SC Department of Revenue encourages taxpayers to file electronically

The 2012 tax season has begun and the South Carolina Department of Revenue (SCDOR) is urging taxpayers to file their income tax returns electronically.

South Carolina is a national leader in the percentage of its taxpayers that file electronically. Of the 2.1 million returns processed in 2011, 1,692,965 were filed electronically with taxpayers receiving an average refund of $837.

Electronic filers may receive a refund in as little as 10 days, as compared to those who file a paper return, which could take an average of three weeks to receive a refund.

In South Carolina, taxpayers can file their state income tax return electronically by purchasing and using commercial tax preparation software, having a professional tax preparer file for them, or using Free File through SCDOR’s website.

Qualified SC taxpayers can take advantage of free tax preparation services available through Free File in order to electronically prepare and file their state and federal income tax returns simultaneously for free. Since its inception in 2003, the Free File Alliance has offered 70 percent of taxpayers free access to leading commercial tax preparation software. While users benefit from Free File’s automatic check for accuracy, the program is also user-friendly, completely paperless, safe and secure. Taxpayers with an income of $57,000 or less can visit www.sctax.org and click on the Free File icon to e-file their return with one of the six vendors offered.

New in 2012, taxpayers receiving a state income tax refund will be mailed a prepaid debit card containing the amount of their refund, in place of a paper check. In addition, taxpayers have the option to choose direct deposit or to receive a paper check if they do not wish to receive a debit card. Direct deposit is the refund method preferred by SCDOR.

To learn more about filing your taxes electronically, or to check on the status of your refund, visit www.sctax.org or call the individual income tax section of SCDOR at (803) 898-5709.

You may call Tax On Wheels, LLC at 803 732-4288 if you need assistance with state or federal income tax issues.