Can you get the Refund Anticipation Loan at H&R Block if you have really bad credit?

I have horrible credit to be honest, due to low income. I want my tax refund asap, so I can move out of my in-law's (horrible) house. I don't have a lot of money to pay for my tax preparation, but I want a decent amount back. The HRBLock website says I can expect about $4,500 back, but I think if I have bad credit, I have to wait the 8-15 days to get direct deposit. I also want my tax fee to be included with my refund so it's taken right out, instead of me payin that day I file my return. Please only respond if you work at H and R Block or if you are sure and acknowledgeable. Thanks! So I can get the Refund Anticipation Loan where I still wait a day or the 8-15 days? I was worried that I'd be turned down and couldn't afford the tax prep fee!

Public Comments

1. There are a number of factor that are considered for a "RAL". If your poor credit involves prior problems with a RAL you have no chance. If the bulk of your refund is from EIC you have no chance. However with the 8-15 day thing you will not be required to pay up front for the tax preparation. By the way I don't work for H&R Block but I could be "acknowledgeable".
2. Not likely as Block uses the bank. You can eFile online and get your refund in 6 business days if you eFile soon. Watch out for Block. This includes the refund anticipation loans. It is usury!! It's even gotten worse at Block now. Here's another example: If I get an "emerald advance", do I have to go back to H&R Block? "If you got an emerald advance line done from them in December probably yes {you're trapped in to returning to that outfit}. If you can do not go to H&R Block this year. My sister got an advance done in December and she paid through the teeth this tax season. She paid almost double what she did in 2006. Also, they are not issuing checks anymore either. They are giving the early anticipation loans now on a debit card. My advice for you is to go to a local private tax preparer who will probably do the return for under $100. They can e-file the tax return and you won't have to pay the outrageous fees. So if you did have H&R Block do an advance in December you'll have to have them finish the other part of the return for 2007. If you didn't then you won't have to return there." Go on the naea.org website and look up an enrolled agent. It's safer.
3. Yes, because your loan will be paid back with your refund. However, you cannot get an IRAL, which is the Instant Rapid Anticipation Loan - where you get your money right away in the office. With the IRAL, HSBC Bank - which issues all our Rapid Refund products - actually looks at the taxpayer's credit report to determine whether s/he qualifies for an IRAL. If a taxpayer has bad credit, s/he will be turned down for an IRAL. Hope this helps.
4. I have bad credit and I always dealt with H&R Block. I've always gotten my check in 3 days except for the first time. Sometimes they may give you half within 3days and the rest the next week. I don't believe your credit has anything to do with it because the know the money is coming from the government to them before you see it. They get there money before you get yours.
5. I know you are ready to get out, but you can go on line today and file your taxed for free at irs.gov >free file, and if accepted could have the direct deposit by the 8th of Feb. and it is free. (there is an H&R block option here if you make under 54,000 a year) and its free! I have never used the RAL because I dont want anyone getting my refund but me, but I have heard it is based on your credit because the banks they use are giving you a "loan" on your expected refund. You dont actually have the money to back that loan, and to save their behinds, they may only loan you a very small portion of what your actual refund will be.
6. they can take the tax prep fee from your proposed "loan" check... I don't see how your credit would be involved. B/c they are loaning you money DUE back to you, You're not borrowing money from a bank. They are keeping part of your return for the privilege of getting your money RIGHT NOW and they will get theirs ASAP from the gov't, so you will be covered... You should only worry, if you give them wrong info and they don't file your taxes correctly. If you give them correct info, no PROBLEM!! You shouldn't have any longer than anyone would. B/c your credit is not involved in this. It's actually None of their business.
7. Just file online and do direct deposit. You'll get it just as fast, it will only cost you $60.00, they will take the fee out of your refund and you'll save $300.00-$500.00 in RAL loan costs. www.taxslayer.com
8. Call the H&R Block Bank (they issue the emerald card) tell them you want to apply for the advance, but first you need to see if you qualify. They will ask for you SS# and give you an idea of whether you qualify or not. Here is the number: 888-687-4722. I did this with HSBC before I applied and they said I would be approved for their RAL so I used a tax preparer that uses HSBC for their bank products. I was in fact approved. Good luck.