Prepare Before You File | South Carolina Department of Revenue

Tax season doesn’t have to be stressful, especially if you have spent time preparing. Use these tips to get organized, get informed, and reduce your stress.

Mark your calendar. Individual Income Tax returns are normally due April 15 each year.
Choose a filing system. Will you file online or by paper? Use a tax preparer or file by yourself? Learn more about your filing options >
Choose a refund delivery method. If you're expecting a refund, we recommend you select direct deposit. It’s the fastest, easiest, and most secure way to receive your refund.
Gather needed documents and information. W-2 forms, receipts, Social Security Numbers, and paper forms (if not filing online).

Individual Income Tax Playlist

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
Have you heard about South Carolina's Earned Income Tax Credit? To learn more about the credit or to check your EITC eligibility visit irs.gov/eitcTo learn m...
Where's My Refund?
If you've already filed, check your refund status using our Where's My Refund tool, which is available 24/7 and provides the same information as our customer...
South Carolina Individual Income Tax Overview
Still wondering if you need to file your South Carolina Income Tax return? Here are some filing requirements and tips to help you out!Learn more on our websi...
A Guide to South Carolina Taxes
New to South Carolina? Welcome! Here’s a quick overview to help you learn about your state tax obligation.Visit our Moving to SC webpage to learn more about ...
Retirement Tax Deductions
Paying taxes while working is pretty straightforward. But, what about in retirement? This video explains some tax deductions you can use to potentially reduc...
The Basics of Estimated Tax Payments
If you’re self-employed, do contract work, or don’t have taxes withheld from your income, you may need to make estimated quarterly tax payments throughout th...
How To Choose a Tax Preparer
Are you considering using a tax preparer to file your return? We have some tips to help you choose the tax preparer that is right for you! Learn more on our ...
IIT 101: Determining your SC Residency Status
If you are a South Carolina resident, you are generally required to file an SC Income Tax return. But, how do you know if you're an SC resident or not? This ...
File Online and Choose Direct Deposit!
Filing electronically is the fastest and easiest way to complete your SC Individual Income Tax return! Plus, choosing direct deposit allows you to get your r...
IIT 101: Deductions and Tax Credits
While you may not be able to avoid paying all taxes, there are tax breaks that allow you to lower your tax bill. This video explains the difference between deductions and tax credits and how you can potentially reduce the amount of tax you owe. Learn more on our website: https://dor.sc.gov/iit Check out our Individual Income Tax Playlist for more IIT tips! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMoJwRaA14AaWOC1I0qFvKZjuZjYIu7vp Subscribe for more SCDOR content! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTBYoFDeMHjTGv9miVqlx8g?sub_confirmation=1 Stay connected with SCDOR! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DOR.SC.GOV/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SCDOR

Organize your documents in groups. Charitable gifts, medical bills, property taxes, mortgage interest payments, or receipts.
Set aside time to organize information and file your taxes. Schedule time to focus on your tax information.
Take advantage of MyDORWAY, our free online tax portal, to make payments, check your refund status, and more!
1. Connect with us: Send us messages through your account, chat with our 24/7 chatbot Dorwin, and go paperless—download your 1099 and receive your mail electronically with Go Green!
2. Update your information, like your name, address, and contact information online, instead of submitting the SC8822I
3. Submit requests, including reporting a missing refund and requesting a penalty waiver.

Choosing a Tax Preparer
Using a trusted tax preparer to file can be helpful, especially if your tax situation is complicated. But, how do you know who to trust? Learn more about the questions you should ask before hiring a preparer >

Individual Income Tax Checklist

	File online and choose direct deposit for the fastest access to your refund. When you file online, you do not need to submit a paper copy too.
	If you choose direct deposit, verify the routing and account number are correct.
	Verify the mailing address is complete and accurate on the return. Paper checks will be mailed to the address shown on the return.
	Pay online using our free secure tax portal, MyDORWAY at dor.sc.gov/pay.
	Use the proper SC form with the correct tax year. Complete and submit all pages, including any additional state/federal schedules and documents required.
	Include all Social Security Numbers (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITIN) on the SC return and verify they are correct. First year filing an SC return with an ITIN? Include a copy of the ITIN letter received from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
	Mark your filing status. It should match the filing status marked on your federal return. Two wage earner credit can only be claimed if the filing status is married filing jointly.
	If completing Schedule NR, attach it to the SC1040 and mark the NR indicator box on page 1 of the SC1040.
	If you file a federal or state extension, mark the appropriate box on page 1 of the SC1040.
	Verify the amount used on line 1 of the SC1040 is the federal taxable income.
	If you claim a nonrefundable tax credit, attach an SC1040TC and all supplemental tax credit schedules to support the tax credits claimed on the SC1040TC.
	Include SC Withholding amount on the proper line for W-2 and 1099 forms. You cannot claim state withholding paid to another state. Attach copies of all W-2 and 1099 forms to support the withholding amount claimed on the SC return.
	Sign your return! Both spouses must sign a jointly filed return.
	Keep a complete copy of your SC return for your records.
	If your refund was matched to a debt the SCDOR is collecting on behalf of another agency, contact the claimant agency for information or to make an appeal.