South Carolina Individual Income Tax returns and payments are due May 1. If you’re worried about paying what you owe after filing, don’t panic – the SCDOR has tips to help.
If you haven’t filed yet, don’t avoid it.
Not filing a return won’t make your anticipated tax balance go away. In fact, if you don’t file on time, you may incur penalties and interest, which adds to what you owe.
If you can’t pay the full amount you owe, you should still file on time and pay as much as you can by the filing deadline.
However, if you’re considering a payment plan with the SCDOR, don’t enter your bank account information on your return. If you do so, the SCDOR will debit the full amount you owe from your account on the payment date you select.
If you’ve already filed, and your bill has you stressed out, make sure you understand your payment options.
You may be eligible to enter into a payment plan with the SCDOR. To qualify for the payment plan, you must:
not have an active levy or garnishment with the SCDOR
have an eligible bank account, and
first receive an SCDOR notice showing you owe a balance
However, the SCDOR encourages you to research and compare your options. A loan from a third party may offer a lower interest rate and allow you to pay off your debt sooner.
Before you file next year’s return, take steps to avoid another large bill.
Check your withholding. Large tax bills are often the result of not having the correct amount of taxes withheld from your paycheck.
Employers use your SC W-4 to determine how much state Income Tax to withhold. Make sure your SC W-4 form is up-to-date, especially if you’ve had a major lifestyle or income change.
Review your pay stub to ensure your employer is withholding the correct amount from your paycheck based on your SC W-4.
If necessary, submit a new SC W-4 to adjust your withholding amount.
Consider making estimated payments throughout the next tax year.
This is especially important for self-employed individuals, contract workers, and workers who don’t have taxes withheld.
Remember, if you owe at least $100 on your Individual Income Tax return, but you don’t make estimated payments, you may be charged a penalty, even if you pay your full balance due by the deadline.
Haven’t filed your return yet? Visit dor.sc.gov/iit to get started.
Remember: due to relief granted in the wake of Hurricane Helene, South Carolina returns are due May 1, 2025, along with any balance due.
