Tax season opens January 27

Monday, Jan 13, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 1/13/2025

The SCDOR will begin accepting 2024 Individual Income Tax returns on January 27, 2025, consistent with the date announced by the IRS. The filing deadline for 2024 returns is May 1, 2025, due to relief granted in October as the result of Hurricane Helene

We encourage South Carolinians to choose the online filing method that’s right for them. It’s the fastest, easiest, most secure method, which is why more than 94% of South Carolina returns were filed electronically last year.

If you haven’t made the switch from paper filing yet, learn more about your options at dor.sc.gov/iit-filing.

If you’re expecting a refund, choose direct deposit. Approximately 88% of taxpayers received a direct deposit refund last year.

Learn more about our refund timeline and check your refund status anytime at dor.sc.gov/refund.

“I am pleased that South Carolinians are filing online and choosing direct deposit in greater numbers than ever before," said SCDOR Director Hartley Powell. “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."

Fighting fraud is the SCDOR's highest priority

The SCDOR will begin processing returns February 3, 2025 to allow employers time to meet the January 31 W-2 submission deadline.

We take every step possible to verify your return—even if it means processing takes a little longer.

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 we can use all available tools to check for fraud. Remember – Protecting your refund is worth the wait.

More tips to make filing a snap:

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.

Stay connected

We’re providing filing tips all season long at @theSCDOR. Plus, our Instagram account is a fun way to learn more about job openings at our agency, upcoming Taxpayer Education events, and more.

Find more tax season resources at dor.sc.gov/iit. Follow the SCDOR on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), and YouTube, and subscribe to ReveNews for the latest updates, resources, and reminders.

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MEDIA INQUIRIES:

SCDOR Public Information Office
news@dor.sc.gov

Follow us on X (formerly known as Twitter) @SCDOR