Articles of Incorporation in South Carolina — Free PDF & Word (2026 Updated)
Formally create a corporation with the state
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ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION State of South Carolina The undersigned incorporator(s) hereby adopt the following Articles of Incorporation under the laws of South Carolina: ARTICLE I — NAME The name of the corporation is: [CORPORATION NAME], Inc. ARTICLE II — PURPOSE The purpose of this corporation is to engage in any lawful business permitted under South Carolina law. ARTICLE III — REGISTERED AGENT Registered Agent: [AGENT NAME] Registered Office: [ADDRESS], SC [ZIP] ARTICLE IV — AUTHORIZED SHARES The corporation is authorized to issue [NUMBER] shares of [ ] Common [ ] Preferred stock with a par value of $[AMOUNT] per share. ARTICLE V — INCORPORATOR(S) Name: [INCORPORATOR NAME] Address: [ADDRESS], SC [ZIP] ARTICLE VI — DIRECTORS Initial Board of Directors: 1. [DIRECTOR NAME] — [ADDRESS] 2. [DIRECTOR NAME] — [ADDRESS] 3. [DIRECTOR NAME] — [ADDRESS] ARTICLE VII — DURATION The corporation shall have perpetual existence. Filed in accordance with South Carolina Business Corporation Act (SC Statutes). INCORPORATOR SIGNATURE: _____________________ DATE: _____
FAQ: Articles of Incorporation in South Carolina
Is a Articles of Incorporation required in South Carolina?
Yes, in South Carolina, a Articles of Incorporation is required for most transactions of this type. Under South Carolina State Code, the document must include all parties' information, be signed, and witnessed by 2 individuals. Failure to use a proper Articles of Incorporation may result in legal complications.
Does a Articles of Incorporation need to be notarized in South Carolina?
Notarization requirements in South Carolina (SC) vary by transaction type. Notary fees in the state typically range from $5. While not always mandatory, notarization adds an extra layer of legal protection and is recommended for high-value transactions.
What are the tax implications of a Articles of Incorporation in South Carolina?
South Carolina has a base sales tax rate of 6%. Depending on the type of transaction documented in your Articles of Incorporation, additional local taxes may apply. Consult with a South Carolina tax professional for specific guidance on your situation.
Articles of Incorporation Costs in South Carolina
Estimated fees and processing times
| Fee Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Notary Fee | $5-$15 (if required) | South Carolina standard rate: $5 |
| Filing Fee | Varies by state | State registration (if applicable) |
| Processing Time | 1-3 business days | Typical turnaround in South Carolina |
| Sales Tax | 6% | South Carolina base rate (local taxes may apply) |
| Witness Requirement | 2 witnesses | South Carolina requires multiple witnesses |
| Our Template | FREE | Download instantly, no cost |
Jennifer Rodriguez, J.D.
Estate Planning Attorney
Licensed in 5 states, 12+ years experience
Focuses on wills, trusts, and power of attorney documents
This Articles of Incorporation template for South Carolina has been reviewed for accuracy and legal compliance.
Last reviewed: March 2026
South Carolina Articles of Incorporation Requirements
Review the following requirements to ensure your Articles of Incorporation is legally valid in South Carolina.
South Carolina Notarization
South Carolina requires 2 witnesses and notarization may be mandatory. Fees typically range from $5.
Before You Sign
Review all information carefully. In South Carolina, a 6% sales tax may apply.
Legal Protection
Keep copies of all signed documents. South Carolina law requires all parties to receive copies of executed documents.
South Carolina Filing Deadlines
Check South Carolina deadlines for filing or recording this document with the appropriate county clerk's office.
South Carolina Articles of Incorporation Legal Guide
For residents of South Carolina, ensuring this form is compliant with state-specific requirements is a top priority for legal validity.
South Carolina law (South Carolina State Code) governs this Articles of Incorporation. Key financial considerations include a 6% sales tax rate and notary fees of $5. The document requires 2 witnesses and remains valid indefinite.
This professionally drafted form provides peace of mind knowing you're compliant with all South Carolina legal requirements.
Step-by-Step Process
1. **Download the template** — Our South Carolina-specific form includes all fields required by SC law.
2. **Enter your information** — Fill in names, addresses, dates, and transaction details accurately.
3. **Review carefully** — Double-check all entries against your source documents.
4. **Sign and witness** — Execute the document according to South Carolina's signature requirements.
5. **Notarize if needed** — Some South Carolina transactions require notarization.
6. **File or distribute** — Provide copies to all parties and file with the appropriate South Carolina office if required.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
South Carolina attorneys frequently see these errors:
- Using an out-of-state template that doesn't comply with SC law
- Forgetting to include required witness signatures
- Leaving fields blank or using abbreviations
- Not retaining copies for personal records
- Failing to update documents when South Carolina law changes
Legal Validity & Enforcement
Once properly executed, your Articles of Incorporation is legally binding in South Carolina and enforceable in SC courts. The document remains valid for the duration specified in its terms. South Carolina courts generally uphold properly executed documents, provided they comply with applicable SC statutes.
What South Carolina Law Requires
South Carolina's statutes are clear: a valid Articles of Incorporation must identify all parties by full legal name, include the date of execution, and be signed in the presence of a notary public where applicable. Failure to meet these requirements under SC law can render the document unenforceable.
South Carolina attorneys frequently see these errors:
- Using an out-of-state template that doesn't comply with SC law
- Forgetting to include required witness signatures
- Leaving fields blank or using abbreviations
- Not retaining copies for personal records
- Failing to update documents when South Carolina law changes
Legal Validity & Enforcement
Once properly executed, your Articles of Incorporation is legally binding in South Carolina and enforceable in SC courts. The document remains valid for the duration specified in its terms. South Carolina courts generally uphold properly executed documents, provided they comply with applicable SC statutes.
What South Carolina Law Requires
South Carolina's statutes are clear: a valid Articles of Incorporation must identify all parties by full legal name, include the date of execution, and be signed in the presence of a notary public where applicable. Failure to meet these requirements under SC law can render the document unenforceable.
South Carolina's statutes are clear: a valid Articles of Incorporation must identify all parties by full legal name, include the date of execution, and be signed in the presence of a notary public where applicable. Failure to meet these requirements under SC law can render the document unenforceable.
Where to File Your Articles of Incorporation in South Carolina
Visit your local County Clerk office to file or notarize your Articles of Incorporation.
South Carolina County Clerk
South Carolina Capital
Main Government Building, South Carolina
District County Clerk
South Carolina Metro Area
County Courthouse, SC
Other Forms in South Carolina
Articles of Incorporation in Neighboring States
Document Information
- Document
- Articles of Incorporation
- State
- South Carolina (SC)
- Category
- Business
- Format
- PDF / Word / Print
- Cost
- 100% Free
- Sales Tax
- 6%
- Notary Fee
- $5
South Carolina Legal Requirements
Governing Statute:
State Law
- ✓Consult with a licensed attorney for specific requirements
Legal Disclaimer
This template is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws in South Carolina may change. Consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation.