Americans Can Save More Money at Walmart This Tax Season

BENTONVILLE, Ark., Jan. 9, 2012 – Walmart is determined to save Americans money this tax season, and is doing so through its $3 and $6 check cashing¹. The retailer has also worked with its partners to lower costs for their tax preparation services including free in-store federal Form 1040EZ filing.

Last year more than 60 million Americans didn’t have access to traditional banking services – such as credit cards and checking accounts² – adding up to billions of dollars in fees paid by Americans who need it the most.

“We believe Americans shouldn’t have to pay exorbitant prices on their everyday financial needs,” said Daniel Eckert, vice president of Walmart Financial Services. “It’s their money and we want to make sure they can cash checks, pay bills and transfer money at a low price.”

Over the next two weeks these underserved Americans will file their taxes and start cashing approximately $31 billion in tax refund checks³. Sadly, so many providers stand to capitalize on these individuals by charging between one and three percent of the total refund to cash the check. The average tax refund is $2,902 which means Americans could spend up to $90 just to receive their tax refund⁴.

“Customers need to make every dollar count in this tough economy, and that’s why we’re committed to helping customers pay less for their financial services during tax season and throughout the year,” said Eckert. “With more than 3,000 tax preparation kiosks in Walmart stores across the U.S. and low flat-fee check cashing services, our customers can conveniently make their refund dollars stretch farther by simply taking care of their tax needs at Walmart.”

Leading up to the biggest tax filing week of the year, January 16 - 22, Walmart has worked with Jackson Hewitt and H&R Block to double its in-store tax kiosks and lower the cost for tax preparation services. Jackson Hewitt will offer free federal Form 1040EZ filing⁵ at its Walmart kiosks throughout the tax season and H&R Block will offer a free federal Form 1040EZ until February 29. H&R Block will have 250 kiosks in Walmart stores, while Jackson Hewitt is adding approximately 800 kiosks bringing their Walmart footprint to 2,800.