Jackson Hewitt partners with Elevate Credit for refund advance loans
Jackson Hewitt uses Elevate Credit (operating under the brand name Elevate) to provide refund advance loans at their tax preparation locations. This is a third-party lender, not Jackson Hewitt itself — the tax preparation company arranges the loan but does not fund it. Elevate is a publicly traded financial services company that specializes in short-term lending products.
The loan is structured to arrive before your tax refund does. You receive the money within one to two business days of approval, and the loan amount is repaid directly from your tax refund when it arrives at the IRS. If your refund is smaller than expected or delayed, you remain responsible for repaying the difference to Elevate.
Not all Jackson Hewitt locations offer this product, and availability can vary by state and by individual location. You can ask about it when you arrive for your tax appointment, or call ahead to confirm whether your nearest Jackson Hewitt branch participates.
Key Takeaways
- Elevate Credit is the lender behind Jackson Hewitt's refund advance loans, not Jackson Hewitt itself.
- Money typically arrives in your bank account within one to two business days of loan approval.
- The loan is repaid directly from your federal tax refund when the IRS deposits it.
- You are responsible for repaying any shortfall if your refund is smaller than the loan amount.
- Availability varies by location and state, so confirm with your local Jackson Hewitt office first.
How the loan process works at Jackson Hewitt
When you prepare your taxes at Jackson Hewitt, the tax preparer calculates your expected refund amount. If you want to borrow against that refund, you can request a refund advance loan through Elevate. The preparer will collect information about your bank account and submit the loan request on your behalf.
Elevate reviews the request and makes a decision, usually within the same day or the next business day. If approved, the funds are deposited directly into your bank account — typically within one to two business days. You do not receive a check; the money goes straight to your account electronically.
When your tax refund is processed by the IRS, it is sent to Jackson Hewitt's account (not yours), and Jackson Hewitt forwards the refund to Elevate to repay the loan. Any remaining balance after the loan is repaid is then sent to you. This process usually takes one to three weeks after the IRS accepts your return, depending on whether you filed electronically or by mail.
Costs and fees associated with the loan
Elevate charges a fee for the refund advance loan. The exact fee amount varies based on the loan size and your state, but it is typically between $15 and $50 for smaller loans. Some states cap the fee amount by law, while others do not. The fee is deducted from your refund when it arrives, not added to the loan balance you owe.
Jackson Hewitt may also charge a separate tax preparation fee, which is independent of the refund advance loan. Ask about both fees upfront so you understand the total cost before you proceed. The tax preparation fee and the loan fee are two separate charges.
There is no interest charged on the refund advance loan itself — you pay only the flat fee. However, if your refund is delayed or smaller than expected and you cannot repay the full loan amount when it arrives, Elevate may charge additional fees or interest on the unpaid balance. Read the loan agreement carefully to understand what happens if repayment is late or incomplete.
What happens if your refund is delayed or smaller than expected
If the IRS delays processing your return, your refund arrives late, and you still owe money to Elevate after the loan period ends, you become responsible for repaying the remaining balance. Elevate will contact you about payment options, which may include a payment plan or a lump-sum payment from your bank account.
If your refund is smaller than the loan amount — for example, because you owed back taxes, student loans, or child support that were offset against your refund — you still owe Elevate the full loan amount plus the fee. The shortfall does not disappear; you must repay it separately. This is a critical risk to understand before taking the loan.
If you do not repay the loan when it is due, Elevate may report the debt to credit bureaus, pursue collection action, or take legal steps to recover the money. The loan agreement specifies the terms and consequences of non-payment.
Alternatives to refund advance loans at Jackson Hewitt
If you want your refund faster but do not want to borrow against it, you can file your return electronically and request direct deposit to your bank account. This is free and typically results in your refund arriving within 21 days of the IRS accepting your return — often faster. No loan, no fee, no risk.
Some banks and credit unions offer their own refund advance products, sometimes called "refund anticipation loans" or "RALs." These work similarly to the Elevate product but may have different fees, terms, or approval timelines. If you have a bank account, ask your bank whether they offer this option.
You can also simply wait for your refund to arrive through the normal IRS process. If you need money before your refund arrives, a personal loan from a bank, credit union, or online lender may be cheaper than a refund advance loan, depending on your credit and the loan terms.
How to track your refund advance loan and refund status
After Elevate approves your loan, you should receive a loan agreement and confirmation of the loan amount and fee. Keep this document — it contains important terms and your loan account number. Elevate may provide a phone number or online portal where you can check your loan status.
To track your actual tax refund, use the IRS's "Where's My Refund?" tool on the IRS website (irs.gov). This tool shows you the status of your return and when your refund is expected to arrive. Enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your tax return.
If your refund is delayed beyond the expected timeline, contact the IRS directly or check "Where's My Refund?" again — the tool updates daily. If your refund arrives but you do not see the money in your account after a few days, contact Jackson Hewitt to confirm that the refund was received and forwarded to Elevate for loan repayment.
State-by-state differences in refund advance loans
Some states regulate refund advance loans more strictly than others. A few states have banned them entirely or placed strict limits on fees and terms. Before you take out a refund advance loan, check whether your state allows them and what the fee caps are.
States like New York and California have historically had stricter rules around refund advance products. Other states have fewer restrictions. Jackson Hewitt's availability of this product may differ depending on where you live and file your taxes.
If you are unsure about your state's rules, ask the Jackson Hewitt tax preparer directly. They should be able to tell you whether the product is available in your state and what the fees and terms are under your state's law.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get the money from a Jackson Hewitt refund advance?
Once Elevate approves your loan, the money is deposited into your bank account within one to two business days. The approval decision itself usually happens within one business day of your request. The entire process from application to money in your account typically takes two to three business days.
What if I don't get approved for the refund advance loan?
Elevate reviews each application based on factors like your refund amount, income, and credit history. If you are denied, you can still file your taxes and receive your refund through the normal IRS process, which takes about 21 days. You can also ask Jackson Hewitt whether other refund advance options are available.
Can I get a refund advance loan if I owe back taxes or child support?
You can still take out the loan, but your refund will be reduced by the amount owed to the IRS, state, or child support agency. This means your refund may be smaller than expected, and you could owe money to Elevate after the loan is repaid. Understand this risk before you borrow.
Do I have to use Jackson Hewitt's refund advance loan, or can I go somewhere else?
You are not required to use Elevate's loan. You can file your taxes at Jackson Hewitt and decline the refund advance, then wait for your refund through the normal process. You can also file your taxes elsewhere or file on your own online.
What happens if my refund is offset and I can't repay the loan?
If your refund is smaller than the loan amount due to offsets, you owe Elevate the difference. If you cannot pay, Elevate may report the debt to credit bureaus, charge late fees, or pursue collection. Contact Elevate immediately if you cannot repay to discuss payment options.