[poundwise]

Exactly right!

First of all, you are only allowed to "borrow" an amount based on your anticipated refund. If this amount is significant to start with, then you have already screwed up by letting Uncle Sam hold onto your money, interest free, for no good reason.

Secondly, why pay high interest to a tax preparer for such a refund anticipation loan? People often do this, and the current hook for some of these "lendings," because they have overspent for Christmas and need the cash. If you manage your money with any positive degree of responsibility, you should have no need for the "loan."

Lastly, you can get your own refund back relatively fast anyway. Why the extra rush? Just file as soon as you have all your tax-related documents and e-file.

Of course, my statements here only echo what Jeffrey has already written above. Bottom-line, its just not a smart move.