SCDOR: 10 tips to help you get ready for tax season
Source: SCDOR Twitter
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– The Department of Revenue (SCDOR) is giving away tips as tax season is nearing with just the new year three weeks away.
Officials say people should start planning now for the 2025 tax season by getting organized to save you time you money when you’re ready to file.
According to the IRS, Americans lost approximately $5.5 billion to tax fraud in 2023.
SCDOR wants people to remember when processing your return, the SCDOR takes every step possible to make sure your return is accurate and coming from you, not someone pretending to be you.
The SCDOR offers these 10 tips to help both tax professionals and individuals prepare for tax season:
1. Returns are due May 1 – Due to relief granted in the wake of Hurricane Helene, South Carolina Individual Income Tax returns are due May 1, 2025.
However, if you or your client needs to file a return in another state, check to see if that state’s return is due on the traditional April 15 due date.
Tips for individuals:
2. Organization is key – Collect any document that will affect your return before you start the filing process and store them in one place, including:
- W-2 and 1099 forms
- Receipts
- Medical bills
- Past year returns (Remember, these are now accessible on MyDORWAY)
- Any other document that will affect your return
3. Don’t file using a year-end pay stub – Your pay stub may not match what’s reported on your W-2, which could slow down processing and delay your refund. Wait until you receive your W-2 before you file.
4. Choose the online filing method that’s right for you – Filing electronically is faster, easier, and more secure than filing a paper return. Plus, your electronic filing provider keeps a record of your state and federal returns. Learn more about your options at dor.sc.gov/iit-filing.
5. Expect to owe a balance? Get to know MyDORWAY – After you file, you can pay your balance without creating an account at dor.sc.gov/pay. Find tutorials that walk you through every step at dor.sc.gov/MyDORWAY.
6. Update your address – This is crucial even if you will receive a direct deposit refund. If the SCDOR needs to contact you about your return, we will mail you a notice to the address we have on file. Customers with a MyDORWAY account should log in, click the More tab, and select Manage Names & Addresses. Those without a MyDORWAY account can use the SC8822I.
Tips for tax professionals:
7. Renew your IRS-issued Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) – If you plan to serve as a tax preparer in 2025, you are required to obtain your PTIN by December 31, 2024. Both renewals and new applications usually take about 15 minutes and cost $19.75. Get started at irs.gov/PTIN.
8. Revoke power of attorney or third-party authorization forms for former clients – This helps safeguard taxpayer records.
9. Help your clients choose the SCDOR’s direct deposit refund option – We strongly recommend that taxpayers choose direct deposit for their refund. As a tax preparer, make sure your clients have the option to choose direct deposit before you submit their returns.
For more information visit the SCDOR’s YouTube channel and Tax Tips articles for 24/7 assistance.
