SC taxpayers by the thousands owed over $600, IRS says. Here’s how to get your money
More than 14,000 South Carolina taxpayers are owed a portion of over $12 million in unclaimed refunds, the IRS says.
According to the federal agency, the unclaimed refunds apply only to the 14,400 South Carolinians who haven’t filed a 2021 tax return.
The median refund for these taxpayers is $683, the IRS states. And the time to get that money is quickly slipping away. Taxpayers have until May 1 to claim the money they’re owed.
The agency warns that any refunds from 2021 left unclaimed after the deadline will be added to the U.S. Treasury. Also, taxpayers seeking a 2021 tax refund may see that refund held if they have not filed tax returns for 2022 or 2023. And any refund amount for 2021 will be applied to amounts still owed to the IRS or a state tax agency, the IRS states.
The IRS notes that by missing out on filing a tax return, people stand to lose more than just a refund.
Many low and moderate-income workers may be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit. The EITC was worth as much as $6,728 for taxpayers with qualifying children in 2021, the IRS states.
How to get your SC 2021 refund
To request an unclaimed refund, South Carolinians who haven’t filed a 2021 tax return will need to do so. And if you think you don’t have all the necessary information to file, there are ways to gather it. Below are some options, according to the IRS.
- Create or log in to IRS Individual Online Account: The fastest and easiest way for people to view, download, or print tax records and transcripts is to create or log in to their Individual Online Account at IRS.gov. There they can find transcripts of past tax returns, tax account information, wage and income statements, and verification of non-filing letters.
- Request copies of key documents: Taxpayers who are missing Forms W-2, 1098, 1099, or 5498 for the years 2021, 2022, or 2023 can request copies from their employer, bank, or other payers.
- Request a transcript. Another option is for people to file Form 4506-T with the IRS to request a “wage and income transcript.” A wage and income transcript shows data from information returns received by the IRS, such as Forms W-2, 1099, 1098, Form 5498, and IRA contribution information. Taxpayers can use the information from the transcript to file their tax return. But plan ahead – these written requests can take several weeks; people are strongly urged to try the other options first.
This story was originally published March 13, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
