SCDOR: Tax season begins on January 27
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– The South Carolina Department of Revenue (SCDOR) says the department will begin accepting 2024 individual income tax returns on Monday, January 27.
The filing deadline for 2024 returns is May 1, 2025, due to relief granted in October as the result of Hurricane Helene.
SCDOT is encouraging people to choose the online filing method that’s right for them.
“I am pleased that South Carolinians are filing online and choosing direct deposit in greater numbers than ever before. Our ultimate goal is for all taxpayers to file electronically since it is the safest, most accurate way to file, and it’s the fastest way to receive refunds,” says SCDOR Director Hartley Powell.
The SCDOR will begin processing returns February 3, 2025, to allow employers time to meet the January 31 W-2 submission deadline.
Tax return and refund processing is expected to take up to 8 weeks from February 3 or the date you file, whichever is later, so that officials can use all available tools to check for fraud, says SCDOR.
Tips for filing:
- 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 and transcripts of past returns, which are accessible on MyDORWAY.
- Don’t file using a year-end pay stub, which could slow down processing and delay your refund. Wait until you receive your W-2 before you file.
- If you owe a balance, pay electronically at dor.sc.gov/pay. Find tutorials that walk you through every step of the process at dor.sc.gov/MyDORWAY.
- Update your address with the SCDOR by logging in to MyDORWAY, clicking the More tab, and selecting Manage Names & Addresses. Those without a MyDORWAY account can use the SC8822I.
- Update your address with your employer before they send your W-2 and 1099 forms.
New for the 2025 filing season:
An increase in the dependent exemption – The exemption amount for tax year 2024 is $4,790, up from $4,610. The exemption is allowed for each eligible dependent, including both qualifying children and qualifying relatives.
A reduction in the Income Tax rate – The 2024 top marginal rate is 6.2%, down from 6.4%. Use the 2024 SC1040 Tax Tables to determine your rate.
Deduction increases – Two deductions have doubled for Tax Year 2024:
- The Volunteer Deduction increases from $3,000 to $6,000 for qualifying volunteer firefighters, rescue squad workers, Hazmat team members, reserve police officers, and others. Claim on line j of the Individual Income Tax return.
- The Subsistence Allowance Deduction increases from $8 to $16 for each regular workday for police and all commissioned law enforcement officers, full-time firefighters, and full-time emergency medical service personnel. Claim on line s of the Individual Income Tax return.
- See the SC1040 Instructions for full details about deductions and exemptions you may be eligible to claim.
