State Guide
EIN in South Carolina (SC)
How to get an EIN for your South Carolina business or LLC. The EIN is a federal number from the IRS. Non-residents apply without an SSN for $49.
Getting an EIN in South Carolina follows the same federal IRS process as every other state. The EIN is a federal number — not state-specific. Non-residents submit IRS Form SS-4 by fax to 855-215-1627 and enter a passport number on Line 7b. The IRS online tool requires an SSN. ein.so prepares your SS-4 and delivers your EIN for $49 (4-7 business days) or $97 Express (2-3 business days).
South Carolina (SC) hosts a growing economy in advanced manufacturing, automotive, logistics, and tourism. Founders register businesses with the South Carolina Secretary of State and then need a federal EIN to open bank accounts, file taxes, and accept payments. The EIN is identical in all 50 states. A South Carolina LLC uses the same 9-digit EIN format (XX-XXXXXXX) as a Wyoming or Delaware LLC. This guide explains how to get an EIN in South Carolina, how non-residents apply without an SSN, and what to do after approval.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| State | South Carolina (SC) |
| State income tax | 0-6.5% (confirm current rate with a CPA) |
| State tax authority | South Carolina Department of Revenue |
| Business registration | South Carolina Secretary of State |
| Federal EIN | Same as all states (IRS, Form SS-4) |
| EIN cost | $0 (IRS) / $49 Standard / $97 Express (ein.so) |
| IRS EIN fax | 855-215-1627 |
State vs Federal
Is a South Carolina EIN Different From a Federal EIN?
A South Carolina EIN is not a separate number. The EIN is a federal number issued by the IRS, and it is identical in every state. South Carolina does not issue its own EIN. Your business uses one 9-digit federal EIN nationwide.
South Carolina does issue its own state tax registration through the South Carolina Department of Revenue. This is separate from your federal EIN. The two serve different purposes and do not replace each other.
| Identifier | Issued by | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| Federal EIN | IRS | Federal taxes, banking, hiring, payments |
| SC state tax ID | SC Department of Revenue | State sales tax, state withholding |
You may need both depending on your activities. A non-resident running an online business often needs only the federal EIN. A business hiring South Carolina employees or collecting SC sales tax also registers with the state. See our state tax ID guide and how to get an EIN for the full picture.
How to Apply
How Do You Get an EIN in South Carolina?
You get an EIN in South Carolina through the IRS, not the state. US persons with an SSN apply online at irs.gov for an instant EIN. Non-residents without an SSN fax Form SS-4 to 855-215-1627 and receive the EIN in 4-7 business days.
| Method | Speed | Cost | SSN required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Instant | $0 | Yes |
| Fax | 4-7 business days | $0 / $49 | No |
| Phone | Same call | $0 | No |
| 4-6 weeks | $0 | No |
The process is identical regardless of state. The IRS charges $0 for the EIN itself. ein.so charges a service fee to prepare, file, and deliver the EIN for non-residents who cannot use the online tool. See EIN cost and EIN processing time for details.
South Carolina Steps After You Get the EIN
- Register with the South Carolina Department of Revenue if you collect sales tax or hire SC employees
- Obtain any required local business licenses in your city or county
- File your BOI report with FinCEN (federal requirement for most LLCs)
- Open a US business bank account using your EIN and formation documents
Non-Residents
Can Non-Residents Get an EIN for a South Carolina LLC?
Yes. Non-US residents can get an EIN for a South Carolina LLC without an SSN, ITIN, or US visit. You enter your passport number on Form SS-4 Line 7b and fax the form to 855-215-1627. The IRS issues most correctly filed EINs within 4-7 business days.
Non-residents form a South Carolina LLC through the Secretary of State using a registered agent with a physical South Carolina address. The LLC gives you a legal US entity. The EIN attaches to that entity. You complete both steps entirely online from outside the United States.
E-commerce and Amazon Sellers
SaaS and Tech Founders
Freelancers and Consultants
Service and Logistics Businesses
Many non-residents form in Wyoming, Delaware, or New Mexico instead of South Carolina, but the federal EIN process is identical in every state. See EIN for non-residents and EIN without SSN.
Step-by-Step
How Do You Complete Form SS-4 for a South Carolina EIN?
You complete Form SS-4 by entering your LLC name on Line 1, your address on Line 4, your name as responsible party on Line 7a, and your passport number on Line 7b. You then fax the form to 855-215-1627. The IRS returns your EIN assignment letter (CP 575).
Form Your US LLC
Gather Your Documents
Complete Form SS-4
Submit by Fax and Receive Your EIN
SS-4 Field Guide for Non-Resident Applicants
| SS-4 Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Line 1 (Legal name) | Your US LLC name |
| Line 4 (Address) | Your mailing address (foreign address allowed) |
| Line 7a (Responsible party) | Your full name as on your passport |
| Line 7b (SSN/ITIN/EIN) | Your passport number (no SSN needed) |
| Line 10 (Reason) | Started new business |
| Line 16 (Principal activity) | E.g., "e-commerce," "software," "consulting" |
The most common rejection cause for non-residents is address formatting that does not map to the SS-4 layout. ein.so reformats foreign addresses to an IRS-accepted style. See the full SS-4 form guide and the complete EIN application process.
Banking & Payments
How Do You Use a South Carolina EIN for Banking and Payments?
You use your EIN to open a US business bank account and connect payment processors. US banks require an EIN, your LLC formation documents, and a passport. Mercury and Relay approve many non-resident LLC owners remotely within a few business days.
US Business Bank Account
Stripe on a US Entity
PayPal Business
Payment Platforms
Together, a US LLC, an EIN, and a US bank account let you invoice American clients in dollars, accept card payments, and operate as a US business from anywhere. See EIN for a bank account for the full document checklist.
Tax & Compliance
What Tax Forms Does a South Carolina LLC File?
A foreign-owned single-member US LLC files Form 5472 with a pro-forma Form 1120 each year. The penalty for not filing is $25,000. This is an information return, not always a tax bill. Most LLCs also file a BOI report with FinCEN.
Form 5472 + Form 1120
BOI Report to FinCEN
South Carolina State Taxes
Federal Filing
ein.so does not provide tax advice
- The $25,000 Form 5472 penalty applies to foreign-owned single-member LLCs that fail to file.
- Work with a US CPA familiar with non-resident matters to confirm your specific obligations.
- Your EIN is the starting point for US tax compliance, not the end.
The EIN application and the tax filings are separate steps. ein.so handles the EIN. See our EIN without SSN guide and EIN for non-residents for related processes.
Next Steps
After Getting Your EIN in South Carolina
- Open a US bank account — Mercury, Relay, and Wise accept non-resident LLC owners
- File your BOI report — required for most LLCs, free at fincen.gov/boi
- File Form 5472 — annually for foreign-owned LLCs ($25,000 penalty for non-filing)
- Review EIN cost and processing time — Standard $49 (4-7 days), Express $97 (2-3 days)
- Read the SS-4 form guide — line-by-line help for non-resident applicants
Other states: Wisconsin | Oregon | Alabama | Louisiana. Browse all on EIN by State. Non-resident? Start with EIN for non-residents and EIN without SSN.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a South Carolina EIN different from a federal EIN?
No. The EIN is a federal number issued by the IRS. It is the same 9-digit number (XX-XXXXXXX) regardless of which state you operate in. South Carolina does not issue its own version of an EIN. A business in South Carolina uses the exact same federal EIN as a business in any other state.
How do I get an EIN in South Carolina without an SSN?
Submit IRS Form SS-4 by fax to 855-215-1627 and enter your passport number on Line 7b. The IRS online tool requires an SSN, so non-residents use the fax method. The IRS issues most correctly filed EINs within 4-7 business days. ein.so prepares and faxes your SS-4 for $49 (Standard) or $97 (Express).
Does South Carolina have a separate state tax ID?
Yes. South Carolina issues its own state tax registration through the South Carolina Department of Revenue. This is separate from your federal EIN. You may need both: the EIN for federal taxes and banking, and the state registration for South Carolina sales tax or withholding if your activity requires it.
How much does it cost to get an EIN in South Carolina?
The EIN is free from the IRS ($0). The IRS charges nothing to issue an EIN by fax, phone, or online. ein.so charges $49 (Standard, 4-7 business days) or $97 (Express, 2-3 business days) to prepare Form SS-4, fax it to the IRS, and deliver your EIN for non-residents without an SSN.
Can a non-resident form a South Carolina LLC and get an EIN?
Yes. Non-US residents can form a South Carolina LLC through the Secretary of State using a registered agent, then get an EIN by faxing Form SS-4 with a passport number on Line 7b. No SSN, ITIN, or US visit is required. Many non-residents instead form in Wyoming or Delaware; the EIN process is identical.
Do I need an EIN before opening a US bank account in South Carolina?
Yes. US banks require an EIN to open a business bank account. You also need your LLC formation documents and a passport. Mercury and Relay approve many non-resident LLC owners remotely within a few business days. See our EIN for a bank account guide for the full document checklist.
What annual tax forms does a foreign-owned South Carolina LLC file?
A foreign-owned single-member US LLC files Form 5472 with a pro-forma Form 1120 each year. The penalty for not filing is $25,000. This is an information return, not always a tax bill. Most LLCs also file a BOI report with FinCEN. Confirm your state and federal duties with a US CPA.
What is the South Carolina state income tax rate?
South Carolina has a 0-6.5% individual income tax rate. This is separate from federal taxes. Your EIN is used for federal tax reporting with the IRS, while a South Carolina state tax ID is used for state taxes. Confirm exact current rates and your filing obligations with a CPA.
How long does it take to get an EIN for a South Carolina business?
Through ein.so, Standard processing takes 4-7 business days ($49) and Express takes 2-3 business days ($97). The DIY fax method to 855-215-1627 takes 4-7 business days if the SS-4 is error-free. US persons with an SSN can use the IRS online tool for an instant EIN.
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