SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Our accounting and reporting policies conform, in all material respects, to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), and to general practices within the banking industry. The following summarizes the more significant of these policies and practices.

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.

We provide financial services through our four banking house locations: 256 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC, 100 North Main Street, Summerville, SC, 1337 Chuck Dawley Boulevard, Mt. Pleasant, SC and 2027 Sam Rittenberg Boulevard, Charleston, SC. Our primary deposit products are checking, savings, and term certificate accounts, and our primary lending products are residential mortgage, commercial, and installment loans. Substantially all loans are secured by specific items of collateral including business assets, consumer assets, and commercial and residential real estate. Commercial loans are expected to be repaid from cash flow from operations of businesses. There are no significant concentrations of loans to any one industry or customer. However, the customers’ ability to repay their loans may be dependent on the general economic conditions in the area.

Accounting Estimates and Assumptions:

The preparation of the financial statements are in conformity with 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.

Reclassification:

Certain amounts in the prior years’ financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation. Such reclassifications had no effect on shareholders’ equity or the net income as previously reported.

Subsequent Events:

Subsequent events are events or transactions that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued. Recognized subsequent events are events or transactions that provide additional evidence about conditions that existed at the date of the balance sheet, including the estimates inherent in the process of preparing financial statements. Non recognized subsequent events are events that provide evidence about conditions that did not exist at the date of the balance sheet but arose after that date. We have reviewed events occurring through the date the financial statements were available to be issued and no subsequent events occurred requiring accrual or disclosure.

Cash and Cash Equivalents:

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. All cash equivalents are readily convertible to cash and have maturities of less than 90 days.

Depository institutions are required to maintain reserve and clearing balances at the Federal Reserve Bank. Vault cash satisfied our daily reserve requirement for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Interest-bearing Deposits in Other Financial Institutions:

Interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions mature within one year and are carried at cost.

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 2015 and 2014. We do not have any mortgage-backed securities nor have we ever invested in mortgage-backed securities.

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. 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. 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 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. 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 (greater than $50,000) 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.

The allowance for loan losses is our estimate of credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio. The allowance for loan losses is established as losses are estimated to have occurred through a provision for loan losses charged to earnings. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when we believe the uncollectibility of a loan balance is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to allowance. The allowance for loan losses is evaluated on a regular basis and is based upon our periodic review of the collectability of the loans in light of historical experience, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, the estimated value of any underlying collateral and prevailing economic conditions. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available.

We believe that the allowance is adequate to absorb inherent losses in the loan portfolio; however, 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:

Our primary market consists of the counties of Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester, South Carolina. At December 31, 2015, 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:

Land is carried at cost. Buildings and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is recorded using the straight-line method for financial reporting purposes and accelerated methods for income tax purposes over the estimated useful lives of the assets ranging from 40 years for buildings and 3 to 15 years for equipment. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the asset’s useful life or the remaining lease term, including renewal periods when reasonably assured. The cost of maintenance and repairs is charged to operating expense as incurred.

Other Real Estate Owned:

Real estate properties acquired through foreclosure are initially recorded at the lower of the recorded investment in the loan or fair value less costs to sell. Losses arising from the initial foreclosure are charged against the allowance for loan losses. Subsequent to foreclosure, real estate owned is recorded at the lower of cost or fair value, adjusted for net selling costs. 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 other real estate owned (“OREO”) and subsequent write-downs from periodic re-evaluation are charged to other operating income.

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, 2015 or for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Stock-Based Compensation:

Compensation cost is recognized for stock options issued to employees, based on the fair value of these awards at the date of grant. A Black-Scholes model is utilized to estimate the fair value of stock options. Compensation cost is recognized over the required service period, generally defined as the vesting period (10 years).

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. Earnings per share are restated for all stock splits and stock dividends through the date of issuance of the financial statements.

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:

The Company operates and manages itself within one retail banking segment and has, therefore, not provided segment disclosures.

Interest Rate Lock Commitments and Forward Sale Contracts:

Commitments to fund mortgage loans (interest rate locks) to be sold into the secondary market and forward commitments for the future delivery of these mortgage loans are accounted for as free-standing derivatives. The fair value of the interest rate lock is recorded at the time the commitment to fund the mortgage loan is executed and is adjusted for the expected exercise of the commitments before the loan is funded. In order to hedge the change in interest rates resulting from its commitments to fund the loans we enter into forward commitments for the future delivery of mortgage loans when interest rate locks are entered into. Fair values of these mortgage derivatives are estimated based on changes in mortgage interest rates from the date the interest on the loan is locked. Changes in the fair values of these derivatives are included in income when they occur. Based on short-term fair value of the mortgage loans held for sale (derivative contract), our derivative instruments were immaterial as of December 31, 2015 and 2014.

We had no embedded derivative instruments requiring hedge accounting treatment. We do not currently engage in hedging activities.

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 May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“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, 2017. We will apply this guidance using a modified retrospective approach. We do not expect this amendment to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In August 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. As a result of the deferral, the guidance in ASU 2014-09 will be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. We will apply this guidance using the modified retrospective approach. We do not expect this amendment to have a material effect on our 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. We applied the guidance by making a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. This adjustment did not 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 one year after the date that the financial statements are issued. This amendment will be effective for annual periods ending after December 31, 2016, and for annual and interim periods thereafter. We do not expect this amendment to have a material effect on our financial statements.

In January 2015, the FASB issued guidance to eliminate from U.S. GAAP the concept of an extraordinary item, which is an event or transaction that is both (1) unusual in nature and (2) infrequently occurring. Under the new guidance, an entity will no longer (1) segregate an extraordinary item from the results of ordinary operations; (2) separately present an extraordinary item on its income statement, net of tax, after income from continuing operations; or (3) disclose income taxes and earnings-per-share data applicable to an extraordinary item. The amendment will be effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted provided that the guidance is applied from the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. We will apply the guidance prospectively. We do not expect this amendment to have a material effect on our financial statements.

In February 2015, the FASB issued guidance which amends the consolidation requirements and significantly changes the consolidation analysis required under U.S. GAAP. Although the amendments are expected to result in the deconsolidation of many entities, the Company will need to reevaluate all its previous consolidation conclusions. The amendment will be effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted (including during an interim period), provided that the guidance is applied as of the beginning of the annual period containing the adoption date. We do not expect this amendment to have a material effect on our financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued guidance that will require debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability. This update affects disclosures related to debt issuance costs but does not affect existing recognition and measurement guidance for these items. The amendment will be effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. We do not expect this amendment to have a material effect on our financial statements.

In November 2015, the FASB amended the Income Taxes topic of the Accounting Standards Codification to simplify the presentation of deferred income taxes by requiring that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. The amendments will be effective for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods, with early adoption permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. We will apply the guidance retrospectively. We do not expect this amendment to have a material effect on our financial statements.

In January 2016, the FASB amended the Financial Instruments topic of Accounting Standards Codification to address certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. The amendments will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. We will apply the guidance by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to the balance sheet as of the beginning of the fiscal ear of adoption. The amendments related to equity securities without readily determinable fair values will be applied prospectively to equity investments that exist as of the date of adoption of the amendments. We do not expect this amendment 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.