H&R Block serve the community with a variety of unique products and services

Celebrating its 40th year of business in the area, the offices of H&R Block serve the community with a variety of unique products and services. With locations in Shamokin, Elysburg and Danville, the 50 tax professionals, receptionists and electronic return transmitters work to provide the ultimate level of personal service and professional results.

In light of the current economic situation, H&R Block is offering a new low-cost offer of $39 for a simple 1040EZ return.

"We know that many people with simple tax situations still want professional assistance but worry about the cost," Lamont Masser, distric manager, explained. "Our new low-price offer provides all our professional services and maximum refund guarantee at an affordable price. Free electronic filing is also available."

For those taxpayers with more complicated returns, H&R Block offers the following tax tips to help them get the full amount of their refund this year:

- Of particular interest to property owners and the buyers of new vehicles are changes in the standard deduction calculation. Homeowners are allowed to deduct part of their property taxes without itemizing or completing Schedule A. You will need to know the amount of property taxes you paid in 2009, so find your canceled checks or receipts. Car, truck and motorcycle buyers can deduct the sales tax paid on up to $49,500 of the purchase price of most new vehicles bought in 2009.The sales tax can be added to the standard deduction.

- If you bought a home in 2009 or plan to in 2010, you may be eligible for tax relief. First-time homebuyers can get a tax credit of up to $8,000 and repeat homebuyers may be eligible for a credit of $6,500. This is a refundable credit that can dramatically increase your refund.

- Changes to your employment status during the year can lead to complications at tax time. Watch out for pension plan distributions that could produce early distribution penalties and higher tax rates. Many exceptions to these penalties are available as well as strategies to minimize the tax consequences. Get qualified advice if this is your situation.

- Avoid tax preparers who say they can obtain larger-than-average refunds. Refund estimations should be based on deductions and credits taxpayers are legally permitted to claim.

Regardless of who prepares the taxes, the taxpayer is legally responsible for the information on the return. A little research into the best tax professional now can prevent significant financial and legal harm later.

Don't settle for less than the maximum refund you deserve. The tax tips mentioned above are only a few of the changes this year. Through its Second Look program, H&R Block has discovered several thousands of dollars of errors on tax returns that were prepared by others. Missing out on just one deduction or credit can be expensive.

"While we enjoy finding deductions that have been missed, it is much simpler - and less expensive - to get it done right the first time," Masser said. Nationally, H&R Block finds errors on more than 80 percent of the tax returns prepared by others.

Most people recognize H&R Block tax professionals for their leadership in the tax preparation community, but their focus has expanded to include financial and business services. They prepare all personal and business tax forms. Bookkeeping and payroll services are also available.

"Many people think we only do simple personal returns, but this is only part of our field of expertise. We are experienced in preparing Schedule C business forms, Schedule D capital gains, Schedule E rental properties, Schedule F farms, FAFSA applications, Form 1065 partnerships, Corporate, and Fiduciary returns. Our prices are fair and competitive, and our service is second to none," said manager Brenda Reiner. "We always accept new clients and our work is guaranteed."

The company's focus has always been the financial success of their clients. The future of H&R Block is reflected in its mission: "To help our clients achieve their financial objectives by serving as their tax and financial partner."

With this in mind, the local offices offer financial services. Clients are able to purchase investments and receive qualified professional assistance in managing their portfolios. CDs, mutual funds, stocks, 401(k) rollovers, annuities and IRA's are a few of the products available.

H&R Block also understands the tax consequences of pension plan distributions and can help avoid penalties and unnecessary tax burdens.

The wide variety of products and services available at H&R Block, combined with its reputation and history as an industry leader, set it apart from any other financial services provider. Offices are open and staffed year-round to better serve clients. Block's work is guaranteed, and it stands behind every tax return it prepares.

This year more than ever, it pays to be an H&R Block client.