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Tax season opens today; file using approved software or a trusted tax preparer

Monday, Jan 26, 2026

The SCDOR is now accepting 2025 Individual Income Tax returns.

File using approved software.

Before filing returns electronically, South Carolina taxpayers should check the SCDOR’s list of approved software
vendors.

We are unable to accept electronically-filed returns from unapproved software vendors. We will continue to add vendors to our website as they are approved. Taxpayers are encouraged to:

• Check our list of approved software vendors regularly for updates.
• Learn if they qualify for approved free filing options. If you file a return using a software vendor that has not been approved by the SCDOR, your return will be rejected. 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 we will not begin processing any refund due until we have accepted your return.

File using a trusted tax preparer.

You may choose to hire a tax professional to help you prepare your return. Remember—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.

We 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.

Stay connected

Find more tax season resources at dor.sc.gov/iit. Follow the SCDOR on Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube, and subscribe to Reve News for the latest updates, resources, and reminders throughout the tax season.

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MEDIA INQUIRES:

SCDOR Public Information Office

news@dor.sc.gov

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