S.C. Code Ann. § 12-21-2734 — Annual licenses required; expiration; prorating fee; liability for penalties

(A) Every person subject to payment of tax under this article, in advance on or before the first day of June every two years or before doing an act taxable under this article, shall apply for and obtain from the department a license for the privilege of engaging in the business and shall pay the tax levied for it. All licenses expire May thirty-first the second year of which the license is valid following the date of issue.
(B) As an alternative to the license required in subsection (A), a person may be granted a nonrefundable license beginning April first and to expire September thirtieth, following the date of issue, which may not be prorated. The fee for this six-month license is one-fourth the biennial license fee.
(C) As an alternative to the license required in subsection (A) or (B), a person may be granted a nonrefundable license beginning March first and to expire October thirtieth, following the date of issue, which may not be prorated. The fee for this eight-month license is one-third the biennial license fee.
(D) If a license required in subsection (A) is purchased after June thirtieth, the license fee must be prorated on a twenty-four month basis with each month representing one twenty-fourth of the license fee imposed under Section 12-21-2720(A). Failure to obtain or renew a license as required by this article makes the person liable for the penalties imposed in this article.