(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Unauthorized alien" means an unauthorized alien as defined by 8 USC Section 1324A(h)(3).

(2) "Labor services" means the physical performance of services in this State.

(B) On or after January 1, 2009, no wages or remuneration for labor services to an individual of six hundred dollars or more per annum may be claimed and allowed as a deductible business expense for state income tax purposes by a taxpayer if the individual is an unauthorized alien. The provisions of this subsection shall apply whether or not an Internal Revenue Service Form 1099 is issued in conjunction with the wages or remuneration.

(C) This section shall not apply to a business domiciled in this State that is exempt from compliance with federal employment verification procedures under federal law.

(D) This section shall not apply to an individual hired by the taxpayer prior to January 1, 2009.

(E) This section shall not apply to a taxpayer where the individual being paid is not directly compensated or employed by said taxpayer.

(F) This section shall not apply to wages or remuneration paid for labor services to any individual whose employment authorization status was verified in accordance with the provisions of Section 41-8-20.

(G) A taxpayer must not be held liable for failing to comply with the provisions of this section, if, based on a reasonable investigation of the individual, the taxpayer did not know or should not have known that the individual was an unauthorized alien. For purposes of this subsection, a taxpayer shall be deemed to have conducted a reasonable investigation if the individual met the requirements of subsection (F), and the information provided by the individual to the taxpayer was facially correct.

(H) The Director of the South Carolina Department of Revenue is authorized to prescribe forms and promulgate regulations deemed necessary in order to administer and effectuate this section in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 23 of Title 1 of the South Carolina Code of Laws.

(I) The Director of the Department of Revenue shall send written notice of this section to all South Carolina employers no later than July 1, 2008.

HISTORY: 2008 Act No. 280, Section 7, eff June 4, 2008.