House panel OKs tax refund options
Advocate (excerpt)

Louisiana residents would be able to choose the manner in which they receive state tax refunds under a bill that cleared a state House panel on Tuesday. The House Ways and Means Committee, without objection, approved a revamped House Bill 1092 that would give taxpayers the option of choosing to get refunds via check, debit card or direct deposit.

Under the bill, sponsored by state Rep. Jim Fannin, D-Jonesboro, the manner of refund would be chosen by the individual on his tax return.

Many Louisiana residents were startled when they started receiving their tax refunds on debit cards instead of getting checks in the mail. The state Department of Revenue switched to the debit cards, issued by Chase Bank, as a cost-savings measure.