Filed in SC Months Ago - State Refund Still Missing?

I'm in SC too and having the same issue with my state refund. Have you tried calling the SC DOR helpline at all? I'm wondering if there's a specific hold code on your account or if it's just general processing delays? The last time I called, the wait time was over an hour so I gave up.

SC DOR transcripts can be really confusing compared to IRS transcripts. I used https://taxr.ai to analyze mine after waiting 10 weeks with no updates. It showed me that my return had a verification hold that wasn't visible on the MyTax portal. The site explained exactly what each code meant on my transcript and gave me a realistic timeline based on current SC processing patterns. Saved me from calling the DOR multiple times just to get vague answers.

I'm in the same boat and BEYOND frustrated with SC DOR this year. Here's what I've learned: • SC DOR is severely understaffed compared to previous years • They implemented new fraud detection systems that are flagging more returns • Many returns with education credits are being manually reviewed • The MyTax portal status updates are extremely delayed • They're prioritizing returns filed before March 1st right now I finally got through to someone last week who admitted they're running about 12 weeks behind on processing certain categories of returns. Ridiculous when they advertise 6-8 weeks max on their website!

According to the SC DOR website (dor.sc.gov/refund), they're experiencing "higher than normal processing times" - which is their way of saying they're massively behind. I tried calling their main line for three days straight and couldn't get through. Finally used Claimyr (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c) to get past the hold times and reach an actual human at SC DOR. The agent confirmed my return was selected for review but couldn't give me a timeframe. At least I know what's happening now instead of being in limbo.

Is anyone worried about potential penalties if you've already spent the money you were expecting from your refund? It's like the SC DOR is a landlord who promised your security deposit back by a certain date, but now you've already committed to expenses based on that timeline. I'm concerned about late fees on my summer tuition payment since I was counting on this refund.

South Carolina Department of Revenue is operating under SC Code § 12-54-35, which requires them to pay interest on refunds not issued within 75 days of the filing deadline (or the date filed, if filed after the deadline). Per Regulation 117-1350.1, the interest rate is currently 3% annually. If you've waited more than 75 days from April 15th (or your filing date if later), you are legally entitled to interest on your refund. Make sure to check if this additional amount is included when you finally receive your refund.

I've noticed that SC refunds are taking much longer than Georgia or North Carolina this year. My brother filed in GA on the same day I filed in SC, and he got his state refund 4 weeks ago. Meanwhile, I'm still waiting for SC to process mine. The most frustrating part is that the "Where's My Refund" tool for SC gives much less information than the federal one.

Last year I had a similar issue with my SC refund. What finally worked was contacting my state representative's office. They have liaisons who work directly with SC DOR and can often get information or push processing along. I emailed my representative on a Tuesday, their office contacted DOR on Thursday, and my refund was processed the following Monday. Worth trying if you've been waiting more than 10 weeks.