Press Release Details

KANSAS CITY, MO, Apr 08, 2011 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) --

More than 35 million taxpayers wait until the last minute to file their tax returns. But a potential federal government shutdown won't give these last-minute filers a reprieve. The tax filing deadline of Monday, April 18 remains firm for e-filed and mailed tax returns.

If the federal budget isn't approved and a government shutdown begins at midnight, Friday, April 8, taxpayers who haven't filed, or those waiting for their tax refunds, should know these key points:

1. E-filers: Taxpayers who e-file their returns and request direct deposit will not experience a refund delay. This includes do-it-yourself filers who prepared and submitted their own returns.

2. Paper filers: For those paper filers who have yet to file their returns, there will likely be a refund processing delay. This applies to taxpayers who took the 2008 First-Time Homebuyer Credit, are claiming the 2010 Adoption Credit or those who choose to receive their tax refunds as a paper check instead of direct-deposit.

"The filing deadline remains April 18 so it's business as usual for H&R Block," said Kathy Pickering, executive director of The Tax Institute at H&R Block. "The fastest way for taxpayers to get their refunds is to e-file and have their refunds direct-deposited into their bank accounts."

3. Free tax help: H&R Block is advising clients of ways to get free tax help given the limited operations at the IRS. Taxpayers with questions can call 1-800-HRBLOCK, join H&R Block's Get It Right Community online tax forum, and visit its Facebook and Twitter pages for help and useful tax information.

H&R Block's 11,000 retail offices will remain open until the last client is served on April 18. Select H&R Block offices are open year-round to assist clients with their ongoing tax preparation needs. In addition, H&R Block At Home digital solution is available around-the-clock.

H&R Block provides guaranteed, income tax return preparation services through its company-owned and franchise offices, and the H&R Block At Home online and desktop solutions. For an online tutorial, join H&R Block's Get It Right Community tax forum, and visit its Facebook and Twitter pages.

About H&R Block H&R Block Inc. (NYSE: HRB) is one of the world's largest tax services providers, having prepared more than 550 million tax returns worldwide since 1955. In fiscal 2010, H&R Block had annual revenues of $3.9 billion and prepared more than 23 million tax returns worldwide, utilizing more than 100,000 highly trained tax professionals. The Company provides tax return preparation services in person, through H&R Block At Home(TM) online and desktop software products, and through other channels. The Company is also one of the leading providers of business services through RSM McGladrey. For more information, visit our Online Press Center.

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SOURCE: H & R Block

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