A program called the Ohio Benefit Bank is working to make sure that families can be certain of receiving their due tax refund in full and on time.

The Benefit Bank, which recently opened a branch in Felicity, is currently providing free tax filing services to income eligible families. That, said Jane Beattie, who operates the new Felicity Benefit Bank, is important for local families.

“This is a public-private partnership that provides community outreach to low and moderate income Ohioans for free tax preparation and public benefits,” Beattie said. “We have an online program we use to help our clients determine if they qualify for benefits, and if the do, we help them fill out the form so their initial appointment with job and family services will go smoother. Right now, I’m helping mostly with tax returns. There’s no charge on it, so they can keep all their money.”

Beattie, who is also the pastor of the Felicity Methodist Church, only became involved with the benefit bank recently, but said that she is hoping to be involved with all the bank has to offer local families.