South Carolina Taxpayers Should Wait Before Enrolling in a Second Year of Credit Monitoring Offered by Experian

PUBLIC NOTICE

Columbia, SC (September 17, 2013) — Taxpayers are encouraged to be patient in making a decision about the continued credit monitoring services offered by any vendor, including Experian, until they have an opportunity to evaluate the services the state will cover and soon make available.

The state Budget and Control Board is in the process of reviewing bids and a formal announcement will be made next week as to which vendor was chosen to offer credit and identification protection. The vendor will work alongside the state of South Carolina to promote and educate the public on the protection service.

The final details of the state provided protection service will be in place by October 24, 2013, prior to any taxpayer coverage lapsing.

DOR Director Bill Blume stated, “It is our goal to protect the private information of South Carolina citizens, and we want to ensure that individuals are aware of the state provided credit and identity theft protection available for a second year.”

Individuals are still covered through Experian for one year from their date of enrollment. In addition, those citizens who choose to purchase their own protection have the ability to deduct a portion of that cost from their state income taxes.

Experian credit protection will expire for South Carolina taxpayers 12 months from their initial enrollment date.

Individuals can visit www.sctax.org to stay up to date on the latest information available on credit protection for South Carolina taxpayers.