Refund anticipation loan: What it is and how to get your refund loan

What is a refund anticipation loan?

A refund anticipation loan (RAL), often called a tax refund advance loan (TRA), is a short-term loan based on your anticipated tax refund from a lender and typically arranged through a tax prep company like Jackson Hewitt. The loan is repaid automatically when the IRS funds your refund.

Refund anticipation loan vs. tax refund advance

The terms, “tax refund anticipation loan” and “tax refund advance loan,” both describe the same thing, an advance based on your tax refund. People use them interchangeably.

How does a refund anticipation loan work?

Refund anticipation loans in 2026 and 2027, now called tax refund advance loans, give you an advance based on your tax refund, so you can get money before the IRS funds your tax refund. Here’s how they work:

• Before you have your tax documents, around holiday time, bring in your most recent paystub(s) and a government-issued ID to apply for an Early Tax Refund Advance from December 10, 2026, to January 31, 2027. Then, when you’re ready to file, bring in your ID, W-2(s), and other tax documents to apply for a Tax Refund Advance loan, from January 2, 2027, to August 14, 2027. It’s free to apply for both loans, and it won’t impact your credit score.
• If you’re approved, the loan amount depends on your tax refund and the type of loan you apply for.
• If you’re approved and you choose to get your money on a prepaid card, you could get money the same day you apply. Or if you prefer direct deposit to your bank account, you can expect your money in 1 to 5 business days.
• When the IRS funds your refund, the loan amount and any finance charges come out of it automatically, so you don’t have to make payments.

Who offers a refund anticipation loan early?

You can apply for a TRA at Jackson Hewitt, specifically the Early Tax Refund Advance loan, as early as December 10, 2026. If approved, you could get up to $1,500 on a prepaid card the same day you apply. Then, when you’re ready to file, come back and apply for up to $3,500 with a Tax Refund Advance loan, from January 2, 2027, to August 14, 2027.

How much can you borrow with a tax refund anticipation loan?

The amount you could borrow with a TRA from Jackson Hewitt depends on several factors, including the type of loan you apply for and the amount of your tax refund.

With an Early Tax Refund Advance loan, you could borrow $300, $500, $1,000, or $1,500 if approved. With a Tax Refund Advance loan, you could borrow $500, $750, $1,000, $1,500, $2,500, or $3,500 if approved.

Refund anticipation loan requirements

To apply for an Early Tax Refund Advance loan starting December 10, 2026, you just need your most recent paystub(s) and a government-issued ID. Then, bring in your ID, W-2(s), and other tax documents to file and apply for a Tax Refund Advance loan starting January 2, 2027.

You don’t need a good credit score to qualify for a TRA. You could get approved even if you have a poor credit history. In fact, both loans have high approval rates, and applying won’t impact your credit score.

How fast can you get your money?

With Jackson Hewitt’s Money Today Guarantee, if approved, you could get your money on a prepaid card the same day you apply, often in mere minutes! If you choose direct deposit into your bank account, you can expect to get your money in 1 to 5 business days.

How to apply for an Early Tax Refund Advance with Jackson Hewitt

Schedule an appointment or stop by your local Jackson Hewitt location with your most recent paystub(s) and a government-issued ID to apply for an Early Tax Refund Advance loan. Your local Jackson Hewitt Tax Pro will use your paystub(s) to estimate your tax refund.

Wondering where to find “tax refund anticipation loans near me?” Jackson Hewitt offers TRAs at thousands of locations across the country, including inside many Walmart stores. Find a location near you, then walk in or schedule an appointment now to apply.

Product disclosures

The Early Tax Refund Advance (ETRA) is a loan secured by, and paid back with, your tax refund and is offered by First Century Bank, N.A. Loan amounts are determined by your expected federal refund, less authorized fees and underwriting. Loan amounts are $300, $500, $1,000, and $1,500. To be eligible for the $1,500 ETRA loan, your expected federal refund, less authorized fees, must be at least $5,000. Most common ETRA loan amount approved is $300. ETRA loan is subject to underwriting and approval. Loan proceeds are typically available on the same day of approval, if disbursed on a prepaid card offered at Jackson Hewitt offices, or in 1-5 business days with direct deposit. Terms and restrictions apply. For details visit jacksonhewitt.com/loans. Jackson Hewitt is a Rhode Island Licensed Loan Broker and holds other relevant licenses for the locations where this product is offered. If approved, a finance charge applies except for residents of CT and NE.

The Tax Refund Advance (TRA) is a loan secured by, and paid back with, your tax refund and is offered by First Century Bank, N.A. Loan amounts are determined by your expected federal refund, less authorized fees and underwriting. Loan amounts are $500, $750, $1,000, $1,500, $2,500, and $3,500. To be eligible for the $3,500 TRA loan, a minimum refund amount of $5,000 is required. $7,100 is the minimum refund needed if you received an ETRA loan. Most approved applicants are eligible for a $1,500 TRA loan. TRA loan is subject to underwriting and approval. Loan proceeds are typically available on the same day of approval, if disbursed on a prepaid card offered at Jackson Hewitt offices, or in 1-5 business days with direct deposit. Terms and restrictions apply. For details visit jacksonhewitt.com/loans. Jackson Hewitt is a Rhode Island Licensed Loan Broker and holds other relevant licenses for the locations where this product is offered. If approved, a finance charge applies except for residents of CT and NE.

The Money Today Guarantee is only available to clients who (i) are approved for a refund advance loan; and (ii) elect and are eligible to receive loan funds on a prepaid card. Loan available during hours of operation. Hours vary by location. Loan application must be submitted by 11pm local time. If funds are not credited to your card before 12am local time, Jackson Hewitt will credit $50 within 2 weeks to your card if available or provide you a $50 eGift card. Fees, terms, and conditions apply to the prepaid card.