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Bottom line: This tax preparation service offers advances as early as December 14 to help you cover holiday expenses. But it’s not available in every state — and you have to apply in person.
Not disclosed
Tax preparation fee
0%
APR
February 21, 2021
Application deadline
Product name | Jackson Hewitt No Fee Refund Advance |
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Maximum advance amount | $4,000 |
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 21, 2021 |
States serviced | Only available at participating branches |
Requirements | Considers identity verification; payment history with the IRS; status of your student loans, child support and tax liens |
Review by
Kellye Guinan is a writer and editor with Finder and has years of experience in academic writing and research. Between her passion for books and her love of language, she works on creating stories and volunteering her time on worthy causes. She lives in the woods and likes to find new bug friends in between reading just a little too much nonfiction.
Jackson Hewitt offers the best of both worlds: You can see if you’re eligible for a refund advance online, then visit a Jackson Hewitt store for personalized tax advice. And since it offers direct deposit alongside a prepaid card option, you won’t be stuck with another card in your wallet if you don’t want it. Its smaller advances are interest free, and it also offers a larger option up to $6,400 if you’re willing to pay a fee.
However, you still need to visit a branch to officially 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.
Jackson Hewitt offers three refund advances in partnership with MetaBank.
You can see if you prequalify for a Jackson Hewitt tax refund advance online. But you’ll need to 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 it’s processed by the IRS — which means no extra work on your end.
Jackson Hewitt’s Early Refund Advance and No Fee Refund Advance don’t come with interest or fees. But the Go Big Refund Advance comes with a fee of 2.5% of the loan amount. This translates into something close to a 30% APR for most advances, though it depends on how long the IRS takes to send Jackson Hewitt your refund.
You’ll also have to pay a tax preparation fee to use Jackson Hewitt’s services. This fee started at $48 in 2020, but we weren't able to verify the cost in 2021. And the fee will vary depending on how complicated your taxes are.
Jackson Hewitt’s tax refund advance is offered in partnership with MetaBank. 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.
BBB accredited | Yes |
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BBB rating | A+ |
BBB customer reviews | 1.3 out of 5 stars, based on 48 customer reviews |
Trustpilot Score | 4 out of 5 stars, based on 24 customer reviews |
Customer reviews verified as of | 08 February 2021 |
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. But you can see if you prequalify online by following these steps:
If you prequalify, you will see your estimated advance amount. You will still need to set up an appointment at a Jackson Hewitt branch to file your taxes and finalize your advance.
No, Jackson Hewitt won’t check your credit when you apply for any of its refund advances. And while MetaBank runs a credit check, it relies on a soft credit pull that doesn't affect your score.
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.
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.
Yes. If you can verify your income, you’re eligible for a refund advance through Jackson Hewitt.
Almost. The Go Big Refund Advance is available everywhere except Connecticut.