This South Carolina lien deadline calculator is for contractors who work directly for the owner, subcontractors, sub-subcontractors, suppliers and laborers. Enter your role, the type of project and your last day of labor or materials, and it shows each deadline under S.C. Code title 29, chapter 5, with the statute section next to it.
Both South Carolina deadlines run from the same day: 90 days to serve the owner and file your statement of account, and six months to file suit and the notice of pendency. The suit clock doesn't restart when you file, so the calculator counts both from your last day. It also shows the notices that cap your lien amount if you send them late.
It takes about 20 seconds, and it's free. When you're ready to file, LevelSet Collections serves the owner and files your sworn statement of account with your license number on it, in all 46 South Carolina counties. Liens are $199 to $500 all-inclusive.
Public project? You can't lien public property, but you can still get paid. Ask us how. We get contractors, subs and suppliers paid on public work across the country through Freedom of Information Act and state public-records requests for the contract and payment bond, and Miller Act and state Little Miller Act bond claims. Call or text (469) 694-8003.
What sinks South Carolina liens
- Counting the six-month suit deadline from the filing date instead of your last day of work.
- Recording the lien without serving the owner within the 90 days.
- Leaving your contractor license or registration number off the lien.
- Sending the owner notice after they've already paid the general contractor.
- Overstating the amount, which can mean paying the owner's legal fees or a frivolous-lien fine.
Every deadline above comes from S.C. Code title 29, chapter 5. For the full rules, read the South Carolina mechanics lien filing guide →
- South Carolina mechanics lien filing
- Lien deadlines by state
- Mechanics lien filing in all 18 states
- Construction collections if your lien window has closed
Pricing and turnaround
Liens are $199 to $500, and that includes recording fees, notarizing and serving. Pre-lien notices are $100. Notices of intent are $100. Typical turnaround is 2 business days, and there's no minimum claim amount. We file in all 46 South Carolina counties. Collections run on contingency, 10% to 33%, with no charge if we don't collect. Call (469) 694-8003, Monday through Friday, 8am to 7pm.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to file a mechanics lien in South Carolina?
90 days after you last furnished labor or materials. Inside that window you have to both serve the owner (or the person in possession) and file the sworn statement of account with the register of deeds or clerk of court (S.C. Code § 29-5-90).
When do I have to sue on a South Carolina lien?
Suit and the notice of pendency are due within six months after you last furnished labor or materials, not six months after you file (S.C. Code § 29-5-120).
This page is general information, not legal advice. LevelSet Collections is not a law firm; we prepare and file liens and notices as agent for the claimant. Deadlines change and depend on the facts of your job. We'll check your dates against the statute before filing.
Inside your deadline?
Liens $199 to $500, recording, notarizing and serving included. Usually filed in 2 business days. Call (469) 694-8003.
