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Tax season has opened and the annual game of how to fill out forms and keep as much money as you can has begun for taxpayers. But just how this game is going to develop is more unclear this year than is normal.

The refund anticipation loan business, which is distasteful to many in the CPA community, has had its struggles after regulators refused to approval the participation of one of the major sources of funds, Santa Barbara Bank & Trust, in the RAL market this season.

And in the first two to four weeks of tax season, this is a RAL market. It's the taxpayers who need or want refunds back quickly who represent the bulk of the filers. Those with more complex returns who go to CPAs file later, especially those with amounts due.

Most major players that provide refund loans got bank funding. H&R Block continues to use its own arm, Block Financial, for capital for the program. Liberty Tax signed up Republic Bank. CCH's Small Firm Services, which markets the TaxWise and ATX lines, says its funding is secure.

At risk is Jackson Hewitt Tax Services, which was able to get funding for only about 50 percent of its expected loan volume. Also in doubt, or difficult to determine, are those independent preparers who directly deal with lending institutions.

Intuit, which doesn't participate in RAL programs, said it would assist those seeking funds. But acknowledged that all may not be able to back their RALs.If a electronic return originator can't provide funds for RALs, it's hard to see how that business does anything but go to a competitor that can.

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