diff --git a/t/README b/t/README
index fd9375b146..723bd3387f 100644
--- a/t/README
+++ b/t/README
@@ -1114,6 +1114,12 @@ use these, and "test_set_prereq" for how to define your own.
 
    Git wasn't compiled with NO_PTHREADS=YesPlease.
 
+ - REFFILES
+
+   Test is specific to packed/loose ref storage, and should be
+   disabled for other ref storage backends
+
+
 Tips for Writing Tests
 ----------------------
 
diff --git a/t/test-lib.sh b/t/test-lib.sh
index d3f6af6a65..ea7397c633 100644
--- a/t/test-lib.sh
+++ b/t/test-lib.sh
@@ -1481,6 +1481,8 @@ parisc* | hppa*)
 	;;
 esac
 
+test_set_prereq REFFILES
+
 ( COLUMNS=1 && test $COLUMNS = 1 ) && test_set_prereq COLUMNS_CAN_BE_1
 test -z "$NO_PERL" && test_set_prereq PERL
 test -z "$NO_PTHREADS" && test_set_prereq PTHREADS