We make tax time easy
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.
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.3 Find a location
Cash sbtpg-issued checks at any PLS store at low check cashing rates4
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 locations5 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.
We are a proud supporter of the following organizations6
1 Processing fees apply.
2 Check with your tax professional or software provider for availability.
3 1.9% rate valid until 12/31/26. Some restrictions may apply. For full list of checks and fees visit www.amscot.com.
4 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. ©2026.
5 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.
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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