TaxAct does not offer refund advance loans as of 2025
TaxAct, the tax preparation software owned by 2nd Story Software, stopped offering refund advance products several years ago and has not resumed them. If you are looking for a refund advance loan through TaxAct, you will need to use a different provider or explore other options to get money before your tax refund arrives.
TaxAct still offers tax preparation and filing services, but the company's product lineup no longer includes the short-term loan products that some tax software providers market during filing season. This is a straightforward business decision by the company, not a temporary pause.
Key Takeaways
- TaxAct does not currently offer refund advance loans or refund anticipation loans of any kind.
- Other tax software providers and some banks still offer refund advances, though terms and fees vary widely.
- A refund advance typically costs between $0 and $200 in fees, depending on the lender and loan size.
- Your standard tax refund from the IRS arrives within 21 days if you file electronically and choose direct deposit, making a loan unnecessary in most cases.
Why TaxAct stopped offering refund advances
TaxAct discontinued its refund advance product to simplify its service offerings and reduce operational complexity. The company determined that maintaining a lending operation was not a core part of its tax preparation business. This decision reflects a broader industry trend: fewer tax software companies are offering these loans because the IRS has sped up refund processing, making the loans less attractive to consumers.
The IRS now processes most electronic returns within 21 days, and many refunds arrive in 5 to 10 days. A refund advance loan that costs $50 to $150 in fees makes less sense when the actual refund is only weeks away. TaxAct's decision to exit the market reflects this reality.
Other tax software providers that still offer refund advances
If you file through a different tax software platform, you may still have access to a refund advance. H&R Block offers Refund Advance loans through its own lending partner, with amounts up to $3,500 and fees that vary. TurboTax offers Refund Advance through a partnership with a third-party lender, also with variable fees and loan amounts.
Both of these products work the same way: you file your return, the lender reviews it, and if you are approved, you receive the loan amount by the next business day or within a few days. The lender then collects repayment from your actual tax refund when it arrives from the IRS. Fees are deducted from your refund, so you do not pay out of pocket.
Tax preparation companies at brick-and-mortar locations like Jackson Hewitt and Liberty Tax also offer refund advances, though availability and terms depend on your local office and the current tax season.
How refund advances work if you choose another provider
A refund advance is a short-term loan secured by your expected tax refund. You file your tax return, the lender underwrites the loan based on your return data, and if approved, you receive the money within one to three business days. The lender then waits for your actual refund from the IRS and deducts the loan amount plus fees from it.
The cost of a refund advance varies by lender and loan size. Some lenders charge a flat fee ($50 to $100), while others charge a percentage of the loan amount (typically 1 to 5 percent). A few lenders offer zero-fee advances, but these are rare and usually come with higher interest rates or other conditions. You should always ask for the total cost in dollars before you accept the loan.
Refund advances are not the same as tax refund loans offered by banks. Some banks offer tax refund anticipation loans that work similarly but may have different terms and may not require you to file through their partner tax software.
How long a standard IRS refund takes without a loan
If you file your return electronically and request direct deposit, the IRS typically processes your refund within 21 days. Many refunds arrive much faster—between 5 and 10 days is common. This timeline applies whether you file in early February or closer to the April deadline.
The 21-day window is the IRS's official standard, but it is not a may provide. Refunds can take longer if your return is flagged for review, if you claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), or if there are errors on your return. Returns filed by mail take significantly longer—typically 4 to 6 weeks.
Because standard refunds arrive so quickly now, a refund advance loan often costs more in fees than it saves in time. If you can wait two to three weeks, skipping the loan saves you money.
Alternatives if you need money before your refund arrives
If you need cash before your refund arrives and do not want to take a refund advance loan, consider a personal loan from a bank or credit union, a credit card cash advance, or a payday loan. Each has different costs and terms. A personal loan from a bank typically has lower interest rates than a payday loan but takes longer to process. A payday loan is fast but expensive. A credit card cash advance is immediate but carries high interest rates.
Some employers offer paycheck advances or emergency loans to employees. If you have access to this benefit, it may be cheaper than a refund advance or other short-term borrowing. Check with your HR or payroll department.
If your refund is delayed for any reason, you can contact the IRS directly using the Where's My Refund tool on IRS.gov. This tool tells you the exact status of your return and gives you an expected delivery date. If there is a problem, the IRS can tell you what is causing the delay and what you need to do.
How to check the status of your TaxAct return
After you file your return through TaxAct, you can track its status in two ways. First, TaxAct itself may provide a status update within the software or your account dashboard, showing whether your return has been accepted by the IRS. Second, you can use the IRS's Where's My Refund tool at IRS.gov, which is the official source for refund status.
The IRS tool requires your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount. It updates once per day, usually overnight. If your return was accepted by the IRS, the tool will show you the expected delivery date. If there is a problem, it will tell you what the IRS needs from you.
Do not rely on TaxAct's status updates alone. The IRS tool is always more current and authoritative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund advance through TaxAct if I file with them?
No. TaxAct does not offer refund advances or any refund anticipation loan products. You would need to file through a different tax software provider or use a bank or tax preparation service that offers these loans.
Is there a fee to file my taxes through TaxAct?
TaxAct charges for tax preparation depending on the complexity of your return and which product tier you choose. Basic federal filing starts at a lower price point, while more complex returns cost more. State return filing is an additional charge. Prices vary by year and promotion.
How fast will I get my refund if I file through TaxAct?
If you file electronically and choose direct deposit, the IRS typically processes your refund within 21 days. Many refunds arrive in 5 to 10 days. TaxAct does not speed up this timeline—only the IRS controls refund processing speed.
What should I do if my TaxAct refund is delayed?
Use the IRS's Where's My Refund tool at IRS.gov to check the status. This tool shows you the exact status of your return and tells you if there is a problem. If the IRS needs more information from you, the tool will explain what to do next.
Are there other ways to get money before my refund arrives?
Yes. You can take out a personal loan from a bank or credit union, use a credit card cash advance, ask your employer for a paycheck advance, or use a refund advance from a different tax software provider or lender. Each option has different costs and speed, so compare before you choose.