Effective beginning with the 2012 taxable year, individual refunds will be issued through prepaid debit cards or by direct deposit to taxpayers' checking or savings accounts. The paper check refund option is being replaced with the debit card option. Taxpayers receiving a refund may choose either to receive a debit card or direct deposit by filling in the requested information on their returns.

This change is one of the budget reduction measures included in the 2012-2014 Appropriations Act (273 of HB 1301 - Acts of Assembly 2012 Special Session I, Chapter 3) passed by the General Assembly. Visit www.tax.virginia.gov for detailed information and answers to frequently asked questions.