Landscaping Business Permit Requirements in Charleston, SC

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. South Carolina Department of Revenue — Retail License

   Every person who engages in business in South Carolina as a retailer must obtain a Retail License from the SC Department of Revenue before making any retail sales subject to sales and use tax, including internet sales and infrequent sales. A separate licence is required for each retail outlet. The licence does not have to be renewed while the same taxpayer keeps operating at the same location, but a new application is required after a change of ownership or after 24 months with no sales.

   Official government source

   $50 per location, non-refundable, and it is a one-time fee rather than an annual charge (S.C. Code Section 12-36-510(A)(1)). The statewide sales and use tax rate is 6%; SCDOR states counties may impose an additional 1% local sales tax where voters approve it, and the applicable local rates are published in forms ST-500 and ST-575.·Not published by SCDOR. Applying through MyDORWAY is the fastest route — confirm current issuance time when you apply.

   $50 per location, non-refundable, and it is a one-time fee rather than an annual charge (S.C. Code Section 12-36-510(A)(1)). The statewide sales and use tax rate is 6%; SCDOR states counties may impose an additional 1% local sales tax where voters approve it, and the applicable local rates are published in forms ST-500 and ST-575.

   Not published by SCDOR. Applying through MyDORWAY is the fastest route — confirm current issuance time when you apply.

2. South Carolina Commercial Pesticide Applicator License

   If you apply restricted-use pesticides, or apply any pesticide in Categories 3, 5, 6, 7a, 7b or 8 to another person's property as part of your job or for compensation, you are a Commercial Applicator and must be licensed by the SC Department of Pesticide Regulation, which is administered by Clemson University — not by the SC Department of Agriculture. You must pass the Core exam plus each category exam and file an Evidence of Financial Responsibility form completed by your insurer.

   Official government source

   $50 new commercial pesticide license fee, plus any charge the exam program sets for the Core and category exams.·Not published. After you pass the exams, DPR mails or emails the licensing forms; the license is issued after those forms, the financial responsibility evidence, and the $50 fee are returned.

   $50 new commercial pesticide license fee, plus any charge the exam program sets for the Core and category exams.

   Not published. After you pass the exams, DPR mails or emails the licensing forms; the license is issued after those forms, the financial responsibility evidence, and the $50 fee are returned.

1. City of Charleston Revenue Collections Division — Business License

   Charleston requires an annual Business License for any business operating or generating income within city limits. It is issued by the Revenue Collections Division, must be renewed annually, and must be displayed at your place of business. Annual fees are based on the business's gross income and the rate class assigned to its NAICS code.

   Official government source

   Based on gross income and the NAICS rate class, per the SC Business License Tax Standardization Act (SC Code 6-1-400 et seq.) — no flat fee; use the city's business license calculator·Licenses expire April 30 annually; the city publishes no standard processing time (fire inspection scheduling alone can take up to 3 business days)

   Based on gross income and the NAICS rate class, per the SC Business License Tax Standardization Act (SC Code 6-1-400 et seq.) — no flat fee; use the city's business license calculator

   Licenses expire April 30 annually; the city publishes no standard processing time (fire inspection scheduling alone can take up to 3 business days)

2. City of Charleston Business License (landscaping)

   Landscaping contractors working in Charleston need the city's general Business License from the Revenue Collections Division. No separate City of Charleston or Charleston County 'landscaping contractor registration' could be found on an official source — the city's licensing pages list the general Business License plus trade licences that come from the state. Irrigation and pesticide application work carry their own South Carolina state licences.

   Official government source

   Set by the city's Business License Ordinance: the annual fee is calculated from the business's gross income (projected gross for a new business) and the NAICS-based rate class, so there is no flat amount. Licenses expire April 30 each year.·Apply through the Permit Center's Customer Self Service portal; the city's stated goal is to respond to a new application within 2 business days, with a 10-business-day review turnaround.

   Set by the city's Business License Ordinance: the annual fee is calculated from the business's gross income (projected gross for a new business) and the NAICS-based rate class, so there is no flat amount. Licenses expire April 30 each year.

   Apply through the Permit Center's Customer Self Service portal; the city's stated goal is to respond to a new application within 2 business days, with a 10-business-day review turnaround.

Official Sources

• City of Charleston Revenue Collections Division
• South Carolina Department of Revenue — Retail License

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