If you selected the File & Go payment option during the e-file process, your tax preparation fees were scheduled to be deducted from your federal or state tax refund, whichever refund was funded first.
File & Go is available only with eligible paid TaxSlayer products and allows you to file now and pay your software fees from your refund later.
However, if the IRS does not release your refund within the 21-day period outlined in your Refund Transfer Agreement, the bank is unable to collect the fees from your refund. When that happens, the unpaid fees become your responsibility.
If a balance remains due, we'll send email notifications with the amount owed and the payment due date.
Why Did the IRS Hold My Refund?
The IRS may delay or hold a refund for a variety of reasons, including identity verification, income or withholding reviews, return processing issues, or other compliance checks.
TaxSlayer does not have access to the specific reason your refund was delayed. To check the status of your refund or learn more about possible delays, visit the IRS refund information page at: https://www.irs.gov/refunds
Can I Change My Payment Due Date?
No. Payment due dates cannot be changed.
If your refund is not funded within the 21-day timeframe specified in the agreement, email notices are sent explaining the outstanding balance and payment requirements. In most cases, the payment due date is approximately three weeks after the initial notice is sent.
What If I Can't Pay the Balance?
If the IRS does not issue your refund and the bank cannot recover the tax preparation fees from that refund, the fees are still owed under the terms of the Refund Transfer Agreement.
As outlined in the agreement, we reserve the right to collect the unpaid fees from the bank account authorized during the filing process.
For complete details about the File & Go payment option and your responsibilities, access your return, select Review tab from the left menu, and click Refund Agreement.
You can also contact Santa Barbara Tax Products Group (SBTPG), the bank that processes refund transfers, at 877-908-7228 for additional assistance.
What Should I Do Next?
If you've received a balance due notice:
- Review the emails sent regarding the outstanding balance.
- Access your return and check the Review section for your Refund Transfer Agreement.
- Verify the status of your refund with the IRS.
- Contact SBTPG if you have questions about the refund transfer process.
Taking these steps can help you understand why the balance exists and what options may be available to resolve it.