Bottom line: This tax preparation service offers advances as early as December 11 to help you cover holiday expenses. But it's not available in every state — and you have to apply in person.
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Jackson Hewitt tax refund advance review
- Min debt required:
- $300
- Maximum advance amount
- $3,500
Our verdict
Early Tax Refund Advance loans offered until January 11 and Tax Refund Advance loans starting January through April 15, 2026.
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 Refund Advances up to $3,500, and it also offers early refund advances up to $1,500.
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.
Pros
-
Advances up to $3,500
-
Early advances offered December through January 11
-
Get funds sent to your bank account or on a prepaid debit card
Cons
-
Not available in every state
-
Must apply in person
-
6.51% fee on the Early Refund Advance loan
Types of Jackson Hewitt tax refund advances
Jackson Hewitt offers two refund advances in partnership with Republic Bank & Trust Company.
- Early Refund Advance. Small advances including $300, $500, $1,000 and $1,500 with a finance charge equal to 6.51% of the loan amount and 35.99% APR. These loans are available from December 11, 2026 to January 11, 2026.
- Tax Refund Advance loan. Advances of $300, $500, $750, $1,000, $1,500, $2,500 and $3,500. These loans are available starting January 2, 2026. Fees are about 2.73% of the advance amount plus 35.99% APR.
The size of your federal refund — minus fees and underwriting costs — determines the loan amount you’re eligible to receive.
How it works
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, loans are disbursed via direct deposit to a bank account of your choice, or via a Jackson Hewitt provided prepaid card. If you choose to have it disbursed to the prepaid card, you will receive the loan the same day.
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 tax refund advance costs
Jackson Hewitt’s Refund Advances include interest and fees. Here’s how much Jackson Hewitt estimates it’s Refund Advance loan would cost by loan size:
Early Tax Refund Advance loan.
| ETRA Loan Amount | APR | Est. Finance Charge | Est. Total Payment* |
|---|---|---|---|
| $300 | 35.99% | $19.52 | $319.52 |
| $500 | 35.99% | $32.54 | $532.54 |
| $1,000 | 35.99% | $65.08 | $1,065.08 |
| $1,500 | 35.99% | $97.62 | $1,597.62 |
Tax refund advance loan
| TRA Loan Amount | APR | Est. Finance Charge | Est. Total Payment* |
|---|---|---|---|
| $500 | 35.99% | $11.83 | $511.83 |
| $750 | 35.99% | $17.75 | $767.75 |
| $1,000 | 35.99% | $23.66 | $1,023.66 |
| $1,500 | 35.99% | $35.50 | $1,535.50 |
| $2,500 | 35.99% | $59.16 | $2,559.16 |
| $3,500 | 35.99% | $82.83 | $3,582.83 |
How to qualify
Jackson Hewitt’s tax refund advance is offered in partnership with First Century Bank, N.A.. While it doesn’t disclose exact requirements, it looks at the following criteria to determine if you qualify:
- Identity verification
- Credit history
- Payment history with the IRS
- Status of your student loans, child support and tax liens
Compare tax refund advances like Jackson Hewitt’s
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Jackson Hewitt reviews and complaints
| BBB accredited | Yes |
|---|---|
| BBB rating | A+ |
| BBB customer reviews | 1.38 out of 5 stars, based on 97 customer reviews |
| Trustpilot Score | 2.8 out of 5 stars, based on 191 customer reviews. |
| Customer reviews verified as of | 05 January 2026 |
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.
How to apply
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:
- Proof of income
- Current W-2
- Social Security number
- Government-issued photo ID or equivalent
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.
How will applying affect my credit?
Jackson Hewitt won’t check your credit when you apply for any of its refund advances. Its partner institution, 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.
Frequently asked questions
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.
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