Georgia issues tax refunds via BofA debit card instead of paper check; $2 fee to ask a question

[Newsjock]

Earlier this month, there was this:
http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2011/04/05/ga-eyes-debit-cards-for-tax-refunds.html

The Georgia Department of Revenue is eliminating paper checks for income tax refunds.

DOR will start a debit card pilot program later this week and expects it to eventually replace mailing of Georgia income tax paper refund checks.

The debit cards will be mailed to some taxpayers who elected to receive a 2010 Georgia income tax paper refund check. Taxpayers who chose electronic direct deposit of their income tax refund will continue to receive their refunds electronically.

Well, according to a story this morning at The Consumerist, the debit cards are actually Bank of America debit cards, and there's a $2 fee for calling the number that comes with the card to ask a question:
http://consumerist.com/2011/04/bank-of-america-charged-me-a-fee-to-ask-a-question.html

Something is rotten in the state of Georgia! Or at least, it would seem that perhaps the state is in cahoots with Bank of America, which is acting like a brat and charging fees for anyone who dares to question what the deal is.

Reader Jacob J. says his sister received her tax refund in the form of a Bank of America debit card, instead of a check, through no action of his own. A branch of BofA told him he'd have to pay a fee to get the cash off of it, so instead, he called the number on the papers that came with it. Big mistake! Or at least, a $2 one.

[Donnachaidh]

1. No one should be surprised at this with Nathan Deal at the helm.

He left the Congress under a cloud of suspicion -- think he's just found a new pocket to pick.

[defendandprotect]

2. kr -- More of capitalism's criminal intent --

[Skink]

3. Innovative fee structuring.

[Yavin4]

4. So, If I Rob BofA...

isn't that just an innovative banking withdrawal.

[Skink]

6. that would be illegal.

[KittyWampus]

5. Why should taxpayers have to pay a fee to a private bank for their own money? WTF?

[RebelOne]

7. I received my Georgia state refund

through direct deposit to my checking account. When you file online, you are given the choice of receiving it by mail or direct deposit. Most people have a checking account, so why not opt for direct deposit? I received my refund within 2 weeks.

[mdmc]

8. most people

not all