If you found a problem after you’ve filed your South Carolina Individual Income Tax return, the SCDOR has tips to help you resolve the issue.
For some issues, the best solution may be to file an amended return. However, not every issue rises to that level. Keep reading to see what’s best for your situation.
You probably need to file an amended return if you…
- … need to correct your income or withholding – For people with multiple employers, maybe you didn’t include the income or withholding from one of your W-2 or 1099 forms on your return.
- … claimed the wrong number of dependents – This is common if you had a child who was born or a family member who came into your care during the tax year.
- … used the incorrect filing status – However, keep in mind that you can’t change your status from Married Filing Jointly to Married Filing Separately after the filing deadline.
- … were audited by the IRS or amended your federal tax return – This is required if the results change your South Carolina return.
- … claimed a credit or deduction you shouldn’t have – Or, maybe you realize you were eligible for a credit or deduction you didn’t claim.
You probably don’t need to file an amended return if you…
- … received a notice from the SCDOR about your return – The notice will tell you what actions you need to take, if any. Don’t just automatically file an amended return because you received a notice.
- … made a simple math error on your return – The SCDOR will usually catch and correct these errors and send you a notice showing your adjusted refund or tax due amount.
- … left off a supporting document or you’re not sure you signed your return – If the SCDOR needs it to process your return, we will send you a notice.
- … didn’t claim payments you made during the year on your original return – The SCDOR will give you a credit for those payments and issue a notice letting you know what changes we made to your return.
- … put an incorrect address on your return – Just update it on MyDORWAY or using the SC8822I.
Once you've determined you need to file an amended return, here's how to do it:
- If the change would impact your federal return, you must amend that return first.
- File a corrected South Carolina Individual Income Tax return with the updated information.
- Check with your software provider to see if their products allow you to file an amended return. Just like with your initial return, the fastest, safest, easiest way to file your amended return is electronically.
- If you're filing by paper, file a corrected paper SC1040 and check the box on the front of the return that says Amended Return. Include the Schedule AMD, which will ask for details about your changes and supporting documentation.
- If you're filing electronically, the Schedule AMD will be included as part of the electronic return process.
- If you owe a balance after filing your amended return, make any payment due to avoid additional penalties and interest. The SCDOR recommends paying electronically at dor.sc.gov/pay.
