What payroll deadlines should employers track?

Payroll Tax Deadlines for Employers in South Carolina

Employers operating in South Carolina must stay on top of several key payroll tax deadlines to ensure compliance and avoid penalties. Tracking these deadlines involves federal and state requirements related to tax deposits, filings, and reporting.

Federal Payroll Tax Deadlines

• Deposit of Employment Taxes: Employers must deposit federal income tax withheld, Social Security, and Medicare taxes according to their deposit schedule (monthly or semi-weekly). Use the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) for payments.
• Form 941 Quarterly Filing: File the Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return by the last day of the month following the end of each quarter:
  • Q1 - April 30
  • Q2 - July 31
  • Q3 - October 31
  • Q4 - January 31 (of the following year)
• Form W-2 and W-3 Filing: Provide employees with Form W-2 by January 31 and file Form W-3 with the Social Security Administration by January 31.

South Carolina State Payroll Tax Deadlines

• State Income Tax Withholding Deposits: South Carolina requires withholding tax deposits based on the employer’s deposit schedule, which can be monthly or semi-weekly. Deposits must be made electronically through the South Carolina Department of Revenue’s MyDORWAY portal.
• Withholding Tax Returns: File the withholding tax returns quarterly using Form WH-1605 by the last day of the month following the end of each quarter:
  • Q1 - April 30
  • Q2 - July 31
  • Q3 - October 31
  • Q4 - January 31 (of the following year)
• Annual Reconciliation: Employers must reconcile withholding taxes annually with Form WH-1606 by January 31 of the following year.

Operational Tips for Managing Payroll Tax Deadlines

• Automate Reminders: Use payroll software or calendar tools to set up alerts for deposit and filing deadlines.
• Maintain Accurate Records: Keep detailed payroll and tax records for at least four years to support reporting and potential audits.
• Coordinate Federal and State Filings: Align your payroll tax processes to handle both federal and South Carolina-specific requirements efficiently.
• Leverage Electronic Filing and Payments: Use EFTPS for federal deposits and MyDORWAY for South Carolina payments to ensure timely submissions.
• Stay Updated: As of 2026, payroll tax rules and deadlines may change. Regularly check the IRS and South Carolina Department of Revenue websites for updates.