As we anticipated, yesterday the South Carolina Department of Revenue conformed South Carolina’s income tax deadline to July 15, 2020, the new Federal income tax deadline.  On March 23, 2020, the South Carolina Department of Revenue issued Information Letter 20-4 (link: SCDOR IL20-4), announcing the general information.

The extension applies to 2019 income tax returns (individual, corporate, trust) that are originally due April 15, 2020.  Taxpayers now have until July 15 to file returns and pay taxes due.  Just as with the federal extension, there is no limit on the amount of the balance due that can be postponed until July.   Interest and penalties will begin to accrue on July 16, 2020.  The extension includes the payment of estimated taxes originally due on April 15, which now must be paid by July 15.  There is no indication that there is an extension for the June 15, 2020, 2^nd quarter estimate.

The due dates and tax payments for other SC returns/taxes remain at the original extended date.  This extension covers taxes and returns due between April 1, 2020 and June 1, 2020, and includes state and local sales and use tax, property tax returns (filed with SCDOR), withholding taxes, motor fuel user tax, state accommodations tax, and beer, wine and liquor tax. These returns and taxes must be filed/paid by June 1, 2020.  Please note that taxpayers can (and should) continue to file returns, but withhold payment until the revised due date.

Nothing has to be filed with the SCDOR to qualify for this relief.

Taxpayers needing additional time past the July 15, 2020 date to file returns will need to file an extension by July 15 to extend the due date to October 15, 2020.

Melinda Bendenbaugh

Director, State and Local Tax