Withdraw a Foreign Business in South Carolina
In this guide to withdrawing a foreign LLC or corporation in South Carolina, we’ll go over what it means to be a foreign business, the forms you’ll need to file to withdraw or cancel it, and anything else you need to know.
Steps to Withdraw a Foreign LLC or Corporation in SC
To withdraw your foreign LLC or corporation in South Carolina, you’ll need to file official state paperwork with South Carolina’s Secretary of State, Division of Business Filings (SOS). This guide shows you how to do it.
What is a Foreign South Carolina LLC or Corporation?
When companies expand their business to another state, they’re called “foreign businesses.” To operate legally, they need to register with that state by completing a process called foreign qualification. If the business stops doing business in that state, they can withdraw their business and cancel their foreign registration.
How do I withdraw my foreign LLC in South Carolina?
To withdraw your foreign South Carolina LLC, file a Certificate of Cancellation of Authority to Transact Business with South Carolina’s SOS.
How do I withdraw my foreign corporation in South Carolina?
To withdraw your foreign South Carolina corporation, file a Application for Surrender of Authority to do Business with South Carolina’s SOS.
Note: Both forms can be downloaded from South Carolina’s Secretary of State’s website.
How do I file my foreign business withdrawal application with South Carolina’s SOS?
You can file online or by mail. Filing online is the way to go. Online filings are approved within two business days. Mailed filings can take up to two weeks to be approved (add in additional time for mailing). If you don’t have a South Carolina business filings account, get one here.
Mail:
South Carolina Secretary of State’s Office
Attn: Corporate Filings
1205 Pendleton Street, Suite 525
Columbia, SC 29201
Online:
South Carolina Online Filing System
Foreign South Carolina LLC or Corporation Withdrawal FAQs
How much does it cost to withdraw a foreign business in South Carolina?
The filing fee to withdraw a foreign corporation or LLC in South Carolina is $10 by mail. Filing online is the fastest way, but costs $15.
How long does it take South Carolina to process the withdrawal filing?
Online filings take about two days. Mailed filings can take up to two weeks (add time for mailing).
Note: Be sure to file in duplicate and include a self-addressed, stamped envelope, so the SOS can mail a filed copy to you.
Can I withdraw my business if I just don’t file a South Carolina Annual Report?
South Carolina business entities are not required to file an annual report with the Secretary of State’s Office. The South Carolina Department of Revenue (DOR) does require annual reports as part of the tax return. If you don’t file the DOR tax return and annual report, your foreign corporation or LLCs authority may be revoked.
What are the late fees and penalties to re-register if your registration is forfeited?
Foreign corporations and LLCs may apply to the South Carolina SOS for reinstatement after administrative revocation.
A foreign corporation would need to submit an Application for Reinstatement of a Corporation when Certificate of Authority has been Revoked. $25 minimum license fee (contact the DOR to find out what you owe) Application for reinstatement: $25 Certificate of Tax Compliance: $60
Foreign LLCs would file an Application for Reinstatement by a Limited Liability Company dissolved by Administrative Action with the SOS. Any fees owed (contact the DOR to find out what you owe) Reinstatement application filing fee: $25 Tax clearance: $60
How long is a registered agent required to accept service of process after a foreign SC business has filed for withdrawal?
Foreign corporations and LLCs revoke the authority of the South Carolina registered agent by filing an application for withdrawal. After the foreign entity has withdrawn, the registered agent does not have to accept service of process for that entity.
Read our guide on How to Resign as a South Carolina Registered Agent.
What if I want to start a foreign LLC or corporation in South Carolina?
We’ve got you! Our guides on how to form a foreign South Carolina LLC or a foreign SC corporation are easy to follow.