To start a charity in South Carolina, you will need to complete the following steps:
- Form a non-profit corporation with the South Carolina Secretary of State’s - Business Entieries Division.
- Once approved, contact the South Carolina Secretary of State’s - Charities Division and register your non-profit as a charity (if you plan to solicit funds from the public). See if you qualify for registration exemption.
- Obtain an EIN from the Internal Revenue Service self-tool
Don't apply for an EIN until your organization is legally formed.
Nearly all organizations are subject to automatic revocation of their tax-exempt status if they fail to file a required return or notice for three consecutive years.
When you apply for an EIN, we presume you're legally formed and the clock starts running on this three-year period.
Getting Started
Navigate to, South Carolina Secretary of State website entity search engine.
- Enter the business name of the company you wish to form and click "Search.
- If the name is available, you may proceed to the entity filing section, eeither electronically or by mail.
Instructions for mailed filings can be found in the downloadable forms, otherwise proceed with account creation or login to existing account to begin your filing electronically. |
NEXT STEPS
Login to your existing SCSOS account or click "Register" to create a new account to begin your filing.
Next, CHOOSE FROM THESE NON-PROFIT FILING OPTIONS
Non-Profit Domestic
Articles of Incorporation §33-31-202This form is used to incorporate the nonprofit corporation. If the organization is a Political Association, you are required to submit a CL-1 Form with an additional $25 fee. | $25.00 |
501(c)(3) AttachmentThis form must be attached to the Articles of Incorporation if the nonprofit corporation is going to apply for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status with the IRS. | $0..00 |
CL-1The Initial Annual Report of Corporations. This form is filed with the South Carolina Department of Revenue. | $10.00 |
Non-Profit Foreign
Application for a Certificate of Authority to Transact Business §33-31-1503This form is used by a foreign corporation to apply for a Certificate of Authority to transact business in the state of South Carolina. | $10.00 |
Benefit Corporation - Domestic
Articles of Incorporation - Benefit Corporation §33-2-102 and §33-38-200This form is used to incorporate a benefit corporation. A CL-1 Form must be included with the Articles of Incorporation. You must submit a total payment of $135 which includes the $25 fee for the CL-1 Form. | $110.00 |
Articles of Incorporation - Benefit Corporation - Professional Corporation §§33-2-102, 33-19-109, 33-38-120, and §33-38-200This form is used to incorporate a benefit corporation that is also a professional corporation. A CL-1 Form must be included with the Articles of Incorporation. You must submit a total payment of $135 which includes the $25 fee for the CL-1 Form. | $110.00 |
Articles of Incorporation - Benefit Corporation - Statutory Close Corporation §§33-2-102, 33-18-103, 33-38-120, and §33-38-200This form is used to incorporate a benefit corporation that is also a statutory close corporation. A CL-1 Form must be included with the Articles of Incorporation. You must submit a total payment of $135 which includes the $25 fee for the CL-1 Form. | $110.00 |
Articles of Incorporation - Benefit Corporation - Professional Corporation and Statutory Close §§33-2-102, 33-18-103, 33-19-109, 33-38-120, and §33-38-200This form is used to incorporate a benefit corporation that is also a professional corporation and a statutory close corporation. A CL-1 Form must be included with the Articles of Incorporation. You must submit a total payment of $135 which includes the $25 fee for the CL-1 Form. | $110.00 |
Annual Benefit Report - Benefit Corporation §33-38-500This form is used to file the Annual Benefit Report of a benefit corporation as required under §33-38-500. | $10.00 |
CL-1The Initial Annual Report of Corporations. This form is filed with the South Carolina Department of Revenue. | $25.00 |
Choose the following documents in your filings:
- Certificate of Existence
- Non-certified Articles of Incorporation/
- Certified Articles of Incorporation
Print and download each of your documents and store them in a safe and dry location.
Now, You're Ready to Obtain Your EIN From the IRS
Next, you will create an EIN for your entity with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). For more information on the steps for obtaining your EIN online, click the button below.
RESOURCES
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