1. As used in this act:
"Client" means an individual who engages the services of a tax preparer.
"Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Banking and Insurance.
"Refund anticipation check" means a check, stored value card, or other payment mechanism representing the actual or anticipated proceeds of the client's federal or State income tax refund which was issued by a depository institution, tax preparer, or other person that received or anticipates receipt of a direct deposit of the client's federal or State income tax refund and for which the client has paid a fee or other consideration for such payment mechanism.
"Refund anticipation loan" means a loan that is secured by, or that the tax preparer anticipates from, a client's federal or State income tax refund.
"Tax preparation services" means services provided for a fee or other consideration to a client to:
(1) assist with preparing or filing State or federal individual income tax returns;
(2) assume final responsibility for completed work on an individual income tax return on which preliminary work has been completed by another; or
(3) offer, facilitate, or make refund anticipation loans or checks.
"Tax preparer" means an individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, association, trustee or other entity who provides tax preparation services.