Remember S.C.'s state forests on your tax return

Help support forest recreation and operations with a charitable check-off on your return

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FROM STAFF REPORTS

The South Carolina Forestry Commission is encouraging taxpayers to make a charitable contribution on their tax returns to S.C. State Forests Fund.

Contributions help support the five state forests: Harbison, Manchester, Poe Creek, Sand Hills and Wee Tee.

South Carolina's state forest system receives no state funding and relies solely on timber receipts, pine straw sales and recreational permit revenue for its operating funds. "We're completely self-supporting, so any money we receive from the check-off program goes directly back into these forests and facilities," said Mike Shealy, SCFC state lands manager, in a news release.

The State Forests Fund check-off program has raised more than $112,000 in the eight years since its inception, with all of the money used to make improvements and repairs that directly benefit visitors and enhance their experience on state forest lands.

Not only do the state forests support themselves, but they also provide funding to school systems in the counties that host them, giving more than $743,000 to school districts in 10 counties last year alone.

How To Give To the S.C. State Forests Fund:

- Enter the amount of your donation on Line 28 of your individual income tax form, S.C. Form 1040;

- Then enter the amount of your donation on Line 15 of S.C. Tax Form I-330, then again on Line 18; and

- Attach S.C. Tax Form I-330 to your tax filing or give it to your professional tax preparer.