissolution
   • If a business is voluntarily dissolved, its name becomes available after 120 days
   • If administratively dissolved, the name becomes available after two years

Common Issues and Solutions:

1. Slow Loading Times
   • The portal sometimes experiences slow loading during business hours
   • Try conducting searches early morning or evening for faster results
2. CAPTCHA Requirements
   • The system randomly requires CAPTCHA verification
   • If you’re having trouble with the CAPTCHA, try refreshing the page
3. Search Limitations
   • The search function doesn’t always recognize special characters or punctuation
   • Try simplified versions of business names without apostrophes, commas, etc.
4. Entity History Limitations
   • The portal may not show complete filing history for older entities
   • For older records, you may need to request documents directly from the Secretary of State

Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina Business Entity Searches

1. What does “Good Standing” status mean in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, “Good Standing” means the business entity has not been dissolved in the records of the Secretary of State. It doesn’t necessarily mean the business is currently operating, only that its legal existence has not been terminated. For nonprofit corporations specifically, this status doesn’t indicate whether the entity is authorized to solicit contributions in South Carolina.

2. How long does a business name reservation last in South Carolina?

A business name reservation in South Carolina lasts for 120 days and costs $25 to file by mail or $32.50 online. While there’s no renewal option, you can transfer the reservation to someone else by filing a “Notice of Transfer of a Reserved LLC Name” form with a $10 fee.

3. What are the filing fees for forming a business entity in South Carolina?

• LLC: $110 by mail, $125 online for Articles of Organization
• Corporation: $135 total ($110 for Articles of Incorporation plus $25 for CL-1 form)
• Nonprofit Corporation: $25 for Articles of Incorporation
• Foreign (out-of-state) LLC registration: $132 for Certificate of Authority
• Foreign Corporation registration: $135

4. Can I search for business owners or members through the business entity search?

No, the South Carolina Secretary of State business entity search does not provide information about company officers, directors, or LLC members. For corporation officer information, you would need to contact the South Carolina Department of Revenue at (844) 898-8542.

5. What should I do if my business was administratively dissolved?

If your South Carolina business was administratively dissolved, you can apply for reinstatement by:

• Filing an Application for Reinstatement with the Secretary of State ($25 fee)
• Obtaining a Certificate of Tax Compliance from the Department of Revenue if the dissolution was tax-related ($60 fee)
• Submitting both documents to the Secretary of State

LLCs and nonprofit corporations must file for reinstatement within two years of administrative dissolution, while corporations can reinstate at any time.

Next Steps After Verifying Business Name Availability

Once you’ve confirmed your business name is available, here are the important next steps to establish your South Carolina business:

1. Choose your business structure – Consider the tax implications, liability protection, and operational flexibility of different entity types (LLC, corporation, etc.)
2. Register your business entity – File the appropriate formation documents with the South Carolina Secretary of State
3. Obtain an EIN – Apply for an Employer Identification Number from the IRS (free)
4. Open a business bank account – Separate your personal and business finances
5. Register for state taxes – Register with the South Carolina Department of Revenue if applicable
6. Apply for necessary licenses and permits – Check with state, county, and city authorities for required permits
7. Create your business operating documents – Draft an operating agreement (LLC) or bylaws (corporation)

For comprehensive assistance with business formation in South Carolina, check out our guides on How to Form an LLC for Cheap and our LLC Formation Checklist to help get your business started.

Conclusion

The South Carolina Secretary of State’s Business Entities Online search tool is an essential resource for entrepreneurs, business owners, and anyone needing to verify company information in the state. By following this guide, you can efficiently search for business entities, understand their status, and take the appropriate next steps based on your findings.

Whether you’re checking name availability for a new venture or researching an existing company, the business entity search provides valuable information to help you make informed decisions. For more detailed guidance on forming your business, consider checking out our guide on How to Form an LLC for Cheap, which includes specific insights about South Carolina.

Remember that business formation requirements can change, so it’s always best to verify current requirements directly with the South Carolina Secretary of State or consult with Business Anywhere for the most up-to-date information and assistance.

Need more help with your South Carolina business? Visit BusinessAnywhere.io for comprehensive resources on starting, running, and growing your business, or explore our Business Entity Search guide for more information.