Security safeguard measure implemented to aid in the prevention of tax fraud

COLUMBIA – New for 2013, the SC Department of Revenue (DOR) has implemented a security safeguard measure to help prevent fraud-related individual income tax filings.

Through the security program, income tax returns filed in 2013 will be processed by means of a new security safeguard measure in order to insure no fraudulent activity. For tax returns that are questionable, DOR will mail the taxpayer a letter asking for additional information in order to complete the processing of the return. The letter will detail instructions for the taxpayer to either go online or to call DOR in order to answer questions specific to the individual. Once this process has been successfully completed, the tax refund will be issued to the individual.

The goal of the security program is to protect taxpayers from fraud by individuals filing tax returns in a legitimate taxpayer’s name. Additionally, DOR has implemented the program in an effort to decrease the number of fraudulent tax returns and, subsequently, decrease the issuance of fraudulent tax refunds.

Income tax filing

In keeping with filing dates of the Internal Revenue Service, DOR opened the 2013 electronic filing season for processing on January 30. It is the goal of DOR to assure taxpayers that filing electronically is and has always been a secure method, and taxpayers should continue to utilize this means of filing as it is more efficient than filing paper returns.

For helpful information throughout income tax filing season, please visit www.sctax.org or call the SC Department of Revenue at (803) 898-5000.