Tax Time: Missouri Offering Income Tax Refund Debit Cards

The debit card option is new for Hazelwood along with the rest of Missouri taxpayers this tax season, according to Missouri State Treasurer Clint Zweifel.

Zweifel's office released the details of the new option Friday in the following news release.

State Treasurer Clint Zweifel (ZWY-ful) announced today citizens have a new option to choose from when getting a tax refund from the State of Missouri. Taxpayers are now able to get a refund in the form of a debit card whether their return is filed on paper or electronically. The new refund option is for taxpayers who file individual income tax returns or Property Tax Credit (PTC) claims.

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This is the first year the Department of Revenue has offered the refund debit card. To receive the card, taxpayers will need to check the “debit card” box located on the refund line of their 2012 income tax return or PTC claim, Zweifel's office said.

After the card is received in the mail, the recipient must activate it by phone or online, and a Personal Information Number or PIN must be created.

Benefits of the debit card include:

• No check cashing fees
• No bank account is required
• Access to the funds is available 24 hours a day
• Taxpayers can use the refund card for free for purchases
• Taxpayers can get cash back with a purchase anywhere a Visa Card is accepted. 

UMB, MoneyPass and Chase ATMs may all be used to access cash without fees, Zweifel's office said, but one free withdrawal is allowed at other ATMs. The ATM's surcharge may apply.

The card is issued by JP Morgan Chase of New York.

Traditional refund options for taxpayers will still be offered including a paper check mailed to a taxpayer and electronic direct deposit into a bank account of a taxpayer receiving a refund.

Zweifel's office also stated taxpayers can find more details about the tax refund debit card at www.dor.mo.gov.