Here's how Pay-by-Refund works.
Give your clients a simple way to pay for your tax preparation without worrying about upfront, out-of-pocket costs. You can use it with Intuit ProSeries Tax, Intuit ProConnect Tax, or Intuit Lacerte Tax.
Enroll
Choose from two bank partners to process and distribute your clients’ refunds. NEW Our pre-filled form makes it easy to enroll.
File returns
File normally and complete the integrated Pay-by-Refund form that’s already in your software.
Processing
The IRS will deposit refunds into a temporary account set up by the bank partner you chose.
Disbursement
The bank handles distributing funds according to your Pay-by-Refund instructions.
Your clients who take advantage of Pay-by-Refund will be enrolled automatically in the identity-theft protection program. There's nothing extra for you to do. It's all included.
New options now available.
Pay-by-Refund is available through these participating banks to bring you more choices to fit your practice.
Plus: Newly expanded bank offerings — including Refund Advance for ProSeries — give you more options this year than ever before.
or
Not sure what bank is right for you?
Learn more about participating banks
| TPG | Refund Advantage | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Compatible tax products | ProSeries, Lacerte, ProConnect | ProSeries, Lacerte, ProConnect | |
| Federal refund | Yes | Yes | |
| State refund | Yes | Yes | |
| Disbursement Options | |||
| Check | Yes | Yes | |
| Prepaid Card | Green Dot Card | FasterMoney Prepaid Card | |
| Walmart Direct2Cash | No | Yes | |
| Features | |||
| Forms & Disclosures | Integrated with ProSeries Available through bank for Lacerte/ProConnect |
Available through bank | |
| Check Printing | Available through bank | Available through bank | |
| Status Reporting | Integrated with ProSeries Available through bank for Lacerte/ProConnect |
Available through bank | |
| Additional Bank Offerings | |||
| Refund Advance | For ProSeries | For ProSeries | |
| Auto Collect | Yes | Not available | |
| Quick Collect | For ProSeries | Not available | |
| Marketing Tools | Yes | Yes | |
Enrollment is now easier than ever.
Our new pre-filled form makes it even faster and easier to re-enroll if you used Pay-by-Refund with the same bank last year. Plus, you can get set up with Pay-by-Refund anytime, online or inside your software. See exactly how to enroll with simple, step-by-step guidelines tailored to you.
Works with:
ProSeries
Also new for ProSeries Professional customers: Special discounted rate on Scriptel signature pads for in-person signing, integrated with Pay-by-Refund. Visit Scriptel to learn more.
Make payment easy—for your clients and for you.
It's easy for your clients.
Worry-free payment
Your clients pay your tax prep fee directly from their refund. So they won't have to worry about coming back to pay you later.
No upfront cost
Your clients can start their taxes right away without paying anything out-of-pocket. The $59.90 fee for Pay-by-Refund with identity-theft protection will be drawn from their refund, along with your tax preparation fees.
Flexible disbursement
Your clients can choose what's easiest for them: direct deposit, check, or prepaid bank card.
It's easy for you.
Easy sign-up
You can enroll for Pay-by-Refund right from your software (ProSeries, Lacerte, or ProConnect) or from My Account. Take advantage of new bank programs, including Refund Advance for ProSeries and other offerings, when you enroll.
Worry-free payment
Your tax prep fee is paid directly from your clients’ refunds and deposited into your account.
Quick setup
Once you’re enrolled, it takes just a few minutes to arrange payment via Pay-by-Refund for a client.
Live support
Customer support is available via phone if you need it.
You might be surprised by how many of your clients are interested.
More and more taxpayers are choosing refund transfers.1
People in tough times
No matter how much money they make, taxpayers can run into tough financial situations. They can lose a job, have a sick family member, or get divorced. With Pay-by-Refund, they won’t have to worry about paying your fee upfront.
Convenience seekers
Some taxpayers just like to get things done and not worry about it later. They value the convenience of Pay-by-Refund.
Young people
Many are just getting started and tight on funds. Pay-by-Refund gives you a way to help them without worrying about their ability to pay upfront.
Savers
Some taxpayers live check-to-check and have to save up to pay your fee. With Pay-by-Refund, they won’t have to wait to get their taxes done.
Borrowers
Some taxpayers have to borrow money to pay your fee, which can be expensive. Pay-by-Refund allows them to pay you without going into debt.
Credit card payers
Carrying credit card balances is expensive and can hurt credit ratings. Taxpayers who pay via Pay-by-Refund instead of credit cards can avoid running up their credit card balances.
Help ease your clients' minds with identity-theft protection included with Pay-by-Refund.
Now your clients can have the convenience of Pay-by-Refund, coupled with strong identity-theft protection and restoration—all designed to bring more peace of mind. Once your clients opt for Pay-by-Refund, they'll automatically be enrolled for these comprehensive services by IDnotify, a part of Experian:
Identity restoration
This includes full support in the event that a return is fraudulently filed in your client’s name.
Identity theft insurance
Your clients are covered up to $1 million in insurance to replace stolen funds linked to unauthorized electronic transfers, lost wages, and more.
Dedicated fraud resolution support
Certified identity-risk-management specialists are available to your clients by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, easily accessible with a toll-free number. Bilingual support is also available.
Hear from your peers.
“"Pay-by-Refund allows me to maintain my fees while allowing my clients to use my services even if they don't have the funds to pay me upfront. I get paid automatically through direct deposit and my clients can choose the secure payment method that is right for their situation. Pay-by-Refund is very secure, fast, and convenient.”
Amelia Victoria, Victoria Tax Services
Chula Vista, CA
“Pay-by-Refund is a great choice for me and my clients. My clients love the option to choose how they want to pay me, and it gives me the flexibility to ensure I get paid by clients who might not be able to pay me upfront. With Pay-by-Refund, I don't have to think about payment anymore.”
Angela S. Gordon, Angela's Tax & Financial Services LLC
Morningside, MD
“I encourage all my clients to use Pay-by-Refund because they don’t have to worry about covering the fee for my services and still get their returns done when convenient for them. The setup for each return is straight to the point and only takes a couple clicks. Once the return is processed though the IRS, I get my fees and clients get their refund. I didn’t have to think about it.”
Shamica M. Spencer, Star Beyond LLC
Newark, DE
Get the resources you need to get started with ease.
Pay-by-Refund Marketing Kit
Access your free marketing kit from your chosen bank:
Answers to common questions
Quickly find answers to frequently asked questions about Pay-by-Refund so you can get started with confidence.
Important offers, pricing details, and disclaimers
Need help?
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We're here for you.
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