South Carolina continues to set new records each year in the number of individual income tax returns filed electronically.  The total for tax year 2008 was 1,520,780 returns through October, 2009.  For the year, the South Carolina Department of Revenue received 70% of all individual income tax returns electronically.    Based on statistics compiled annually by the Federation of Tax Administrators (FTA), South Carolina has ranked in the top 10 each of the last eleven years in the percentage of taxpayers that file their individual income tax returns electronically. 

The SC Department of Revenue has achieved a leadership role by recognizing the citizenry of South Carolina's desire for efficient and fast tax filing/payment.   The electronic filing methods offered provide the fastest and most accurate way of capturing taxpayer data. Electronic filing reduces errors on returns and saves taxpayer dollars.

If taxpayers are receiving a refund, both electronic filing methods provide the option of having refunds direct deposited into a taxpayer's bank account.  Taxpayers generally receive their refunds by direct deposit or paper check in about twelve days (worst case scenario...less than three weeks).  Taxpayers with a balance due may also file and pay electronically by any EFile method. 

The tax payment may be made any time through May 3, 2010.  Taxpayers may submit payment by:

• mailing a payment voucher (SC1040-V) and paper check
• by credit card (if you file via SCnetFile or file a SC 1040-V via DOR EPay)
• by electronic funds withdrawal (EFW) (both SC EFile methods OR file a SC 1040-V via DOR EPay)   

Taxpayers that file via either of the SC EFile methods have until May 3, 2010 to both file their return and pay any balance due with no penalty or interest being incurred. THIS SPECIAL INCENTIVE DOES NOT APPLY TO FEDERAL RETURNS OR TO SC TAXPAYERS THAT FILE PAPER RETURNS!