For many years, the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce has been talking to the state legislature about implementing a business licensing law that would make it easier for businesses to manage and renew their licenses. That law, Act 176 was passed in 2020 and begins to take effect this year. 

Specifically, all business license renewals across the state - no matter the town, municipality or county - are due by April 30. In addition, businesses have the opportunity to renew all of their business licenses online through the Local Business License Renewal Center. Please note: some small municipalities will not be online for renewals in 2022 but will be brought online in the coming year. 

Other portions of the bill include: 

• A standardized rate classification system (not rate amount) based on the business' NAICS code
• A standardized form; some municipalities may choose to have their own application; however, they are required by the law to accept the standard form
• Authorization for the municipality to access tax returns to verify the gross income amount (taxpayers may show where portions of their gross should be exempted)

The Municipal Association of South Carolina has created the Business License Handbook. This document is very helpful in explaining the municipalities' and the business owners' requirements under this new act.

Because of this change and some confusion around it, the Kershaw County Chamber recently partnered with the Town of Bethune and hosted the "2022 Business Licensing Process" program to help local businesses understand the changes and its impact on them. The program was recorded and can be watched HERE. 

Finally, we have updated our website to include information and links to business licensing resources for start-up and current businesses. See the "Business Licensing in Kershaw County" section on this page.

We hope you find this helpful and don't forget to get your paperwork and payment in by April 30.