Speak Out: How Will You File Your Tax Return?

According to the South Carolina Department of Revenue, 78 percent of all individual income tax returns for the 2011 tax year were filed electronically. 

In the wake of the agency's database breach last year where information for 6.4 million taypayers, dependents and businesses was compromised, the department has worked to assured consumers that e-filing continues to be a safe method to get a refund. 

The breach affected electronic filings since 1998 but not returns submitted in the paper form through the mail.

On Monday, the department announced a new security measure to help prevent fraudalent filings.

While the agency urges taxpayers to continue to file electronically, DOR officials have said they're preparing for those that will file by paper.

According to a report from the Post & Courier, the agency estimates needing 25 part-time workers to handle the paper returns. That number could change depending on the number of returns that are mailed in.

Those who qualify could have their taxes prepared for free, thanks to the United Way's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program

If you have a household income of less than $51,000 a year, dial 2-1-1 to schedule an appointment for free tax assistance at any one of VITA's sites. When you call 2-1-1, you'll be told what documents you need to bring with you to your appointment.

VITA is being held at a variety of sites in the Upstate. Sites began preparing tax returns last month.

VITA Sites:

 Simpsonville

Center for Community Services (English and Spanish)
Simpsonville Hendricks Branch Library

Taylors

Taylors First Baptist Church

Greer

Greer Relief and Resources Agency

Fountain Inn

Kerry Ann Younts Culp Branch Library

Pickens County Sites:

Clemson
Clemson Community Care, Inc.

Easley
Hampton Memorial Library
Parenting Place
Pickens County YMCA

Liberty
Seniors Unlimited of Pickens County

Pickens
Village Branch Library

Greenville Sites
Anderson Road West Branch Library
Greenville Technical College
Greenville Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
Hughes Main Library
Nicholtown Community Center
Redemption World Outreach
United Ministries, Learning Center
Virginia College
YWCA of Greenville

 How will you file your tax returns? Electronically or by snail mail? Tell us in the comments.