Your safety is our top priority.

Important Updates About COVID-19
KEEPING YOU INFORMED ABOUT OUR COVID-19 EFFORTS

Updated December 1, 2020

Through the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, the health and safety of our customers, employees and communities has remained our highest priority. Like you, we are closely monitoring the ongoing developments related to the coronavirus and remain focused on the well-being of our customers, employees and communities. As our F&M communities continue to see increases in COVID-19 cases, we have made the difficult decision to adjust our office operations.

Beginning Monday, November 23^rd, some of our offices will return to limited access. Limited access means that our lobbies are open by appointment only and our drive-up services are available.

Monday November 23^rd Limited Access:
Monroeville
Monroe
Geneva
Decatur
Portland
Swanton
Sylvania

Beginning Monday, November 30^th, the following offices will return to limited access:
Angola
Auburn
Butler
Montpelier
West Unity
Stryker
Defiance
East High
Hicksville
Napoleon
Delta (currently limited)
Woodland (currently limited)
Custar
Bowling Green
Perrysburg

We encourage you to access your accounts from home, 24/7, using F&M online banking or the F&M mobile app. Here, you can check balances, transfer funds, pay bills, deposit checks or find the nearest ATM. We suggest the secure and convenient use of our mobile and online channels whenever possible to reduce the traffic at offices and other public areas to limit the spread of the virus.

We are committed to serving you and our communities in the best way possible as we navigate this pandemic. We will continue to carefully monitor the COVID-19 situation in our market areas. Should circumstances change, we will provide updates through our website, social media and e-mail. We value you as a customer and appreciate your patience as we move forward together.

 

Updated July 20, 2020

Through the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, the health and safety of our customers, employees and communities has remained our highest priority. Over the past three weeks, we have undergone a phased, soft reopening of our lobbies in our various communities. At this point in time, all F&M lobbies have returned to full access. This situation remains fluid and certain offices may return to limited access as necessary. Limited access offices will be listed below and updated daily.

As we return to full lobby access, we’ve implemented new safety procedures to do our part in limiting the spread of coronavirus.

• An F&M banker will greet you. In order to comply with social distancing guidelines, you may be asked to wait outside if we are at maximum capacity within the lobby.
• For the safety of our employees and customers, our staff will be wearing masks. Customers are not required to wear masks. If you choose to wear a mask, please know that we will ask you to briefly remove the mask to be identified upon entry to the bank. If you have an appointment with one of our bankers, we would ask that you wear a mask to the appointment.
• You will notice floor markers and plexiglass to help maintain social distancing.
• We have reserved the hours of 10a-11a for our at-risk customers as outlined by the CDC.
• Our staff is actively disinfecting high traffic areas in the lobbies. Hand sanitizer is available at all F&M locations.

If you’re not ready to visit us in the lobby yet, we completely understand! Our drive-thru services are available, as well as our online and mobile banking channels. You may also reach our Customer Support team at 800.451.7843. If you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or are symptomatic, please conduct your transaction through the drive-thru, ATM or by using our digital banking solutions.

As states begin to reopen, we will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation. Our goal is to be able to assist you with your banking needs in the safest way possible.

Economic Impact Payments FAQs

Updated April 10, 2020

The government recently passed the Coronavirus, Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. In this act, $2 trillion is expected to be sent out to help people and businesses effected by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.

At F&M, we’re proud to support the implementation of the CARES Act, which we believe will benefit many of our customers and businesses. We’ve put together some Frequently Asked Questions about the Economic Impact Payments that we feel will be beneficial to you.

Will the IRS call customers to verify payment amounts or methods?

Customers will not be contacted to confirm their payment. The IRS will not call you asking to verify or provide financial information to get the payment.

What are the payments called?

Economic Impact Payments is the working title. Scammers may use terminology with “stimulus payment”, or “stimulus checks”.

Who is eligible for the economic impact payment?

Tax filers with adjusted gross income up to $75,000 for individuals and up to $150,000 for married couples filing joint returns will receive the full payment. For filers with income above those amounts, the payment amount is reduced by $5 for each $100 above the $75,000/$150,000 thresholds. Single filers with income exceeding $99,000 and $198,000 for joint filers with no children are not eligible. Social Security recipients and railroad retirees who are otherwise not required to file a tax return are also eligible and will not be required to file a return.

Eligible taxpayers who filed tax returns for either 2019 or 2018 will automatically receive an economic impact payment of up to $1,200 for individuals or $2,400 for married couples and up to $500 for each qualifying child.

How will the IRS know where to send my payment?

The vast majority of people do not need to take any action. The IRS will calculate and automatically send the economic impact payment to those eligible.

For people who have already filed their 2019 tax returns, the IRS will use this information to calculate the payment amount. For those who have not yet filed their return for 2019, the IRS will use information from their 2018 tax filing to calculate the payment. The economic impact payment will be deposited directly into the same banking account reflected on the return filed.

The IRS does not have my direct deposit information. What can I do?

In the coming weeks, Treasury plans to develop a web-based portal for individuals to provide their banking information to the IRS online. If you are not able to provide your banking information electronically, you will most likely receive a paper check.

Automatic Economic Impact Payments fall under certain guidelines we must follow as a bank. According to the National Automated Clearing House Association (NACHA) we are to return payments to the originator if the account number is not valid or the account is closed. Payments we receive that do not have an accurate account number or the account is closed, will be returned to the IRS. The IRS will send communication as stated below to customers and how they can receive their payment.

For security reasons, the IRS plans to mail a letter about the economic impact payment to the taxpayer’s last known address within 15 days after the payment is paid. The letter will provide information on how the payment was made and how to report any failure to receive the payment. If a taxpayer is unsure they’re receiving a legitimate letter, the IRS urges taxpayers to visit IRS.gov first to protect against scam artists.

I am not typically required to file a tax return. Can I still receive my payment?

Yes. The IRS will use the information on the Form SSA-1099 or Form RRB-1099 to generate Economic Impact Payments to recipients of benefits reflected in the Form SSA-1099 or Form RRB-1099 who are not required to file a tax return and did not file a return for 2018 or 2019. This includes senior citizens, Social Security recipients and railroad retirees who are not otherwise required to file a tax return.

Since the IRS would not have information regarding any dependents for these people, each person would receive $1,200 per person, without the additional amount for any dependents at this time.

I have a tax filing obligation but have not filed my tax return for 2018 or 2019. Can I still receive an economic impact payment?

Yes. The IRS urges anyone with a tax filing obligation who has not yet filed a tax return for 2018 or 2019 to file as soon as they can to receive an economic impact payment. Taxpayers should include direct deposit banking information on the return.

I need to file a tax return. How long are the economic impact payments available?

For those concerned about visiting a tax professional or local community organization in person to get help with a tax return, these economic impact payments will be available throughout the rest of 2020.

Where can I get more information?

The IRS will post all key information on IRS.gov/coronavirus as soon as it becomes available.

Concerns regarding your Financial Obligations

Updated May 20, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed new, unexpected, and unusual circumstances.  If you are experiencing any financial difficulties, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.  You may be impacted due to family or personal illness, unemployment, reduced income, or closure of a workplace related to COVID-19.

F&M’s Asset Recovery Department is dedicated to assisting consumer and home loan customers through financial difficulties.  Members of the Asset Recovery Team can be reached by calling 1-800-451-7843.  Commercial and Agricultural customers are encouraged to reach out to their F&M Lenders to discuss available options.

For Consumer Loans:

No Late Payment Fees – Effective March 16, 2020, F&M will not impose any Late Payment fees on consumer loan payments through June 30, 2020.

Payment Deferral Program – Please reach out to the Asset Recovery Department at 1-800-451-7843 for assistance. A payment deferral may be available for up to 90 days on your consumer loan.  There are no fees for payment deferrals. This could prevent negative credit reporting on your consumer loan. Interest would continue to accrue on the outstanding principal balance during the payment deferral period.

No Repossession Actions – Effective March 16, 2020 and until further notice, no new repossession actions will be initiated on any loans financed by F&M.  This would include automobiles, trucks, vans, motorcycles, tractors, rider mowers, four wheelers, three wheelers, ATVs, RVs, or watercraft.

For Credit Card Accounts:

Skip-a-Pay Option – For assistance, please reach out to the Credit Card Department at 1-800-451-7843. Starting April 1, 2020 through May 31, 2020, a Skip-a-Pay  option will be available for up to two payments on consumer and business credit card accounts. Eligibility is based on account status and last 12 months of account history.  No negative impact on credit reporting for your credit card account if skip-a-pay option is exercised. Finance charges would continue to accrue on the outstanding account balance for the period covered by the skip-a-pay.

For Home Loans:

No Late Payment Fees – Effective March 16, 2020, F&M will not impose any Late Payment fees on home loan payments through June 30, 2020.

Financial Hardship Program – Borrowers experiencing financial difficulties, are encouraged to reach out to the Asset Recovery Department at 1-800-451-7843 Ext. 01391.  A Financial Hardship Packet will be provided for completion. This will assist in determining appropriate payment options to navigate present difficulties regarding your home loan.  This could prevent negative credit reporting on your home loan.

No Foreclosure Actions – Beginning March 16, 2020 and until further notice, all foreclosure actions have been halted and no new foreclosure actions will commence on 1-4 Family residential properties.  Further limitations or restrictions may apply for  residential real estate loan programs offered or sponsored through federal or government agencies.

For Small Business Owners:

No Late Payment Fees – Effective March 16, 2020, F&M will not impose any Late Payment fees on commercial loan payments through June 30, 2020.

Payment Assistance/Payment Deferral – Please reach out to your F&M Commercial Banker.  They are here to assist you and provide guidance on options available for your specific financial difficulties and needs.