Tax refund advances are available from tax preparation companies and some banks, but only during tax season and only if you file your return with them

A tax refund advance (also called a refund anticipation loan or RAL) is a short-term loan that gives you money before the IRS processes your actual refund. You do not get the full refund amount—the lender deducts fees, interest, and sometimes filing costs. The loan is repaid automatically when your refund arrives at the lender's account, usually within two to three weeks.

The companies that offer these loans are tax preparation firms. The largest are H&R Block, Jackson Hewitt, Liberty Tax, and TurboTax (through partner lenders). Some credit unions and banks also offer them, but only to existing customers. You cannot get a refund advance from the IRS itself, and you cannot get one after you have already filed your return with another preparer.

The catch: refund advances cost money. Fees typically range from $50 to $300 depending on the lender and loan size. If you borrow $2,000, you might pay $150 in fees plus interest, meaning you receive roughly $1,850. The math only works if you need the money urgently and cannot wait two to four weeks for the IRS to deposit your actual refund.

Key Takeaways

  • Tax refund advances are only offered by tax preparation companies during tax season (January through April), and you must file your return through that same company to get one.
  • The loan amount is typically 50 to 100 percent of your expected refund, and fees range from $50 to $300 depending on the lender and loan size.
  • The loan is repaid automatically when the IRS sends your refund to the lender, usually within two to three weeks of filing.
  • If you have already filed your return with the IRS or another preparer, you cannot get a refund advance—the window closes once the return is submitted.
  • Credit unions and some banks offer refund advances only to members or customers, so check with your own financial institution first.

How to get a refund advance from a tax preparation company

Walk into or call any H&R Block, Jackson Hewitt, or Liberty Tax location during tax season. Tell them you want to file your return and get a refund advance. They will prepare your return, show you the estimated refund amount, and explain the loan terms and fees. If you agree, you sign the loan paperwork. The funds are usually deposited into a temporary account or debit card within one to two business days.

Online tax software like TurboTax also offers refund advances, but through a partner lender (currently Pathward or another bank). You file your return through TurboTax, and at the end of the process you are offered the option to borrow against your refund. The terms and fees appear before you commit. If you accept, the money goes into your bank account within one to two business days.

The process is fastest at a physical location because you can file and get approved the same day. Online filing takes slightly longer because the lender needs to verify your identity and bank account, but it is still faster than waiting for the IRS to process your return.

What documents and information you need

Bring your Social Security number, photo ID, and proof of income (W-2s, 1099s, or pay stubs). If you are self-employed, bring records of business income and expenses. You will also need your bank account number and routing number so the lender can deposit the loan and later withdraw the repayment when your refund arrives.

If you are filing jointly, both spouses need to be present with ID. If you claim dependents, bring documentation of their Social Security numbers. The preparer will ask about deductions, credits, and any tax situations from the previous year.

You do not need to have already filed with the IRS. The tax preparer estimates your refund based on the return they prepare, and that estimate is what the loan is based on. The actual refund amount may differ slightly, which means you might owe the lender a small amount if your refund is smaller than expected, or you might receive a small refund check if your refund is larger.

Refund advance fees and what they cover

Fees vary by lender and loan size. H&R Block charges between $50 and $300 depending on whether you use their basic or premium tax preparation service. Jackson Hewitt charges $89 to $199. Liberty Tax charges $50 to $300. TurboTax's partner lenders charge $50 to $250. These are the loan fees only—they do not include the cost of preparing your tax return itself, which is separate.

Some lenders bundle the loan fee with the tax preparation fee, so you pay one total amount. Others separate them. Ask the preparer to show you the breakdown before you sign. The fee is deducted from the loan amount you receive, so if your refund is estimated at $2,000 and the fee is $150, you receive $1,850.

Interest rates on refund advances are typically 18 to 36 percent annually, but because the loan is only outstanding for two to three weeks, the actual interest you pay is small—usually $10 to $30. The fee is the larger cost.

Timeline: how long until you get the money

At a physical tax preparation location, you can receive the loan within one to two business days of filing. Online, it takes one to three business days after you complete your return and the lender approves you. The IRS then processes your actual return and deposits the refund to the lender's account, usually within 21 days of filing (faster if you file electronically and choose direct deposit, which all refund advance lenders require).

Once the IRS refund arrives at the lender, the loan is automatically repaid. You do not have to do anything. If the refund is larger than the loan, you receive the difference. If it is smaller, you may owe the difference, though most lenders waive small shortfalls.

The total time from walking in to a tax preparer to receiving the advance is typically two to three business days. The total time from filing to having your full refund (advance plus the remainder) is typically three to four weeks.

Alternatives if you cannot get a refund advance

If you have already filed your return with the IRS or another preparer, you cannot get a refund advance. The lender needs to file the return themselves so they can control the refund deposit. Once the IRS has your return, that window is closed.

In that case, your options are: wait for the IRS to process your return (21 days if you filed electronically), use a personal loan or credit card if you need the money urgently, or ask your employer for an advance on your next paycheck. None of these are ideal, but they are what remains if the refund advance window has passed.

If you do not have a bank account, some tax preparers will deposit the advance onto a prepaid debit card instead. This costs extra (usually $10 to $20) but allows you to access the money when ready. Ask the preparer whether they offer this option.

Red flags and what to avoid

Do not use a refund advance if you are not certain about your refund amount. If your return is complicated—you have self-employment income, rental property, investment losses, or an audit pending—the actual refund may be much smaller than estimated. You could end up owing the lender money.

Do not use a refund advance just to get money a few weeks early if you do not have an urgent need. The fees and interest are real costs. If you can wait three to four weeks for the IRS refund, you save $50 to $300 by doing so.

Avoid preparers who pressure you into a refund advance or who claim they can may provide a specific refund amount. Legitimate preparers explain the risks and let you decide. Be wary of any preparer who asks you to sign documents you have not read or who charges fees that seem unusually high.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund advance if I already filed my return online?

No. Once you have filed your return with the IRS or another preparer, the refund advance window is closed. The lender needs to file the return themselves so the refund deposits to their account. If you have already filed, you must wait for the IRS to process your return, which typically takes 21 days.

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

You may owe the lender the difference. For example, if you borrowed $1,800 against an estimated $2,000 refund but the actual refund is $1,700, you owe $100. Most lenders waive small shortfalls (under $50), but check the loan agreement. This is why refund advances are riskier if your return is complicated or uncertain.

Can I get a refund advance from my bank?

Some banks and credit unions offer refund advances, but only to existing customers. Call your bank and ask whether they offer refund anticipation loans during tax season. If they do, you will need to file your return through their partner tax preparer or software to be may be able to access.

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

Yes, they are the same thing. Refund advance, refund anticipation loan, and RAL all refer to the same product—a short-term loan against your expected tax refund. The terms are used interchangeably by lenders.

What if I need the money but tax season is over?

Refund advances are only available during tax season (January through April). If you have already filed and tax season has ended, you cannot get a refund advance. Your only options are to wait for the IRS to process your return, use a personal loan, or ask your employer for an advance on your paycheck.