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
Our verdict
Access up to $6,500 if you file taxes by February 11, 2024.
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 $6,500 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.
Pros
- 0% APR on advances up to $6,500
- Advances up to $1,000 available in December
- Get funds sent to your bank account or on a prepaid debit card
Cons
- Not available in every state
- Must apply in person
- 6% 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 of $100, $300, $500 or $1,000 with a finance charge of 7.3% of the loan amount and an APR of 35.53%. These loans are available from December 11, 2024 to January 14, 2024.
- No Fee Refund Advance. Advances of $250, $500, $750, $1,000, $1,500, $2,500, $3,500, $4,500 or $6,500. These loans are available from January 2, 2024 to February 11, 2024. There’s no fee for the loan, but you must file your taxes with Jackson Hewitt.
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, 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 tax refund advance costs
Jackson Hewitt’s No Fee Refund Advance doesn’t come with interest or fees. However, the Early Refund Advance comes with an APR of 35.53% and a financial charge of 7.3% of the loan’s size. Here’s how much Jackson Hewitt estimates these advances would cost by loan size:
- A $100 refund advance costs up to $7.30.
- A $300 refund costs up to $21.90.
- A $500 refund costs as much as $36.50.
- A $1,000 refund costs as much as $73.
You’ll also have to pay a tax preparation fee to use Jackson Hewitt’s services. This fee starts at $25 for the 2023 tax season and varies depending on how complicated your taxes are.
How to qualify
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:
- 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
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.
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Jackson Hewitt reviews and complaints
| BBB accredited | Yes |
|---|---|
| BBB rating | A+ |
| BBB customer reviews | 1.42 out of 5 stars, based on 162 customer reviews |
| Trustpilot Score | 3.1 out of 5 stars, based on 107 customer reviews. |
| Customer reviews verified as of | 27 February 2024 |
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, 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.
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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