TAX TIPS FOR HOW TO ASK FOR AN EXTENSION TO FILE

What you need to know:

If you owe taxes, the fastest and easiest way to request an extension is through MyDORWAY, our free online tax portal.
An extension delays the deadline to file your Individual Income Tax return but not the payment of taxes. Pay what you owe by April 18.
If you don’t owe additional taxes and are requesting an extension from the IRS, you do not need to request an extension from SCDOR.

Last year, about 219,000 taxpayers requested an extension to file their South Carolina Individual Income Tax returns.

There are a variety of reasons people ask for an extension. Some are waiting on necessary documents or receipts. Some may have an unexpected emergency. And some may just be surprised by the tax deadline.

Regardless of the reason, the South Carolina Department of Revenue (SCDOR) wants you to know that filing an extension is easy, and you do not have to provide the reason to the SCDOR. Those who request an extension have until October 16, 2023 to file their 2022 returns.

But before you ask for an extension, know that extending the deadline for filing your return does not delay the deadline for paying any tax due. You are still required to pay what you owe by April 18, 2023.

There are three basic ways to ask for an extension:

If you owe no additional taxes and are requesting an extension from the IRS, you do not need to request one from the SCDOR. Keep a copy of your federal extension request for your records.
If you owe additional taxes, the fastest and easiest way to ask for an extension is to use our free online tax portal, MyDORWAY. Select Individual Income Tax Payment to get started. Your payment on MyDORWAY automatically submits your filing extension request.
You can also submit your request by paper using the SC4868, Request for Extension of Time to File. Use the attached voucher to send in payment for any balance due on your taxes.

When filing your return, check the extension box on the front of your SC1040 to let us know that you filed a state or federal extension.

If you have unpaid taxes, you must pay 90 percent of the total amount due with your extension request. Those filing an extension have until October 16, 2023 to file their return. If filing by paper, mark the extension box on your return.

If you don't pay all your taxes by April 18, even if you file an extension, penalties and interest will be charged on any unpaid amounts.

More information
Find filing tips and more on our Individual Income Tax page. For information on filing an extension with the IRS, visit their webpage.

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