photo by flickr user MoneyBlogNewz

In addition to a paper check or electronic funds transfer into your bank account, you'll have the option to receive your South Carolina tax refund on a Bank of America debit card.

As WPDE reports, the Department of Revenue says this option saves them money and offers convenience to some receiving refunds, especially those without bank accounts. 

The card can be used just as any Visa can for shopping and paying bills. It can also be used at Bank of America ATMs, as well as banks and credit unions that accept Visa for cash withdrawals.  There is a fee schedule, however, for withdrawals from other banks, subsequent withdrawals, replacement cards, and emergency cash transfers. 

You can read more about this new option and see the full schedule of fees on the South Carolina Department of Revenue page here.

Last year the federal government introduced a very similar initiative, offering tax refunds via debit cards to 808,000 tax payers.  According to a report by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, only 239 took them up on it.