Incorporation in South Carolina

Find the right Business Incorporation attorney in North Charleston, SC

Under South Carolina law, a business may incorporate. If it chooses to do so, it is thereafter recognized as its own legal entity. After incorporation, buying and selling property, assenting to contracts and exercising legal rights are considered acts of the business itself and not its owners. To incorporate in South Carolina, a business must file with the Secretary of State in compliance with specific guidelines.

Benefits of Incorporation in South Carolina

Certain benefits inure to a business in South Carolina that has incorporated over one that has not. First, a corporation's liabilities can never go beyond the amount invested in the business by the owners. Had the business remained unincorporated, owners risk losing their personal property should the business become unable to pay its liabilities. Furthermore, banks in the North Charleston area prefer to evaluate the credit worthiness of a business as a whole rather than that of individual owners. This makes the process of acquiring corporate loans simpler. Lastly, a corporations charter requires that ownership be divided into stakes or "shares" of stock, all of equal size. This makes the process of transferring control much more practical.

Costs of Incorporation

These advantages come at a price. First, incorporation in South Carolina may require a filing fee. Second, a corporation pays taxes just like any other entity. The individual incomes of owners who are paid disbursements from the corporation's earnings are still taxed as well. This is called double taxation, but it can be avoided with proper planning and assistance from a local North Charleston lawyer.

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Life in North Charleston

North Charleston offers residents a wonderful quality of life! It has affordable living, great dining and entertainment, charming attractions, and no parking meters!

Some popular sites include the North Charleston and American LaFrance Fire Museum and Educational Center, The Charleston Area Convention Center Complex, the North Charleston Coliseum, the Christmas Lighting Festival and Parade, the annual Arts Festival, weekly Farmers Markets, and the Golf Club at Wescott Plantation.

North Charleston is seen as South Carolina's "retail leader" attracting many small businesses and boutiques. To serve these businesses, the city is home to many attorneys that practice law in various areas. These attorneys ensure excellent personalized legal services to protect both local businesses and residents.

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