Where to get a tax refund advance online
Tax refund advances are offered by tax preparation companies and some banks, not by the IRS itself. The most common sources are TurboTax, H&R Block, Jackson Hewitt, and Liberty Tax — all of which let you request an advance when you file your return online. Some banks, including Chime, SoFi, and certain credit unions, also offer refund advances to their customers, though the process and terms differ from tax software companies.
The key difference: tax software companies advance money against your expected refund as part of their filing service, while banks typically advance money against your tax refund once you've already filed. Neither requires you to visit a physical location — everything happens through their website or app.
Before you choose a source, understand that a refund advance is a loan, not assistance programs. You pay interest and fees, and the lender deducts the advance amount from your actual refund when it arrives from the IRS. The cost varies widely — some companies charge flat fees ($15 to $50), others charge interest rates, and some charge both.
Key Takeaways
- Tax refund advances are loans offered by tax preparation companies and banks, not by the IRS, and you pay interest or fees to get the money early.
- Tax software companies like TurboTax and H&R Block offer advances during the filing process, while banks offer them after you've filed and the IRS has processed your return.
- The advance amount is limited to what the IRS is expected to send you, and the lender deducts the loan amount plus fees from your actual refund.
- You can request an advance online through the company's website or app, and most approvals happen within hours to one business day.
- The total cost of an advance — including fees and interest — can range from $15 to over $100 depending on the lender and the size of your refund.
How to request an advance through tax software
If you use TurboTax, H&R Block, Jackson Hewitt, or Liberty Tax to file online, the advance option appears during the filing process, usually after you've entered your income and deduction information. The software calculates your expected refund and shows you the advance offer — the amount you can borrow and the fee or interest rate attached.
To request the advance, you select the option within the software, review the terms, and authorize the lender to pull the money. You'll need to provide your bank account information for the deposit. Most lenders deposit the advance within one business day, though some advertise same-day funding if you complete the process early enough in the day.
The advance is not automatic — you have to actively choose it. If you don't select it during filing, you can sometimes request one later through the company's website or app, but the window may be limited. Check your account after filing to see if the option is still available.
How to request an advance through your bank
Banks that offer refund advances typically require you to have filed your tax return with the IRS first. Once your return is in the system, you log into your bank's app or website and look for a "refund advance" or "tax refund loan" option — usually found under a loans or financial services section.
You'll need to provide your Social Security number, the expected refund amount from your tax return, and the date you filed. Some banks verify this information directly with the IRS; others ask you to upload a copy of your filed return or a confirmation email from the IRS. The bank then decides whether to offer you an advance and at what amount.
Bank advances typically come with lower fees than tax software advances, but they're only available to account holders and may have income or credit requirements. The money usually deposits within one to two business days.
What happens after you receive the advance
Once the IRS processes your return and sends your refund, the lender automatically deducts the advance amount plus all fees and interest from that refund. You receive the remainder, if any. If your actual refund is smaller than expected — because the IRS made an adjustment or you made an error on your return — you may owe the difference to the lender.
The lender sends you a statement showing the deduction and your net refund. This usually arrives by mail or email within a few days of the IRS deposit. Keep this statement for your records, especially if you need to dispute the amount.
If the IRS rejects your return or delays processing it, the lender may contact you to arrange repayment of the advance. This is rare but can happen if there's a discrepancy on your return or if the IRS needs more information from you.
Comparing costs across lenders
The cost of a refund advance varies significantly. TurboTax's advance, for example, charges a flat fee that depends on the advance amount — typically $15 to $50. H&R Block charges a similar range. Some banks charge interest instead, ranging from 6% to 36% annually, though the actual interest paid on a short-term advance is much lower.
To compare, calculate the total dollar amount you'll pay, not just the percentage. A $500 advance with a $35 flat fee costs $35. The same advance at 18% annual interest for two weeks costs roughly $3. The flat fee is higher in this case, but the math changes if your advance is larger or if you need the money for longer.
Request quotes from at least two lenders before committing. Most let you see the fee or interest rate before you authorize the loan. Write down the total cost — advance amount plus all fees — and compare that number, not the rate alone.
When a refund advance makes sense
A refund advance is worth considering if you need cash before the IRS sends your refund and you can afford the fee. The IRS typically processes returns within 21 days of receipt, but advances arrive in one to two days. If you have an urgent expense and can't wait three weeks, the speed may justify the cost.
A refund advance does not make sense if you're already short on cash and can't afford to lose part of your refund to fees. If your refund is $800 and the advance costs $50, you're giving up 6% of your money. If you're living paycheck to paycheck, that $50 may matter more than the speed.
Also consider whether you could borrow the money another way — from a friend, family member, or credit card — at a lower cost. Some credit cards charge 0% interest for a limited time on balance transfers, which might be cheaper than a refund advance fee.
What to watch out for
Some tax preparation companies bundle the refund advance with other services or fees, making the total cost unclear. Read the full disclosure before you authorize anything. The lender is required by law to show you the fee or interest rate and the total amount you'll owe, but this information is sometimes buried in small print.
Be cautious of companies that advertise "instant" or "same-day" refunds without mentioning fees. The speed is real, but the cost is not free. Also avoid any company that asks you to pay an upfront fee before you receive the advance — legitimate lenders deduct their fee from the advance itself.
If you file your return and then discover an error, contact the lender immediately. Some will cancel the advance if you ask before the money is deposited. Once the advance is in your account, canceling it is harder and may require you to repay the full amount plus fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund advance if I owe taxes instead of getting a refund?
No. Refund advances are only available if the IRS owes you money. If you owe taxes, you cannot borrow against a refund that doesn't exist. You would need to explore other borrowing options or payment plans with the IRS instead.
What if the IRS changes my refund amount after I get the advance?
If the IRS adjusts your refund downward — for example, because you made an error or claimed something incorrectly — you may owe the lender the difference. The lender will contact you to arrange repayment. If the IRS increases your refund, you keep the extra money.
Do I need good credit to get a refund advance?
Most tax software companies do not check your credit score for refund advances. Banks may check your credit or require you to be an account holder in good standing, but the requirements vary. Ask the lender before you request an advance.
Can I get a refund advance if I file my taxes late?
Yes, as long as you file before the IRS deadline and the lender still offers advances at that time. Some lenders stop offering advances late in the tax season, so the sooner you file, the more likely you are to have access to one.
What happens if I don't receive my refund from the IRS?
If the IRS rejects your return or delays it significantly, the lender will contact you to arrange repayment of the advance. You'll need to repay the full advance amount plus any fees. This is rare, but it's why you should only borrow what you can afford to repay if something goes wrong.