Tax season is officially underway.

The South Carolina Department of Revenue and the IRS will begin accepting Individual Income Tax returns today.

As you prepare to file your return, review these tips and changes that could affect you.

Tips for filing your return:

• File online, and choose direct deposit for faster and more accurate processing. Free and low-cost options, like SC Fillable Forms, are available for filing your South Carolina return. Visit www.dor.sc.gov/iit-filing to learn more. 
• Make sure you have your W-2s, 1099s, other withholding information, and important documents before you file. Year-end pay stubs may not match what your employer reports to us, which can slow down your return and refund.
• Before submitting your tax return, make sure your current mailing address is included, even if you choose direct deposit for your refund. 
• After you file, check your refund status online at www.dor.sc.gov/refund . Allow 6-8 weeks for your return and refund to process.

New for the 2020 filing season:

• Did you save receipts from 2019 gas purchases and vehicle maintenance? The Motor Fuel Income Tax Credit increased from 3 cents per gallon to 5 cents per gallon.
• The SC Earned Income Tax Credit increased to 41.67% of the federal credit. To claim this credit you must be eligible for the federal credit and must be a full-year resident of South Carolina.
• The maximum credit available for the Two Wage Earner Credit increased to 0.7% of the lesser of $36,667 or the South Carolina qualified earned income of the taxpayer with the lower qualified income for the taxable year.
• The South Carolina dependent exemption amount increased to $4,190 for each eligible dependent.

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