PUBLISHED APRIL 7, 2025
Each year, between 10 and 12 per cent of Canadians fail to file their taxes. By not filing, they face penalties from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and miss out on their potential refunds. Liberty Tax is looking to change that with its locally focused offices where a friendly face is waiting to sit down with prospective customers and help them complete this often daunting task.
A part of Liberty Tax’s hands-on service includes assisting customers in maximizing their refund quickly and securely in a way that works for them. This year, Liberty Tax has partnered with Calgary-based Digital Commerce Bank (DCBank) to offer customers a low-cost Liberty Tax branded personal bank account. The account can be used immediately through a virtual prepaid MasterCard™, bill payment or Interac e-Transfer. The virtual prepaid card can be accessed via platforms such as Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay, or the customer may order a physical MasterCard.
The prepaid card can be used anywhere MasterCard is accepted, providing greater flexibility to those who may only have access to a debit card or are otherwise restricted in the transactions they may do. The funds available on the card are the cardholders’ own funds, which eliminates any concerns over consumer credit debt.
A part of Liberty Tax’s hands-on service includes assisting customers in maximizing their refund quickly and securely in a way that works for them. This year, Liberty Tax has partnered with Calgary-based Digital Commerce Bank (DCBank) to offer customers a low-cost Liberty Tax branded personal bank account. The account can be used immediately through a virtual prepaid MasterCard™, bill payment or Interac e-Transfer. The virtual prepaid card can be accessed via platforms such as Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay, or the customer may order a physical MasterCard.
The prepaid card can be used anywhere MasterCard is accepted, providing greater flexibility to those who may only have access to a debit card or are otherwise restricted in the transactions they may do. The funds available on the card are the cardholders’ own funds, which eliminates any concerns over consumer credit debt.
With over 25 years of experience, Liberty Tax prepares tax filings for nearly 400,000 Canadians every year. Partnering with DCBank makes it easier for Canadians to access essential tax services and reduce financial stress during tax season by providing access to a low-cost personal bank account.
“Our mutual clients now have additional service offerings, along with our tax preparation business providing trusted and personalized service,” says Charles Hamill, senior vice-president of operations at Liberty Tax.
For Liberty Tax, it was also important that the account and prepaid card option didn’t have high fees for customers. “DCBank was a great partner in that regard, as their fees are as competitive, if not better, than any card that I have in my wallet and probably most in general,” says Mr. Hamill. “We were very impressed by that.”
Amanda Showalter, president of DCBank, says the digital payments solutions company aims to partner with businesses in Canada, like Liberty Tax, to build products that will provide value to Canadians. “We continue to leverage technology to evolve our products and services and expand our offerings to Canadians, especially those who might not otherwise have access to certain financial services,” she says.
Since its inception in 2007, DCBank has continued to provide innovative technology for payment processing and prepaid card transactions, including digital payment wallets and API-enabled online payment solutions to align with its mission of enabling its corporate clients to launch better online products faster. Its range of services includes an online banking platform and mobile app, card issuing and processing across all major networks, and online payment solutions, such as low-cost bill payments and Interac e-Transfers.
“What makes us unique is we are solely focused on using financial technology to build innovative products that benefit both Canadians and Canadian businesses,” says Ms. Showalter.
Individuals interested in reducing tax time stress and receiving their refund quickly can visit Liberty Tax online or in person at any of the 243 Liberty Tax locations in Canada. DCBank is also offering a cash incentive of $10 to its existing customers getting their taxes done through Liberty Tax this tax season.*
Ms. Showalter is confident this new solution will help more Canadians access the financial services they need and make the tax season easier for many. “We believe in this partnership, and we believe in this product,” she says.
*The first 10,000 DC Bank customers who complete a paid tax preparation service at Liberty Tax and provide the designated promo code at the time of their appointment will be eligible to receive a $10 electronic transfer to their DC Bank account. The $10 electronic transfer will be processed within 30 business days of the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) accepting the customer’s tax return, subject to verification and processing timelines. The offer is valid only for new tax preparation services and cannot be applied retroactively to past services. This promotion cannot be combined with any other offer, is limited to one redemption per customer per return, and may be subject to additional exclusions. Offer is void where prohibited by law. Promotion valid until December 31, 2025.