In a statement reported on by WYFF4, the South Carolina Department of Revenue said that they’ll be delaying refunds for the majority of filers until March 1. As scammers continue to steal identities and file false tax returns in order to get their victims’ refunds, the state is trying to make sure that the refunds being sent out are indeed being sent to the correct individuals.
The delay is due to the state verifying wage documents with the IRS. Because the IRS often doesn’t receive employers’ W-2 wage statements until mid February, the information can’t be verified until then. In addition to the wage verification process, the state is also using predictive analytics software and other tools (which they are keeping secret so as not to clue scammers in) to fight the thieves.