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What Is the Statute of Limitations for Breach Of A Written Contract in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for breach of a written contract is generally 3 years under S.C. Code § 15-3-530(1).

3 YEARS
Written Contract · South Carolina
✓ Verified Checked Sep 2026

Breach of a written contract Deadlines in South Carolina

How long do you have to file a breach of a written contract claim in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for breach of a written contract is generally 3 years under S.C. Code § 15-3-530(1).

When does the clock start for breach of a written contract in South Carolina?

Three years from breach — short by national standards.

Can the South Carolina deadline for breach of a written contract be extended?

Sealed instruments and certain other agreements run twenty years under § 15-3-520. Sale-of-goods claims run six years under S.C. Code § 36-2-725, which is double the general contract period here.

Is the deadline different if the claim is against the government in South Carolina?

Often, yes. Verified claim within 1 year; suit within 2 years under S.C. Code §§ 15-78-80, 15-78-110. Under the South Carolina Tort Claims Act, a claimant who files a verified claim within one year gets two years from the date of loss to bring suit; a claimant who does not file a verified claim gets only two years, and the Act's own limitations provision in §…

How does South Carolina compare to other states for breach of a written contract?

South Carolina's 3 years is among the shortest in the country. Across the 49 jurisdictions with a verified figure, the deadline for breach of a written contract ranges from 3 years to 10 years, and 6 years is the most common. Compare all states →

What Does Written Contract Cover?

Situations that typically fall under the breach of a written contract deadline in South Carolina:

01 Breach of a signed business agreement
02 Non-payment under a service contract
03 Broken lease or purchase agreements
04 Failure to deliver goods as contracted
05 Breach of a settlement agreement
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Other Filing Deadlines in South Carolina

Statutes of limitations have exceptions, and courts apply them to specific facts. This page states the general rule. A licensed South Carolina attorney can tell you the deadline that applies to your situation.
See every filing deadline in South Carolina, or compare breach of a written contract across all states.
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