Tax refund delays: What you can do avoid them and how a Refund Advance loan could help

Do you want access to money fast and not have to fret about waiting on the IRS to send your income tax refund? We get it – between inflation and other financial pressures, getting your tax refund is critical.

Having a delayed tax refund can make things all the more stressful. If you’re worried about waiting even before you file, there are some steps you could take to avoid an IRS tax refund delay. Plus, we’ll tell you about an option that could let you get money within minutes of filing.

What are common reasons for delays in tax refund processing?

There are several reasons why you may have a tax refund delay. Some delays are initiated by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), while others may be due to your situation.

Here are a few examples:

• IRS initiated: The IRS holds refunds each year until at least February 15 if you’ve claimed certain credits. Examples include the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Advanced Child Tax Credit. Your return could also get hung up if the IRS flags an error or suspects identity theft.
• Related to your situation: Issues with your past returns could lead to a federal tax refund delay—for example, if you need to file an old return, you’re under an audit or owe tax debt from a previous return.

Find out more about these reasons in our post: Why is my tax refund delayed?

Why are the IRS tax refund delays for some taxpayers?

Under current tax law (Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes, or PATH Act), the IRS must hold the entire refund of early tax filers with certain refundable credits, (specifically the EITC mentioned above and the Additional Child Tax Credit), until at least February 15 of each filing year. One reason for this delay is to help the IRS combat tax fraud.

While combatting fraud is a good thing, having to wait on your tax refund may be unwelcome news. That’s why a Refund Advance loan can make all the difference.

For approved borrowers, Refund Advance loan offers potential relief from this tax refund delay. In fact, with a Refund Advance loan, you could get money in minutes of filing starting January 2, 2026.  Some tax refund loan programs make you wait until the IRS is open in late January to receive funds.

Tax refund delays FAQs

How an advance on your tax return could help

What if there was a way you could get money without that wait?  H&R Block has tools that could help. With a Refund Advance loan¹ available at H&R Block, if approved, you could get up to $4,000 as a tax refund advance loan within minutes of filing your tax return.

Interested in hearing more about tax refund loans? Check out the questions and answers below to find out more about how tax refund advance programs work and how a Refund Advance loan could help if you’re worried about a potential tax refund delay before you file.

Ready to apply?

Find a participating office near you to make an appointment to complete your tax return and apply for a Refund Advance loan.

What is a tax refund advance loan?

Simply stated, these types of programs are exactly what they say they are – a loan that if approved allows you to receive money in advance on your tax refund. While they are based on your anticipated tax refund amount, the loan is not your actual tax refund from the Internal Revenue Service.  

It’s also worth noting that because these tax refund loans are based on your expected refund amount, you wouldn’t be able to get a tax refund advance loan amount for more than your income tax refund.

Can you tell me more about the Refund Advance loan available at H&R Block?

If you are filing with H&R Block and are expecting a refund, you may be eligible to apply for a Refund Advance loan (sometimes thought of as tax return advance or an advance on your tax refund).

The Refund Advance loan originated by Pathward® N.A. and available at H&R Block is a no interest loan of up to $4,000 that is repaid from your actual tax refund. That’s money you could receive the same day you file to pay bills or unexpected expenses.

How much does it cost to apply? Is there a loan fee?  

Applications for Refund Advance loan are submitted to the lender at the end of your H&R Block tax prep. Unlike some refund advance loans, there’s no loan fee to apply. What’s more, if your application is approved, the Refund Advance loan has a 0% APR with no loan fees or finance charges.

How do I apply for the tax Refund Advance loan at H&R Block?

To apply for a Refund Advance loan, you must file your taxes using H&R Block and pass the lender’s eligibility criteria (including a sufficient expected tax refund from the IRS, e-filing your return in a participating H&R Block office and providing certain consents and valid ID). 

If you apply, Pathward®, N.A., the lender for Refund Advance loan, will apply its standard underwriting criteria in order to approve or deny your application. Upon decisioning, Pathward will notify you by text or email, whichever you choose.

Note: While the bank may access your credit report, applying for Refund Advance loan will not impact your credit score. Go deeper on tax refund loan facts vs. fiction.

Does the lender offer through H&R Block a same day tax refund online?

While we can’t get you your actual tax refund the same day you file, you could apply for a Refund Advance loan and get money within minutes of filing when you file with an H&R Block tax pro and use  H&R Block’s Virtual tax preparation service.

With this service, you can work with your tax pro from home, file your tax return and apply for a Refund Advance loan as part of the process. If approved, you’ll be notified by text or email the same day.

Take note: Our virtual service is not the same as H&R Block Online programs. By choosing our virtual option, you’ll still work with a tax pro who will prepare and file your taxes for you.

How much money could I get with a Refund Advance loan?

If approved, this tax refund loan is offered in the following amounts:

• $250
• $500
• $750
• $1,250
• $2,500
• $4,000

The bank will determine whether your application is approved and, if so, the loan amount.

If I’m approved, how do I access the funds?

If your application is approved, the refund anticipation loan proceeds are loaded onto your own H&R Block Emerald Prepaid Mastercard®²   or deposited in your Spruce³ account, whichever you choose. 

When can I apply for a 2026 tax Refund Advance loan at H&R Block (for 2025 taxes)?

Upon completion of tax preparation at H&R Block, you can apply for the Refund Advance loan beginning Jan. 2 through March 15, 2026.

Find more information about Refund Advance loan and how to schedule a tax appointment in a participating H&R Block office.

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.