SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies Policies

Accounting Estimates and Assumptions

Accounting Estimates and Assumptions:

The preparation of the financial statements are in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP), which require management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported periods. Actual results could differ significantly from these estimates and assumptions. Material estimates generally susceptible to significant change are related to the determination of the allowance for loan losses, impaired loans, other real estate owned, asset prepayment rates and other-than-temporary impairment of investment securities.

We are not dependent on any single customer or limited number of customers, the loss of which would have a material adverse effect. No material portion of our business is seasonal.

Principles of Consolidation

Principles of Consolidation:

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Bank of South Carolina Corporation (the “Company”) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, The Bank of South Carolina (the “Bank”). In consolidation, all significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

References to “we”, “us”, “our”, “the Bank”, or “the Company” refer to the parent and its subsidiary that are consolidated for financial purposes.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents:

Cash and cash equivalents include cash and noninterest-bearing deposits, and interest-earning deposits. All amounts are readily convertible to cash and have maturities of less than 90 days.

Investment Securities

Investment Securities:

We classify investments into three categories as follows: (1) Held to Maturity - debt securities that we have the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity, which are reported at amortized cost, adjusted for the amortization of any related premiums or the accretion of any related discounts into interest income using a methodology which approximates a level yield of interest over the estimated remaining period until maturity, (2) Trading - debt and equity securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term, which are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses included in earnings, and (3) Available for Sale - debt and equity securities that may be sold under certain conditions, which are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component of shareholders’ equity, net of income taxes. Unrealized losses on securities due to fluctuations in fair value are recognized when it is determined that an other than temporary decline in value has occurred. Realized gains or losses on the sale of investments are recognized on a specific identification, trade date basis. All securities were classified as available for sale for 2014 and 2013. We do not have any mortgage-backed securities nor have we ever invested in mortgage-backed securities.

Mortgage Loans to be Sold

Mortgage Loans to be Sold:

We originate fixed and variable rate residential mortgage loans on a service release basis in the secondary market. Loans closed but not yet settled with an investor are carried in our loans held for sale portfolio. These loans are fixed and variable rate residential mortgage loans that have been originated in our name and have closed. Virtually all of these loans have commitments to be purchased by investors and the majority of these loans were locked in by price with the investors on the same day or shortly thereafter that the loan was locked in with our customers. Therefore, these loans present very little market risk. We usually deliver to, and receive funding from, the investor within 30 to 60 days. Commitments to sell these loans to the investor are considered derivative contracts and are sold to investors on a “best efforts” basis. We are not obligated to deliver a loan or pay a penalty if a loan is not delivered to the investor. As a result of the short-term nature of these derivative contracts, the fair value of the mortgage loans held for sale in most cases is the same as the value of the loan amount at its origination.

Mortgage loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are carried at the lower of cost or estimated market value in the aggregate. Net unrealized losses are provided for in a valuation allowance by charges to operations as a component of mortgage banking income. At December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we had approximately $7.3 million and $4.7 million in mortgage loans held for sale, respectively. Gains or losses on sales of loans are recognized when control over these assets has been surrendered and are included in mortgage banking income in the consolidated statements of income.

Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses

Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses:

Loans are carried at principal amounts outstanding. Loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized as an adjustment to yield. Interest income on all loans is recorded on an accrual basis. The accrual of interest and the amortization of net loan fees are generally discontinued on loans which 1) are maintained on a cash basis because of deterioration in the financial condition of the borrower; 2) for which payment of full principal is not expected; or 3) upon which principal or interest has been in default for a period of 90 days or more. The accrual of interest, however, may continue on these loans if they are well secured, in the process of collection, and management deems it appropriate. Non-accrual loans are reviewed individually by management to determine if they should be returned to accrual status. We define past due loans based on contractual payment and maturity dates.

We account for nonrefundable fees and costs associated with originating or acquiring loans by requiring that loan origination fees be recognized over the life of the related loan as an adjustment on the loan’s yield. Certain direct loan origination costs shall be recognized over the life of the related loan as a reduction of the loan’s yield.

We account for impaired loans by requiring that all loans for which it is estimated that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the terms of the loan agreement be recorded at the loan’s fair value. Fair value may be determined based upon the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, or the fair value of the collateral less cost to sell, if the loan is collateral dependent.

Additional accounting guidance allows us to use existing methods for recognizing interest income on an impaired loan. The guidance also requires additional disclosures about how we estimate interest income related to our impaired loans.

The accrual of interest is generally discontinued on loans that become 90 days past due as to principal or interest. The accrual of interest on some loans, however, may continue even though they are 90 days past due if the loans are well secured or in the process of collection and management deems it appropriate. If non-accrual loans decrease their past due status to less than 30 days for a period of six to nine months, they are reviewed individually by management to determine if they should be returned to accrual status.

When the ultimate collectability of an impaired loan’s principal is in doubt, wholly or partially, all cash receipts are applied to principal. Once the recorded principal balance has been reduced to zero, future cash receipts are applied to interest income, to the extent that any interest has been foregone. Further cash receipts are recorded as recoveries of any amounts previously charged off. When this doubt does not exist, cash receipts are applied under the contractual terms of the loan agreement first to interest income and then to principal.

A loan is also considered impaired if its terms are modified in a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”). For this type of impaired loan, cash receipts are typically applied to principal and interest receivable in accordance with the terms of the restructured loan agreement. Interest income is recognized on these loans using the accrual method of accounting, provided they are performing in accordance with their restructured terms.

We believe that the allowance is adequate to absorb inherent losses in the loan portfolio; however, assessing the adequacy of the allowance is a process that requires considerable judgment. Our judgments are based on numerous assumptions about current events which we believe to be reasonable, but which may or may not be valid. Thus, there can be no assurance that loan losses in future periods will not exceed the current allowance amount or that future increases in the allowance will not be required. No assurance can be given that our ongoing evaluation of the loan portfolio, in light of changing economic conditions and other relevant circumstances, will not require significant future additions to the allowance, thus adversely affecting our operating results.

The allowance is also subject to examination by regulatory agencies, which may consider such factors as the methodology used to determine adequacy and the size of the allowance relative to that of peer institutions and other adequacy tests. In addition, such regulatory agencies could require us to adjust our allowance based on information available to us at the time of our examination.

The methodology used to determine the reserve for unfunded lending commitments, which is included in other liabilities, is inherently similar to the methodology used to determine the allowance for loan losses adjusted for factors specific to binding commitments, including the probability of funding and historical loss ratio.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Concentration of Credit Risk:

Our primary market consists of the counties of Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester, South Carolina. At December 31, 2014, the majority of the total loan portfolio, as well as a substantial portion of the commercial and real estate loan portfolios, were to borrowers within this region. No other areas of significant concentration of credit risk have been identified.

Premises, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements and Depreciation

Premises, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements and Depreciation:

Buildings and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation, calculated on the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the related assets - 40 years for buildings and 3 to 15 years for equipment. Amortization of leasehold improvements is recorded using the straight-line method over the lesser of the estimated useful life of the asset or the term of the lease. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operating expenses as incurred.

Other Real Estate Owned

Other Real Estate Owned:

Other real estate owned (“OREO”) is carried at the lower of carrying value or fair value. Fair value is based upon independent market prices, appraised values of the collateral, or our estimation of the value of the collateral. Gains and losses on the sale of OREO and subsequent write-downs from periodic re-evaluation are charged to other operating income. We had one property valued at $521,943 classified as OREO at December 31, 2014. Another property valued at $35,473 classified as OREO was ultimately sold at a gain of $2,382 during the year ended December 31, 2014. At December 31, 2013, we did not have any.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes:

We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Net deferred tax assets are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheet.

Accounting standards require the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements. These standards also prescribe a recognition threshold and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in an enterprise’s tax return. We believe that we had no uncertain tax positions for the year ended December 31, 2014 or for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation:

Stock options are periodically granted to employees at an exercise price not less than 100% of the fair market value of the shares at the date of the grant. All employees are eligible to participate in this plan if the Executive Committee, in its sole discretion, determines that such person has contributed or can be expected to contribute to our profits or growth. Fair value is determined using an option-pricing model that takes into account the stock price at the grant date, the exercise price, the expected life of the option, the volatility of the underlying stock and its expected dividends, and the risk-free interest rate over the expected life of the option.

Income Per Common Share

Income Per Common Share:

Basic income per share are computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share are computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares and potential common shares outstanding. Potential common shares consist of dilutive stock options determined using the treasury stock method and the average market price of common stock.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive Income:

We apply accounting standards which establish guidance for the reporting and display of comprehensive income and its components in a full set of general purpose financial statements. Comprehensive income consists of net income and net unrealized gains or losses on securities.

Segment Information

Segment Information:

We report operating segments in accordance with accounting standards. Operating segments are components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the Chief Financial Officer/Executive Vice President in deciding how to allocate resources and assess performance. Accounting standards require that a public enterprise report a measure of segment profit or loss, certain specific revenue and expense items, segment assets, information about the way that the operating segments were determined and other items. The Company has one reporting segment, The Bank of South Carolina.

Derivative Instruments

Derivative Instruments:

Accounting standards require that all derivative instruments be recorded in the statement of financial position at fair value. The accounting for the gain or loss due to change in fair value of the derivative instrument depends on whether the derivative instrument qualifies as a hedge. If the derivative does not qualify as a hedge, the gains or losses are reported in earnings when they occur. However, if the derivative instrument qualifies as a hedge, the accounting varies based on the type of risk being hedged.

We had no embedded derivative instruments requiring separate accounting treatment. We had freestanding derivative instruments consisting of fixed rate conforming loan commitments as interest rate locks and commitments to sell fixed rate conforming loans on a best efforts basis. We do not currently engage in hedging activities. Based on short term fair value of the mortgage loans held for sale (derivative contract), our derivative instruments were immaterial as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.

Cash Flows

Cash Flows:

Cash and cash equivalents include working cash funds, due from banks, interest-bearing deposits in other banks, items in process of collection and federal funds sold. To comply with Federal Reserve regulations, we are required to maintain certain average cash reserve balances. Our daily reserve requirement in 2014 and 2013 was satisfied by vault cash.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recent Accounting Pronouncements:

The following is a summary of recent authoritative pronouncements that could impact the accounting, reporting and/or disclosure of financial information by the Company.

In January 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) amended the Receivables topic of the Accounting Standards Codification. The amendments are intended to resolve diversity in practice with respect to when a creditor should reclassify a collateralized consumer mortgage loan to OREO. In addition, the amendments require a creditor reclassify a collateralized consumer mortgage loan to OREO upon obtaining legal title to the real estate collateral, or the borrower voluntarily conveying all interest in the real estate property to the lender to satisfy the loan through a deed in lieu of foreclosure or similar legal agreement. The amendments became effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2014, with early implementation of the guidance permitted. In implementing this guidance, assets that are reclassified from real estate to loans are measured at the carrying value of the real estate at the date of adoption. Assets reclassified from loans to real estate are measured at the lower of the net amount of the loan receivable or the fair value of the real estate less costs to sell at the date of adoption. We will apply the amendments prospectively using a modified retrospective approach. We do not expect these amendments to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance to change the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers. The core principle of the new guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to reflect the transfer of goods and services to customers in an amount equal to the consideration the entity receives or expects to receive. The guidance will be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We will apply the guidance using a modified retrospective approach. We do not expect these amendments to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2014, the FASB issued guidance which makes limited amendments to the guidance on accounting for certain repurchase agreements. The guidance (1) requires entities to account for repurchase-to-maturity transactions as secured borrowings (rather than as sales with forward repurchase agreements), (2) eliminates accounting guidance on linked repurchase financing transactions, and (3) expands disclosure requirements related to certain transfers of financial assets that are accounted for as sales and certain transfers (specifically repos, securities lending transactions, and repurchase-to-maturity transactions) accounted for as secured borrowings. The amendments became effective for the Company for the first interim or annual period beginning after December 31, 2014. The Company will apply the guidance by making a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. We do not expect these amendments to have a material effect on our financial statements.

In August 2014, the FASB issued guidance that is intended to define management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an organization’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. In connection with preparing financial statements, management will need to evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the organization’s ability to continue as a going concern within on year after the date that the financial statements are issued. The amendments will be effective for annual periods ending after December 31, 2016, and for annual and interim periods thereafter. We do not expect these amendments to have a material effect on our financial statements. 

In January 2015, the FASB issued guidance that eliminated the concept of extraordinary items from U.S. GAAP. Existing U.S. GAAP required that an entity separately classify, present, and disclose extraordinary events and transactions. The amendments will eliminate the requirements for reporting entities to consider whether an underlying event or transaction is extraordinary, however, the presentation and disclosure guidance for items that are unusual in nature and infrequently occurring. The amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. The amendments may be applied either prospectively or retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. Early adoption is permitted provided that the guidance is applied from the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. We do not expect these amendments to have a material effect on our financial statements.

Other accounting standards that have been issued or proposed by the FASB or other standards-setting bodies are not expected to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Reclassification

Reclassification

Certain reclassifications of accounts reported for previous periods have been made in these consolidated financial statements. Such reclassifications had no effect on shareholders’ equity or the net income as previously reported.