Register the name of your prospective business
Call the Secretary of State’s office at 803-734-2158 to see if your choice of name is available. Then register the name of your business with the county Clerk of Court at 864-638-4280.
Get a Federal ID number
This can be done by completing a SS-4 form (go to www.irs.gov). Then, fax this form to the IRS at 631-447-8960 or telephone the IRS toll-free at 1-866-816-2065 for more information.
Obtain a business license
Although Oconee County does not require a business license. However, the towns/cities in Oconee County may, you will need to contact the offices of the town/city your business will be located in to determine if and what necessary license are required:
Salem
Town of Salem
5-A Park Avenue
Salem SC 29676
864-944-2819
Seneca
Seneca City Hall
221 East North 1st St
Seneca SC 29679
864-885-2700
chall@seneca.sc.us
www.seneca.sc.us
Walhalla
City of Walhalla
PO Box 1099
Walhalla SC 29691
864-638-4343
walhallacoc@bellsouth.net
www.walhallasc.com
Westminster
City of Westminster
PO Box 399
Westminster SC 29693
864-647-3202
wcoc@nuvox.net
www.westminstersc.com
NOTE: Depending on what type of business you open. You may be required to obtain a business license in more than one town/city.
Register your business with the SC Dept. of Revenue
Use form SCTC-111 (can be found at www.sctax.org). The form may also be used to obtain an employer withholding number and a retail license. A retail license is $50 and is valid as long as your business remains at the address it is registered under.
Contact Health Dept.
Contact the Oconee County Health Dept. @ 864-638-4170 to see what if any requirements there might be concerning you prospective business.
Permits
Permits or License Needed:
City of Walhalla: (864) 638-4343
- Municipal Registration from Oconee County for new construction
- Building Permit from City of Walhalla
- Business License from City of Walhalla
- Sewer/Water Approval from City of Walhalla or Sewer Commission
City of Seneca: (864) 885-2737
- Municipal Registration from Oconee County for new construction
- Building Permit from City of Seneca
- Business License from City of Seneca
- Sewer/Water Approval from City of Seneca or Sewer Commission
City of Westminster: (864) 647-3202
- Business License from City of Westminster approved for specific job
- Building Permit from Oconee County
- Sewer/Water Approval from City of Westminster or Sewer Commission
Outside Municipalities (Walhalla, Westminster, Seneca, Salem, West Union, Fair Play, Townville)
-
Building Permit from Oconee County
- Sewer Approval from Sewer Commission or Septic Approval from DHEC.
- No Business License Required from Oconee County
Other Specialized Permits
You may need to file applications with the SC Dept of Revenue (www.sctax.org/Publications/startbusns.htm) if you require any of the following:
- Alcoholic beverage license
- Bingo license
- Tobacco manufacturer’s license
- Coin operated device license
- Gasoline dealer license
- Soft drink license
- Admissions tax license
Call the Forms Office of the Dept of Revenue at 803-898-5599 for more information