Missouri to offer refund debit cards for taxpayers

State Treasurer Clint Zweifel announced Friday that taxpayers are now able to get a refund in the form of a debit card whether their returns are filed on paper or electronically.

This is the first year the Missouri Department of Revenue has offered the refund debit card, issued by JP Morgan Chase of New York. Taxpayers will need to check the "debit card" box on the refund line of their 2012 income tax returns or property tax credit claims.

After the card is received by mail, the recipient must activate it by phone or online and create a Personal Information Number (PIN).

Benefits of the debit card include no check cashing fees, no requirement to have a bank account and 24-hour access to the funds. The card can be used without a fee for purchases and to get cash back with a purchase anywhere a Visa card is accepted.

Other refund options for taxpayers include a mailed paper check and electronic direct deposit into a bank account.

More information about the refund debit card can be found at www.dor.mo.gov.