South Carolina business license fee calculator
An SC business license costs the jurisdiction's base amount for the first $2,000 of gross receipts plus a set rate per $1,000 above that; for example, Columbia's Class 1 is $60.00 plus $0.90 per $1,000 (2026–27, localblrenewal.com).
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Pick a town or county, your rate class and last year's gross receipts. You'll get an estimate from that jurisdiction's posted rate tiers.
How the estimate works
South Carolina's standardized business license (Act 176 of 2020) charges a base amount for the first $2,000 of gross receipts, then a rate per $1,000 (or fraction of $1,000) above that, with lower rates on receipts over $1 million. Your rate class comes from your NAICS code; most offices, contractors and service businesses fall in classes 1–7. Look up your class on your town's renewal page (linked from each result).
The calculator uses each jurisdiction's posted tiers. It doesn't apply deductions (like income already taxed by another SC town), state-set classes (insurance, telecom, amusement machines) or late penalties. Always verify with the town or county before you pay.
Frequently asked questions
Is the calculator exact?
No. It's an estimate from the posted rates. Deductions, special classes and penalties aren't included, so verify with the town or county.
What gross receipts do I use?
Generally your gross income from business done inside that jurisdiction for the prior calendar or fiscal year. New businesses estimate their first year. Check the town's ordinance for its exact definition.
Sources
Fee change alerts
One email when SC business license rates change (they reset every May 1), plus renewal reminders. Free. Signups open soon.