Cash App does not offer tax refund advances
Cash App does not have a product that lets you borrow against a tax refund you expect to receive. Square, the company that owns Cash App, does not partner with tax preparation services or lenders to offer refund advance loans. If you are looking for a way to get money before your refund arrives, you will need to look elsewhere.
Tax refund advances are offered by tax preparation companies like H&R Block, TurboTax, and Jackson Hewitt, and by some banks and credit unions. These are short-term loans secured by your expected refund, and they come with fees and interest. Cash App's services focus on peer-to-peer payments, direct deposit, and cash back — not tax-related lending products.
Key Takeaways
- Cash App does not offer tax refund advances or any product tied to your tax return.
- Tax refund advances are available through tax preparation companies and some banks, but they charge fees and interest.
- If you file your taxes early and use direct deposit, your refund typically arrives in five to ten business days without needing a loan.
- Cash App can receive your tax refund via direct deposit if you provide your Cash App routing and account number to the IRS.
- Refund advance loans cost money and should only be considered if you cannot wait for your refund through normal channels.
How to receive your tax refund through Cash App
You can have your tax refund deposited directly into your Cash App account, but Cash App itself does not speed up the refund or lend you money against it. To do this, you need your Cash App routing number and account number, which you can find in the app under the banking details section.
When you file your tax return — whether through the IRS Free File program, a tax preparation company, or a tax professional — you will be asked where you want your refund sent. Select direct deposit and enter your Cash App routing and account number. The IRS will then deposit your refund directly into your Cash App balance, usually within five to ten business days if you file electronically.
This is the fastest way to receive your refund without paying fees. A refund advance loan, by contrast, costs you money upfront and gives you only a portion of what you are owed.
What tax refund advances cost
Tax refund advances are loans, not gifts. You pay a fee to borrow the money, and the lender deducts that fee from your refund when it arrives. Fees typically range from $50 to $300 depending on the lender and the size of your expected refund, though some lenders charge a percentage instead of a flat fee.
For example, if you expect a $2,000 refund and take out a $1,500 advance with a $150 fee, you will receive $1,350 in cash now. When your actual refund arrives, the lender takes the $1,500 advance plus the $150 fee from it, leaving you with $350 of your original refund. You have paid $150 to borrow money for a few weeks.
Some refund advances also charge interest on top of the fee, which makes them even more expensive. Before considering a refund advance, compare the cost to how long you can wait for your refund to arrive on its own.
Where to get a tax refund advance if you need one
Tax preparation companies offer refund advances as part of their filing services. H&R Block, TurboTax, Jackson Hewitt, and Liberty Tax all offer these loans. You typically apply when you file your return, and the lender deposits the advance into your bank account or prepaid card within one to two business days.
Some banks and credit unions also offer refund advances to their customers. If you have a checking account at a bank, call and ask whether they offer this service. Credit unions sometimes offer them at lower fees than tax preparation companies.
Online lenders and payday loan companies also advertise refund advances, but these often carry much higher fees and interest rates. Avoid lenders that do not clearly state their fees upfront or that pressure you to decide quickly.
When a refund advance might make sense
A refund advance is worth considering only if you have an urgent need for cash and cannot wait five to ten business days. Examples include an unexpected medical bill, a car repair you need immediately, or an eviction notice. In these cases, paying $100 to $200 to access your refund early might be the right choice.
If you can wait, do not take a refund advance. Filing your taxes early and using direct deposit is free and takes about a week. A refund advance costs money and leaves you with less of your own refund in the end.
Also consider whether you actually need the full amount of your expected refund. If you only need $500 and your refund is $2,000, a refund advance might cost you more than a small personal loan from a bank or credit union, which could be a better option.
How to file your taxes early to get your refund faster
The fastest way to receive your refund is to file your return as soon as you have all your documents. If you file in January or early February, you can receive your refund by late February or early March. The IRS processes returns in the order they are received, so filing early puts you ahead of the queue.
Use the IRS Free File program if your household income is below a certain threshold (this varies by year). You can file for free through participating tax preparation companies. If your income is higher, you can file through any tax preparation service or hire a tax professional.
Always choose direct deposit when you file. Mailed checks take two to three weeks longer than direct deposit. Provide your Cash App routing and account number, or use any bank account you have access to. Direct deposit is free and reliable.
What to do if your refund is delayed
If you filed your return and it has been more than 21 days since you filed electronically (or more than six weeks if you mailed a paper return), you can check the status of your refund using the IRS Where's My Refund tool at irs.gov. Enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount shown on your return.
The tool will tell you whether your return is still being processed, whether there is a problem, or whether your refund has been sent. If the tool says your refund was sent but you have not received it, contact your bank or Cash App to confirm the deposit went through. Sometimes deposits are delayed on the receiving end.
If the IRS tool shows a problem with your return, you will receive a letter in the mail explaining what is wrong. Follow the instructions in the letter to fix the issue. Do not take a refund advance while your return is being reviewed — wait until the problem is resolved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Cash App to file my taxes?
No, Cash App does not offer tax filing services. You will need to use the IRS Free File program, a tax preparation company like TurboTax or H&R Block, or hire a tax professional. Once you file through one of these services, you can have your refund sent to your Cash App account by providing your Cash App routing and account number.
How long does it take to get a refund advance?
Most refund advance lenders deposit the money into your account within one to two business days of approval. The process is faster than waiting for your actual refund, but you pay a fee for this speed. Direct deposit of your actual refund takes five to ten business days and costs nothing.
What if I do not know my expected refund amount?
You can estimate your refund using the IRS tax withholding calculator at irs.gov, or by looking at last year's return if your situation has not changed much. Tax preparation software also estimates your refund as you enter your information. Most refund advance lenders require you to provide an estimate before they approve the loan.
Can I get a refund advance if I owe taxes instead of getting a refund?
No, refund advances are only available if you expect to receive money back. If you owe taxes, you will need to pay the IRS directly. You can set up a payment plan with the IRS if you cannot pay the full amount at once.
Is it better to take a refund advance or use a credit card?
It depends on the fees and interest rates involved. A refund advance with a $150 flat fee might be cheaper than using a credit card with a high interest rate, especially if you pay off the card slowly. Compare the total cost of each option before deciding. If you can wait for your refund, neither option is necessary.