South Carolina New Hire Requirements
Hiring a new employee in South Carolina involves more than extending a job offer. Employers must comply with federal and state employment laws covering hiring practices, payroll, employee classification, employment eligibility verification, new hire reporting, workers' compensation, and recordkeeping. Establishing a standardized onboarding process helps employers remain compliant while providing new employees with a successful start.
This guide outlines many of the common requirements South Carolina employers should complete when bringing a new employee onto their team.
Verify Employment Eligibility
Every employer must verify that newly hired employees are authorized to work in the United States.
Employers should:
- Complete Form I-9.
- Examine acceptable identity and work authorization documents.
- Complete the form within the required federal deadlines.
- Retain completed I-9 forms according to federal recordkeeping requirements.
South Carolina law also requires private employers to verify the employment eligibility of new hires through the federal E-Verify system.
Federal and State Tax Forms
Before processing payroll, employers should collect:
- Federal Form W-4.
- South Carolina withholding information as required.
- Direct deposit authorization, if offered.
- Emergency contact information.
- Any company-specific employment forms.
Accurate payroll documentation helps employers comply with tax reporting requirements.
Register as an Employer
Before hiring employees, businesses generally should:
- Obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN).
- Register for South Carolina withholding tax.
- Register for unemployment insurance.
- Obtain workers' compensation insurance when required.
- Establish payroll reporting procedures.
South Carolina Business One Stop provides guidance for businesses hiring employees for the first time.
Report New Hires
South Carolina employers are generally required to report all newly hired and rehired employees to the South Carolina New Hire Reporting Program.
Reports generally include:
- Employee name.
- Address.
- Social Security number.
- Date of birth.
- First day of work.
- Employer name.
- Employer address.
- Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN).
Employers generally must report new hires within 20 days after the employee's first day of work.
Employee Classification
Before employment begins, employers should properly classify workers as:
- Employees or independent contractors.
- Exempt or non-exempt employees.
- Full-time or part-time employees.
Improper classification may result in wage claims, tax issues, unemployment disputes, workers' compensation liability, and other legal consequences.
Workers' Compensation Insurance
Most South Carolina employers that regularly employ four or more workers are generally required to maintain workers' compensation insurance, although certain exceptions apply.
Employers should:
- Obtain required coverage.
- Report workplace injuries promptly.
- Maintain required records.
- Display required workers' compensation notices.
Workers' compensation coverage helps protect both employers and employees following workplace injuries.
Workplace Policies
New employees should receive important workplace information during orientation, including:
- Employee handbook.
- Attendance policies.
- Workplace conduct expectations.
- Anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies.
- Safety procedures.
- Emergency procedures.
- Technology and internet use policies.
- Complaint reporting procedures.
Providing written policies helps establish clear expectations from the employee's first day.
Required Workplace Posters
Most South Carolina employers are required to display applicable South Carolina and federal labor law posters where employees can easily read them.
New employees should know where workplace posters are located because they explain important employee rights involving wages, workplace safety, unemployment insurance, workers' compensation, and other employment protections.
Employers should periodically review posting requirements and replace outdated notices when updated versions become available.
Employer Best Practices
South Carolina employers should:
- Use a standardized onboarding checklist.
- Complete Form I-9 promptly.
- Verify employment eligibility through E-Verify.
- Collect required payroll forms.
- Register with all required state agencies.
- Report new hires within the required timeframe.
- Maintain workers' compensation coverage when required.
- Provide written workplace policies.
- Display current labor law posters.
- Maintain organized personnel records.
Consistent onboarding procedures help employers remain compliant while creating a successful start for every employee.
Labor Law Poster Compliance
Most South Carolina employers are required to display current federal and South Carolina labor law posters where employees can easily read them.
View our professionally updated South Carolina State & Federal Labor Law Poster here:
https://www.laborlawhrsigns.com/south-carolina-state-and-federal-labor-law-poster-sc
Official Government Resources
South Carolina Business One Stop – Hiring Employees
https://scbos.sc.gov/hiring-employees
South Carolina New Hire Reporting Program
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services – Form I-9
E-Verify
Frequently Asked Questions
Does South Carolina require employers to report new hires?
Yes. Employers generally must report all newly hired and rehired employees to the South Carolina New Hire Reporting Program within 20 days after the employee's first day of work.
Is E-Verify required in South Carolina?
Yes. South Carolina law generally requires private employers to verify the employment eligibility of newly hired employees through the federal E-Verify system.
What forms are required for a new employee?
Most employers should complete Form I-9, collect Form W-4, complete South Carolina payroll documentation, and obtain any company-specific employment forms before processing payroll.
Do South Carolina employers need workers' compensation insurance?
Most employers that regularly employ four or more workers are generally required to maintain workers' compensation insurance, although exceptions may apply.
Are labor law posters required?
Yes. Most South Carolina employers must display applicable South Carolina and federal labor law posters where employees can easily read them.
Where can I obtain an updated South Carolina Labor Law Poster?
You can purchase a professionally updated South Carolina State & Federal Labor Law Poster here:
https://www.laborlawhrsigns.com/south-carolina-state-and-federal-labor-law-poster-sc
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