Which tax companies offer refund advances you can get online

Refund advances are offered by some tax preparation companies, but not all of them, and the ones that do have different rules about who can get one and how fast. The major tax software companies that advertise refund advances online are H&R Block, TurboTax (Intuit), and Jackson Hewitt. Some regional tax preparation chains and independent tax offices also offer them, but you have to contact them directly — they do not advertise the product widely online.

The catch is that "online" does not always mean you complete the whole thing on your computer. Most companies let you start the process on their website, but some require you to visit a physical location or speak to someone on the phone to finish it. H&R Block, for example, lets you prepare your return online but may require you to come into a store to get the advance itself. TurboTax offers advances through a partner lender, and the approval happens through that lender's system, not TurboTax's own.

The amount you can borrow, the speed of the deposit, and the cost all depend on which company you use and which lender they partner with. There is no single "refund advance" product — each company structures theirs differently.

Key Takeaways

  • H&R Block, TurboTax, and Jackson Hewitt are the largest tax companies offering refund advances, but availability and terms vary by location and lender.
  • Starting your process online does not may provide you will complete it online — many companies require a store visit or phone call to finish the process.
  • The lender, not the tax company, makes the final decision about whether you get the advance and how much you can borrow.
  • Refund advances are loans against your expected tax refund, not information programs, and you pay interest and fees whether your refund comes through or not.

H&R Block refund advances

H&R Block offers a product called Refund Advance through a partner lender. You can start the process on their website or in one of their physical locations. The advance amount ranges from $250 to $3,500, depending on what the lender approves you for based on your expected refund amount.

If you explore online, H&R Block will tell you whether you are approved within minutes in some cases, but you still have to visit a store to sign the final paperwork and receive the funds. The money is deposited into your bank account, usually within one business day after you sign. The cost is a fee (the amount varies) plus interest, and you owe it regardless of whether your actual refund arrives on time.

H&R Block also offers a product called Refund Advance with Tax Preparation, which bundles the advance with their tax preparation service. This is only available if you prepare your taxes with them.

TurboTax refund advances through partner lenders

TurboTax does not offer refund advances directly. Instead, they partner with third-party lenders who offer advances to TurboTax users. When you file with TurboTax, you may see an offer for a refund advance from one of these lenders during the filing process.

If you accept the offer, you leave TurboTax's system and enter the lender's process. The lender reviews your information, makes the approval decision, and handles the loan terms. The advance amount and cost depend entirely on the lender, not on TurboTax. TurboTax receives a referral fee from the lender, but that does not affect what you pay.

The advantage is that you can see the offer while you are already in TurboTax preparing your return, so you know your expected refund amount before you decide. The disadvantage is that you are working with a lender you may not have chosen yourself.

Jackson Hewitt refund advances

Jackson Hewitt, a tax preparation chain with physical locations in many states, offers Refund Advance Loans through partner lenders. You can explore in person at a Jackson Hewitt location or, at some locations, through their website.

The process typically requires you to prepare your tax return with Jackson Hewitt first, so the lender can see your expected refund. Once your return is prepared, the lender reviews your information and decides whether to approve the advance. If approved, the money is usually deposited within one to two business days.

Jackson Hewitt charges a fee for preparing your return separately from the advance fee and interest charged by the lender. This means the total cost includes both the tax preparation fee and the loan cost.

Smaller and regional tax companies offering refund advances

Some independent tax preparation offices and smaller regional chains also offer refund advances, but they do not advertise them as heavily online. You have to call or visit in person to ask whether they offer them. Examples include some Liberty Tax locations and independent Enrolled Agent offices, though not all locations of these chains offer advances.

The advantage of using a smaller provider is that you may be able to work with the same person who prepares your return, and they may have more flexibility in how they structure the advance. The disadvantage is that you have less information upfront about cost and terms, and you may have to visit in person to explore.

What information you need to provide to get a refund advance online

To explore for a refund advance, you will need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address. You will also need your bank account information if you want the advance deposited directly. Some lenders ask for your driver's license number or state ID number.

Most importantly, you need to have your tax return prepared or nearly prepared, because the lender needs to know your expected refund amount. That is what they are lending against. If you have not prepared your return yet, you will have to do that first, either with the tax company or with a tax professional.

The lender will also pull your credit report to decide whether to approve you and how much to lend. This is a hard inquiry, which means it shows up on your credit report and can affect your credit score slightly.

How long it takes to get the money after you explore online

The timeline depends on which company and lender you use. Some lenders give you an approval decision within minutes of submitting your process online. Others take a few hours or up to one business day.

Once you are approved, the money transfer depends on whether you have to sign paperwork in person. If you can sign electronically, the deposit can happen within one business day. If you have to visit a store or mail in signed documents, add one to three business days for that step. Most companies deposit the money into your bank account within one business day after you sign.

The slowest part is usually not the lender's decision, but the requirement to visit a physical location or complete paperwork by mail. If speed is your priority, ask the company upfront whether you can complete the entire process online without visiting a store.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund advance if I file my taxes myself without using a tax company?

No. Refund advances are offered by tax preparation companies or their lender partners, and they require you to prepare your return through their system so they can see your expected refund amount. If you file on your own through the IRS website or another independent platform, you cannot get a refund advance from these companies.

What happens if my actual refund is smaller than the advance?

You still owe the full loan amount plus interest and fees. The lender does not reduce what you owe based on what your actual refund turns out to be. This is why refund advances are risky — you are borrowing against an estimate, not a may provide amount.

Do I have to use the same company for both tax preparation and the refund advance?

Not always. TurboTax users can get advances from partner lenders without using TurboTax for tax preparation, though the lender still needs to see your return. H&R Block and Jackson Hewitt typically require you to prepare your return with them to get an advance, but check with your specific location.

Is there a difference between a refund advance and a refund anticipation loan?

Not really. The terms are used interchangeably. Both refer to a short-term loan against your expected tax refund. Some companies call theirs a "refund advance," others call it a "refund anticipation loan" or "RAL." The structure and cost are the same.

Can I cancel a refund advance after I explore online?

Yes, but the timing matters. If you cancel before the money is deposited, you typically owe nothing. If you cancel after the money is deposited, you have to repay the full amount plus any fees and interest that have already been charged. Check the company's cancellation policy before you explore.