Press Release Details

KANSAS CITY, Mo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 20, 2005--H&R Block Inc. (NYSE:HRB) today announced its schedule for releasing interim tax season results. In addition, as announced at the company's annual investment community conference in New York City last week, H&R Block will move the announcement of its third-quarter results from Feb. 22 to Feb. 24. "The two additional days will enable management to more carefully assess tax season data through Feb. 15," Ernst said. The third quarter release will still be issued after the close of market, 4 p.m. EST, and a copy of the press release will be available from the company's Web site at www.hrblock.com.

The interim tax season results will be issued before the market opens on the following dates:

            March 17       Tax season data through Feb. 28
            March 31       Tax season data through March 15
            April 15       Tax season data through March 31
            May 6          Tax season data through April 15

Third-quarter Results Release Information

The company will host a conference call for analysts, institutional investors and shareholders At 5 p.m. EST Feb. 24. Mark Ernst, chairman and chief executive officer, and Jeff Yabuki, executive vice president and chief operating officer, will discuss the quarter and future expectations, as well as respond to analysts' questions. To access the call, please dial the number approximately 5 to 10 minutes prior to the scheduled starting time:

    U.S./Canada (888) 425-2715 - Access Code: 2751105

    International (706) 679-8257 - Access Code: 2751105

The call will be webcast in a listen-only format for the media and public. The link to the webcast can be obtained at www.hrblock.com. Supplemental financial and statistical information will be available in connection with the webcast, or can be accessed directly on H&R Block's Investor Relations Web site at www.hrblock.com/about/investor following market close.

A replay of the call will be available beginning at 6 p.m. EST Feb. 24 and continuing until 12 a.m. EST March 5, by dialing (800) 642-1687 (U.S./Canada) or (706) 645- 9291 (International). The replay access code is 2751105. A replay of the webcast will also be available on the company's Web site at www.hrblock.com through March 31, 2005.

About H&R Block: H&R Block Inc. (www.hrblock.com) is a diversified company with subsidiaries that deliver tax services and financial advice, investment and mortgage products and services, and business accounting and consulting services. As the world's largest tax services company, H&R Block in fiscal 2004 served more than 21 million clients at more than 11,000 retail offices worldwide and with digital tax solutions. H&R Block is the only tax company that offers clients a choice or a blend of in-person services, software and online solutions. Investment services and securities products are offered through H&R Block Financial Advisors Inc., member NYSE, SIPC. H&R Block Inc. is not a registered broker-dealer. H&R Block Mortgage Corp. offers a full range of retail mortgage products. Option One Mortgage Corp. offers wholesale mortgage products and other mortgage services. RSM McGladrey Inc. offers a wide range of services to mid-sized companies, including business and tax consulting, wealth management, and retirement and payroll services.

    CONTACT: H&R Block Inc.
             Linda McDougall (Public Relations), 816-932-4894
             lmcdougall@hrblock.com
             or
             Pam Kearney (Investor Relations), 816-932-1967
             pkearney@hrblock.com

    SOURCE: H&R Block Inc.