Fast Cash Advance (SBTPG): How it Works

Key idea You apply when your return is prepared and you’re expecting a refund. If approved, you can access cash before the IRS deposit arrives.

Note you may see on your paperwork If you see First Century Bank listed as the bank on your tax documents or refund transfer paperwork, that’s expected — it’s the partner bank that powers this program for Meta Tax.

Advance amounts

• Pre-ACK (before the IRS formally “acknowledges” your e-file): typically smaller amounts, e.g. about $500–$2,500 depending on program year and eligibility.
• Post-ACK (after the IRS accepts your return): can be larger, commonly up to $7,000 in some programs.

When issued

• Pre-ACK: on approval (available earlier in the season).
• Post-ACK: often within ~24 hours of IRS acceptance (varies by program).
• Season window: usually early January through mid-March; exact dates vary by year.

Basics

• Work with a participating Meta Tax preparer that offers Fast Cash Advance.
• Your return is prepared and you’re due a federal refund; we e-file the return and submit the lender’s application with ID verification.
• Not based solely on your credit score. Underwriting uses a mix of factors (e.g., expected refund amount, filing history, fraud-screening checks, and other program criteria).

How it works (Pre-ACK vs. Post-ACK)

• ACK = IRS Acknowledgment that your e-file was accepted.
• Pre-ACK advances arrive before IRS acceptance, so amounts are usually smaller and screening is more conservative.
• Post-ACK advances follow after IRS acceptance and can qualify for higher amounts (and sometimes different pricing tiers).

We can help

• We’ll confirm which option you qualify for this season and the most favorable tier.
• We’ll explain timing and what to expect next — from approval through final refund.

Program variants (examples)

• Standard (APR-bearing): amounts from $500–$7,000 with a representative 35.99% APR (example: $2,000 for ~30 days ≈ total $2,059.16). Pre-ACK amounts are typically on the lower end of the range (e.g., $500–$2,500).
• Fixed zero-APR tiers (when available): some partner programs may offer $500 or $2,000 at 0% APR post-ACK only. Availability varies by year and location.

Important

• The loan is not your refund and will reduce the refund you later receive.
• Eligible fees and disclosures are provided in the lender’s application; approval is not guaranteed.

Options at Meta Tax

• Preferred: Direct deposit to your bank (typically 1–2 business days after approval/funding).
• Cashier’s check — select clients only. Please contact your tax preparer if you’d like to request a cashier’s check.

Default & recommended: Direct deposit — it’s the fastest and smoothest way to receive funds.

Know before you apply

• You remain responsible for the loan if your refund is delayed, reduced, or denied (for example, due to offsets or IRS review).
• In some cases, a future-year refund may be applied to repay any remaining balance.
• Not all consumers qualify; amounts and terms vary by program and underwriting criteria.

Our approach

• We’ll compare the available variants (APR, amounts, timing) and confirm the most favorable option you qualify for.
• You can always file without a refund advance.

Santa Barbara TPG

• What is Fast Cash Advance?
• How clients receive Fast Cash Advance
• Fast Cash Advance for taxpayers