TaxAct does not offer a refund advance product for 2025

TaxAct, the tax preparation software owned by 2nd Story Software, has not announced a refund advance or refund anticipation loan for the 2025 tax year. The company focuses on self-preparation software and does not partner with lenders to offer loans against your expected refund.

If you are looking for a refund advance, you will need to use a different tax preparation service. Several other major tax software providers and tax preparation chains still offer these loans, though availability and terms vary by state and by individual circumstances.

Key Takeaways

  • TaxAct does not offer refund advances or refund anticipation loans as of 2025.
  • Refund advances are available through other tax preparation services, including some online platforms and in-person tax preparation chains.
  • Refund advance loans typically charge fees ranging from $50 to $200, depending on the lender and loan amount.
  • The loan is repaid directly from your tax refund when the IRS deposits it, so you do not make a separate payment.

Why TaxAct does not offer refund advances

TaxAct is a self-preparation platform, meaning you prepare your own return using their software rather than working with a tax professional or representative. Refund advances require a lending partner willing to underwrite and fund the loan, and TaxAct has chosen not to establish those partnerships.

The company's business model centers on software fees and upsells rather than financial products. This keeps their costs lower than full-service tax preparation chains, but it also means they do not offer ancillary services like loans.

Where to find a refund advance if you need one

Tax preparation chains that offer refund advances include H&R Block, Jackson Hewitt, and Liberty Tax Service. These companies work with lending partners to offer loans that are typically funded within one to three business days.

Some online tax preparation services also partner with lenders for refund advances. Check the website of any service you are considering to see whether they offer this product and what the terms are. Availability varies by state—some states restrict or prohibit refund advances, and lenders may not offer them in all locations.

If you prepare your return yourself using TaxAct or another software, you cannot add a refund advance after the fact. You would need to start over with a service that offers the loan.

How refund advance loans work

A refund advance is a short-term loan secured by your expected tax refund. You receive the money within a few days, and the lender is repaid directly from your refund when the IRS deposits it into the lender's account. You do not make a separate payment.

The loan typically costs between $50 and $200 in fees, depending on the loan amount and the lender. Some lenders charge a flat fee; others charge a percentage of the loan. The fee is deducted from your refund, so your net refund is smaller than it would have been without the loan.

The IRS does not regulate refund advances, so terms and fees vary widely. Before you take out a loan, compare the cost against how long you would have to wait for your refund through normal processing, which is usually 21 days or less.

Timing and the IRS refund schedule

The IRS processes most returns within 21 days of receipt. If you file early in the tax season—January or early February—your refund may arrive within two to three weeks without needing a loan.

A refund advance makes more sense if you file later in the season, if your return is complex and may take longer to process, or if you have an when ready need for the money. The loan fee is only worth paying if the cost is less than what you would lose by waiting.

Keep in mind that the IRS may hold your refund if there are errors on your return, if you owe back taxes or student loans, or if your identity cannot be verified. A refund advance lender will still expect repayment even if your refund is delayed or reduced.

Alternatives to refund advances

If you need money before your refund arrives, consider whether a refund advance is the best option. A personal loan from a bank or credit union may have a lower interest rate, though it requires a separate process and approval process. A credit card cash advance is another option, though it typically carries a higher cost.

If your refund is delayed, you can contact the IRS using the "Where's My Refund?" tool on IRS.gov to check the status. The tool updates every 24 hours and will tell you whether the IRS is still processing your return or whether there is a problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund advance if I already filed with TaxAct?

No. Once you have filed with TaxAct, you cannot add a refund advance. You would need to contact a tax preparation service that offers loans and prepare your return again with them. This is not recommended because you would be filing a duplicate return, which can cause delays and complications with the IRS.

What happens if my refund is smaller than the loan amount?

The lender is repaid from your refund first, and you receive any remaining balance. If your refund is smaller than the loan, you may owe the difference. This can happen if you made an error on your return or if the IRS adjusts your refund due to back taxes or other debts. Review your return carefully before taking out a loan.

How long does it take to get the money from a refund advance?

Most lenders fund refund advances within one to three business days of approval. Some offer same-day funding if you explore early in the morning. The exact timeline depends on the lender and how quickly you provide the required documents.

Is a refund advance the same as a refund anticipation loan?

Yes, the terms are used interchangeably. Both refer to a short-term loan secured by your expected tax refund. The loan is repaid from your refund when it arrives, and you pay a fee for the service.