In this article
- Quick facts: Filing for sales tax in South Carolina
- When to file and pay South Carolina sales tax
- South Carolina sales tax filing deadlines
- How to prepare your South Carolina sales tax return
- How to complete and file a South Carolina sales tax return
- How to pay sales tax in South Carolina
- What happens after filing and paying South Carolina sales tax
- Late filing penalties and interest
- Getting third-party help with sales tax filing
- Sales tax filing in other states
If you're registered for South Carolina sales tax, you must file returns and pay any tax due according to the filing frequency assigned by the South Carolina Department of Revenue. This guide focuses on the filing and payment process most relevant to remote sellers and out-of-state businesses using MyDORWAY.
For broader information about South Carolina sales tax rules, rates, and exemptions, see the South Carolina Sales Tax Guide. For details on how to get a South Carolina Retail License, see the South Carolina Sales Tax Registration Guide.
Quick facts: Filing for sales tax in South Carolina
Key information about filing South Carolina sales tax returns, including filing frequency, deadlines, and payment options.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Filing frequency | Monthly, quarterly, or annually |
| Filing deadline | Generally the 20th day after the period ends |
| Filing portal | MyDORWAY |
| Zero returns required | Yes, where applicable |
When to file and pay South Carolina sales tax
The South Carolina Department of Revenue (SCDOR) will assign you a filing frequency (monthly, quarterly, or yearly) after you register your business. This is typically determined by your expected or actual sales volume — higher-volume sellers are generally asked to file more frequently.
South Carolina sales tax returns and payments are due at the same time. Returns must be filed and tax remitted by the 20th of the month following the end of the filing period. If the 20th falls on a weekend or holiday, the due date shifts to the next business day.
South Carolina sales tax filing deadlines
South Carolina monthly filing due dates
Reports are due on the 20th of the month following the reporting month.
| Month | Filing Deadline |
|---|---|
| January | February 20 |
| February | March 20 |
| March | April 20 |
| April | May 20 |
| May | June 20 |
| June | July 20 |
| July | August 20 |
| August | September 20 |
| September | October 20 |
| October | November 20 |
| November | December 20 |
| December | January 20 |
South Carolina quarterly filing due dates
| Quarter | Filing Deadline |
|---|---|
| Q1 (January 1–March 31) | April 20 |
| Q2 (April 1–June 30) | July 20 |
| Q3 (July 1–September 30) | October 20 |
| Q4 (October 1–December 31) | January 20 |
South Carolina yearly filing due dates
Reports for the previous year are due on January 20.
Important note: Zero returns
Once you have a South Carolina Retail License, you are required to file returns for every assigned period regardless of whether any sales tax was collected. When no sales tax was collected, you must file a zero return electronically through MyDORWAY.
How to prepare your South Carolina sales tax return
Before working on your sales tax return, collect all sales information for the tax period. The MyDORWAY system will guide you, but you will generally need the following information.
Sales transactions
You need to know your total gross sales to South Carolina buyers and your taxable sales by category. Remember South Carolina's key distinction: SaaS is taxable as a communications service, but most downloaded digital products are not taxable.
Key reporting figures
In addition to your gross South Carolina sales, filing a return requires:
- Total sales and income
- Taxable sales by category
- Non-taxable sales and exemptions (including downloaded digital goods, which are generally exempt)
- Deductions and adjustments
- Total sales tax collected from customers during the filing period
- County local option taxes collected (1%–3%, included in the same return)
How to complete and file a South Carolina sales tax return
South Carolina sales tax returns are filed online through MyDORWAY and must be reported in US dollars.
Step-by-step: file a South Carolina sales tax return
1. Collect all necessary information
Gather your sales records for the tax period, organized by taxability. Having this information ready before logging in will make the filing process faster.
2. Log in and file online
- Log in to MyDORWAY.
- Navigate to your Sales Tax account.
- Select the filing period you want to file.
- Enter your gross sales, taxable sales, exemptions, and total tax collected. Remote sellers generally file Form ST-3. If local option taxes apply, complete Schedule ST-389.
- Review and submit your return.
3. Receive confirmation
After submitting, you will receive a confirmation number. Save this as your record of filing. A confirmation email is typically sent as well.
How to pay sales tax in South Carolina
South Carolina requires most businesses to file and pay electronically through MyDORWAY. You can pay directly within the portal after filing your return. Accepted payment methods include:
- Credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express)
- Debit card
What happens after filing and paying South Carolina sales tax
After filing and paying, keep a copy of your return and payment confirmation for your records.
- Save your filing confirmation and payment receipt
- Keep records supporting the reported amounts
- Continue filing according to your assigned frequency
- File a zero return when required
➡ Need help understanding South Carolina sales tax rules, rates, and nexus? See the South Carolina Sales Tax Guide
➡ Need to register for South Carolina sales tax? See the South Carolina Sales Tax Registration Guide
Late filing penalties and interest
If you miss a South Carolina sales tax filing deadline, file as soon as possible. Failure to file returns and remit collected tax on time results in penalties and interest charges that increase the longer you wait.
For current penalty rates and interest charges, refer to the South Carolina Department of Revenue website.
Getting third-party help with sales tax filing
Quaderno can simplify your South Carolina sales tax compliance by generating detailed tax reports and handling the filing process on your behalf. Connect your sales data and Quaderno manages the submission to the SCDOR, ensuring timely and accurate filing.
Sales tax filing in other states
- Arizona Sales Tax Filing Guide
- California Sales Tax Filing Guide
- Florida Sales Tax Filing Guide
- Georgia Sales Tax Filing Guide
- Illinois Sales Tax Filing Guide
- Kentucky Sales Tax Filing Guide
- Massachusetts Sales Tax Filing Guide
- New Jersey Sales Tax Filing Guide
- New York Sales Tax Filing Guide
- North Carolina Sales Tax Filing Guide
- Ohio Sales Tax Filing Guide
- Pennsylvania Sales Tax Filing Guide
- Texas Sales Tax Filing Guide
- Virginia Sales Tax Filing Guide
- Washington DC Sales Tax Filing Guide
Need help filing across multiple states?
Watch our webinar: US Sales Tax Registration & Filing Tips + AMA. Learn how international sellers register, file, and manage US sales tax compliance across multiple jurisdictions.
Note: At Quaderno we love providing helpful information and best practices about taxes, but we are not certified tax advisors. For further help, or if you are ever in doubt, please consult a professional tax advisor or the tax authorities.
