LANCASTER, Pa. -- For many people, the best part of tax season is getting through all those numbers and finding out that the government owes you money, not the other way around.

This year, the average tax refund is expected to be the largest ever, a record $2,100, according to the Internal Revenue Service.

Unwilling to wait for Uncle Sam to send the refund check, 12 million Americans took out refund anticipation loans last year, reported WGAL-TV.

Commonly known as RALs, you can get them through tax preparation firms and even some car dealerships if you put the refund toward a vehicle purchase.

RALs put the money in your hand immediately, but beware of the double-digit interest rates that are commonly charged.

You can avoid those high interest rates and still get your money quickly by filing your return through the IRS Web site.

"Seventy percent of the taxpayers in this state can file for free electronically by going through the IRS Web site and click on free file," said Dave Stewart, with the IRS.

Then, if you have a refund coming, have it deposited directly into your bank account.

"If you're going to get a direct deposit, think about this -- you might not need that loan. Think about your financial circumstances. If you do direct deposit, you can get that refund in as little as two weeks," Stewart said.

According to the Consumer Federation of America, RALs are commonly used by low-income taxpayers, those who can least afford them, and many people don't understand they are loans that have to be paid back.

Recently, H&R Block settled four class-action lawsuits alleging it deceptively portrayed RALs as "instant money" instead of loans.

Now, H&R Block customers are getting letters advising them they could receive money as part of the settlement, but it's the kind of letter that asks for some very personal information.

"Right away it drew a red flag because to me H&R Block should already have my Social Security and information they would need for the form," said Lisa Wentzel, a customer who received one of the letters.

The television station reported that it has determined that the letter is legitimate and official. But if every one of the 8 million potential customers files a claim, each would receive only $1.67.