When it comes to holiday cheer, almost six out of ten Americans (58 percent) identify with the giving spirit of Santa over the penny-pinching Scrooge (31 percent) or the grumpy Grinch (11 percent) this season according to a recent survey from Jackson Hewitt Tax Services®. While respondents have the gifting spirit, survey findings showed that the economy has impacted holiday wallets the most at the grocery store (46 percent) and the gas pump (21 percent) in 2022 leaving one-third of survey respondents anticipating spending less money (35 percent) on holiday gifts compared to last year.

To help alleviate the financial pressure that 53 percent of Americans feel about affording holiday gifts this year, Jackson Hewitt will begin offering Early Refund Advance loans beginning today, Tuesday, December 13, 2022, at thousands of Jackson Hewitt locations nationwide, including inside many Walmart stores across the country. With an Early Refund Advance, Jackson Hewitt clients can receive up to $1,000 before the end of the year.

"This year has been hard on our wallets, and we recognize the pressure many hardworking Americans feel during this time of year. Our survey found that an overwhelming 77 percent of people didn't know they can get an advance on their tax refund, which is why opening our doors in time for the holidays is so important to us," said Kim Hudson, SVP and Chief Marketing Officer at Jackson Hewitt Tax Services. "We want to help our clients celebrate a happy holiday season with more money in their pockets."

Additional survey findings include:

50 percent believe an advance on their tax refund would take the weight off their shoulders to help pay for their holiday shopping.
40 percent of people are anticipating their federal tax refund to be the same this year compared to last year
People would most likely spend extra money on major bills (rent/mortgage, medical bills, debt, utilities, car payment, etc.) if they had up to $1,000 before the holidays
Refund Advance Loans available at participating Jackson Hewitt locations
The Early Refund Advance loan from Republic Bank & Trust Company is available at participating Jackson Hewitt locations nationwide starting December 13, 2022, through January 15, 2023, to individuals who also apply for a No Fee Refund Advance. To apply, clients bring their most recent pay stub and identification to their nearest Jackson Hewitt office. If approved, clients could receive up to $1,000 from the Early Refund Advance loan (Finance Charge applies).

The No Fee Refund Advance 0% APR loan from Republic Bank & Trust Company is available from January 2, 2023, through February 19, 2023, at participating Jackson Hewitt locations. As soon as clients receive their W-2s and other tax documents, they can come back to Jackson Hewitt to complete their tax filing and, if approved, could receive up to $3,500 from the No Fee Refund Advance loan.

If approved, clients can get money within minutes on a prepaid card or directly deposited into a bank account within one to five business days. When the clients' tax refund arrives from the IRS, their refund advance loans, and any applicable interest, will be automatically paid back.