Chiropractic Permits & Licenses in Columbia, SC

Applies to employers with one or more employees working at least 20 weeks per year. New employer tax rate is 2.7% on first $8,000 in wages per employee. File Form UI-100 quarterly.

Required for all LLCs. Annual report required separately (see below).

Applies to all LLCs formed in SC.

Prerequisites: Graduation from CCE-accredited chiropractic college, pass NBCE Parts I-IV exams, 1 year clinical residency or equivalent, jurisprudence exam. Business must be owned/operated by licensed chiropractor(s).

Required for each physical location. Must be applied for by licensed chiropractor; inspections required. Effective per regulations updated 2023.

Expires after 5 years unless renewed. Not required if using exact LLC name.

Includes withholding account if employees; sales tax permit if applicable (chiropractic services generally exempt).

Primarily local but state collects portion via DOR. Most SC counties require.

Chiropractic services are generally not subject to sales tax in South Carolina. However, sale of items such as orthotics, braces, supplements, or other tangible personal property may be taxable. Registration required only if selling taxable items.

By default, LLCs are pass-through entities. However, if the LLC files federal Form 8832 to elect corporate taxation, it must file SC Form 114 for corporate income tax. All corporations with income in SC must file Form 114 annually.

Required for all employers paying wages to employees in South Carolina. Employers must register and file Form WH-150 quarterly (Form WH-30 annually).

Chiropractic LLCs are typically pass-through entities (disregarded entity if single-member, partnership if multi-member) unless they elect corporate taxation. Owners report income on Form 1040 Schedule C and pay self-employment tax via Schedule SE. Estimated quarterly taxes (Form 1040-ES) required if tax liability exceeds $1,000 annually.

While chiropractic offices are low-risk, OSHA requires employers to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards. Specific requirements include maintaining injury logs (Form 300) if over 10 employees, providing bloodborne pathogens training (if handling needles or drawing blood), and ensuring emergency egress. Most small chiropractic offices with fewer than 10 employees are exempt from routine inspections but must still comply.

All public accommodations, including chiropractic offices, must be accessible to individuals with disabilities. This includes physical access (ramps, door widths, restrooms), communication access (auxiliary aids), and website accessibility if offering online scheduling or information. The ADA applies regardless of number of employees or business size.

All LLCs and corporations registered in South Carolina must file an annual report and pay franchise tax by April 15. For LLCs, the tax is based on capital employed in the state. Most small chiropractic LLCs pay $135 minimum. See SC Code § 12-20-2010.

Many South Carolina municipalities require a local business license or privilege tax. Examples include Greenville (https://www.greenvillesc.gov/190/Business-License), Charleston (https://charleston-sc.gov/departments/business-license-tax). Chiropractors must check with their local government. State law authorizes local privilege taxes under SC Code § 12-37-310.

All chiropractors must hold an active license issued by the SC Board of Chiropractic. Renewal requires 30 hours of approved continuing education. Practice is limited to spinal manipulation and related procedures; cannot prescribe medication or perform surgery.

Every SC county requires a business license for operations within their jurisdiction. Exact requirements/costs found on individual county websites (e.g., Greenville: https://www.greenvillecounty.org/businesslicense; Charleston: https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/building-inspection-services/business-licensing/index.php). Chiropractic offices must comply with local zoning first.

All SC municipalities require business licenses. Chiropractic practices must apply post-zoning approval. Search "[city name] SC business license" for official .gov site.

Most chiropractic practices do not generate significant hazardous waste. However, if using sharps (e.g., acupuncture needles), they must comply with OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard and EPA regulations for medical waste disposal. No federal RCRA permit required for small quantity generators (<100 kg/month), but proper labeling, storage, and disposal via licensed hauler are mandatory.

Chiropractic businesses must ensure all advertising (websites, brochures, social media) is truthful, not misleading, and substantiated. Claims about treatment efficacy must be supported by competent scientific evidence. FTC enforces against deceptive claims (e.g., “cure for back pain” without evidence). Applies to all businesses, but particularly scrutinized in health services.

All employers must complete Form I-9 to verify identity and work authorization for every employee. E-Verify is not federally required unless in a participating state or federal contractor. South Carolina does not mandate E-Verify for private employers.

FLSA requires payment of federal minimum wage ($7.25/hour) and overtime (1.5x regular rate for hours over 40/week) to non-exempt employees. Most chiropractic assistants and administrative staff are non-exempt. Chiropractors (as licensed professionals) may be exempt from overtime under FLSA Section 13(a)(1).

FMLA requires eligible employers to provide up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for qualifying medical and family reasons. Most small chiropractic practices do not meet the 50-employee threshold. However, South Carolina state law does not impose a similar mandate, so federal threshold is key.

There is no federal license required to practice chiropractic medicine. Licensure is granted by the South Carolina Board of Chiropractic Examiners. Federal agencies such as FDA or DEA do not regulate chiropractic scope of practice unless the provider uses restricted substances or devices (e.g., X-ray machines, controlled substances — which chiropractors typically do not).

All LLCs in South Carolina must file an annual report by April 1 each year. As of 2023, there is no fee for filing. The report updates ownership and contact information. Failure to file may lead to administrative dissolution.

Chiropractic offices classified as professional medical offices; must be in commercial/professional zoning districts (e.g., no residential unless home occupation permit obtained). Verify via local zoning map/ordinance.

Limited client visits, no signage/employees typically allowed for home-based chiropractic. Restrictions vary (e.g., Charleston Code Sec. 54-405).

Required for chiropractic office fit-outs (e.g., exam rooms, x-ray areas). Plans must meet accessibility/egress codes.

Size, lighting, placement restricted by local sign ordinance (e.g., max 32 sq ft for professional offices in many areas).

Ensures fire alarms, extinguishers, exits compliant for assembly/medical use group.

Many cities (e.g., Columbia, Charleston) require permit to reduce false alarms.

DHEC reviews construction plans for chiropractic offices with x-ray (radiation safety) or therapy equipment. Local environmental health offices enforce.

Mandatory for all employers with four or more employees in South Carolina (S.C. Code § 42-1-460). Sole proprietors and partners are not counted as employees. Coverage must be obtained from a licensed insurer or approved self-insurance program.

Not statutorily required by South Carolina law for chiropractors, but strongly recommended. Often required by landlords, landlords' insurance, or third-party payers. Covers slip-and-fall and other premises liabilities.

S.C. Regulation 44-0705(D) requires all licensed chiropractors to maintain professional liability insurance with minimum coverage of $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 annual aggregate. Applies to individuals and entities providing chiropractic services, including LLCs.

S.C. Regulation 44-0705(A) requires a $10,000 surety bond to be filed with the Board as a condition of licensure. The bond protects the public against financial harm due to unprofessional conduct. Bond must be issued by a surety company authorized in South Carolina.

South Carolina law (S.C. Code § 56-9-910) requires all motor vehicles registered in the state to carry liability insurance with minimum limits of $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. Applies if the LLC owns or operates any vehicle under its name.

Not specifically mandated by South Carolina law, but highly recommended if the chiropractic LLC sells health-related products. May be required by suppliers or distributors. Not a standalone legal requirement, but a component of risk management.

Not required unless the business serves or sells alcohol. Chiropractic clinics in South Carolina do not typically serve alcohol, so this is not applicable. If alcohol is served at events, additional permits and insurance may be required.

Covers damage to office, equipment, and inventory from fire, theft, or natural disasters. Often required by landlords and insurers.

Single-member LLCs with no employees may use the owner’s Social Security Number (SSN) for federal tax purposes but are still encouraged to obtain an EIN for banking and liability protection. However, IRS requires EIN for any LLC that elects corporate taxation or has employees.

Chiropractors must complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years, including 2 hours in ethics/jurisprudence and 2 hours in infection control. CE must be from approved providers. Documentation must be retained for 4 years.

If the chiropractic LLC has employees, it must file Form 941 quarterly (due April 30, July 31, October 31, January 31) and Form 940 annually (due January 31) for federal unemployment tax. EIN itself does not expire but tax filings are ongoing.

Employers must file Form UI-3/40 quarterly. New employers pay a standard rate; rates may change annually. Employers must register with DEW upon hiring first employee.

Sales tax license does not expire but requires regular filing. Chiropractors selling tangible goods must collect and remit sales tax. Filing frequency is determined by DOR based on volume. No renewal fee, but returns must be filed on time.

Chiropractic practices are generally considered low-risk and may be partially exempt from routine recordkeeping unless specifically notified by OSHA. However, all employers must report fatalities or hospitalizations.

Employers must display federal posters (e.g., Minimum Wage, EEO, OSHA) and state-specific notices (e.g., SC Workers’ Compensation) in a conspicuous location. Posters must be updated when laws change. Available at dol.gov and dew.sc.gov.

The chiropractor’s current license must be displayed in the office. The LLC’s Certificate of Organization or registration may also be required to be available upon request. Required under SC Code of Laws § 40-35-10.

Chiropractors using diagnostic X-ray equipment must register with DHEC’s Bureau of Radiation Control. Annual registration fee is $100 per machine. Facilities must comply with radiation safety standards and may be subject to inspection.

All commercial occupancies, including chiropractic offices, are subject to periodic fire inspections. The State Fire Marshal oversees local enforcement. Inspection frequency varies by municipality but is typically annual. Must comply with NFPA and state fire codes.

Many South Carolina counties and cities require an annual business license or occupational tax receipt. Fees are often based on gross receipts. Examples: Greenville County ($15 base + tiered fee), Charleston ($50–$500). Check with local clerk of court or finance office.

All chiropractic practices handling PHI must comply with HIPAA Privacy, Security, and Breach Notification Rules. Retain HIPAA policies, training records, and business associate agreements for 6 years. Conduct annual risk assessments.

Employers with 4 or more employees must carry workers’ compensation insurance. Coverage must be continuous. Employers must display a notice of compliance (Form WC-10) in the workplace.