New debit card option for tax refunds

Convenient for taxpayers

[February 16, 2013]  SPRINGFIELD -- Taxpayers due a refund this year on their Illinois taxes can opt for a debit card rather than a paper check if they file using the Department of Revenue's WebFile site at tax.illlinois.gov. Taxpayers who already have checking or savings accounts and those who opt to use a different tax filing system will find that direct deposit is still quicker and might be a more convenient way to access refund money.

"Each year we strive to improve the taxpayer experience when using tax.illinois.gov. This year, we've implemented a pilot program to help families without a traditional savings or checking account get free access to their tax refund, instead of facing check-cashing fees from local vendors," said Brian Hamer, director of the Illinois Department of Revenue. "But people who have a bank or credit union account are likely to find direct deposit the most effective way to receive their refund."

The debit cards can be used without a fee at banks and credit unions displaying the Visa logo, at thousands of Chase ATMs, and at retail stores and gas stations around the state. The debit card refund option is available only to those taxpayers who use the department's WebFile site.

Illinois taxpayers can find the Chase ATM most convenient to them by using the locator in the question-and-answer portion of the Department of Revenue website devoted to the debit card program at tax.illinois.gov. Taxpayers should be aware that they could incur a fee if they use a non-Chase ATM.

The department will monitor the feedback from taxpayers who have opted to use the debit card this year with hopes of expanding the debit card option next year so that more Illinois taxpayers could take advantage of it.

[Text from Illinois Department of Revenue file received from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]