What Is a Tax Refund Advance, and Where to Get One?

Exploring the concept of a tax refund advance and determining the ideal source to obtain one can be a valuable endeavor. Similar to any other type of loan, a tax refund advance presents its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

If you’re looking for some extra money while eagerly awaiting your tax refund, you may be considering the option of a tax refund advance loan. These loans, which are offered exclusively during tax season, give you the opportunity to borrow against the anticipated amount of your tax refund, often without any added interest or fees.

Like any other form of borrowing, a refund advance has advantages and disadvantages.

tax refund advance

What is a Tax Refund Advance?

Upon completion of filing your taxes, the government will provide you with a refund in order to rectify any excess taxes paid throughout the year. Nonetheless, receiving this money is not an immediate process; one must patiently await its disbursement from the government.

When seeking immediate access to your refund, consider a tax refund advance, also referred to as a rapid advance loan. Available through your tax preparation service shortly after filing, this temporary loan allows you to borrow a portion of your projected tax refund. Keep in mind that interest rates and associated fees for these loans will differ between different providers.

How Does a Refund Advance Loan Work?

Tax preparers offer various terms and guidelines when it comes to refund advance. These can include fees and interest, or they may provide free financing. Regardless of the specifics, the process typically unfolds as follows.

In order to obtain a tax refund advance loan, it is usually necessary to submit your tax documents to the same preparer offering the refund advance loan. While it may be possible to complete this process online, certain companies may insist on in-person filing.

When reviewing your application, the tax preparer will carefully assess various factors such as your income, tax credit, and tax return. These elements play a crucial role in securing loans dependent on your tax refund. Although approval is generally accessible, it is important to note that it is not guaranteed.

In order to receive the loan, certain tax preparers may insist on the condition that you establish a dedicated checking account or prepaid card.

If approved, you can often get the funds on the same day.

Regarding your tax refund, the loan amount and any additional fees will be subtracted. Afterward, the provider will transfer the remaining funds from your tax refund to either your checking account or the prepaid card you initially opened when applying for the tax refund advance loan.

In the event that your tax refund is unexpectedly reduced or delayed, you may find yourself with an outstanding balance. 

To better understand the repayment options, it is advisable to inquire with our RapidTax Dedicated Tax Professional about the potential.

What are the Good and Bad of a Refund Advance?

Before considering this financial option, exploring the advantages and disadvantages of a tax refund advancement is essential. If you need immediate funds and anticipate receiving a tax refund sooner, a tax refund advance loan can provide a convenient solution. Nevertheless, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with any potential drawbacks before proceeding with the loan application process.

Advantages of refund advance loans

  • Rapid Access to Cash
  • No Initial Interest or No Initial Fees with Rapid Tax
  • Easy to Qualify to Apply

Disadvantages of refund advance loans

  • Interest and fee charges with some exceptional refund advance lenders
  • In debt situation if your tax refund is delayed or insufficient to pay the loan amount
  • Alternatives to a tax refund advance

When faced with a sudden need for cash, there are numerous alternatives to relying solely on a refund advance loan. In times of financial urgency, one option is to seek a personal loan lender who can provide funds within a day.

In Summary

When it comes to filing your taxes, a tax refund advance loan offers a quick and convenient method for obtaining cash. Getting approved is a simple process, and even RapidTax may offer this service without any interest or fees please find your free dedicated tax professional. However, it’s important to consider alternative options before committing to borrowing against your tax refund funds that still need to be in your possession.

What is an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)?

IP PIN

Fraud can happen to anyone.

If your social security number was used fraudulently in the past, the IRS assigns a six-digit PIN to you; the Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN).

Eligibility

In order to receive an IP PIN, you will need to meet the following:

  • You received a CP01A notice which will have it located at the bottom of the first column
  • The IRS sent you a letter inviting you to opt-in for the IP PIN
  • You were a resident of Florida, Georgia or the District of Columbia, Michigan, California, Maryland, Nevada, Delaware, Illinois or Rhode Island last year

Note: Taxpayers who experience identity theft after they receive the CP01A notice will need to file the Identity Theft Affidavit

The steps on getting an IP PIN

Continue reading “What is an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)?”

The Child Tax Credit Changes for Your 2018 Taxes!

child tax credit 2018

Children are expensive, but luckily they can give you a break — a tax break of course.

With all of the changes that the 2018 tax year brings us, the Child Tax Credit (CTC) is one of them. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or guardian, when tax time comes around you can claim your dependents to your advantage.

Here’s what you need to know for this tax season.

Who qualifies for the CTC?

Unfortunately, you can’t just receive the CTC for just having a dependent. You have to meet certain requirements for your dependent to be a “qualifying child.” These are the following conditions they will need to meet: Continue reading “The Child Tax Credit Changes for Your 2018 Taxes!”