You may notice something a little different as you file your state tax return this year, you won't be able to request a live refund check.
It comes down to saving money. Your Hometown News Leader spoke to Joel Davison with the State's Department of Taxation and he says the decision to do away with paper checks was a cost saving measure decided by the General Assembly last year.
The Commonwealth expects to save over $200,000 dollars a year by eliminating the printing and distribution of paper checks.
When people file their returns, at places Liberty Tax Service in Roanoke, they'll now be given the option of receiving their refunds in either a pre-paid debit card or through direct deposit.
General Manager, Karyl Bailey says this change has been an adjustment.
"People get a little afraid when they see changes like that. And so they say, I want to know what the debit card is and so we explain to them that it's basically the same as a check, it's just like the debit card for your bank account."
Bailey adds there are fees associated with the debit cards, so many filers are opting for the direct deposit option.
To date, over 600-thousand direct deposit refunds have been issued. Over 100-thousand via those debit cards. Some taxpayers with special circumstances will still get their refund via paper check.
