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MYTAXCOACH PRESENTS

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SANTA BARBARA TAX PRODUCTS GROUPS

Flexible Ways to Receive Your Refund — and Pay for Tax Preparation
 
Here at myTaxCoach, we understand that upfront tax preparation fees aren’t always convenient. That’s why we work with a trusted third-party bank partner (SBTPG) to help eligible clients access refund-based payment and disbursement options.

These options are designed to make tax season easier, more flexible, and more accessible—so much so that, if you are eligible, you may receive your refund 3–5 days sooner instead of waiting the typical up to 21 days.

What We Can Help You Access

Through our partnership with Santa Barbara Tax Products Group (SBTPG),
we can help eligible clients utilize the following bank-administered refund products:

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A Refund Transfer allows you to pay your tax preparation fees directly from your tax refund, rather than out of pocket at the time of service.

How this helps you

  • No upfront payment for tax preparation

  • Fees deducted only after the IRS or state issues your refund

  • Remaining refund delivered to you once processing is complete

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What to know

  • This is not a loan

  • Your refund is temporarily routed through the bank

  • The bank deducts approved fees, then releases the balance to you

 

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This is the most common option for clients who want convenience without borrowing.

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A Fast Forward may allow eligible clients to receive early access to a portion of their expected tax refund.

How this helps you

  • If approved, you may access your refund 3–5 days sooner than the usual 21+ day refund timeline.

    No credit check in many cases

  • Repayment occurs automatically when the IRS refund is received

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Important details

  • Offered and approved by the bank — not our firm

  • Approval is not guaranteed

  • Advance amounts and availability vary by tax year

  • Subject to identity verification and fraud screening

 

We help you apply and submit accurately, but the bank makes all final decisions.

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The Fast Cash Advance is a bank-issued refund advance that may allow eligible clients to access funds sooner.

How this helps you

  • Access a portion of your refund sooner if approved

  • No upfront tax preparation payment required

  • Repayment happens automatically from your refund

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What to know

  • This is a bank-issued advance, not a service provided by our firm

  • Approval is not guaranteed

  • Advance amounts and availability vary by tax year

  • Subject to identity verification and fraud-prevention screening

  • The advance is automatically repaid when the IRS refund is received

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We help you submit accurate information and explain your options, but all approvals, funding decisions, and advance terms are determined solely by the bank.

Refund Delivery Options

Depending on the options available during the tax season, your remaining refund may be delivered by:

Direct Deposit

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Check

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Prepaid Debit card

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How the Process Works
 

  1. We prepare and e-file your tax return
     

  2. You choose a refund payment option (if eligible)
     

  3. The IRS or state sends your refund to the bank
     

  4. Approved fees are deducted
     

  5. The remaining refund is issued to you

Refund Timeline Overview

This timeline explains how your tax refund flows when you choose a Refund Transfer through SBTPG — the service we help you access so that your tax preparation fees are deducted from your refund before the remainder is sent to you.

1. Return Filed & IRS Processing

What’s happening

  • Your tax return is prepared and electronically filed with the IRS (and state, if applicable).

  • The IRS reviews your return and determines your refund amount and release date.

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What you can do

  • Track this stage using the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool.

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Important note

  • Returns claiming Earned Income Credit (EIC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) are legally held until mid-February due to the PATH Act.

2. IRS Releases Your Refund

What’s happening

  • Once approved, the IRS officially releases your refund.

  • Instead of sending it directly to you, the IRS sends the funds to our banking partner, Santa Barbara Tax Products Group (SBTPG), because you chose a refund-based payment option.

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Good to know

  • SBTPG only receives the funds after the IRS releases them — they cannot access or speed up this step.

3. SBTPG Processing & Fee Deduction

What’s happening

  • SBTPG receives your refund from the IRS.

  • Authorized tax preparation and bank processing fees are deducted.

  • The remaining refund is prepared for release to you.

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Typical timing

  • Most refunds are processed by SBTPG within 24–48 hours after receipt.

  • Timing may extend due to verification checks, weekends, or holidays.

4. Refund Sent to You

What’s happening

  • After processing, SBTPG sends your remaining refund using your selected delivery method.

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Delivery options may include

  • Direct deposit to your bank account

  • Prepaid debit card (if selected)

  • Cashier’s check (if applicable)

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Final timing

  • Banks typically post funds within 0–2 business days after SBTPG sends them.

5. Typical Timeline at a Glance

(Illustrative example — actual timing varies)

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  • Day 0: Return e-filed

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  • ~7–21 days: IRS processes return

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  • IRS release date: Funds sent to SBTPG

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  • Next 24–48 hours: SBTPG processes refund

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  • Next 0–2 business days: Funds available to you

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Weekends, holidays, IRS delays, and PATH Act rules may extend this timeline.

 Key Factors That Can Affect Your Timeline

IRS Release Timing
If your return is delayed by PATH Act rules or IRS adjustments, the refund won’t enter the SBTPG timeline until it’s officially released.

SBTPG Processing
SBTPG needs to confirm receipt of funds, deduct authorized fees, and prepare disbursement. Most refunds clear within 24–48 hours, but processing may take longer during peak periods.

Bank Clearing
Even after SBTPG releases your refund, your bank may require additional time (typically up to two business days) to post the funds to your account.

Weekends & Holidays
Processing and posting times can be extended when non-business days are involved.

How to Track Your Refund

Step 1: Use the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool to confirm your refund has been released by IRS.

Step 2: Once IRS shows the refund has been released, visit SBTPG’s Refund Status Tool at their taxpayer portal to track when SBTPG receives and releases your funds.

Talk to Us About Your Options

We’ll review your situation, explain eligibility, and help you decide whether a refund-based payment option makes sense for you.

Payment options are discussed during your appointment — no pressure, just clarity.

Bank products are offered through Santa Barbara Tax Products Group, an independent financial institution. Our firm does not issue loans, guarantee approval, or control refund timing. Approval, fees, and disbursement are determined solely by the bank and the IRS or state taxing authority.

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