Columbia Tax Department Offers Essential Tips for a Smooth Filing Season in 2025

Columbia Tax Tips: Get Ready for Filing Season!

Columbia, S.C. (WOLO) – Can you believe the new year is just around the corner? With the start of 2025, tax season will be here before you know it! To help everyone get ready, the South Carolina Department of Revenue (SCDOR) is sharing some crucial tips to help you plan your tax filing. It’s all about saving time and ensuring your refund arrives smoothly!

What Every Taxpayer Should Know

First off, mark your calendars! Individual Income Tax returns for South Carolina are due on May 1, 2025. This extension is in light of relief granted after Hurricane Helene, but if you’re filing taxes for another state, you might still need to submit by the usual date of April 15. So, keep that in mind!

Here’s the deal: you don’t want to be that person scrambling at the last minute. The SCDOR emphasizes that being organized tops the list of things you can do to prepare. Gather all documents related to your income, as these will be critical when it’s time to file. Storing everything in one place means you’re not tearing apart your house on filing day!

Easy Steps to Filing Your Taxes

Here are some friendly reminders to keep your filing process as smooth as possible:

1. Don’t file using your pay stub! Your year-end pay stub might not accurately match what’s reported on your W-2. Trust us, wait for that W-2 to file your taxes to avoid any processing delays.
2. Choose how you file wisely! Electronic filing is not just faster; it’s also much more secure than mailing in a paper return. Plus, online services keep records of your filed returns for you. Check out your options at dor.sc.gov/iit-filing.
3. Expecting a bill? If you think you will owe money, familiarize yourself with MyDORWAY. You can pay what you owe without needing to create an account at dor.sc.gov/pay. There are tutorials available to walk you through the steps!
4. Keep your address updated! This is essential even if you’re receiving a direct deposit. Should SCDOR need to get in touch about your return, they will be relying on the address they have on file.

Advice for Tax Professionals

Tax professionals have their own checklist to prepare for the busy season ahead. Here are some tips for them:

1. Renew your PTIN! If you’re a tax preparer, make sure your IRS-issued Preparer Tax Identification Number is up to date by the end of this year. Renewals and new applications can be done quickly at irs.gov/PTIN.
2. Protect client information! Revoke any power of attorney or third-party authorization forms for clients you no longer assist. This keeps taxpayer records safe!
3. Encourage direct deposit! Suggest that clients opt for direct deposit when filing for a refund. It’s not just faster; it’s also the safest way to get your money!

While You Prepare

With all of these tips rolling out, the number one takeaway is to stay organized and informed. As we know, tax fraud has been a rising issue, with Americans losing around $5.5 billion in 2023 alone! That’s why SCDOR assures the public that every step is being taken to ensure that all tax returns are accurate and authentic to you.

So now’s the time to gather your documentation, plan your filing method, and get ready to tackle the 2025 tax season with confidence. Remember, the early bird gets the worm, or in this case, the refund!

Stay tuned for more updates, and happy tax planning!