VENANGO CO., Pa. (EYT) – Millions of Americans may dread filing a tax return, but there is no reason to feel that way as long as you let the experts at your local H & R Block office do the heavy lifting for you.
H&R Block’s 10,000 offices recently kicked off their 62nd tax season and their decades of expertise handling American’s tax returns makes them the ones to trust with your money.
Taxpayers can visit their local H&R Block office or prepare their return with H&R Block online or software in order to meet the April 18 filing deadline.
In Venango County, Patty Feroz has three locations ready to serve them.
In Oil City, their office is located at 227 Seneca Street and the phone number is 814-677-3051.
In Franklin, they are located at 311 13th Street and the phone number is 814-437-6330.
In Cranberry, they are located at the Cranberry Mall and the phone number is 814-677-4183.
There is plenty to take advantage of this year as H&R Block is offering free filing of the 1040EZ and also new, the Refund Advance, a no-interest loan of up to $1,250.
If you don’t want to wait to receive your refund from the IRS, taking advantage of the Refund Advance is the way to go.
Some refunds are being delayed by the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act (PATH).
It is a federal law that was passed in late 2015. One of its provisions was to combat tax fraud, which is good news. The bad news is it means the IRS must hold the entire refund of early tax filers with certain refundable credits, like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC).
If you are one of the millions of taxpayers who claim these credits, the IRS must hold your entire refund until at least February 15.
While this may not seem like a big deal to some, many people rely on their yearly tax refund for unexpected expenses, unpaid bills, credit card payments or just to get by.
Refund Advances are offered in varying amounts, including $1,250.00, $750.00, and $500.00.
Another great feature is that it is a no-interest loan. There are no finance charges and no interest charged for the Refund Advance.
Here are more details and frequently-asked questions about the Refund Advance.
“How do I get the Refund Advance?”
The process is straightforward:
- Have your taxes prepared by one of our tax professionals in a participating H&R Block office.
- Tell your tax professional that you want to apply for the Refund Advance.
- If you meet the eligibility criteria, complete the application.
- If approved, MetaBank® will notify you with the loan amount.
“What’s the criteria for approval?”
To be approved for Refund Advance, the IRS must owe you a refund, you must have a return filed by H&R Block, meet certain eligibility requirements and pass the standard underwriting criteria.
“How do I access the money?”
Once you apply for Refund Advance and get approved, your loan funds are then placed on your own H&R Block Emerald Prepaid MasterCard.
“When can I get it?”
The Refund Advance will be available for a limited time through tax season.
“Why are you offering this?”
We want to empower you with the right support to help create financial opportunity before, during and after tax preparation.
For more information about Refund Advance or to make an appointment, visit www.hrblock.com/refundadvance.