Article: 50179

What Is e-Collect?

e-Collect is a third-party service provider that offers an alternative payment option, allowing customers to pay for tax preparation services using their anticipated tax refund.

How Does e-Collect Work?

If eligible, taxpayers may select e-Collect as a payment method, enabling payment of service fees directly from their federal tax refund. When this option is chosen, the refund is processed through Pathward, N.A. (formerly MetaBank/Bancorp), which withholds the applicable fees. The remaining balance is then deposited directly into the taxpayer’s designated account.

Is There a Fee for Using e-Collect?

Yes. As a third-party provider, e-Collect charges a separate service fee. This fee will be itemized and presented on the billing summary page during the filing process, prior to confirmation of your selection.

Where Can I View the e-Collect Fee?

You can view a detailed breakdown of all fees in the PDF copy of your return. To access:
Click the My Account tab (top-right corner of the screen).
In the My Returns section, select the PDF for the current tax year.
Navigate to the Bank Product Information page to review your disbursement method and all associated fees.

Can I Use e-Collect If I Owe Federal Taxes but Expect a State Refund?

No. e-Collect is available only to taxpayers receiving a federal refund.

Why Can’t I Use e-Collect After My Return Was Rejected?

This restriction is a security measure implemented by e-Collect to prevent potential fraudulent filings. If your return is rejected, e-Collect will no longer be available, and payment must be made using a credit or debit card.

Will e-Collect Delay My Refund?

No. Once e-Collect receives your refund from the IRS, it processes and deposits the remaining balance into your account. Typically, the funds are available the same day, though in some cases they may be delayed until the following business day depending on the time of deposit.

Why Is the Banking Information on My Return Different from What I Entered?

When using e-Collect, your refund is first directed to Pathward to deduct service fees. The initial account listed will reflect this intermediary step. Once fees are withheld, the remaining funds are deposited into your designated account. This process does not delay your refund.
The “Refund Disbursement Service Application” pages in your return detail the banking information and fee summary. If there is an error in the routing or account number provided, the refund will be issued by check from the IRS, and the fees will still be deducted accordingly.

What If e-Collect Cannot Verify My Identity?

e-Collect uses a proprietary security system to verify taxpayer identities. If your identity cannot be verified, you will be ineligible to use e-Collect and must pay for services via credit or debit card.

Why Were My e-Collect Fees Deducted from My State Refund?

While fees are generally withheld from the federal refund, if your state refund is received first, e-Collect may deduct fees from the state refund instead. This will be reflected on the “Refund Disbursement Service Application” page in your return. No further fees will be deducted from the federal refund once the full balance has been collected from the state refund.

Can I Use e-Collect to Purchase Audit Protection?

Yes. If you qualify for e-Collect and your refund amount covers the cost, you may use it to pay for audit protection.

How Can I Contact e-Collect?

For assistance, you may contact e-Collect at:

• Email: taxpayersupport@epsfinancial.net
• Phone: 888-782-0860

What If the IRS Shows My Refund as Issued, but I Haven’t Received It?

Although we partner with e-Collect to facilitate refund disbursements, we do not control the processing or handling of your refund. Once the IRS issues your refund, e-Collect:
Deducts applicable tax preparation and service fees,
Transfers the remaining balance to your account.
If you have not received your refund, you must contact e-Collect and/or the IRS for further information.

Why Am I Being Told I’m Ineligible for e-Collect Due to My Age?

e-Collect is only available to individuals 18 years of age or older. If you are of age but still receive this message, verify that your birth year was correctly entered in the Name & Address section. If an incorrect year was provided, it may result in an age restriction error.