All businesses in South Carolina are required to have a registered agent. The agent provides a stable business address for official correspondence, including, legal document, government files, letters from the South Carolina Secretary of State, and tax forms.
Business owners can use the Secretary of State Registered Agent Search page to find an agent. An agent can be an individual or a business. Business owners may choose to act as their own registered agent, as long as they meet the requirements of having a civic mailing address (no P.O. Box) and being available during normal business hours (9 am to 5 pm Eastern Time). Throughout this blog we’ll discuss what a registered agent is, the best registered agents in South Carolina, and FAQs on registered agents.
N.W. Registered Agent
Northwest Registered Agent is the best overall due to its numerous pros and a minimal number of cons. Perfect for all sorts of registered agent work.
ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness is the ideal choice if you're interested in starting and growing your business with all sorts of registered agent services right at your fingertips.
Harbor Compliance
Harbor Compliance is the best registered agent in South Carolina for monitoring compliance. All documents are processed the same day; perfect if you're in a rush.
Inc Authority
Inc Authority provides highly efficient registered agent services while being very affordable for all sorts of businesses and entrepreneurs.
LegalZoom
LegalZoom is an excellent choice for entrepreneurs who want to do all of their legal correspondence themselves with certain helpful features.
What Is the Best Registered Agent Service in South Carolina?
South Carolina has more than 463,549 small businesses, making up more than 99% of state businesses. With new businesses popping up every year, it’s no surprise that registered agents are in demand.
There are many South Carolina registered agents to choose from. These are our top picks for best registered agents in South Carolina.
1. Northwest Registered Agent
Best Overall Registered Agent in South Carolina ($125/year)
South Carolina business owners are in good hands with Northwest Registered Agent. Northwest is best overall in categories including:
- Cost
- Customer service
- Availability
- Add-on services
Northwest Registered Agent offers clients a local business mailing address immediately. Online services include scanning and uploading of correspondence, a unique customer portal, and long-term document storage. The team also forwards any mail you require physical copies of.
When mail is received Northwest sends a notification. Clients never miss a beat and retrieve mail quickly and without the hassle of prying eyes.
Pros
- Privacy by Default®: Northwest Registered Agent takes privacy seriously. Its Privacy by Default® protocols ensures your data is stored safely and never sold.
- Local guide: Northwest Registered Agent supplies each client with a local South Carolina business guide.
- Free benefits: Perks of signing up include 60 days of free phone service and 5 free mail forwards.
Cons
- Filing fee: To file with Northwest Registered Agent, expect to pay $100 plus state filing fees.
- Forwarding packages: Only your first 5 forwards are free. Premium mail forwarding is $20 a month after this.
Pricing
Registered Agent Service ($125/year):
Northwest Registered Agent services are $125 per year. This entitles clients to an online customer portal, notifications on uploads, and 24/7 online service. Some additional add-on costs may include:
- Legal advice: $9 per month
- Premium forwarding: $20 per month
- Trademarking services: $499 flat rate
2. Zen Business
Best Registered Agent in South Carolina for Startups and Small Businesses ($0-$299/year)
New South Carolina businesses can count on Zen Business for more than registered agent services. The aptly named service offers a variety of add-on solutions for local business owners, including:
- Employee Identification Number (EIN) registration
- Business bank set up
- Domain name registration
- Website design
You will also receive access to your online customer portal with Zen Business. This lets you efficiently manage all mail uploads. Control your correspondence from anywhere you have access to a laptop or smart device.
A 100% guarantee of mail accuracy ensures nothing gets missed you’re in the know at every step.
Pros
- Three packages: Zen Business has three packages, starter, pro, and premium.
- Web management: A free website and domain name with the premium package makes Zen Business worth the extra cost.
Cons
- Costly alerts: Zen business doesn’t include some features in your annual plan. Compliance alerts come at an extra cost.
- Overly Expensive: Although there is a free option, the premium package is $299 per year. That puts Zen Business on the higher end of the price scale.
Pricing
Registered Agent Service ($0 to $299/year): South Carolina businesses can select one of three packages/pricing categories:
- Starter: Free registered agent service account with slow filing
- Pro: $199 per year with an operating agreement and faster filing speeds
- Premium: $299 per year with the fastest filing fees and free add-ons
3. Harbor Compliance
Best Registered Agent in South Carolina for Compliance Monitoring ($99/year)
Harbor Compliance focuses on penalty-free services. The South Carolina registered agent business offers free compliance reporting, along with:
- Online customer portal
- Pre-filled forms
- Filing assistance
Each state has unique business laws regarding compliance. Harbor Compliance focuses on South Carolina business owners. They offer ongoing access to your customer portal and long-term document storage as well.
Harbor Compliance strives to avoid client penalties for compliance and filing delays. Alerts and reminders keep you on task and on time throughout the year.
Pros
- Pre-filled forms: Harbor Compliance provides pre-filled forms with resident agent information pre-loaded.
- Compliance alerts: Free compliance alerts are included with your $99 annual subscription.
Cons
- No refunds: The customer isn’t always right with Harbor Compliance. If you aren’t fully satisfied with resident agent services, there’s no money-back guarantee.
- Charges filing fees: Harbor Compliance doesn’t charge for alerts or reminders, but they do charge for business filing. Expect to pay a business fee plus state filing charges.
Pricing
Registered Agent Service ($99/year): Harbor Compliance charges only $99 annually, with an option for reduced rates. Multi-year contracts save 5% to 10% per year.
4. Inc Authority
Best Registered Agent in South Carolina for Affordability ($99/year)
Knowing where your support comes from is beneficial. Inc Authority offers a U.S.-based customer service team. Support is available 7 days a week, with online support offered around the clock.
All correspondence is sorted, scanned, uploaded, and ready to view within 24 hours of receipt. You can also count on Inc Authority for a smooth transition from digital to forwarded copies. Request any copy forwarded to your business address, even if you have a P.O. Box address.
Inc Authority specializes in LLC startups. The company helps many South Carolina businesses register an LLC and offers a year of free registered agent service.
Fast easy access to mail and no customers will ever spot embarrassing correspondence in your in-box.
Pros
- Fast document scanning: Inc Authority uploads all correspondence within 24 hours.
- U.S. customer service team: South Carolina business owners need registered agent service support here at home. Inc Authority ensures your support understands local policies and regulations.
Cons
- Only for LLC customers: To partner with Inc Authority for registered agent services, customers must form an LLC through the brand.
- Zero reporting: Inc Authority offers no extras in terms of compliance alerts or reporting.
Pricing
Registered Agent Service ($99/year): Inc Authority offers free LLC registration and the first year of registered agent services. Each consecutive year is $99.
5. Legal Zoom
Best Registered Agent for DIY Entrepreneurs ($0 to $279/year)
Legal Zoom is another legal-oriented South Carolina registered agent service. The company specializes in South Carolina business law and compliance. One of the best features of this registered agent service is its “Ask an Attorney” service.
Some additional services to consider adding on include:
Tax notices
- Unlimited cloud storage
- Compliance reporting
- Intellectual property transmarking
Another advantage of Legal Zoom is its assortment of packages at varying price points. There’s something for every level of business and budget here.
Pros
- Chat support
- Business document storage
- Tracking important deadlines
- Renewing licenses
- Compliance alerts
Cons
- Can be expensive for some startups
- Relatively weak free features
Pricing
The registered agent service provided by LegalZoom includes acceptance of business correspondence, along with reminders of tax and annual reporting requirements for $299/year. Although the service is more costly than others, the annual fee includes the cost of South Carolina state filing fees.
6. Rocket Lawyer
Best Registered Agent Service in South Carolina for No-Penalty Mail Services ($149.99/year)
Rocket Lawyer puts the law in registered agent services. The company focuses strongly on compliance reporting and local business laws. You can count on Rocket Lawyer to keep your business penalty-free.
Rocket lawyer manages a variety of mail types, such as:
- Lawsuits and legal documents
- Employee records
- Customer correspondence
- Government documents
- Letters from the Secretary of State
Rocket Lawyer charges more on average than most South Carolina registered agents. $149 annually gets you standard South Carolina registered agent services, extra attention to compliance services, and total spam filtering.
7. IncFile
Best Registered Agent Service in South Carolina For Bilingual Support ($119/year)
Inc File is our top choice for South Carolina businesses seeking bilingual customer service. The support team speaks English and Spanish, offering extra help for bilingual staffers. Digital support is available 24/7, while customer service staff are limited to regular business hours.
Like most South Carolina registered agents, Inc File provides a local business address. All correspondence is sorted, scanned, and uploaded, and clients receive notifications to alert you to new uploads.
Inc File registered agent services come with an assortment of bonus business services. Clients have access to a DIY email course, business entity quiz, guides, checklists, infographics, and more.
Pros
- Bilingual support: Spanish and English customer service team.
- Business add-ons: Tax management, certificates of good standing, tools like infographics and guides, and foreign qualifications
Cons
- No weekend support: Bilingual customer service is only available until 6 pm Monday to Friday.
Pricing
Registered Agent Service ($119): At $119 per year, Inc File is in the mid-range for South Carolina registered agent pricing. If you register an LLC with Inc File, you get the first year of registered agent services free.
8. InCorp
Best Registered Agent Service in South Carolina For Proprietary Software ($87 to $129/year)
InCorp makes South Carolina registered agent service look easy with its proprietary EntityWatch® software. A custom customer portal for secure uploading and management of client files streamlines business correspondence. Some advantages of InCorp include:
- IOS mobile app
- Advanced privacy control
- Mail forwarding
One year with InCorp registered agent services is $129. Clients who sign multi-year contracts receive a discounted rate of $87 per year.
9. Rapid Registered Agent
Best Registered Agent Service in South Carolina for Transparent Service ($100/year)
There’s no better business advantage than full transparency. Rapid Registered Agent promises no hidden fees or fine print in the margins. Instead, they give clients everything up front, promising an ongoing stable cost of $100 annually.
Rapid Registered Agent offers immediate access to a local South Carolina business address. All correspondence is scanned and uploaded quickly for easy access. When a new letter gets uploaded customers are notified by email alert.
Never miss an important document and save time sorting through spam. Rapid Registered Agent takes the funny business out of business correspondence. No useless flyers, coupons, or phishing junk mail.
10. Swyft Filings
Best Registered Agent Service in South Carolina For Year End Filing ($199/year)
Swyft Filings takes its name seriously. The company specializes in year-end filings and an assortment of other business services. Register your LLC with Swyft Filings for free (just pay state filing fees).
This is a great choice for a company’s registered agent. Swyft Filings offers some of the most reliable registered agent service in the state.
South Carolina company owners receive the following advantages when they choose Swyft Filings as a registered agent:
- Year-end filing
- Company amendments
- Foreign qualifications
- Business name change
Registered agent services are $99 per year, and come with a registered business address, compliance alerts, digital uploads, and more.
11. South Carolina Registered Agent
Best Registered Agent Service in South Carolina For Cheap Service ($49/year)
No bells, whistles, or hidden fees with South Carolina Registered Agent. The cheapest registered agent service overall, the company offers basic South Carolina registered agent services and a promise of full transparency.
Customers receive an online client portal to view documents and request physical mail forwarding. A business mailing address is provided locally, making it easy for businesses with a P.O. Box to check all the compliance boxes.
No spam, no junk, and no hassles, just simple local registered agent services at an affordable price.
12. CSC Global
Best Registered Agent Service in South Carolina For Global Mail Services ($299/year)
CBC Global charges the most of any South Carolina registered agent service. They also offer the most diverse number of global business resources. The company specializes in international mail management and has been in the industry for more than 120 years.
Along with South Carolina registered agent services, CSC Global offers:
- SOC 2 audited processes
- Corporate filing
- Email notifications
- Digital compliance dashboard
- Business license application assistance
- UUC search
- UUC filing
- CSC Navigator® technology
Services through CSC Global are $299 per year. This is the top choice for international qualifications.
13. Resident Agent LLC
Best Registered Agent Service in South Carolina for Pre-Filled Forms ($75/year)
Resident Agent LLC is the best in the game for form management. This company specializes in pre-filled documents and offers clients an entire form library to select from. The library consists of a wide assortment of standard business documents all pre-filled with registered agent service data.
Resident Agent LLC is one of the best South Carolina registered agent services because they take all the work out of the job. The form library streamlines end-of-year filing, mandatory compliance correspondence, and more.
All resident agent services are available Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm with online access running 24/7. All this for $75 annually.
What Is a South Carolina Registered Agent?
A South Carolina registered agent is a person or business that provides a legitimate local mailing address. South Carolina registered agents often offer additional business services, as well as:
- Create digital customer portals
- Scan, upload, and forward mail
- Send alerts for new mail
To be a registered agent in South Carolina, the person or entity must:
- Have a civic mailing address (No P.O. Box)
- Operate during normal business hours (9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday)
Types of mail handled include a variety of correspondence, especially dealings with the Secretary of State.
How Can a South Carolina Registered Agent Service Help Your Business?
A south Carolina registered agent service helps local businesses avoid a plethora of tedious duties. Some of the most impactful advantages include:
Alerts
Email and text alerts tell business owners when new mail arrives and is uploaded to the digital portal. There are also alerts for compliance and year-end filing.
Privacy and Security Features
Professional registered agent services focus on maintaining discretion and security at all times. No sharing or selling of personal data, and secure mail management and digital practices.
No Spam
Junk mail builds up fast on South Carolina business desks. Avoid coupons, flyers, and other junk with a registered agent. Registered agents filter out anything you don’t want, and upload only official business mail to your portal.
Is a Registered Agent Service Legally Required in South Carolina
Yes. According South Carolina Legislature, all business entities require a registered agent. In fact, even international businesses require a registered agent to qualify for business in the state.
South Carolina Registered Agent Q&A
We hope this guide illuminates the commercial registered agent process in South Carolina. If you’re still curious about some things, check out these frequently asked questions below.
How Much Does a South Carolina Registered Agent Service Cost?
Many South Carolina businesses offer free registered agent services the first-year free, or multi-year contract discount. You can count on annual fees running somewhere between $49 and $299.
Can I Be My Own Registered Agent in South Carolina?
Yes. You can be your own registered agent in South Carolina, as long as:
• You have a civic mailing address
• You are available Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm
While it’s possible to act on behalf of your own business, many South Carolina companies opt for a professional registered agent service.
Can a Company in South Carolina Change Its Registered Agent?
Yes. You can change your registered agent service either through your new agent service. If you change it yourself, you must file a Change of Registered Agent form.
How Long Does It Take to Get a South Carolina Registered Agent Service?
Most South Carolina companies gain access to a commercial registered agent service mailing address and customer portal immediately. For mail forwarding and other business processing, it could range from 3 days to 2 weeks.
N.W. Registered Agent
Northwest Registered Agent is the best overall due to its numerous pros and a minimal number of cons. Perfect for all sorts of registered agent work.
ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness is the ideal choice if you're interested in starting and growing your business with all sorts of registered agent services right at your fingertips.
Harbor Compliance
Harbor Compliance is the best registered agent in South Carolina for monitoring compliance. All documents are processed the same day; perfect if you're in a rush.
Inc Authority
Inc Authority provides highly efficient registered agent services while being very affordable for all sorts of businesses and entrepreneurs.
LegalZoom
LegalZoom is an excellent choice for entrepreneurs who want to do all of their legal correspondence themselves with certain helpful features.