Individual Income Tax Filing Season Opens January 29
January 9, 2024
The filing deadline for both state and federal Income Tax returns is Monday, April 15, 2024.
The South Carolina Department of Revenue (SCDOR) will begin accepting Individual Income Tax returns for tax year 2023 on January 29, 2024, consistent with the date announced by the IRS. The filing deadline for both state and federal 2023 Individual Income Tax returns is Monday, April 15, 2024.
Last year, more than 93% of IIT returns were filed electronically. Approximately 89% of refunds were issued by direct deposit.
“I am pleased that so many South Carolinians are now filing online and choosing direct deposit,” said SCDOR Director Hartley Powell. “Our ultimate goal is for all taxpayers to file online since electronic filing is the safest, most accurate way to file, and direct deposit is the fastest way to receive refunds.”
Before you file, set yourself up for success!
- Make sure you have all W-2s, 1099s, and other necessary documents before you file – Year-end pay stubs may not match what your employer reports to us, which can slow down processing. If you need a copy of your 2021 or 2022 return, remember you can now access transcripts of past SC Individual Income Tax returns using MyDORWAY (MyDORWAY.dor.sc.gov), the SCDOR’s free online tax portal. If you’re looking for transcripts of past federal returns, log in to your IRS Online Account.
- Check out our YouTube channel and Tax Tips articles for 24/7 assistance – Over 170,000 customers have visited dor.sc.gov/YouTube and watched one of our helpful explainer videos. We’ve created over a dozen videos just for tax season, most of them shorter than 3 minutes, designed to help you file your return. And don’t forget about dor.sc.gov/tax-tips, where we publish helpful advice throughout the year.
- Be sure the SCDOR and your employer have your current address – Customers with a MyDORWAY account can update their address with the SCDOR by logging in, clicking the More tab, and selecting Manage Names & Addresses. Those without a MyDORWAY account can use the SC8822I.
- Choose the online filing method that’s right for you – Filing online with a reputable provider is convenient, secure, and accurate. Many South Carolinians are eligible to file online for free with easy-to-use tax preparation software. Visit dor.sc.gov/iit-filing to view all of your filing options.
- Choose direct deposit – Direct deposit is the fastest and safest refund option, since your refund is deposited directly into your bank account. Learn more about why direct deposit is the SCDOR’s preferred refund option at dor.sc.gov/refund.
Allow time for processing and fraud prevention
We will begin processing returns February 5, 2024 to allow employers time to meet the January 31 W-2 submission deadline.
Fighting fraud to protect taxpayer dollars is the SCDOR’s highest priority. Tax return and refund processing is expected to take up to 8 weeks from February 5 or the date you file, whichever is later, to allow the SCDOR to use all available tools to check for fraud and protect your refund.
Track your refund
Check your refund status anytime using the Where’s My Refund tool at dor.sc.gov/refund. Refund processing takes up to 8 weeks. Keep in mind that if you choose a paper check refund, your processing time may be longer.
New for the 2024 filing season:
- Changes to the Two Wage Earner Credit – The maximum earned income for the credit is $50,000, while the maximum credit is $350. The credit can only be taken by couples whose filing status is Married Filing Jointly.
- An increase in the dependent exemption – The exemption amount for tax year 2023 is $4,610. The exemption is allowed for each eligible dependent, including both qualifying children and qualifying relatives.
- An increase in the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) – Full-year residents may claim the South Carolina EITC if they are eligible for and claim the federal credit. For tax year 2023, the EITC is equal to 125% of the federal credit allowed the taxpayer.
- A reduction in Income Tax rates – The 2023 top marginal Individual Income Tax rate is 6.4%. Use the 2023 South Carolina Individual Income Tax Tables to determine your tax rate.
