-
Step 1
Visit or call your city or town hall to find out how much you must pay in taxes to get a business license in South Carolina. Each locality is different, though most companies usually pay less than $60. The division to contact would be licensing or zoning.
-
Step 2
Pay your South Carolina business taxes, which usually must be done in person at your locality's government building.
-
Step 3
Fill out a local business license form, which is the only requirement for most general businesses that do not engage in activities such as massage, food service, and pawning or selling goods. You should receive a business license immediately if your company does not require extensive inspections and other legal requirements. If your business is of a special nature, you will likely be subject to personal and professional scrutiny and company inspections and fees that could exceed $500 before you receive a business license.
-
Step 4
Visit the South Carolina Business One Stop website (see Resources section) and print Form PT-100, which is a required Business Personal Property Form. This is an inventory of your business assets such as furniture and equipment, and could lead to a state Business Personal Property Tax.
-
Step 5
Fill out Form PT-100 and mail it to the state Department of Revenue. You will be notified by the state if tax is owed, and you must pay the tax in a timely manner to remain in good business standing with South Carolina.
-
Step 6
Visit the South Carolina Business One Stop website to obtain a Retail License if you are selling products. This also applies to service providers of laundry, electricity, telecommunications and lodging.
-
Step 7
Fill out the required Retail License Form online, and pay your $50 fee via credit or debit card online to obtain the South Carolina Retail License (if this applies to your company).
