How to Start a Home Business in South Carolina

Owning a home business in South Carolina is a great way to make a few extra dollars or leave the traditional 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. job.

Owning a home business in South Carolina is a great way to make a few extra dollars or leave the traditional 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. job. But you can't just hang an "Open for Business" sign on your front door. South Carolina requires a variety of permits and permissions before you can take your first customer.

Instructions

1. Check to make sure your product or service is not prohibited from being sold from home. In South Carolina you're not allowed to sell fireworks, drugs, poisons, explosives or medical products from home. You should also check your local business office about any zoning issues. Many areas prohibit home businesses, but may issue you a waiver if you don't have a business that will increase traffic, pose a safety problem or negatively impact the aesthetics of the neighborhood. If you rent or live in an area with a homeowners association, check your lease and covenants and restrictions for any policies regarding home businesses.

2. Contact your local city or county business office regarding business licenses. Not all municipalities require a business license. If yours does, its usually just a matter of filling out a form and paying a fee.

3. Determine if you need additional permits or registrations to do business. Depending on your business idea, you may need to get additional permits. For example, if you'll be selling food items, you'll need to contact your local health department, which will make a visit to assess your kitchen. Other types of businesses that may need further approval include counseling, daycare, legal services, and animal boarding.

4. Obtain a sales tax permit for tangible goods. South Carolina charges 6 percent sales tax and municipalities may charge an additional 1 percent. If you'll be selling items that can be held, you'll need to get a sales tax permit to collect and pay sales tax on the items you sell. You can get information on applying and completing the forms at SCTax.org.

5. Register for property tax. Contact your local business office about whether or not you need to register your business equipment for property tax purposes.

References

• South Carolina Sales Tax
• Tax Guide for Starting a Business in South Carolina
• South Carolina Small Business Administration Guide