Some income tax preparers offer loans. Some tips about what you must know before using one.

This tax season and you’re looking for a fast way to get cash, a tax refund advance could work for you if you expect money back from the IRS. You need to be alert to the way they work to prevent unforeseen expenses.

Four major tax-prep companies—storefront preparers H&R Block, Jackson-Hewitt and Liberty Tax; in addition to the do-it-yourself service TurboTax—are providing tax refund improvements, basically loans predicated on your anticipated refund that is federal. Read more →