TurboTax is not offering a refund advance product for the 2025 tax year

TurboTax discontinued its refund advance loan program after the 2023 tax season. The product, which had allowed taxpayers to borrow against their expected refund while their return was being processed, is no longer available through TurboTax or its parent company Intuit.

If you are looking for ways to access your refund faster or need cash before your refund arrives, there are other options available—some through tax preparation companies, some through banks, and some through the IRS itself. The landscape has shifted, and understanding what actually exists matters more than chasing a product that is gone.

Key Takeaways

  • TurboTax's refund advance loan program ended after the 2023 tax season and is not returning for 2025.
  • Other tax preparation companies still offer refund advance loans, though terms and fees vary by provider and your bank.
  • The IRS processes most refunds within 21 days when you file electronically and choose direct deposit, with no loan needed.
  • Some banks offer tax refund loans directly, independent of tax software, and these may have different may be able to access rules than software-based products.
  • If you need money before your refund arrives, a personal loan or credit line may be cheaper than a refund advance loan depending on the amount and your credit profile.

Why TurboTax stopped offering refund advances

Intuit, which owns TurboTax, made the decision to discontinue refund advance loans as part of a broader shift in how the company operates. The company faced pressure from state attorneys general and consumer advocates over the terms of these loans—specifically the fees charged and the speed at which they were marketed to lower-income filers.

In 2023, Intuit also settled a lawsuit with the Federal Trade Commission over deceptive marketing practices related to its "free" tax software offerings. The refund advance product was part of that scrutiny. Rather than continue defending the product, Intuit chose to exit the market entirely.

Other companies still offering refund advance loans

If you want to borrow against your refund, you have options through other tax preparation services. H&R Block, Jackson Hewitt, and Liberty Tax all offer refund advance loans (sometimes called "refund anticipation loans" or RALs) during tax season. These work similarly to what TurboTax offered: you file your return, the company lends you money based on your expected refund, and the loan is repaid when your actual refund arrives.

The terms vary. Loan amounts typically range from $500 to $4,500, though this depends on your expected refund size and the lender's assessment of your return. Fees are usually between $50 and $300, and some lenders charge interest rates that vary based on how quickly you want the money. Some of these loans can be funded the same day you file; others take one to two business days.

The catch: these loans are only available if you file through that specific company's tax software or in-person at one of their offices. You cannot get an H&R Block refund advance if you file with Jackson Hewitt, for example. You also need to have a valid bank account for the lender to verify, and some lenders have restrictions based on your credit history or income level.

How fast the IRS actually processes refunds

Before you pay a fee to borrow against your refund, understand what the IRS timeline actually is. If you file electronically and choose direct deposit to your bank account, the IRS aims to process your refund within 21 days. Many refunds arrive in 5 to 10 days. This is not a guess—the IRS publishes refund status through its "Where's My Refund?" tool, which updates every 24 hours after your return is received.

If you file on paper, the timeline stretches to four to six weeks. If there are errors on your return or the IRS needs to verify information, the timeline extends further—sometimes to two or three months. A refund advance loan makes sense only if you cannot wait those weeks and the fee is worth the cost to you.

You can check your refund status at irs.gov using your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount. This is free and requires no login. If the IRS says your refund will arrive in 10 days, borrowing money at a $100 fee to get it five days earlier is a choice you can make with full information.

Bank-offered refund loans versus tax software loans

Some banks and credit unions offer refund loans directly, separate from tax software. These are sometimes called "tax refund anticipation loans" and work through a partnership between your bank and a tax preparation company. Your bank funds the loan, and the tax company handles the filing and verification.

The advantage: if you already bank somewhere, you may get better terms than through a standalone tax software company. Some banks offer these loans to customers with direct deposit set up, and a few offer them at no fee or at a flat fee lower than what tax software companies charge.

The disadvantage: availability depends entirely on your bank. Not all banks offer these products, and those that do may have restrictions on who qualifies. You typically need to have had an account with the bank for a minimum period (often 60 days) and may need a minimum balance or direct deposit history.

Alternatives to refund advance loans

If you need cash before your refund arrives and a refund advance loan is not available or too expensive, consider other options. A personal loan from a bank, credit union, or online lender may have a lower interest rate than a refund advance loan, especially if you have decent credit. A credit card cash advance is usually more expensive than either option, but it is faster if you need money the same day.

If you are in a genuine financial emergency—facing eviction, utility shutoff, or medical debt—look into local emergency information programs first. Many nonprofits and government agencies offer emergency grants or zero-interest loans to people in crisis, and these do not require you to have a tax refund coming. Your local 211 service can point you to programs in your area.

The simplest option, if your timeline allows it: wait for your refund. If you file electronically with direct deposit in early February, your money will likely be in your account by mid-February. That is not a long wait, and it costs nothing.

What to watch out for if you pursue a refund loan

If you decide to get a refund advance loan from another provider, read the terms carefully before you sign. The fee should be stated clearly as a flat dollar amount or a percentage of the loan, not buried in fine print. Ask whether the fee applies if your actual refund is smaller than expected—some lenders charge the full fee regardless, which can eat into your refund significantly.

Verify that the lender is legitimate. Check the company's name against the Better Business Bureau and search for complaints on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's website. Scams exist in this space: fraudsters pose as tax refund lenders, collect fees upfront, and disappear. Legitimate lenders do not ask for payment before they fund the loan.

Understand what happens if your refund is delayed or rejected by the IRS. Most refund advance loans require you to repay the lender directly if your refund does not arrive as expected. This is a real risk if there are errors on your return or if the IRS flags your return for review. Ask the lender what their policy is before you borrow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund advance loan if I file with TurboTax?

No. TurboTax does not offer refund advance loans. If you want a refund advance, you would need to file through a different tax preparation company that still offers them, such as H&R Block or Jackson Hewitt. You cannot get a refund advance from one company if you file with another.

How much does a refund advance loan cost?

Fees typically range from $50 to $300, depending on the lender and how fast you want the money. Some lenders also charge interest, which can add another $20 to $100 or more depending on the loan amount and how long you borrow. Always ask for the total cost in dollars before you agree.

What if my refund is smaller than I expected?

Most refund advance lenders charge the full fee regardless of your actual refund size. If you borrow $3,000 and your refund turns out to be $2,500, you still owe the lender the full fee plus the $3,000 loan amount. This is why understanding your expected refund before you borrow is important.

How long does it take to get the money from a refund advance loan?

Most lenders can fund the loan within one to two business days if you file electronically. Some advertise same-day funding, but this usually requires you to file and be approved before a certain time of day. The money goes into your bank account via direct deposit or, in some cases, a prepaid card.

Is a refund advance loan the same as a tax refund?

No. A refund advance loan is a loan you repay. Your actual tax refund is money the IRS owes you. When your refund arrives, it goes to the lender first to pay back the loan and fees, and any remaining balance goes to you. You do not receive both the loan and the refund—the refund pays off the loan.