How can a Tax Refund Advance help as an emergency loan? 

Key takeaways:

• The Tax Refund Advance loan⁴ provides an advance based on your tax refund when filing, helping cover unexpected expenses.
• Starting January 2, 2025, you can apply for up to $3,500 with same-day access on a prepaid card if approved.³ 
• The loan amounts range from $500 to $3,500. 
• You can apply for a Tax Refund Advance loan by filing your tax return with your Tax Pro, and if approved, receive funds fast. 
• There's no upfront cost to apply, and the loan is repaid automatically from your tax refund. 
• Jackson Hewitt offers Tax Refund Advance loans at thousands of participating locations, including many Walmart stores. 
• Applying won’t affect your credit score, unlike some other tax refund advance loans.

Tax Refund Advance loans: Tax Refund Advance emergency loans

We know that the holidays and end-of-year festivities can be a weight on your shoulders and hard on your wallet, especially if unexpected costs pop up at the least-convenient time. That’s why we offer a Tax Refund Advance loan.⁴ It's an advance based on your tax refund when you need it. With our Money Today Guarantee,³ if approved, you’ll get that money that same day on a prepaid card. You could receive up to $3,500 as an advance based on your tax refund starting in January, with no impact on your credit score. 

What is a Tax Refund Advance loan? 

These loans typically give you an opportunity to get money when you file your taxes, before you get your tax refund from the IRS. Before we get into the specifics, let's go over the fundamentals of our Tax Refund Advance loans.⁴ It‘s a loan on the money you have coming to you as part of your refund. You get it the same day on a prepaid card if approved,³ and it’s automatically repaid with your tax refund.  

When can I get a Tax Refund Advance Loan? 

Starting January 2, 2026, until April 15, 2026, you can get a Tax Refund Advance loan⁴ of up to $3,500. In fact, we have a Money Today Guarantee. That means, if you’re approved for the loan, we guarantee you’ll get money the same day on a prepaid card offered by Jackson Hewitt. Otherwise, we’ll give you $50.³ 

How much does a Tax Refund Advance loan cost? 

It depends on the amount of the Tax Refund Advance loan⁴ you get and how long it takes to pay it back.

The Tax Refund Advance loan is available after you file your tax return with Jackson Hewitt and has a 35.99% Annual Percentage Rate (APR). The estimated finance charge assumes the loan is repaid in 24 days, which is the average number of days that interest accrues on Tax Refund Advance loans. Because of the possibility of delays in your receipt of your tax refund, this period may be longer, and more interest may accrue before your Tax Refund Advance loan is repaid. However, in no event will interest accrue after 90 days.

*Paid from your tax refund when received by First Century Bank, N.A.

The amount of the loan and any finance charge is deducted from your tax refund, reducing the amount paid to you.

Can I get an advance on my tax refund now?

You can apply for an advance on your tax refund of up to $1,500 starting on December 11, before you file or even get your W-2, with an Early Tax Refund Advance loan.² Then, come back with your tax documents and finish filing starting on January 2, 2026, to apply for up to $3,500 with a Tax Refund Advance loan⁴ from Jackson Hewitt. 

Does Jackson Hewitt offer a tax refund cash advance emergency loan? 

Jackson Hewitt offers the Tax Refund Advance loan,⁴ giving you access to emergency funds if you’re approved. It will be automatically paid back when the IRS sends your refund. It’s easy to apply. Just bring in your W-2 and/or other tax documents and file with a Jackson Hewitt Tax Pro. If approved, you can get money fast—even the same day. 

Get money today if you’re approved for a Jackson Hewitt Tax Refund Advance loan and choose to have the money deposited on a prepaid card.³ You can also choose a direct deposit if you don’t need the money fast. 

How do I apply for my Tax Refund Advance loan? 

Schedule an appointment with a Tax Pro as early as January 2, 2026. Make your appointment early. They go quickly, and we want to be able to find the best time for you to come to one of our thousands of participating local offices across the country. 

When you come in, make sure you bring your W-2 and/or other tax documents. Your Jackson Hewitt Tax Pro will file your tax return and help you apply for a Tax Refund Advance loan.⁴ You can get money fast—typically in minutes, if approved.³

Do I have to pay anything upfront? 

No, it costs nothing to apply. To make it easy to repay your loan, we arrange to have your loan amount and finance charge come right out of your tax refund when the IRS sends it. 

How do I find a participating location that offers Tax Refund Advance loans and book an appointment? 

The good news is you can get your advance at any of our thousands of participating locations across the U.S., including in many Walmart stores. You can find your nearest open location here. Book your appointment online or call a local office directly. And do it quickly, because appointments go fast.  

Can I get a Tax Refund Advance loan at a Walmart location? 

Yes, you can get a Tax Refund Advance loan4 inside many Walmart locations. Apply for a Tax Refund Advance loan with a Tax Pro in Walmart as early as January 2, 2026.

What are the Tax Refund Advance loan amounts?

For the 2025 tax year, Tax Refund Advance loan⁴ sizes are $500, $750, $1,000, $1,500, $2,500, and $3,500 for qualifying clients.

How long will it take to get my Tax Refund Advance loan? 

We offer a Money Today Guarantee³ for people who are approved for a Tax Refund Advance loan⁴ and take the money on a prepaid card. We believe you shouldn’t have to wait for the money you need for you and your family. So, upon approval, we guarantee that you’ll get money on the same day if you choose to get it on a prepaid card. If you choose to get your loan money via direct deposit, you can expect to get it in 1 to 5 business days. 

Will applying for a Tax Refund Advance loan impact my credit score? 

No, applying for and receiving a Tax Refund Advance loan⁴ won’t impact your credit score. 

In fact, you may get approved for a Tax Refund Advance loan at Jackson Hewitt even if you don’t have a good credit history, or if you’ve been denied credit in the past.  

What documents are needed for a Tax Refund Advance loan?

We will need your W-2 and/or other tax documents. This will allow our Tax Pros to file your tax return and estimate your refund.

The end of the year can be an exciting time, but it can also be tough for many people financially. We’ve all been there, and we’re here for you, year-round. Find a local Tax Pro, who can help talk through your situation and what is best for you.

Product disclosures 

¹The Money Today Guarantee is only available to clients who (i) are approved for an Early Tax 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.

²The 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 approved applicants get $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.

³The Money Today Guarantee is only available to clients who (i) are approved for a Tax 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.

⁴The 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 get $1,500. 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.

About the Author

Sharon Brucker is a Senior Tax Research Analyst at Jackson Hewitt Tax Services who specializes in consumer income tax and estate and trust issues. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and more than 35 years of experience, Sharon helps to ensure that the most current IRS tax information is distributed throughout Jackson Hewitt and its franchisees. She also simplifies complex tax laws for Tax Pros and clients alike.

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