Tax season is in full swing! As of February 3, 2025, the South Carolina Department of Revenue (SCDOR) has officially begun processing 2024 Individual Income Tax returns. If you’re planning to file soon, make sure to avoid these common mistakes that could delay your refund or increase your tax bill.
And remember: South Carolina taxpayers have until May 1, 2025, to file due to Hurricane Helene relief.
Here’s what you need to know to file smoothly and maximize your refund.
Top 5 Tax Filing Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- Filing a Paper Return (And Doing the Math Yourself!)
The IRS reports that 21% of paper tax returns contain errors, compared to less than 1% for e-filed returns. Why? Because e-filing software does the calculations for you and has built-in error checks. Skip the paper, go digital. - Filing Without Your W-2 or 1099 Forms
Filing before receiving your W-2s or 1099s can lead to inaccurate income reporting—something the IRS won’t take lightly. Make sure you have all required tax documents before submitting your return. - Making Typos on Your Tax Return
Entering incorrect Social Security numbers, bank account details, or names (yes, your name must match exactly as it appears on your Social Security card!) can cause unnecessary delays. Double-check every detail before hitting submit. - Not Updating Your Address
If the SCDOR doesn’t have your latest address, any notices or refund checks could be delayed. MyDORWAY users can update their address online for a smooth filing experience. - Entering Bank Details If You Can’t Pay in Full
If you owe taxes and enter your banking information, the SCDOR will automatically debit your account. If you plan to set up a payment plan, do not enter your bank details upfront—explore alternative options first.
What Happens Next? Refund Processing & Timelines
- Processing officially began today, February 3, 2025.
- The SCDOR expects refunds to take up to 8 weeks, depending on when you file.
- Want your refund faster? – E-file and select direct deposit.
Fraud Prevention: Protecting Your Refund
The SCDOR is prioritizing security, which means extra verification steps to prevent fraud. While this might slow refunds slightly, it ensures that your money goes to you—not a scammer.
🔹 Watch out for phishing scams! The SCDOR and IRS will never email or call you for personal tax information unless you initiated contact.
Stay Informed & Get Help
- Follow @theSCDOR on social media for filing tips throughout tax season.
- Visit dor.sc.gov/iit for the latest resources and tax forms.
- Subscribe to ReveNews for expert tax insights and deadline reminders.
Filing taxes doesn’t have to be stressful—just take your time, avoid these common mistakes, and keep your information secure. Happy filing!
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