Refund Anticipation Loan RAL, Income Tax Refund Anticipation Loans

Refund Anticipation Loan or RAL is a service offered by a few of the leading income tax preparation services featured here on Income Tax Pro. Currently the following fast tax refund efile services feature the Refund Anticipation Loan or RAL: Tax Brain (24 to 48 hours), H & R Block, Tax Cut and Complete Tax. The Refund Anticipation Loan service is an optional service that you can get prior to efiling your income tax refund online. In other words, a RAL option will present itself to those tax payers who's completed income tax return shows a Refund, not a balance due.

Are Refund Anticipation Loans (RAL) For You?

Every tax payer wants their income tax refund money fast, however, there are a few things to consider before accepting the RAL option. After you complete your income tax refund forms using one of the providers listed above, you will be presented with billing and efile options which include the RAL Refund Anticipation Loan. Please make sure you understand the terms and conditions of the RAL loan as they are presented to you by the service provider. A few points to consider before accepting the RAL service are listed below.

RAL products are loans just like any other loan. If your income tax refund amount is reduced by the IRS, you will have to pay some of the money back. Those who owe back child support beware!
The price of Refund Anticipation Loan service varies by provider and loan amount. Last year the price of a RAL from Tax Brain, for example, was $74 to $151. Higher refund amounts are charged a higher RAL price, because a higher refund equals a higher loan amount. RAL price changes as the loan market changes, please check each web site for price updates.
All RAL fees are conveniently deducted from your income tax refund, along with any tax software or income tax preparation fees.
You generally have the option to receive the RAL money by direct deposit or by paper check. Of course direct deposit will be much faster than a check by mail.
Loan approval is required through a third party, generally a bank. Your credit will be checked, however, the standards are much lower than that of other loans. When in doubt give it a try. The RAL fee will be refunded to you, and the next fastest method of receiving your refund will become available.
The speed in which you get your RAL money varies, and is often dependent upon a set processing schedule. Federal income tax refund money can be deposited into your bank account in as little as 24 hours after loan approval.
Only the federal portion of your income tax refund is available through the Refund Anticipation Loan program. The RAL service provider will calculate the maximum loan amount available to you, and you can decide how much you would like to borrow.
You generally have 48 hours to cancel the RAL, however, don't take our word for it. Please review the RAL terms and conditions to understand your exact RAL cancellation terms, conditions, fees, etc.

Refund Anticipation Loans are always a hot topic for debate during the income tax preparation season. However, RAL tax loans and other short-term financial solutions continue to grow in popularity. If at any time you are concerned about the terms, conditions, price, fee, or status of your Refund Anticipation Loan, please contact your tax preparation service provider directly. All tax help and tax loan support numbers are clearly listed on each tax preparation web site, which are equally visible through the use of our Free Trial links. See also our frequently asked tax questions.

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Refund Anticipation Loan RAL, Income Tax Refund Anticipation Loans

Are Refund Anticipation Loans (RAL) For You?

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