Can I get a loan against my tax refund?

Written by: Brad Hanson
• Edited by:Erin Dunn, Managing Editor, Loans
• Updated •6 min read
Woman sitting at a table and reading from her phoneImage: Woman sitting at a table and reading from her phone

In a Nutshell

You may be able to borrow money against your expected tax refund, which can provide a boost to your cash flow. Often called refund anticipation loans or refund advances, make sure to weigh the benefit against any fees and examine terms before you apply.
Editorial Note: Intuit Credit Karma receives compensation from third-party advertisers, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our third-party advertisers don’t review, approve or endorse our editorial content. Information about financial products not offered on Credit Karma is collected independently. Our content is accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted.

Key takeaway: You may be able to take out a refund anticipation loan against your expected tax return, but keep in mind that when the IRS processes your refund, the amount you borrow will be deducted as repayment, plus any fees owed.

A tax refund can be a vital cash boost — money that goes toward bills, savings or other priorities. But waiting weeks for that refund to arrive isn’t ideal if you need the money sooner. After all, it’s wages you already earned.

That’s why some tax-preparation services offer refund anticipation loans, also called refund advance loans, giving you access to part of your expected refund before the IRS sends it.

We’ll explain how these loans work, how quickly you may be able to access your refund, and what to consider before applying. 

We’ll also look at costs, alternatives and options like TurboTax Refund Advance, which you can access when you file your taxes on Credit Karma, powered by TurboTax.

*$0 loan fees, 0% APR. Terms apply. TurboTax loans issued by WebBank. IRS accepts returns starting late January.

How does a tax refund loan work?

A refund anticipation loan, also called a refund advance loan, is a short-term loan secured by your expected federal tax refund. 

When you file your return through a participating tax preparer, you may be offered an advance for a portion of your refund amount, usually through a partner bank.

You’ll usually receive the funds by direct deposit or on a prepaid debit card, typically within a day of approval. When your IRS refund arrives, it’s deposited into a designated account, and the loan amount, plus any applicable interest or fees, is automatically deducted.


Some refund advances are marketed as no-fee or 0% APR loans, but may include optional costs. 

But even if interest isn’t charged, the loan is typically tied to using the provider’s paid tax-preparation services. Reading the fine print ensures you know exactly what you’re agreeing to.

How much can I borrow against my tax refund?

Refund advance loans often range from a few hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars, but the amount you can borrow depends on several factors — including your estimated refund, the tax preparer and the lender’s criteria. 

These loans are typically offered in set tiers, such as $250, $500 and $1,000, and then larger increments up to $3,500 or $4,000. 

TurboTax Refund Advance is available in amounts of $250, $500, $750, $1,000, $1,500, $2,000, $2,500, $3,000, $3,500, and $4,000. Funds are deposited into your Credit Karma Money™ checking account, which is free to open if you don’t already have one.

Eligibility rules differ by provider — TurboTax, for example, requires an expected federal refund of at least $500 to qualify for the smallest advance. Regardless of provider, refund advances generally cover only part of your anticipated refund.

How fast can I get a tax refund loan?

Tax-preparation companies generally provide funding within 24 hours of approval, especially when the money is delivered through direct deposit or a prepaid card. That’s significantly faster than the typical IRS processing time of about 21 days for e-filed returns.

If getting money right away is your priority, this can be a convenient option. But remember that faster access doesn’t always mean free access — offers usually  require you to use a paid filing service. If you were already planning to use a tax prep service, that’s probably not a con.

In addition to refund advance loans, some companies also offer an extra perk: speeding up the final deposit of your tax money. 

Credit Karma members also may be able to get their tax refund up to five days early through early refund access. It’s available for free when your tax return is deposited into a Credit Karma Money™ Spend account — no matter who prepares your taxes. 

Keep in mind that if you pay tax preparation fees from your federal refund or take out a Refund Advance, you won’t be eligible for early refund access.

When can I get a tax refund advance loan?

Refund advance programs are typically offered from early January until as late as April 15. But check with your tax preparer, since application windows for these products close at various dates.

*$0 loan fees, 0% APR. Terms apply. TurboTax loans issued by WebBank. IRS accepts returns starting late January.

Where can I get a loan on my tax refund?

Refund advance loans are available through a number of tax-preparation services and partner banks. 

While each product differs, they generally share a few key features:

  • Application through your tax preparer: You apply while filing your return, and approval is based on your expected refund amount.
  • No credit check required: Most refund advances rely on your anticipated refund as collateral, not your credit history.
  • Quick access to funds: Approved borrowers often receive funds within a day.
  • Automatic repayment: Once your refund arrives, the loan amount (and any applicable fees) is deducted automatically.

For example, TurboTax offers a Refund Advance for up to $4,000 of your expected refund in your free-to-open Credit Karma Money™ Spend account. For a higher limit, those who file with TurboTax Expert Full Service can get their full refund amount, up to $10,000.

Note that Refund Advance may not be available for all tax filers everywhere, so be sure to check out the full terms and conditions before you apply.

What are alternatives to a tax refund loan?

There are a few alternatives to consider if you’re not sure whether a refund advance loan is right for you.

  • Small personal loan — If approved, you may be able to get a small personal loan through some online lenders. These loans are typically unsecured, which means you won’t have to put up collateral. 
  • Credit cards with introductory 0% APR offers — If you’re approved for an intro 0% offer, making all your payments on time and paying the balance off before the promotional period ends means you won’t pay interest with this option.
  • Payday alternative loan — Offered by federal credit unions, these small short-term loans can’t charge more than 28% interest (compared to the equivalent of almost 400% APR for typical payday loans).
  • Paycheck advances — Apps that loan money can help you get cash quickly to cover emergency expenses and pay your bills before payday.

What’s next: Is a tax refund loan right for me?

A refund advance can be helpful if you need access to funds and don’t want to wait for your refund.

Even if the loan has no interest, you’ll usually need to file your taxes with the provider — and the preparation fee can vary based on your return’s complexity. You should also remember that the loan is based on your expected refund. If the IRS reduces your refund to cover debts like child support, back taxes or student loans, you’ll still need to repay the full loan amount.

And while a refund advance offers convenience, it may also come with costs or conditions that make it less appealing. Reviewing the details before you apply can help you decide whether getting your refund early is worth it.

*$0 loan fees, 0% APR. Terms apply. TurboTax loans issued by WebBank. IRS accepts returns starting late January.

FAQs about tax refund loans

Yes, you may be able to get a loan against your anticipated tax refund, often called a refund anticipation loan or a refund advance. These are short-term loans typically offered by tax preparation services in partnership with a bank. The loan amount is repaid directly from your tax refund once the IRS issues it.

If approved, funds from a refund anticipation loan can often be disbursed very quickly, typically within 24 hours of your e-filed return’s acceptance by the IRS. The money is usually loaded onto a prepaid debit card or deposited into a bank account.

Availability for tax refund advances, or refund anticipation loans, typically begins in early January. The availability period typically runs through mid-to-late February, but offer periods vary by company.

About the author: Brad Hanson is a senior editor at Intuit Credit Karma specializing in tax. He joined Credit Karma in 2017. Brad has more than 30 years of experience in print and digital media, having served as a copy chief/multiplatf… Read more.