Less cost, more security and increased direct deposit help taxpayers
Hartford – Last tax season, Connecticut taxpayers due income tax refunds of less than $5,000 and not choosing direct deposit received debit cards rather than paper checks for the first time. Said Department of Revenue Services (DRS) Commissioner Kevin Sullivan, “It was a bumpy ride last time and we had a lot of explaining to do. This tax season, with the opportunity to provide a real public information campaign in advance to taxpayers, it is going very smoothly with very, very few complaints.”
Of state personal income tax refunds paid so far this year, 19% have been by debit card and 79% by direct deposit. That marks another increase in taxpayers choosing direct deposit, which is the fastest and most secure way to get a state income tax refund. The switch from paper checks to debit cards also continues to save state taxpayers at least $300,000 annually.
Added Commissioner Sullivan, “Yes, a few politicians in the State Legislature still don’t seem to get it. Change is never easy. But government has an obligation to be more businesslike in reducing costs and modernizing services. That’s what this is all about, in addition to providing greater security. With refund debit cards, taxpayers have easy, no-fee choices after simply activating the card. They can simply to cash out at any Chase or other VISA-affiliated bank. Alternatively, they can use it just like any other debit card to make purchases from VISA-affiliated merchants.”
Commissioner Sullivan also noted DRS will once again do a follow-up mailing to remind taxpayers who may forget to activate and access their income tax refund debit cards. Said Sullivan, “It’s their money and we want to be sure they get it.”
For more information, visit the DRS website at www.ct.gov/DRS. Media calls should be directed to the communications office at (860) 297-5610 or emailed to sarah.kaufman@po.state.ct.us.