The South Carolina Department of Revenue, an agency some may feel just trying to squeeze more money out of taxpayers... but it’s mission is to PROTECT taxpayers information.
In Fiscal year 2023, the SCDOR saved South Carolinians more than $65M dollars. The agency’s Discovery and Enforcement Unit halted nearly 6,000 fraudulent Individual Income Tax returns from being filed, according to a news release.
When filing taxes, the Unit looks for two types of fake returns: cases where actual taxpayers file their own returns using bogus information, and identity theft. Last year, 5 cases were referred for criminal prosecution.
The Department provides tips in preventing identity theft:
- Don't use public Wi-Fi to file taxes
- Don't give anyone personal information over the phone, through emails, texts or social media
- Scammers will often pose as IRS or SCDOR agents as a scare tactic
- Use established tax preparation websites
- Use a qualified tax preparer
The SCDOR also reminds taxpayers many are eligible to file online for free through an easy-to-use tax preparation software.
Anyone who feels they are the victim of a security breach, scam or identity theft are encouraged to seek guidance from SC Department of Consumer Affair's Identity Theft Unit. Call (844) TELL DCA (835-5322) or fill out an ID Theft Intake form by visiting consumer.sc.gov and clicking on Report Identity Theft.
Tax Day is coming up on April 15th!
