Free tax help in South Carolina
How to file your South Carolina and federal returns for free if you qualify, the South Carolina deadline, and where to find free volunteer help.
Check if you qualify (5 questions)| State income tax | Yes |
|---|---|
| Tax year 2025 due date | April 15, 2026. Usually April 15 (same as federal). |
| Extension | For tax year 2025 SCDOR automatically extended the filing deadline to October 15, 2026 with no action needed; at least 90% of the tax still had to be paid by April 15, 2026. Normally a payment through MyDORWAY by the due date requests a six-month extension. |
| State tax agency | South Carolina Department of Revenue |
Free South Carolina state filing
South Carolina free filing options
South Carolina says you may qualify to file federal and state returns with free tax software if you made $89,000 or less in 2025; each company sets its own rules.
Income limit: AGI $89,000 (tax year 2025; partners may set lower limits)
See South Carolina Free File optionsFree if you qualify. Rules are for tax year 2025 (filed in 2026) unless noted; South Carolina may update them in January.
Free federal filing for South Carolina residents
- VITA: free preparation if you make about $70,244 or less; most sites also do the state return. Find a site.
- TCE and AARP Tax-Aide: free help focused on older taxpayers. Find a Tax-Aide site.
- IRS Free File: AGI $89,000 or less (tax year 2025). Some partners include a free South Carolina return.
- MyFreeTaxes: federal and state, income under $89,000.
- MilTax: for the military community, federal plus up to three state returns.
- Fillable Forms: any income, federal only.
Common questions
Can I file my South Carolina state return for free?
Often, yes, if you qualify. South Carolina options include South Carolina free filing options. VITA and TCE volunteers usually prepare the state return too, and MyFreeTaxes covers state returns for income under $89,000.
When is the South Carolina tax deadline?
For tax year 2025, the South Carolina return was due April 15, 2026. Usually April 15 (same as federal). For tax year 2025 SCDOR automatically extended the filing deadline to October 15, 2026 with no action needed; at least 90% of the tax still had to be paid by April 15, 2026. Normally a payment through MyDORWAY by the due date requests a six-month extension.
Where can I get free tax help in person in South Carolina?
Use the IRS VITA/TCE locator or the AARP Tax-Aide locator and search your ZIP code. Sites are mostly open from late January to mid-April.
Need paid help in South Carolina?
If you don't qualify for free help, have past-due returns, or got a notice from the IRS or South Carolina Department of Revenue, our partner Pack Tax works with South Carolina residents by phone and video.
This is paid help, not a free program. You can ask questions before you agree to anything.
Ask Pack Tax for helpPack Tax is our paid partner; we may receive a fee for referrals. How this works
Sources
- SCDOR IIT file and pay options
- SCDOR statement: filing deadline extended
- SCDOR individual income tax
- IRS: Free tax return preparation for qualifying taxpayers
- IRS Free File: do your taxes for free
South Carolina facts checked on October 8, 2026. Rules and dates change every year; confirm with South Carolina Department of Revenue before you file.