Press Release Details

KANSAS CITY, Mo., April 5 /PRNewswire/ -- An estimated 8 million taxpayers will ask the IRS for an extra four months to complete their returns by filing form 4868 to get an automatic tax deadline extension. So, where can taxpayers find this form and how do they fill it out? This year, H&R Block is making it easier than ever for individuals to push the April 16 tax deadline into August.

For taxpayers wanting a professional to file the extension on their behalf, H&R Block has over 9,000 offices open until the last client is served on April 16. Consumers using a Block professional will pay $22 to have their extension prepared and e-filed. That fee will then be deducted from the individual's tax preparation charge when the taxpayer comes back to finish the return before the extended August deadline.

And there's more help at www.hrblock.com , where do-it-yourselfers can print copies of Form 4868 to fill out and mail to the IRS. Consumers not sure whether or not to send in a tax payment with their extension can use H&R Block's free tax calculator to help estimate a balance due amount. Or H&R Block's online tax program will walk you through the process of completing and printing Form 4868. The cost now is just $19.95 and you can come back and prepare and e-file your return at no additional charge before the August deadline.

Users of Kiplinger TaxCut(R) from H&R Block also have the option of completing and printing the extension form at no additional charge.

"Whether clients want to file an extension on their own or need some professional tax help, we want to make it as easy and convenient as possible," said Mark Ernst, president and chief executive officer for H&R Block. "However, taxpayers need to remember that while filing for an extension will give you extra time to prepare your return, it doesn't push back the deadline to send the IRS a tax payment."

Taxpayers still unsure about whether or not to file for an extension, or simply needing some help finishing their own return, can get some last-minute advice from an H&R Block tax professional right up until the tax deadline. Consumers can simply go online to www.hrblock.com and use the "Ask a Tax Advisor" service. Using e-mail, live chat or phone, a Block professional will answer the taxpayer's specific tax questions for only $19.95 per solution.

About H&R Block

H&R Block Inc. (NYSE: HRB) is a diversified company with subsidiaries providing a wide range of financial products and services. In 2000, H&R Block served 19.2 million taxpayers -- more than any tax or accounting firm -- through its more than 10,000 offices located primarily in the United States, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom. H&R Block served another 1.8 million tax clients through its award-winning software program, Kiplinger TaxCut(R), and through its new online tax preparation services. H&R Block Financial Advisors, member NYSE, SIPC, offers investment services and securities products. H&R Block Mortgage Corporation and Option One Mortgage Corporation offer a full range of home mortgage products. RSM McGladrey Inc. is a national accounting, tax and consulting firm with 100 offices nationwide, as well as an affiliation with 550 offices in 75 countries as the U.S. member of RSM International. Quarterly results and other information are available on the company's Web site at www.hrblock.com . SOURCE H&R Block Inc.

CONTACT: Neil Getzlow, 816-932-4886, or Janine Smiley, 816-932-4871, both of H&R Block Inc.