For Immediate Release: Monday, January 30, 2012
Hartford – Bringing recipients more immediate access to their state income tax refunds, the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS) today announced the distribution of refund debit cards for most income taxpayers who do not choose direct deposit.
DRS Commissioner Kevin B. Sullivan said, “Issuing tax refunds as debit cards provides a security and convenience not available with paper checks. Couple that with the elimination of check cashing fees and the refund debit cards are a benefit for taxpayers and the state.”
The Commissioner said the majority of the nearly 1 million income tax refunds issued to taxpayers during 2011 were through direct deposit, but as many as 45% of refunds were issued via paper check. Issuing debit cards to taxpayers receiving refund amounts of less than $10,000 is a safer way to mail refunds to taxpayers. Security features are built into the activation process and the refund amount cannot be altered as it might be on a check.
“The new tax refund debit card is practically like cash in your hand,” Commissioner Sullivan said. “It can be activated anytime, and taxpayers can use it just as they would any other debit card. They can pay bills, go shopping, or get cash from an ATM. We believe taxpayers, especially those without a bank account, will appreciate the flexibility and security the new refund debit card offers.”
DRS expects the first debit cards to arrive in taxpayers’ mailboxes by the end of the week. The cards will contain instructions in both English and Spanish explaining how to activate and access refund information.
Click on the Debit Card FAQs icon on www.ct.gov/DRS for information regarding debit cards. The website also contains useful forms, publications, and FAQs regarding other state tax issues.
Media calls should be directed to the communications office at (860) 297-5610 or emailed to sarah.kaufman@po.state.ct.us.
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