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Bottom line: This tax preparation service offers advances as early as December 12 to help you cover holiday expenses. But it’s not available in every state — and you have to apply in person.
Product name | Jackson Hewitt No Fee Refund Advance |
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Maximum advance amount | $3,500 |
Minimum advance amount | $500 |
APR | 0% |
Turnaround | Same day to receive funds on a prepaid card, 1 to 5 days for direct deposit |
Tax preparation fee | Not disclosed |
Application deadline | February 19, 2023 |
States serviced | Only available at participating branches |
Requirements | Considers identity verification; credit history; payment history with the IRS; status of your student loans, child support and tax liens |
Jackson Hewitt offers two refund advances in partnership with Republic Bank & Trust Company.
The size of your federal refund — minus fees and underwriting costs — determines the loan amount you're eligible to receive.
See if you prequalify for a Jackson Hewitt tax refund advance online. But you must visit a participating Jackson Hewitt store or Walmart to file your taxes and fill out the advance application.
If approved, funds are available within 24 hours if you choose to receive them on an American Express Serve Card. Otherwise, it could take one to five business days to have the advance deposited into your bank account.
To pay back your advance, Jackson Hewitt automatically deducts the amount from your tax refund once the IRS processes it — which means no extra work on your end.
Jackson Hewitt’s No Fee Refund Advance doesn’t come with interest or fees. However, the Early Refund Advance comes with an APR of 34.22%. Here's how much Jackson Hewitt estimates these advances would cost by loan size:
You’ll also have to pay a tax preparation fee to use Jackson Hewitt’s services. This fee starts at $25 for the 2022 to 2023 tax season and varies depending on how complicated your taxes are.
Jackson Hewitt’s tax refund advance is offered in partnership with Republic Bank & Trust Company. While it doesn’t disclose exact requirements, it looks at the following criteria to determine if you qualify:
See if you can find a better deal with Jackson Hewitt alternatives by comparing fees, application deadlines and more. Select Compare for up to four products to see their benefits side by side.
BBB accredited | Yes |
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BBB rating | A+ |
BBB customer reviews | 1.41 out of 5 stars, based on 135 customer reviews |
Trustpilot Score | 3.3 out of 5 stars, based on 63 customer reviews |
Customer reviews verified as of | 18 November 2022 |
Jackson Hewitt gets mostly negative customer reviews and complaints. Some people are pleased with their experience. But one customer claims they were charged as much as $600 in tax preparation fees — which they wouldn't have paid if they didn't need the refund. Other customers report they were denied for a loan or that there were errors on their taxes.
Jackson Hewitt requires you to visit a branch to have your taxes prepared and apply in person. When you visit a participating Jackson Hewitt branch, you will need to bring the following information:
Depending on your other income and debts, you may be required to bring more information. Contact your local Jackson Hewitt branch to discuss any other documents you may need.
Jackson Hewitt won’t check your credit when you apply for any of its refund advances. Its partner institution, Republic Bank & Trust Company, might run a "soft" credit check, which doesn't impact your credit score.
Need a larger loan amount? Read our guide to tax refund advances to explore other options available. Or, check out the alternatives to tax refund advances.
Answers to common questions about Jackson Hewitt tax refund advances.
Am I eligible if I'm self-employed?
Yes. If you can verify your income, you’re eligible for a refund advance through Jackson Hewitt.
Is the Go Big Refund Advance available in every state?
Almost. The Go Big Refund Advance is available everywhere except Connecticut.
Review by
Kellye Guinan was a financer writer for Finder, covering everything from loans from auto to personal to business finance.
Jackson Hewitt offers direct deposit alongside a prepaid card option, so you won’t be stuck with another card in your wallet if you don’t want it. Its No Fee Refund Advances up to $3,500 are interest-free, and it also offers an additional $1,000 if you’re willing to pay a fee.
However, you need to visit a branch to apply — there’s no online application. And direct deposits can take up to five business days to hit your account. It also considers the status of your student loans, child support and tax liens when deciding if you qualify.
Not sure Jackson Hewitt is right for you? Consider taking out a personal loan instead.