Can I actually get a tax refund advance completely online?

You can start online. TaxShield Service offers an online pre-qualification form that lets a Memphis filer begin from a phone or computer, but the advance itself runs through a prepared return. A tax professional still calculates the refund using your actual documents, and for the funded Shield Advance the IRS has to accept your e-filed return first, which usually happens within about 24 to 48 hours. So the online form is the starting point, not an instant deposit, and the advance amount depends on the refund your return calculates.

How much is a tax refund advance, and does it cost anything?

There are two products. The Holiday Advance runs up to $500, is available earlier in the season before the IRS opens, and is offered at no charge. The Shield Advance is available after the IRS accepts your return, starts at $500 and goes higher, and carries specific bank fees that the preparer discloses upfront before anything is processed. Which one fits depends on your refund and timing, and you can decline any advance and simply wait for your full refund.

Why is my refund held until mid-February if I claim the EITC?

Federal law, the PATH Act, requires the IRS to hold any refund claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit until mid-February, and the hold applies to your entire refund, not just the credit portion. For the 2026 season the IRS opened e-file on January 26, the hold lifted in mid-February, and most affected direct-deposit refunds were expected by early March. That gap between filing and deposit is the main reason Memphis households look at a refund advance in the first place.

About TaxShield Service Austin Peay

Providing Memphis families and small businesses with accurate, reliable tax preparation and early refund access when it matters most.

Located on Austin Peay Highway, our local Memphis office is dedicated to cutting through the stress of tax season. We proudly serve individuals, working families, and local businesses across the 38128 zip code and surrounding North Memphis communities. Our goal is to provide you with clear answers, secure e-filing, and practical solutions.

What We Help You Accomplish

Personal Tax Preparation

Expert processing of Form 1040, W-2 income statements, and 1099 filings. We ensure you maximize federal credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit.

Refund Advance Programs

Get early access to a portion of your expected federal refund before the IRS releases it. We offer structured Holiday, Shield, and Christmas Advance options to qualified clients.

Year-Round Consultations & Audit Support

We do not pack up after April. Our team is here year-round to assist with tax planning, back-year returns, and navigating complex IRS notices.

Why Local Memphis Clients Choose Us

Speed & Complete Clarity

We know unexpected bills and seasonal cash flow gaps can be overwhelming. We prioritize fast electronic filing and explain program terms, bank fees, and timelines upfront.

Flexible Payout Methods

Receive your advance funds exactly how you prefer, whether you want them wired directly to a bank account via direct deposit or loaded onto secure prepaid debit cards.

Zero Guesswork Security

As a certified, authorized IRS e-file provider, your personal information is protected using industry-standard secure submission protocols.

Get In Touch with the Austin Peay Team

Office Address: 3624 Austin Peay Hwy, Memphis, TN 38128

Direct Line: (901) 582-8910

Email: info@taxshieldservice.com

Neighboring Service Areas: Millington, Kerrville, Oaklawn, Germantown, Lakeland

About Us