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Accounting and Bookkeeping Services in Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston small business owners trust 1-800Accountant's experienced CPAs to handle their bookkeeping and tax needs, giving them more time to focus on what matters most—growing their business.
Our Accounting Services for Charleston Small Businesses
Business Tax Preparation: Have your taxes prepared and filed by a CPA with expertise in your industry so you're always confident in your business tax situation. Our CPAs, with more than 17 years of experience on average, can save you thousands annually when you delegate complex Charleston tax preparation to them!
Bookkeeping: Solidify your financial base and manage cash flow with precise, error-free bookkeeping done for you that saves time and provides crucial insights that empower you to make important data-backed business decisions. This meticulous process delivers essential tools for interpreting data with easy-to-understand reporting, enabling your accountant to develop vital financial modeling.
Tax Advisory: Business tax considerations don't end in April. Through our affordable tax advisory service, you can receive the guidance you need when you need it year-round from a dedicated small business tax advisor. Strategic planning helps minimize your business tax liability in South Carolina throughout the year while ensuring compliance.
Payroll: Save hours each pay period with comprehensive payroll services handled for you, with regular tax submissions to the city of Charleston, ensuring accuracy and freeing you to focus on other vital aspects of your business.
Business Formation: Enjoy the advantages of officially establishing your business in South Carolina with our complimentary incorporation services. Simply cover any Charleston fees, and we will manage the rest. This puts you on a path to hiring employees and creating a business bank account as you experience the benefits of an optimized business structure and maximum tax savings.
| Level | Rate |
|---|---|
| State Tax Rate | 6% |
| County Tax Rate | 2% |
| Municipal Tax Rate | 1% |
| Combined Sales Tax Rate | 9% |
| City-Specific Taxes |
|---|
| Every business operating or generating income in the city must pay an annual Business License Fee. The minimum fee is $50 per year. |
| Licenses and Permits |
|---|
| All businesses operating within Charleston must obtain a Business License, even if your company is based outside city limits but conducts business in Charleston. |
| If your business has a physical commercial location in Charleston, you'll need both a Business License and a Certificate of Occupancy to verify your space meets building codes. |
| Home-based businesses in Charleston require a Business License plus a Home Occupation Application to ensure compliance with zoning regulations. |
| Contractors performing work within Charleston city limits must obtain a Business License regardless of where their company is headquartered. |
| Special event vendors participating in Charleston events must secure a Business License, no matter how brief their participation. |
| Grants and Funding in Charleston | Grants and Funding Information |
|---|---|
| SC250 Grant Programs | The SC250 initiative commemorates South Carolina's 250th anniversary by offering monthly grants of up to $15,000 to Charleston-based businesses and organizations. Particularly suitable for businesses proposing community engagement or heritage projects. Applications are accepted on the first business day of each month throughout FY25 (July 2024–June 2025). |
| South Carolina Department of Commerce Business Grants | The SC Department of Commerce maintains a comprehensive resource hub for capital, funding, and grants available to businesses statewide, including Charleston. This centralized portal is regularly updated with competitive grants and technical assistance programs for both new and existing businesses across various sectors. |
| South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA) Innovation Funding | SCRA supports innovation-focused Charleston businesses through funding for research, commercialization, and industry partnerships. Grants are available for startups and technology companies working in sectors such as life sciences, IT, and advanced manufacturing, connecting local businesses to both financial resources and research development opportunities. |
| Lowcountry Local First: Marketing Momentum Small Business Grants | This annual program typically opens each January and supports new or early-stage locally owned businesses in the Charleston region. While the 2025 cycle has closed, businesses should monitor for 2026 announcements. Grants provide support for marketing, business development, and initiatives that strengthen local economic impact. |
What to Look for in Charleston, South Carolina Accounting and Bookkeeping Services
When choosing an accountant or bookkeeper for your Charleston small business, you should consider the following factors:
Certifications and South Carolina Compliance: Verify your financial professional holds appropriate credentials such as CPA licensure or bookkeeping certifications. Look for someone well-versed in South Carolina's tax regulations, including the state's specific filing requirements and recent legislative changes that affect Charleston businesses.
Industry-Specific Experience: Seek professionals with proven experience in Charleston's growing sectors. An accountant familiar with the unique financial challenges of technology startups in the "Silicon Harbor" will offer different insights than one specializing in historic preservation businesses or hospitality ventures. This specialized knowledge proves invaluable for both day-to-day operations and strategic planning.
Understanding of Local Economic Dynamics: Choose a financial partner who understands Charleston's distinctive economic landscape. The ideal professional will recognize how Boeing's aerospace operations, the expanding tech corridor, and the tourism industry create unique tax planning opportunities for local businesses. This contextual knowledge helps position your business advantageously within Charleston's evolving market.
Knowledge of Regional Tax Incentives: South Carolina offers numerous tax advantages, including specific incentives for tech companies, manufacturing operations, and historic property rehabilitation. A Charleston-savvy accountant can help you navigate local enterprise zones, port volume tax credits, and the angel investor credit program – opportunities many businesses overlook without proper guidance.
Talk to a business tax expert today for all your tax needs in Charleston.
Additional South Carolina Accounting Resources:
South Carolina Small Business Tax Guide: Reduce Your Burden
Virtual Bookkeeping: How To Find the Best Online Bookkeeper
10 Common Small Business Tax Questions Owners Are Asking
*Based on a $12.2k average 2022 tax refund per client, which is 4x the cost of a full-service package. Source: first-party data.
*Includes average business tax preparation, form completion and submission, record keeping, and other misc admin time. Source.
*Historical first-party data.