South Carolina Department of Revenue Reviewing Suspected Returns to Prevent Fraudulent Refunds
February 9, 2015
COLUMBIA, SC – The South Carolina Department of Revenue (SCDOR) is reviewing a significant number of 2014 income tax returns flagged as being potentially fraudulent. The review is directly related to reported increases of suspected fraudulent activity in numerous states across the country.
The SCDOR has reason to believe the fraudulent filings result primarily from issues related to third-party commercial tax preparation software. There has not been a breach of SCDOR systems; information within the SCDOR system remains secure and has not been compromised.
“Protecting taxpayer information and preventing fraudulent activity is our highest priority,” said Director Rick Reames. “Our system is intact and data has not been compromised. These cases of fraud involve criminals filing fake returns and attempting to steal taxpayer refunds. We want to ensure taxpayers that we are taking every necessary step to help protect their information and refund.”
The SCDOR advises taxpayers that Intuit, parent company of TurboTax, has temporarily paused transmission of efiling tax returns.
What is the South Carolina Department of Revenue Doing to Address and Prevent Refund Fraud?
The SCDOR has had a fraud detection unit in place for many years, with a dedicated team focused on identifying fraud as well as technology and systems to identify inconsistencies and potential fraud. As a result of this reported national uptick in fraudulent tax returns, our fraud detection unit is increasing and expanding its efforts.
What Can I Do?
Taxpayers who have concerns may call SCDOR’s dedicated customer care line at 1-803-898-7638 between 8:30 AM and 5 PM, Monday through Friday. Please look for additional information to be posted on our website as it is available.
Taxpayers who have already filed a 2014 Individual Income Tax Return can check their return status online or call 803-898-5300.
