No Fee Refund Advance: What is it, and how does it work?

What is a No Fee Refund Advance loan?

The No Fee Refund Advance loan³ is an advance on your estimated tax refund, with no fee and 0% interest. These loans typically give you an opportunity to get the money you have coming to you before you get your tax refund.

We offer a Money Today Guarantee², if approved for the tax refund advance loan on a prepaid card. 

When can I apply for the No Fee Refund Advance loan?

You can apply for the No Fee Refund Advance loan starting on January 2, 2024, through February 11, 2024, at most of our 5,200 local Jackson Hewitt offices.

How much money can I get from the No Fee Refund Advance loan?

If approved, you could get a No Fee Refund Advance loan³ in amounts ranging from $250 to $6,500 between January 2, 2024, to February 11, 2024.

How do I apply for a Refund Advance loan?

If you need money for the holidays, you can book an appointment with a Tax Pro to apply for an Early Refund Advance loan¹ starting December 11, 2023. Then, once you've received all of your required tax documents, book an appointment with a Jackson Hewitt Tax Pro to come back in January, finish filing, and apply for the No Fee Refund Advance loan.

If you’d like to apply for No Fee Refund Advance only, come see your local Tax Pro, starting January 2, 2024. To finish your application for the No Fee Refund Advance, you must file your taxes with your W-2 and other tax documents before February 11, 2024. If you’re approved, you can get money without waiting for your tax refund, again— typically in minutes ².

What documents do I need to complete my application for No Fee Refund Advance?

To complete your No Fee Refund Advance loan application, you’ll need any tax documents you may receive from an employer or companies that you do work with. For example, once you get your W-2 or 1099-NEC, and other tax documents, you can come in to file your taxes and one of our local Tax Pros can help get you the Refund Advance loan, with no fee! We know every situation is different, so look at our document checklist here to check out what tax documents you may need.

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

No. Applying for and receiving a Refund Advance loan at Jackson Hewitt won’t affect your credit score.

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

How do I access my Refund Advance loan funds?

If you’re approved for a No Fee Refund Advance loan, you can choose to get your money in one of two ways. To get your money the day you come in, you can choose to have the money deposited on a prepaid card that we offer at each office. If you don't need money immediately, you can also choose to receive a direct deposit.

How much does a No Fee Refund Advance cost?

As the name says, the No Fee Refund Advance has no fee. No interest. When you file your taxes at Jackson Hewitt, you have the choice to apply for the loan (or not) for no added cost. Just come in when you’re ready to file your taxes.

How long will it take to get my No Fee Refund Advance loan funds?

We offer a Money Today Guarantee² for people who are approved for a tax refund advance loan and choose to receive it on a prepaid card. Once you’re approved, we guarantee that you’ll get your money the same day on a prepaid card. If we don’t get it to you the same day, we will give you $50².

If you choose a direct deposit, your funds will be available between 1 and 5 business days.

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

We have over 5,200 locations across the U.S. You can find your nearest open location here. Book your appointment online or call a local office directly.

No Fee Refund Advance vs. Early Refund Advance

While some people only want a No Fee Refund Advance, others may want an Early Refund Advance¹, as well.  Both advances are loans that you can get, if approved, based on your expected tax refund. However, you can apply for the Early Refund Advance in December, before you’re ready to file your taxes, by bringing in your paystub(s).

Starting December 11, you can qualify for an Early Refund Advance of up to $1,000 the same day you’re approved on a prepaid card, in plenty of time for the holidays with our Money Today Guarantee². Please note that the Early Refund Advance does have Finance Charge, while the No Fee Refund Advance does not. Please see our chart below, outlining what the Finance Charge would be for different Early Refund Advance amounts.

Early Refund Advance: Money in time for the holidays

December 11, 2023 – January 14, 2024

At Jackson Hewitt, we know you work hard all year to give the best to your family. We want to help you get what you need during the holiday season, and beyond. Find a neighborhood Tax Pro, conveniently located in Walmart and in freestanding stores across the country. You never have to tax alone.

Product Disclosures

Early Refund Advance is available to individuals who apply for a No Fee Refund Advance. No Fee Refund Advance application requires filing your taxes with Jackson Hewitt beginning January 2.

¹ Early Refund Advance: The Early Refund Advance (“ERA”) is a loan secured by and paid back with your tax refund and is offered by Republic Bank & Trust Company, Member FDIC, to eligible taxpayers that apply for a No Fee Refund Advance from 12/11/23-1/14/24. ERA loan amounts are determined by your expected Federal refund less authorized fees and underwriting. If approved for an ERA, a Finance Charge will apply. Loan amounts available are $100, $300, $500, and $1,000. To be eligible for the $1,000 ERA, your expected Federal refund less authorized fees must be at least $2,600, and most approved applicants get $500.  ERA is subject to underwriting and approval. Loan proceeds are typically available 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. Ask a Tax Pro for more info about the cost and timing of all filing and product options. Jackson Hewitt is a Rhode Island Licensed Loan Broker and holds other relevant licenses for the locations where this product is offered. Finance Charges are not applicable in all locations.

²Money Today Guarantee: The Money Today Guarantee is only available to clients who (i) are approved for an Early Refund Advance loan; (ii) elect and are eligible to receive loan funds on a prepaid card offered at Jackson Hewitt offices. 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.

³No Fee Refund Advance: The No Fee Refund Advance (“NFRA”) is a loan secured by and paid back with your tax refund and is offered by Republic Bank & Trust Company, Member FDIC, to eligible taxpayers. NFRA Loan amounts are determined by your expected Federal refund less authorized fees and underwriting. Requires filing your taxes with Jackson Hewitt. Available 1/2/24 through 2/11/24. Loan amounts available are $250, 500, $750, $1,000, $1,500, $2,500, $3,500, $4,500, and $6,500. No loan fee applies. Loan proceeds available within 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. Ask a Tax Pro for more info about the cost and timing of all filing and product options.

About the Author

Mark Steber is Senior Vice President and Chief Tax Information Officer for Jackson Hewitt. With over 30 years of experience, he oversees tax service delivery, quality assurance and tax law adherence. Mark is Jackson Hewitt’s national spokesperson and liaison to the Internal Revenue Service and other government authorities. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), holds registrations in Alabama and Georgia, and is an expert on consumer income taxes including electronic tax and tax data protection.

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