Don’t Miss Out on Money: SCDOR Urges Filing Even If You’re Not Required

As the May 1, 2025, deadline for filing South Carolina Individual Income Tax returns approaches, the South Carolina Department of Revenue (SCDOR) is encouraging individuals and families to consider filing, even if they are not required to do so.

If you were under 65 in 2024 and your income was $14,600 or less, you’re generally not required to file a state income tax return. However, the SCDOR warns that choosing not to file could mean missing out on potential financial benefits.

5 Reasons to File, Even If You Don’t Have To:

1. Claim Your Refund:
   Filing a return is the only way to receive a refund. If you worked during the year but did not earn enough to file, you may still be eligible for a refund of the taxes withheld from your paychecks. However, if you don’t file a return, you won’t receive that refund.

   Additionally, if your circumstances change and you decide to file more than three years after a return was due, you will no longer be able to claim that refund.

2. Take Advantage of Tax Credits:
   Some tax credits are refundable, meaning the portion of the credit that exceeds your tax liability can be added to your refund. You may qualify for certain credits even if you have no tax liability.

   For example, the Tuition Tax Credit is a refundable credit of up to $1,500 for students attending a qualifying college or university in South Carolina. If you don’t file a return, you can’t claim it.

   For more information about South Carolina tax credits, visit dor.sc.gov/taxcredits. To learn more about federal refundable credits, visit irs.gov/credits-and-deductions-for-individuals.

3. Build Social Security Benefits:
   The income reported on your tax return is used to calculate your Social Security benefits. Failing to file could result in underreporting your income, which may lead to an inaccurate calculation of your future benefits.

4. Create a Key Document for Financial Aid:
   Filing a tax return is essential when applying for college financial aid. The IRS’s Data Retrieval Tool makes it easier for students to transfer their tax information to their FAFSA form, helping streamline the application process.

5. Fight Fraud:
   The SCDOR prioritizes protecting your refund by verifying your return thoroughly, even if it takes a bit longer to process. Ensuring your refund’s security is worth the extra time.

Relief for Hurricane Helene Survivors:

Due to relief granted in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the deadline for filing South Carolina state returns is extended to May 1, 2025, along with any balance due.

If you haven’t filed your return yet, visit dor.sc.gov/iit to get started. Filing now could help you avoid leaving money on the table and ensure you take advantage of available tax credits and refunds.