South Carolina Promissory Note




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A South Carolina Promissory Note can be thought of as a souped-up IOU. It's like a friendly pact between two parties, where one takes a loan from the other and vows to repay. It captures all the important stuff, such as the payback timeline and any interest tacked on.

What is the Usury Rate for South Carolina?

Think of a usury rate as the highest legal interest tag you can slap onto a loan. If a lender tries to reach above this rate, that's what we call "usury," and it's a big no-no legally. These rates tend to zigzag across various states, so it's key to know the rules in your neck of the woods. By getting friendly with the usury rate, you're making sure you're borrowing smart and sidestepping any risky scenarios. So, if you're mulling over pulling in a loan for your venture, this is certainly a handy figure to jot down in your financial notebook.


For South Carolina, unsupervised lenders may not charge a rate above 12%. No lender may charge a rate above 18%. (S.C. Code Ann. § 37-3-201)

 

What's included in a South Carolina Promissory Note?

Here are some key components that are typically included in a South Carolina Promissory Note:

  1. Amount and Terms of the Loan
  2. Closing and Delivery
  3. Representations, Warranties the Company
     
    1. Organization, Good Standing and Qualification
    2. Corporate Power
    3. Authorization
    4. Compliance with Laws
    5. Use of Proceeds

1. Amount and Terms of the Loan

"The Loan" maps out the exact cash amount you're handing over to the business. This bit is crucial because it guarantees a clear understanding and safety for everyone involved. To seal the deal on this stipulation, just ink in the blank spot with the loan figure. Also, give a nod to "Exhibit A"—that's the promissory note, serving as the penned commitment and proof of the loan.

In a nutshell—this pivotal passage underlines the funds you're pledging, laying a solid base for your promissory note accord.

The Loan.  Subject to the terms of this Agreement, Purchaser agrees to lend to the Company at the Closing $_________ (“Loan Amount”) against the issuance and delivery by the Company of a promissory note for such amount, attached as EXHIBIT A (“Note”). 

2. Closing and Delivery

The CLOSING AND DELIVERY section outlines the concluding steps of your promissory note pact. In the Closing part, you'll detail when the deal wraps up. This date can be a joint decision, not necessarily the contract formation's timestamp.

Delivery maps out the handover dance: the borrower shifts the loan sum to the company and, in exchange, the company hands them the finalized promissory note, chronicling the borrower's repayment duty. This give-and-take ensures a clear view and steadfast dedication from everyone involved.

CLOSING AND DELIVERY


Closing.  The closing of the sale and purchase of the Notes (the “Closing”) will be held on the Effective Date, or at such other time as the Company and Purchasers may mutually agree (such date is referred to as the “Closing Date”).

 

Delivery.  At the Closing (i) Purchaser will deliver to the Company a check or wire transfer funds in the amount of the Loan Amount; and (ii) the Company will issue and deliver to Purchaser a Note in favor of Purchaser payable in the principal amount of Purchaser’s Loan Amount.

3. Representation, Warranties The Company

This chunk covers the company's affirmations about being on-the-level with vital info. They're legally tied to keeping things straight here, dodging any legal snags. Toss in key facts about the company's money matters, day-to-day tasks, or legal concerns. It's super important for building trust and keeping everything crystal clear in your arrangement.

a. Organization, Good Standing and Qualification

The Organization, Good Standing, and Qualification portion seals the deal on the company's legal standing. Slip in the state where the business is set up, making sure it runs like a well-oiled machine and fosters confidence among all involved.

Organization, Good Standing and Qualification.  The Company is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of [State].  The Company has the requisite corporate power to own and operate its properties and assets and to carry on its business as now conducted and as proposed to be conducted.  The Company is duly qualified and is authorized to do business and is in good standing as a foreign corporation in all jurisdictions in which the nature of its activities and of its properties (both owned and leased) makes such qualification necessary, except for those jurisdictions in which failure to do so would not have a material adverse effect on the Company or its business.

b. Corporate Power

The Corporate Power segment confirms the company's legal chops to pull off this deal and meet their duties. In a nutshell, it says: "Yep, our business has the green light for this agreement." It's key for building trust and keeping things legit. So, do make sure that this tidbit is in there and clear as day.

Corporate Power.  The Company has all requisite corporate power to execute and deliver this Agreement, to issue the Note and to carry out and perform its obligations under the terms of the Note.  

c. Authorization

The Authorization chunk validates the thumbs-up from the company's stakeholders and the note's lawfulness. It's an essential slice of your legal cake that double-checks every required company move is made. This clause safeguards all involved members and cements a firm base for your pact.

Authorization.  All corporate action has been taken on the part of the Company, its directors and its stockholders necessary for the authorization of the Note and the execution, delivery and performance of all obligations of the Company under the Note.  The Note, when executed and delivered by the Company, will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to laws of general application relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, the relief of debtors.

d. Compliance with Laws

The Compliance with Laws bit states that your venture isn't intentionally stepping over any legal lines that could ding its operations. Adding this clause starts a wave of reassurance for everyone involved, waving the flag of your company's pledge to stay on the straight and narrow, law-wise.

Compliance with Laws.  To its knowledge, the Company is not in violation of any applicable statute, rule, regulation, order or restriction of any domestic or foreign government or any instrumentality or agency in respect of the conduct of its business or the ownership of its properties, which violation would materially and adversely affect the business, assets, liabilities, financial condition or operations of the Company.

e. Use of Proceeds

The Use of Proceeds part hammers home the point that the borrowed funds are purely for the business lane, not the personal one. It's vital for keeping the curtain up on transparency and holding the trust thread tight with the money lenders.

Use of Proceeds.  The Company will use the proceeds of the Note for the operations of its business, and not for any personal, family or household purpose.

Can a promissory note be used without a mortgage?

Absolutely, a promissory note can stand alone without a mortgage. A promissory note is a legal paper that spells out the loan's nitty-gritty, while a mortgage anchors the loan to a solid asset, like a property. Promissory notes cater to both secured and unsecured loans, so you can have a promissory note sans mortgage, known as an unsecured loan. But here's the catch: a mortgage usually can't breathe without a promissory note, as the note breaks down the payback game plan and highlights the borrower's vow to cough up the owed cash.

How do you collect from a promissory note?

To retrieve funds from a promissory note, tally up the total due, comprising interest and additional charges. Reach out to the indebted party via written correspondence. If payment isn't forthcoming, mull over taking it to the courts. Make certain you've got all paperwork in a row and head for a legal expert's advice, remembering each locality has its own playbook. Steer clear from pestering the debtor as that could tread into unlawful territory. Always have a chat with a legal professional to dodge slip-ups.