Tax Season Opens; File Using Approved Software, Or Trusted Tax Preparer

The SCDOR is now accepting 2025 Individual Income Tax returns.

Officials stress that before filing returns electronically, South Carolina taxpayers should check the SCDOR’s list of approved software vendors. 

Taxpayers are encouraged to:

• Check our list of approved software vendors regularly for updates.

• Learn if they qualify for approved free filing options.

Officials stress that if you file a return using a software vendor that hasn’t been approved by the SCDOR, your return will be rejected.

They urge you to contact your software vendor if you are unsure about the status of your return or your next steps. You may need to resubmit your return, and officials won’t begin processing any refund due until we have accepted your return. 

They also stress that when you hire a tax preparer, you’re giving them your most sensitive information, so it’s important to: 

• Make sure they have an IRS-issued Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). Use the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications to help find a preparer.

• Understand their fee. Don’t hire a preparer who bases their fee on a percentage of your refund. If your preparer is taking their fee from your refund, make sure you know that up front and understand what your refund amount will be.

• Know how to contact them. Preparers who refuse to sign or leave their contact information on a return are known as “ghost preparers” and are likely trying to scam you. Don’t file a return that your preparer refused to sign. You’ll likely need to contact your preparer if the SCDOR has any questions about your return, so make sure they will be available.

• Take responsibility for your return. You are responsible for information on your return, even if someone else prepared it. Some dishonest preparers will inflate expenses and deductions to inflate a refund. Review your return before signing it and make sure to keep a copy of your return.

Officials also have additional resources to help you throughout tax season:

• Learn about how the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act may impact your South Carolina Income Taxes in Information Letter #26-4.

• Learn more about Individual Income Taxes at dor.sc.gov/iit.

• Find the filing resources you need at dor.sc.gov/iit-filing.

• Check your refund status at dor.sc.gov/refund.

• If you’re a new filer, get started at dor.sc.gov/iit/new-sc-filing.

Find more tax season resources at dor.sc.gov/iit.