Walmart is encouraging tax filers to skip the government check and pick up their refunds in cash in stores.
The discounter's Direct2Cash service is now available through more than 25,000 tax preparation locations using the Walmart software, for no additional fee or up to $7 at the time of filing.
"We know tax refunds can be one of the largest financial payouts of the year for many of our customers, and the last thing they want is to wait for their refund check to arrive and then spend money on unnecessary fees -- in many cases upwards of $70 -- to cash it," Daniel Eckert, senior vice president of services for Walmart U.S., said in today's announcement.
Customers who choose the option would get an email with a confirmation code for their federal or state return when the refund is ready. Customers can pick up refunds at Walmart stores.
This year, Walmart will also offer in-store tax preparation services by Jackson Hewitt. Eligible clients will receive a $50 Walmart eGift card when they file.
lorraine.mirabella@baltsun.com