Get an EIN for your South Carolina business
A federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) is the IRS tax ID your South Carolina business uses for banking, payroll, and tax filing. The IRS issues EINs free · application takes 10 minutes online with immediate issuance for US founders. International founders apply by fax or mail. After your EIN, you also need to register with the South Carolina Department of Revenue via the SCDOR-111 Business Tax Application.
South Carolinan EIN + state tax accounts at a glance
| Federal EIN cost | $0 (IRS direct) |
|---|---|
| Issuance time | Immediate (online for US founders) |
| South Carolina revenue agency | South Carolina Department of Revenue |
| State tax registration form | SCDOR-111 Business Tax Application |
| Sales tax permit needed? | Yes · register for sales tax permit. |
| State withholding account? | Yes · register for state withholding account. |
| File.Business service fee | $0 |
How to get an EIN in South Carolina: step by step
- Form your business entity first. Your South Carolinan LLC, corporation, or other entity must exist before applying for an EIN. Form an LLC in South Carolina or form a corporation if needed.
- Pick your responsible party. The IRS requires one individual with substantial control over the entity (typically an owner with at least 25% interest) to be listed on Form SS-4.
- Apply online at irs.gov. US founders with a valid SSN or ITIN get the EIN immediately. The application is free and takes about 10 minutes.
- International founders: apply by fax or mail. Without an SSN or ITIN, the online system will not work. Fax Form SS-4 (typically 4 business days) or mail it (4 to 6 weeks). ITIN vs EIN explained.
- Register with the South Carolina Department of Revenue. Use the SCDOR-111 Business Tax Application to get your state-level tax accounts in South Carolina.
- Open a business bank account. South Carolina banks commonly used include First Citizens, Wells Fargo, South State Bank.
Skip the paperwork · we get your South Carolinan EIN
We prepare Form SS-4, file with the IRS, and also handle your state-level registration with the South Carolina Department of Revenue. $0 service fee. International founders supported (we file by fax to get your EIN within a week, faster than mail).
Start my South Carolinan EINSouth Carolina state tax accounts you also need
An IRS EIN is federal-only. To operate in South Carolina, you typically also need:
- State tax ID: Register with South Carolina Department of Revenue using SCDOR-111 Business Tax Application.
- Sales tax permit: Yes · register for sales tax permit. Sales tax registration overview.
- State withholding account: Yes · register for state withholding account.
- Unemployment insurance account: Required if you have employees in South Carolina.
- Workers compensation insurance: Required if you have employees. Business insurance overview.
South Carolinan EIN FAQ
How much does an EIN cost in South Carolina?
The IRS issues EINs free. Anyone charging you for the EIN itself is upselling. File.Business charges $0 service fee whether you have us file it or you do it yourself.
How long does the EIN take to receive?
US founders applying online: immediate. International founders applying by fax: typically 4 business days. By mail: 4 to 6 weeks.
Can I get an EIN without an SSN?
Yes. International founders apply with Form SS-4 by fax or mail. The IRS accepts foreign passport details as identification.
Do I need a separate South Carolina state tax ID?
Yes, in most cases. The South Carolina Department of Revenue requires a state-level registration via SCDOR-111 Business Tax Application for businesses operating in South Carolina.
Can I use my EIN to open a South Carolina business bank account?
Yes, your EIN is required for business banking. South Carolina banks commonly used include First Citizens, Wells Fargo, South State Bank.
On the $129/yr Compliance Annual Filings plan, we cover state late fees.
When you autofile your annual report through the $129/yr plan and we miss the deadline, we pay the state's late fee. The guarantee applies to that specific plan and the filings it includes. Other File.Business services are billed at the prices on this page.