H&R Block's refund advance starts accepting requests in early January and closes by mid-April, but the exact dates shift each year based on IRS opening and closing dates
H&R Block's Refund Advance (also called a Refund Anticipation Loan or RAL) is a short-term loan against your expected tax refund. The program opens when the IRS begins accepting returns—typically the third week of January—and closes when the tax season ends, usually around April 15th. You cannot request an advance before your return is filed and accepted by the IRS.
The actual timeline depends on when you file. If you file in late January, you could receive an advance within days. If you file in early April, you may not have time for approval before the season closes. H&R Block does not hold the advance open year-round; once tax season ends, the program shuts down until the following January.
For 2024, H&R Block began accepting Refund Advance requests on January 16. For 2025, the program opened January 21. Check H&R Block's website or ask your tax professional for the exact opening date each year, as it changes based on the IRS calendar.
Key Takeaways
- Refund Advance requests open in mid-January and close by mid-April each year, following the IRS tax season calendar.
- You must file your return and have it accepted by the IRS before you can request an advance.
- Approval and funding typically happen within one to three business days if you file early in the season.
- The advance is a loan, not a gift—you repay it from your actual refund when it arrives, and H&R Block charges a fee for the service.
- If you file late in the season (April), the program may close before your advance is processed.
How the timing works from filing to funding
The clock starts when the IRS accepts your return, not when you submit it. Acceptance usually happens within 24 hours of filing electronically, but can take longer if the IRS flags your return for review. Once accepted, you can request the advance through H&R Block's website or at a local office.
H&R Block then verifies your refund amount with the IRS, which normally takes one business day. If everything matches, they approve the loan and deposit the money to your bank account—usually within one to three business days. The entire process from IRS acceptance to cash in hand typically takes three to five business days if you file early in January.
Filing in March or April compresses this timeline. If you file on April 10 and the program closes April 15, you have five days for the IRS to accept your return, H&R Block to verify it, and the bank to process the deposit. Many people who file late miss the window entirely.
What happens when you request an advance
When you request a Refund Advance, H&R Block lends you money based on what they estimate your refund will be. They do not lend the full amount—they typically advance 50 to 75 percent of your expected refund, depending on the size of the refund and your bank account history.
The advance comes with a fee. H&R Block charges between $25 and $89 for the loan, depending on the amount and how you file (in-office or online). This fee is deducted from your refund when it arrives. So if your refund is $2,000 and the advance fee is $50, you receive $1,950 after the loan is repaid and the fee is taken out.
The loan is repaid automatically. When your actual refund arrives from the IRS (usually within 21 days of acceptance), the IRS deposits it directly to H&R Block's account, not yours. H&R Block takes the advance amount plus the fee, then sends the remainder to your bank account.
Why the program closes and what to do if you miss the important date
H&R Block closes the Refund Advance program when the IRS stops accepting returns for the year. This is not arbitrary—the IRS has a hard important date, usually April 15, and H&R Block cannot process advances after that date because they cannot verify refunds with the IRS anymore.
If you file after the program closes, you cannot get a Refund Advance from H&R Block. Your only option is to wait for your refund to arrive through the normal IRS process, which takes 21 days or longer depending on how you file and whether the IRS reviews your return.
Some people use credit cards or personal loans as a workaround, but these carry higher interest rates and longer repayment terms than a Refund Advance. If you need cash before your refund arrives and the advance program is closed, a personal loan from a bank or credit union is usually cheaper than a payday loan, though still more expensive than the advance.
Differences between filing early and filing late in the season
| Filing Timeline | Advance Approval Time | Risk Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Late January to early February | 3 to 5 business days | Low—program is open and staffed | People who want the advance and have time to spare |
| February to mid-March | 5 to 7 business days | Low to moderate—program is busy but open | People filing on schedule with no rush |
| Late March to early April | 7 to 10 business days | Moderate to high—program may close before approval | People who need the advance but filed late |
| After April 15 | Not available | High—program is closed | Not applicable; wait for normal refund |
How to check if the program is currently open
H&R Block publishes the opening and closing dates for Refund Advance on their website each January. You can also call your local H&R Block office or log into your H&R Block account online to see whether the advance option is available. If the button or link to request an advance is not visible, the program is closed.
Do not assume the program is open just because it is still January or February. H&R Block sometimes closes the program early if they reach their lending limit or if the IRS changes its schedule. The only reliable way to know is to check directly with H&R Block or attempt to request the advance through their system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I request a Refund Advance if I file my return on April 14?
Possibly, but it is risky. The program typically closes April 15, and your return must be accepted by the IRS before you can request an advance. If the IRS does not accept your return until April 15 or later, H&R Block may have already closed the program. File as early as possible if you want the advance.
What if the IRS rejects my return after I get the advance?
If the IRS rejects your return and you have already received the advance, you are responsible for repaying the loan to H&R Block. The repayment terms depend on your contract with H&R Block. Contact them when ready if your return is rejected to discuss repayment options.
Is the Refund Advance the same as a tax refund?
No. The advance is a loan against your refund, not the refund itself. You repay the loan from your actual refund when it arrives. The refund comes from the IRS; the advance comes from H&R Block and costs a fee.
Can I get a Refund Advance if I owe taxes instead of getting a refund?
No. The advance is only for people who expect a refund. If you owe taxes, you cannot request an advance. You would need to pay what you owe to the IRS.
What if my refund is smaller than the advance H&R Block gave me?
If your actual refund is smaller than the advance, you owe H&R Block the difference. For example, if they advanced you $1,500 but your refund is only $1,200, you owe them $300 plus the advance fee. H&R Block will contact you about repayment.