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We make tax time easy For Tax Professionals For Taxpayers For Check Cashers

The easy way to pay for tax preparation

No up-front fees

Tax preparation fees are paid from the refund so there's nothing to pay up-front1

Safe & convenient

Secure, fast payment with convenient refund disbursement options

As fast as e-filing

Tax refund is available the same day the IRS issues the automated payment

How pay-by-refund works

Once the tax return is prepared and a refund is expected, a Refund Transfer can be used to pay for tax preparation. 

Step 1: Choose to pay-by-refund

Whether using a tax professional or doing it yourself, select the pay-by-refund option before your tax return is filed. You'll decide how you want to receive your refund amount too.

Step 2: File the tax return

The tax return will include Santa Barbara Tax Product Group's (sbtpg) info so the IRS and/or the state will know where to send the tax refund.

Step 3: Receive the refund

Once the refund amount is issued to sbtpg, all associated tax preparation fees are withheld and paid, and the remaining refund amount is issued to the taxpayer.

Convenient ways to receive money

Once the refund amount is issued to sbtpg, all associated tax preparation fees are withheld and paid, and the remaining funds are issued to the taxpayer.

Green Dot®Prepaid Visa® Card

Taxpayers looking for a safe and easy alternative to a paper check can receive their refund on a Green Dot Prepaid Visa® Card.2

Direct deposit

Money can be deposited into a checking or savings account. Funds are disbursed immediately upon IRS or state funding, reaching your bank account in 1-2 business days.

Cashier's check

Tax professionals may issue checks from their office once IRS or state funding is received. Learn more about where checks can be cashed.3

Checks cashed at locations nationwide

Cash sbtpg-issued checks up to $25,000 at Amscot locations across Florida

Cost:  1.9% of check amount

Check Amount:  Up to $25,000

Availability:  All Amscot locations from first day of filing through Dec. 31, with locations open 7 days a week and many 24 hour locations.4 Find a location

Cash sbtpg-issued checks at any PLS store at low check cashing rates5

Cost: For NY: 2.20% fee for checks in any amount.

For IL: Rates vary based on check amount

For AZ, CA, IN, KY, OK, OH, NC, MA, TX, WI: 3.99% fee for checks of any amount

Check Amount: NO LIMITS on check size! PLS will cash checks large or small!

Availability: Most PLS stores are open 24/7. All NY PLS stores are open 24/7. Find a store

Cash sbtpg-issued checks for a cost up to $8 at Walmart

Cost:  $4 or less for checks up to $1,000 and $8 or less for checks greater than $1,000

Check Amount:  Up to $7,500

Availability:  Participating Walmart locations6 Find a store

Need to hire a pro?

Find a tax professional near you

Find a tax pro in your area and see the tax-related products they offer.

Find a tax pro

We are a proud supporter of the following organizations7

1 Processing fees apply.

2 Green Dot® card is issued by Green Dot Bank, Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A., Inc. Visa is a registered trademark of Visa International Service Association. Green Dot Bank also operates under the following registered trade names: GO2bank, GoBank and Bonneville Bank. All of these registered trade names are used by, and refer to, a single FDIC-insured bank, Green Dot Bank. Deposits under any of these trade names are deposits with Green Dot Bank and are aggregated for deposit insurance coverage up to the allowable limits.

3  Check with your tax professional or software provider for availability.

4 1.9% rate valid until 12/31/25. Some Restrictions may apply. For full list of checks and fees visit www.amscot.com.

5 Rates for cashing other types of checks and money orders at PLS will vary based on the type and amount of the check and other risk factors. Visit a PLS store for complete fee information. For NY: PLS Check Cashers of New York, Inc. is licensed by the Superintendent of Financial Services pursuant to Article 9-A of the Banking Law. For OH: PLS Check Cashers 1397 West Mound Street, Columbus, OH 43223 License CC.700135. For MA: Check cashing license #CC0030. PLS is a registered service mark of PLS Financial Services, Inc. ©2025.

6 Cost is $4 or less for checks up to $1,000 and $8 or less for checks up to $7,500. Currently, check cashing at Walmart is not available in NJ and NY. The check limit at Walmart in CT is $6,000 and FL is $1,999.99 per person per day. Fees and limitations apply.

7 All third-party names and logos are trademarks of their respective owners. These owners are not affiliated with Green Dot Corporation and have not sponsored or endorsed Green Dot Bank products or services..

About Us

As a Green Dot Company, Santa Barbara Tax Products Group makes paying for tax preparation easier and provides fast access to your tax refund via convenient payment methods. Our mission is to provide taxpayers with best-in-class products and to help tax professionals grow their business while at all times holding ourselves accountable to the highest standards.

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