A refund advance or anticipation loan is a short-term loan that gives you money before your tax refund arrives. Instead of waiting weeks for the IRS to process your return, you receive cash quickly—usually within days. The lender then takes repayment from your refund when it comes through. These loans carry fees and interest, so the amount you ultimately receive is less than your original refund.

The articles here explain how these loans work, what they cost, and what happens to your refund after you take one. You'll learn the difference between refund advances and other ways to get money fast, what questions to ask before borrowing, and whether this option makes sense for your situation.