WHAT TO DO IF YOU CAN’T AFFORD TO PAY YOUR TAXES

What you need to know:

If you can’t pay your tax bill, do not delay filing your return. Filing on time will reduce the amount of penalty and interest you will owe, which is based on the amount of tax not paid by the due date.
If you can’t pay the full amount, pay what you can by the filing deadline. Your balance can accrue penalties and interest.
Consider entering into a payment plan with the SCDOR.

The Individual Income Tax due date is Tuesday, April 18. If you have a tax bill and are worried you can't pay, the South Carolina Department of Revenue (SCDOR) wants you to know that you have options.

First, don't panic. Both the IRS and the SCDOR offer payment plans that may be available to you.

What not to do:

Do not delay filing your return. Filing on time will reduce the amount of penalty and interest you will owe, which is based on the amount of tax not paid by the due date.
Do not wait to begin paying your bill with a payment plan. Pay as much as you can by the due date so the interest charged on the balance going forward is lower. We have tips to help you make a payment to the SCDOR.
Do not enter into a payment plan with the SCDOR or the IRS without first doing your research and comparing your options. A loan with your bank or another financial institution may allow you to pay off your debt sooner to avoid additional penalties and interest.

The IRS has additional tips that can help you weigh your options if you owe a balance on your federal return.

Payment plans with the SCDOR:

You may qualify for a payment plan with the SCDOR. If you want to request a payment plan agreement from the SCDOR, you must not have an active levy or garnishment with the agency, and you must first receive a notice indicating that you owe a balance.

To request a payment plan with the SCDOR, visit MyDORWAY.dor.sc.gov and click Request a Payment Plan.

As part of the agreement with the SCDOR you must:

File and pay all returns in full going forward.
Have an eligible bank account.
Allow bank drafts for your payments. If a payment is rejected by your bank, your payment plan will be in default.
File and pay any estimated Income Taxes.
Provide any additional information requested by the SCDOR.

To prevent future tax bills, determine what caused the bill, if unexpected. Consider adjusting your withholding, making quarterly estimated payments, or increasing the amount of your estimated payment.

Keep these filing tips in mind:

File electronically and choose direct deposit for faster and more accurate processing. Free and low-cost options are available for filing your South Carolina return. Visit dor.sc.gov/iit-filing to learn more.
Make sure you have your W-2s, 1099s, and other important documents before you file. Year-end pay stubs may not match what your employer reports to us, which can slow down your return and refund.
Make sure your current mailing address is included before submitting your tax return, even if you choose direct deposit for your refund.
Check your refund status online at dor.sc.gov/refund. Processing is expected to take 6-8 weeks for returns filed electronically and over 8 weeks for returns filed by paper.
If you owe a tax bill, make a quick and easy payment online using MyDORWAY at dor.sc.gov/pay.

More information
For payment plan details and specific qualification information, visit dor.sc.gov/payplan. For information about IRS payment plans, visit IRS.gov.

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