State Guide

South Carolina Business License

This guide covers South Carolina's general business license requirements — state-level registration, local city and county licenses, fees, and renewal timelines.

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Overview

South Carolina requires businesses making taxable retail sales to obtain a Retail License from the SC Department of Revenue. Unlike most states, South Carolina charges $50 for this license.

In addition, South Carolina cities and counties require their own annual business licenses. Columbia, Charleston, Greenville, and all other SC municipalities administer local Business License programs.

South Carolina Retail License

Primary agencySouth Carolina Department of Revenue
Legal authoritySouth Carolina Code § 12-36-510
Key noteSC Retail License ($50) required for businesses making taxable retail sales. Local business licenses also required from cities/counties.

Initial Registration

Filing methodOnline at MyDORWAY or by mail (SCDOR-111)
Agency fee$50 one-time fee

Registration Renewal

Filing methodRetail License does not expire; file sales tax returns
Due dateReturns due monthly on 20th of following month

Local General Business Licenses

South Carolina cities and counties require annual business licenses with fees based on gross receipts.

Counties

Abbeville CountyAiken CountyAllendale CountyAnderson CountyBamberg CountyBarnwell CountyBeaufort CountyBerkeley CountyCalhoun CountyCharleston CountyCherokee CountyChester CountyChesterfield CountyClarendon CountyColleton CountyDarlington CountyDillon CountyDorchester CountyEdgefield CountyFairfield CountyFlorence CountyGeorgetown CountyGreenville CountyGreenwood CountyHampton CountyHorry CountyJasper CountyKershaw CountyLancaster CountyLaurens CountyLee CountyLexington CountyMarion CountyMarlboro CountyMcCormick CountyNewberry CountyOconee CountyOrangeburg CountyPickens CountyRichland CountySaluda CountySpartanburg CountySumter CountyUnion CountyWilliamsburg CountyYork County

Cities & Townships

AikenAndersonBeaufortBlufftonCayceCharlestonClemsonColumbiaEasleyFlorenceFort MillFountain InnGoose CreekGreenvilleGreenwoodGreerHilton Head IslandLexingtonMauldinMount PleasantMyrtle BeachNewberryNorth AugustaNorth CharlestonNorth Myrtle BeachRock HillSimpsonvilleSpartanburgSummervilleSumterTega CayWest Columbia

EntityEngine does not provide tax, financial, or legal advice. Requirements change — always verify with the issuing agency. Confirm with South Carolina Department of Revenue →

Frequently Asked Questions

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