Getting a tax refund loan: Fact vs. Fiction
At a glance
• Instead of waiting weeks for your federal refund, you could apply for a Refund Advance loan of up to $4,000 when you file with an H&R Block tax pro.
• Approved applicants could get money within minutes of filing at a participating H&R Block office—no loan fees or interest.
You could wait patiently for your tax refund during tax season. It’s part of the process, right? The IRS first has to process your refund which typically takes up to three weeks—and that’s before they direct deposit it.
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 loan1.
Can I get a loan against my tax refund?
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 $4,000 within minutes of filing your taxes with an H&R Block tax pro. There’s even a way you can apply for a tax refund loan when using digital drop off to file – we’ll tell you how.
Understanding a tax refund loan
But first, what are tax refund loans, exactly? If your application is approved, a tax refund advance loan (sometimes called a tax return advance or tax refund anticipation loan) is a great way to potentially get money and not have to worry about the time it takes to wait on your anticipated tax refund from the Internal Revenue Service. With a loan, the money is not your actual refund, but it is repaid from your refund.
Read on to learn more and find the answer to “how to get a loan on my tax refund?”
Ready to apply? Find a participating H&R Block office near you to make an appointment for tax preparation and apply for a Refund Advance loan when you file.
Refund Advance loan Fact vs Fiction
Does the potential of getting a Refund Advance loan of up to $4,000 this tax year 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 | Facts |
|---|---|
| You can only get a tax refund advance loan after the IRS opens each year. | You could get a Refund Advance loan as early as January 2, 2026, when you file and apply at an H&R Block office. Unlike some tax refund loans, you don’t have to wait for the IRS to open (typically late January), if approved.. |
| It takes a long time to apply for loans on a tax refund and get a loan decision. | 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 loan proceeds within minutes after you file with H&R Block. Loan funds may be directed to an H&R Block Emerald Prepaid Mastercard®2 or Spruce 3 account as you choose. |
| It’s probably only a limited number of people who get approved for a loan on their tax refund. | While not everyone is approved, the Refund Advance loan program at H&R Block has high approval rates. To be approved, you must file your taxes with an H&R Block tax pro, 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. |
| My credit score will be affected if I apply for a Refund Advance loan. | As part of the application process, Pathward®, N.A. (the lender for Refund Advance loan) will review your credit report, but the review doesn’t impact your credit score. So, you can apply for a tax advance loan without worrying about any impact to your credit score. |
| There are a lot of costs with refund advance loans. | With the Refund Advance loan at H&R Block, there are absolutely no loan fees or finance charges (meaning 0% APR). |
| It’s difficult to find someone who offers a tax refund loan. | You could get a Refund Advance loan when you file your taxes in an H&R Block office. Or, if you prefer a remote option, you can use H&R Block’s Virtual tax preparation service, so you can work with your tax preparer from home, file your tax return and apply for a tax refund loan virtually. |
How to get a tax refund loan at H&R Block
Interested in a Refund Advance loan?1 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. With a Refund Advance, you could get money in minutes of filing. Plus, when you choose H&R Block to file your return, you can trust you’ll always get your maximum refund — guaranteed. *
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, 2026.
Note: The Refund Advance loan offer ends March 15, 2026.
Tax refund loan FAQs
Can I get a refund loan with no interest?
Yes. The Refund Advance loan at H&R Block offers up to $4,000 with 0% interest and no loan fees. It’s available to qualifying clients who file with an H&R Block tax pro during the offer period. The loan is repaid from your tax refund when it’s issued by the IRS, making it an easy way to access funds before your refund arrives.
What services offer refund advances before the IRS pays out?
H&R Block provides the Refund Advance loan through Pathward®, N.A. If approved, you can receive funds within minutes of filing, even before the IRS begins processing returns. Funds can be loaded onto an Emerald Card®2 or deposited into a Spruce 3 account, letting you get money in minutes of filing.
Are tax advance loans available before filing is complete?
No, you must complete your tax return with an H&R Block tax pro as part of applying for the advance. The loan amount is based on your expected refund, so filing is required to determine eligibility. Once approved, funds are typically available within minutes of filing.
What are the Refund Advance Loan fees?
There are no loan fees and no interest for a Refund Advance loan. It’s an optional product offered at participating H&R Block offices, and repayment is handled automatically from your tax refund.
What are some alternatives to refund advance loans?
If you’re looking for other ways to get early access to money, you may be interested in using Spruce. If you deposit your federal refund into your Spruce account, you could get it up to five days early.4
*All tax situations are different. Not everyone gets a refund. See hrblock.com/guarantees for complete details.
1 This is an optional tax refund-related loan from Pathward®, N.A.; it is not your tax refund. Loans are offered in amounts of $250, $500, $750, $1,250, $2,500, or $4,000. Approval and loan amount based on expected refund amount, eligibility criteria, and underwriting. If approved, funds will be disbursed as directed to a prepaid card or checking account at Pathward. The loan amount will be deducted from your tax refund, and any remaining balance will be sent to you. Tax returns may be e-filed without applying for this loan. Fees for other optional products or product features may apply. Limited time offer at participating locations. Not available in H&R Block Online or Tax Software. H&R Block Maine License No. 2649367. OBTP#13696-BR.
2 H&R Block Emerald Prepaid Mastercard® is issued by Pathward®, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to license by Mastercard. Mastercard and the circles design are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated. Additional fees, terms and conditions apply; consult your Cardholder Agreement for details. ©2025 HRB Tax Group, Inc.
3 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.
4 Does not change IRS refund processing speed. Claim is based on making federal refunds available when payment instruction is received, which may be earlier than scheduled payment date. Depends on timing of the IRS’s payment file. Available only for federal refunds. May be changed or discontinued at any time.
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