If you know you have money coming from Uncle Sam, and could really use the money right now, you're sure to see the ads that promise quick refunds.

Some tax preparation companies tout the benefits of getting a refund right away, and there can be benefits -- you should just know exactly what you're getting.

Rhondarette Wright, of Olney, Pa., has a message for anyone who thinks they need their income tax refund right away. Last year she had been promised her refund in two days.

"At that time, I asked for the refund because I was in need of some money," Wright said.

Wright said she was behind on her bills and really needed the money. She knew the tax preparation and quick refund would cost a little money.

"I had some roundabout figures, but I didn't expect for it to be around $300," Wright said.

Wright said the money was taken out of her refund, which she says she didn't get for 10 days.

"Had I known that I was going to give them $280, I don't think I would have used their services," Wright said.

"Well, what's happening is that these companies are telling people they can get their tax refunds back very quickly and what transpires, or takes place, is that people end up spending big amounts of money to borrow their own money," said Jean Hunt, of the Campaign for Working Families.

These instant or quick refunds are called Refund Anticipation Loans.

A new survey by the Consumer Federation said that most people don't realize that these are actually loans, with sometimes high-cost fees and, or interest rates associated with them. You are not just getting your refund from the Internal Revenue Service you are getting a loan.

The NBC 10 Consumer Alert bottom line is that if you go for one of these loans, you should know exactly how much it would cost you.

Also, if you e-file with direct deposit you can get your money in about 10 days without any loan.

The Campaign for Working Families is offering 23 sites around the city of Philadelphia where they will help eligible people prepare their taxes for free. For more information, call (215) 686-2599.