How to Start a Non-profit in South Carolina

Modified on Wed, 17 Apr at 9:52 AM

Charities in South Carolina - Brandology

To start a charity in South Carolina, you will need to the following steps.

Form a non-profit corporation with the South Carolina Secretary of State’s - Business Entieries Division. You can file online, then once approved, contact the South Carolina Secretary of State - Charity Division.
Obtain an EIN from the Internal Revenue Service self-tool or use our guided 1-on-1 service.

Getting Started

Navigate to South Carolina Secretary of State website
Enter the business name of the company you wish to view and click "Search.
If the name is available, you may proceed to the entity filing electronically or by mail.

Instructions for mailed filings can be found in the downladable forms, otherwise proceed with account creation or login to existing account to begin your filing electronically.

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.

Create an online account or login to an existing account

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.

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