You may be leaving money on the table if you don't file a return

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 3/25/2025

If you were under 65 in 2024 and your income was $14,600 or less, you’re generally not required to file a South Carolina Individual Income Tax return. But if you choose not to file, you may be leaving money on the table. 

Before the May 1 deadline passes, the SCDOR wants individuals and families to consider the benefits of filing, even if they are not required to file.

Here are 5 reasons why you should consider filing, even if you may not have to:

• Filing a return is the only way to receive a refund. If you worked during the year, but didn't make enough to file, you’re likely eligible for a refund of the taxes that were withheld from your paychecks. But you can’t receive that refund if you don’t file a return.
• If circumstances change and you decide to file more than three years after a return was due, you no longer have the option to receive a refund.
• Filing a return is the only way to claim tax credits – some of which are refundable. When a credit is refundable, the portion of the credit that is greater than your tax liability is added to your refund. You may be able to claim some 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. But individuals who don't file a return can't claim it.
  • Visit dor.sc.gov/taxcredits for more information about South Carolina tax credits.
  • Visit irs.gov/credits-and-deductions-for-individuals for more information about federal refundable credits.
• Filing a return helps build Social Security benefits. The income from on your tax return is used to calculate Social Security benefits, so underreporting income could lead to an incorrect calculation.
• Filing a return creates a key document used when applying for college financial aid. Also, the IRS's Data Retrieval Tool helps students easily transfer their tax information to their FAFSA form.

Fighting fraud is the SCDOR's highest priority. We take every step possible to verify your return—even if it means processing takes a little longer. Protecting your refund is worth the wait!

Haven't filed your return yet? Visit dor.sc.gov/iit to get started.

Remember: due to relief granted in the wake of Hurricane Helene, South Carolina returns are due May 1, 2025, along with any balance due.

Stay connected

We’re providing filing tips all season long at @theSCDOR​. Plus, our Instagra​m 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

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