Is anticipating a tax refund worth it? ANBC warns to be careful with this credit decision
The measure can be a valid alternative in emergency situations or for financial organization and should be a decision taken with planning
With the end of the income tax filing period approaching, many financial institutions are already offering credit lines specifically for anticipating the refund. Although the option seems advantageous for those who are counting on the money, experts warn: you need to be careful before signing up.
For Elias Sfeir, president of the National Association of Credit Bureaus (ANBC), anticipating the refund can be a valid alternative for financial organization. In addition, it can be a support in emergency situations and should be a decision taken with planning.
“When used conscientiously, advance payments can help pay off debts with higher interest rates or solve a one-off problem. It's always important to remember that this is a type of credit with a built-in cost in terms of fees and interest, and that it compromises part of the amount that the consumer should receive months later,” explains Sfeir.
ANBC highlights the main precautions to take before taking out this type of loan:
- Understand the interest rate applied: even if it is lower than other lines, there is still a cost;
- Avoid anticipating only for immediate consumption or impulse purchases;
- Assess the degree of urgency of the use of the resource - if it is to cover more expensive debt, it may make sense;
- Paying off overdue debts;
- Review the declaration in detail to minimize the chances of it being withheld or the amount to be returned being lower;
An important tip for citizens who are interested in this type of credit is to check their CPF at the credit bureaus to see if there are any pending issues or restrictions that could affect the release of the advance.
“The main thing is to use the advance with planning and in a conscious way. This solution, if taken with caution, can help reduce indebtedness,” says the president of ANBC.
According to the organization, around 75 million Brazilians were in debt by February 2025, which shows the importance of making more conscious choices when dealing with credit, especially on dates linked to repayments or future receipts.
ANBC's recommendation is that, if in doubt, consumers should consult their credit score and seek advice before contracting any line that anticipates amounts not yet received.
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