Getting a tax refund loan: Fact vs. Fiction

You could wait patiently for your tax refund during tax season. It’s part of the process, right? And, while you are waiting, life is happening. There are bills due, unexpected expenses to pay, or maybe inflation has wrecked your finances lately. When the unpredictable comes up, you may be wondering, “is there a way to get access to money quickly? Can I get a loan on my tax refund?”

We understand the impact any delay of your refund may have on your finances, and that’s why we offer the Refund Advance loan^{Disclaimer number109. Scroll to bottom of page.}. When you file at H&R Block you can apply for an interest-free loan on your tax refund, and if approved, you could get up to $3,500 within minutes of filing your taxes with an H&R Block tax pro. There’s even a way you can apply using digital drop off – we’ll tell you how.

Understanding a tax refund loan or check

But first, what is a tax refund advance loan, exactly? If your application is approved, a tax refund loan is a great way to get money quickly and not have to worry about the time it takes to wait on your refund from the Internal Revenue Service. While the money is not your actual refund, this type of loan is repaid from your refund.

Read on to learn more and find out how to get a loan on your tax refund.

Ready to apply?

Find a participating office near you to make an appointment and apply for a Refund Advance.

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Refund Advance loan fact vs. fiction

Does the potential of getting a Refund Advance loan of up to $3,500 sound too good to be true? Take a look as we uncover the facts behind the Refund Advance loan offered in H&R Block tax offices. Spoiler alert — it’s the real deal.

Fiction – It takes a long time to apply and get a loan decision for a Refund Advance loan.
Fact – If eligible, you can apply for a Refund Advance loan at the end of your tax prep.  Pathward® N.A., the lender for the loan will notify all applicants  by text or email of their decision.  If approved, you could receive your tax refund anticipation loan proceeds within minutes after you file with H&R Block.  Loan funds may be directed to your H&R Block Emerald Prepaid Mastercard®^{Disclaimer number110. Scroll to bottom of page.} or your Spruce account as you choose.

Fiction – It’s probably only a limited number of people who get approved.
Fact – While not everyone is approved, the Refund Advance loan program at H&R Block has high approval rates. To be approved, you must apply and meet certain eligibility requirements, (such as ID verification and a sufficient expected tax refund amount), as well as meet the lender’s underwriting requirements.

Fiction – My credit score will be affected if I apply for a Refund Advance loan.
Fact – As part of the application process, Pathward®, N.A. (the lender for Refund Advance) will review your credit report, but the review doesn’t impact your credit score. So, you can apply for a Refund Advance without worrying about any impact to your credit score.

Fiction – There’s a cost to apply for the Refund Advance loan.
Fact – There are no loan fees or finance charges. Plus, the money you receive is yours at 0% interest. Really!

Fiction – It’s difficult to find someone who offers a tax refund loan. 
Fact – You could get a refund anticipation loan remotely with a Refund Advance. Instead of working with one of our tax pros in an office, you can use H&R Block’s Virtual tax preparation service, so you can work with your tax pro from home, file your tax return and apply for a tax refund loan virtually.

Refund Advance: How to apply and much more at H&R Block

If you are still wondering “who offers a tax refund advance loan?”, visit one of our tax offices for more information. Or, if you’d prefer to stay at home, you can work with your tax pro using H&R Block’s Virtual tax preparation service.

Our tax pros understand how important it can be to get access to money quickly. Plus, when you choose H&R Block to file your return, you can trust you’ll always get your maximum refund — guaranteed.^{Disclaimer number84. Scroll to bottom of page.} 

Find more information about how to schedule a tax appointment and how to apply for a Refund Advance  loan in a participating office starting Jan. 2, 2024.

Note: The Refund Advance loan offer ends February 29, 2024.

Spruce fintech platform is built by H&R Block, which is not a bank. Spruce℠ Spending and Savings Accounts established at, and debit card issued by, Pathward®, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to license by Mastercard®. Mastercard and the circles design are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated.