Note: Netspend is not a tax advisor or CPA. The knowledge in this post is general information and should not replace the advice of a tax professional. For more information, please reach out to a tax professional in your area.
Many of our Cardholders have questions about their 2020 tax refund, including when they can expect to receive it and whether COVID-19 is likely to delay it. We aim to answer all your tax questions below with a list of the top FAQs we've received from Netspend Prepaid Cardholders.
2020 Tax Refund FAQs
What is my tax refund status?
The best way to check your tax refund status is to check with the IRS or state authority. They should be able to give you an estimated refund date. However, with COVID-19, the IRS anticipates delays in processing tax returns and issuing refunds. For up-to-date information on your federal refund, you can visit the IRS website and enter your filing information there.
Netspend aims to process and deposit your refund into your Card Account as soon as we receive it. Unfortunately, we won't know information on when your refund will be available.
How can I deposit my tax refund to my Netspend Card Account?
Keep in mind that getting a refund via direct deposit gives you access to your refund faster since it eliminates the time it takes to receive and load a paper check. To get your refund direct deposited into your Netspend Card Account, give your tax preparer your routing number and account number. If you are filing your own taxes, simply enter this information into the relevant sections on your tax return.
There are two ways to load your refund: via paper check or direct deposit. Paper checks can be loaded at any reload location1 or via Mobile Check Load.2
If I get my tax refund as a paper check, can I still load it via Mobile Check Load?
Yes, you can still load paper checks through Mobile Check Load2, providing the name on the check matches the name on your Card Account. The check must also not exceed $7,500.
For large tax refunds, are there any limits to the amount I can direct deposit?
The largest tax refund you can receive in your Card Account (within 24 hours) is $7,500. If you are expecting a refund greater than this amount, please contact Netspend's customer service line at 1-866-387-7363.
Can I deposit a tax refund in someone else's name?
Tax refunds can only be loaded into an account if the name on the refund matches the cardholder. That means if you want to load a refund in your partner's or dependent's name, you won't be able to do so unless their name is also on the account.
Does Netspend accept joint tax refunds?
While you usually cannot load refunds in someone else's name, you may be able to receive a joint refund. To do this, the other person (whose name is on the refund) needs to be added as a Secondary Cardholder. They must also have an active Card in their name.
For those who have recently married, be sure to update the names on your Card Account, so it matches the names on your tax return. If it doesn't, you may end up facing delays for your refund.
Will I receive my tax refund early?
Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that you will receive your refund earlier than the estimated date given by the IRS. For the most up-to-date information, it's best to visit the IRS website to check your refund status.
Please note that the IRS warns there could be delays in processing paper tax returns and tax return correspondence due to COVID-19. This could also affect how long you have to wait for your refund.
If I qualified for the Recovery Rebate Credit, will it be included in my tax return?
The IRS has in-depth guidance on what to do regarding Recovery Rebate Credits. You may also consider discussing this further with your tax professional.
Get tax refund ready
These are just some of the most common 2020 tax refund questions we've received. If you have any additional questions that aren't covered above, please check our general FAQs to see if your question is covered there. Alternatively, please get in touch with our customer service team at 1-866-387-7363 for more advice.
