Delaware vs South Carolina LLC Cost (2026): $390 vs $110
Side-by-side LLC formation cost comparison for Delaware and South Carolina: filing fees, annual report costs, processing time, and tax implications.
Forming an LLC in South Carolina costs $110 in year one — $280 cheaper than Delaware ($390).
Delaware
South Carolina
Lower CostFull LLC Cost Comparison: Delaware vs South Carolina
| Factor | Delaware | South Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| State filing fee (one-time) | $90 | $110 |
| Annual report fee | $300 / per year | $0 / per year |
| Processing time | 1–2 business days | 5–10 business days |
| State income tax | Yes | Yes |
| First-year total | $390 | $110 |
South Carolina saves you $280 in year one compared to Delaware.
Delaware LLC Notes
Delaware is a top choice for startups due to business-friendly courts, though annual franchise taxes can be high.
South Carolina LLC Notes
South Carolina charges no fee for the annual report filing.
Which State Should You Actually Use?
For most small businesses, form your LLC where you actually do business — not where the filing fee is cheapest. If you operate in Delaware, form there. If you operate in South Carolina, form there.
- Forming in your home state: Simpler compliance, no registered agent needed in another state, no foreign qualification fees.
- Forming in Wyoming or Delaware: Makes sense for investor-backed startups, multi-member LLCs with complex ownership structures, or businesses operating in multiple states.
- Key cost trap: If you form in Delaware but operate in South Carolina, you'll pay both states' fees — eliminating any savings.
Compare More LLC Formation Costs
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