 TITLE: How to Get a Loan Against Your Tax Refund CONTENT: How to Get an Advance on a Tax Refund\n-------------------------------------\nTax refund loans are appealing because they allow you to get a quick loan that's equivalent to the money you're owed from the government. Depending on the company you use, the loan can be ready for you within 24 hours of applying. That's a pretty big difference from having to wait the six to eight weeks it generally takes for the IRS to issue your tax refund check when you submit a paper return. If you file your taxes to the IRS electronically, it typically will take less than three weeks, and the process can be expedited if you opt for direct deposit rather than a mailed check. In any case, those weeks can crawl by when you need the funds to pay your bills.\nAs long as you expect a refund, you are eligible to apply for a loan. You may not be able to borrow the entire amount due, however, as most companies cap the loan below your full refund amount in case the predicted refund amount is inaccurate. Many companies also have established minimums and maximums. Jackson Hewitt refund loans, for example, start at $200 and go up to $3,200, while TurboTax offers advances of $250 to $2,000.\nIn the event that you or your tax preparer made a mistake on your tax forms, you could get less back than you anticipated. If you borrow more than your tax refund amount, you'll be responsible for repaying the debt your tax refund doesn't cover. Some tax preparers will absorb the difference between what you borrowed and what your actual refund is, but ask them about their policy first.\nOutside of filing errors, there are other potential reasons your tax refund may be lower than you or your tax preparer anticipates. For example, the IRS may deny certain deductions, causing you to owe more. If you're behind on child support payments or have a tax lien, the IRS will withhold some or all of your refund depending on how much you owe. END