How To
The structure of your business impacts taxation, legal and financial liability, and decision- making authority. Before choosing a business structure, consult with your attorney and/or accountant, as each option has its own legal and tax implications.
Before proceeding, verify that your business name, logo, and graphics are not already in use in South Carolina by checking with the Secretary of State. Additionally, search for available web domains before finalizing your business name. It’s a good idea to purchase multiple domains with different variations of your business name right away. Also, secure the social media handles you plan to use.
To trademark your business name, register with the South Carolina Secretary of State’s Trademarks Division at 803.734.0629.
After you confirming the name of your business is available, you will register your business with the South Carolina Secretary of State. You will need to create an account in order to register your business. Once the name is registered, you will be sent a Certificate of Existence via mail or email. There are additional requirements when filing for corporations and limited partnerships.
A Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) is used to identify a business entity. All businesses with employees must apply for this number. Wondering if you need an EIN? Find out here.
You can apply through the IRS. Generally, you will receive your EIN immediately when applying online. Your EIN is permanent and can be used immediately for most of your business needs, including:
- Opening a bank account
- Applying for business licenses
- Filing a tax return by mail
Small business taxes and employer requirements can be simple or complex depending on the size and structure of your business. In addition, specific tax liability for each type of business is different.
Self-employed individuals operating sole proprietorships should make quarterly estimated tax payments to the South Carolina Department of Revenue and the federal IRS using vouchers from their CPA. At the end of the year, you’ll report your business income and expenses on Schedule C as part of your annual 1040 Tax Return. For more information, visit South Carolina Department of Revenue.
When you have employees, you are responsible for certain employment taxes and required forms as the employer. Visit the IRS website for detailed information on your federal employment tax obligations.
Find the South Carolina Withholding Tax Information Guide here.
Visit the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (SC DEW) for state unemployment insurance (SUI) information to determine if you need to establish an unemployment tax account.
APPLY FOR A SC SALES & USE TAX ID
Sales tax is imposed on the sale of goods and certain services in South Carolina. The statewide sales and use tax rate is six percent (6%). Charleston County imposes an additional one percent (1%) local sales tax. For more information, or to apply for a South Carolina sales and use tax account, contact the South Carolina Department of Revenue. 803-898-5000 or dor.sc.gov/tax/sales.
Everyone doing business in the Town of Mount Pleasant must also obtain a Town business License before they open. Your license will be based on business activity and your gross receipts. Food and beverage operators will also be responsible for the appropriate licensing and payment of hospitality tax. For more information about Town business licenses, please visit our business license division’s page.
If your commercial space required any type of construction or modification, you will also be required to obtain the appropriate building permits and inspections. For more information on that, please visit our Inspections page.
After obtaining your business license and certificate of occupancy, you’re eligible for a ribbon-cutting event! We’ll provide the ribbon and scissors, and invite the Mayor, Town Council, and local Chambers of Commerce. While we can’t guarantee an elected official will attend, a Town representative will be there for the ceremony. We’ll also help promote your opening with photos and information shared through our media contacts, website, and social media.
To schedule a ribbon cutting, fill out the form found here and we will be in touch!
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICE
843.884.1229
planning@tompsc.com
The Office of Community Planning and Zoning assumes the responsibility of administering and enforcing the Town’s zoning ordinances, land development regulations, and municipal impact fees.
843.884.5184
buildinginspectionsdivision@tompsc.com
The Building Inspection Division reviews construction plans for all residential and commercial development, including additions and renovations. Field inspectors ensure compliance with Town building codes and zoning ordinances throughout the construction process.
The Building Inspection Division has a Floodplain Manager on staff to ensure compliance with the Town’s Flood Damage Prevention regulations and to provide information to residents and businesses about flood zone requirements. Construction permits and certificates of occupancy are issued by this division.
843.849.2786
newlicense@tompsc.com
The Business License Division administers the Business License and Hospitality Tax ordinance.
843.884.0623
Contact: John Poole
The Fire Department completes inspections of all projects in the town, much the same as the building department does, except for that which pertains to fire protection (above ceiling, fire walls, alarm systems, and fire protection systems).
Fire inspections are typically conducted on all commercial businesses twice a year for code compliance, however, you may request a courtesy inspection any time throughout the year. Inspections are also required for mobile food vendors.
HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM
(843) 884-8517
tourism@tompsc.com
The Town of Mount Pleasant develops marketing efforts for local tourism and hospitality organizations through the Experience Mount Pleasant brand. Learn more at the Experience Mount Pleasant website.
ECONOMIC AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Economic Development is responsible for supporting and attracting new businesses to Town. To learn more, please continue exploring the Mount Pleasant Made website. To request a ribbon cutting, fill out the form found on this page.
MOUNT PLEASANT WATERWORKS
Mount Pleasant Waterworks is our water and sewer provider.
For customer info: https://www.mountpleasantwaterworks.com/customers/index.php
(843) 884-9626
Dominion Energy
New Customer Information: https://www.dominionenergy.com/south-carolina/start-stop-service.
For larger users, please reach out to our economic development office to connect with the utility directly.
Berkeley Electric Cooperative
Some residents and businesses may use Berkeley Electric for service. Check their website to find out more: https://berkeleyelectric.zohodesk.com/portal/en/kb/new-service.
South Carolina Business One Stop
South Carolina Business One Stop’s goal is to provide guidance to help you successfully plan, manage, and expand your business. This official state portal enabling businesses to files permits, licenses, registrations, pay taxes, as well as offers training workshops and other resources to help your business.
MOUNT PLEASANT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce (MPCC) is dedicated to bringing together professionals and community leaders to build business and community success East of the Cooper. As MPCC Member, you will be able to expand your network and brand awareness through their monthly programming and support the success of your organization through their member resources.
Located in the heart of Mount Pleasant, the Harbor Entrepreneur Center (HEC) offers shared workspace which aligns with their mission to create collision in the entrepreneur community. HEC also assists entrepreneurs with funding, mentorship, hosting events and much more.
S.C.O.R.E. (SERVICE CORPS OF RETIRED EXECUTIVES)
SCORE Mentors are experienced entrepreneurs & professionals who volunteer their experience & knowledge to help small business professionals start & grow businesses. We offer free, confidential l business advice, low-cost or no-cost business training, and numerous business templates & tools. Provides free business mentors for entrepreneurs, existing and start-up businesses.
Advocate for the benefits of a local-living economy by strengthening community support of our local independent businesses and farmers. They also deliver resources, programming, networking, mentorship and more to local business owners from all sectors and stages.
CHARLESTON METRO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Charleston Chamber of Commerce supports business owners by offering networking opportunities, advocacy, educational programs, marketing and promotion, business
resources, and referrals. These services help connect members, represent their interests, provide valuable skills and insights, and promote their businesses effectively.
CHARLESTON REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT ALLIANCE
CRDA supports businesses and entrepreneurs in locating and expanding within the greater Charleston area, encompassing Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties. Offering confidential and objective assistance, CRDA simplifies the site selection process by
helping with talent acquisition, property and site selection, financing, supply chain connectivity, and workforce training needs.
Trident Technical College is a public community college offering a wide range of programs and degrees designed to meet the educational and workforce needs of the region. With campuses across the region—including in Mount Pleasant—TTC is a valuable resource for your business or personal growth.
Additionally, the college offers continuing education and workforce development programs to support lifelong learning and career advancement.
The College of Charleston is a public liberal arts and sciences university, renowned for its rigorous academics, beautiful campus, and vibrant student life, the college offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. With a strong emphasis on experiential learning, the College of Charleston provides students with numerous opportunities for internships, research, and community engagement.
The Citadel offers a classic military college education for young men and women focused on leadership excellence and academic distinction. There are over 25 graduate degree programs with over 15 concentration options, over 25 graduate certificate programs, and 12 college transfer programs.
As your business grows, keep us updated! There are several ways we can continue supporting you. Check out our “Around the Town Newsletter,” which highlights local events and unique happenings, distributed weekly to area hotels. To be featured, email open4biz@tompsc.com.
We’d also love to feature you on our social media. Check us out on Instagram and LinkedIn!
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