Press Release Details

KANSAS CITY, MO, Jan 17, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) --Today the IRS officially accepts electronically filed 2011 tax returns and H&R Block (NYSE: HRB) is providing its expertise to taxpayers with a simple return by offering free preparation of federal 1040EZ tax returns through Feb. 29.

Whether visiting participating H&R Block tax offices, using H&R Block At Home online or software, video chatting through the new Block Live(SM) service, or choosing to file with a tablet, H&R Block aims to make tax filing easy and convenient. In addition to the 1040EZ form, taxpayers can complete and file a federal 1040 or 1040A tax return for free from their iPad.

"There are roughly 17 million taxpayers who will file a 1040EZ this year," said Phil Mazzini, president of H&R Block's assisted tax division. "H&R Block has a solution for all filers, whether that's in the office, from home or on the go."

The 1040EZ free offer is available at participating tax offices through Feb. 29. A simple return is free all tax season using either H&R Block At Home computer or tablet versions.

"Filing a simple tax return is no simple matter," Mazzini said. "For taxpayers who want the confidence of an expert preparer behind them, H&R Block tax professionals stand ready in our offices or online via Block Live(SM). For taxpayers who prefer to prepare their returns on their own, our online and digital products are the right choice and are backed by our expertise."

Generally, a 1040EZ filer is a taxpayer who files single or married filing jointly who does not pay mortgage interest, has no dependents and earned less than $100,000 last year.

H&R Block's tax professionals provide guaranteed tax return preparation services in-person at retail tax offices open year-round and through Block Live(SM), the only face-to-face online tax preparation experience available in the industry. Do-it-yourself filers benefit from the expertise and guidance of The Tax Institute at H&R Block when using H&R Block At Home(TM). Because understanding taxes is an integral part of managing personal finances, H&R Block keeps the conversation going with clients all year via blogs, tweets and Facebook status updates.

About H&R Block H&R Block Inc. (NYSE: HRB) has prepared more than 575 million tax returns worldwide since 1955, making it the country's largest tax services provider. In fiscal 2011, H&R Block had annual revenues of $3.8 billion and prepared more than 24.5 million tax returns worldwide, including Canada and Australia. Tax return preparation services are provided in company-owned and franchise retail tax offices by more than 100,000 professional tax preparers, and through H&R Block At Home(TM) digital products. The H&R Block Bank provides affordable banking products and services. For more information, visit the H&R Block Online Press Center.

For Further Information:
Gene King
816.854.4287
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SOURCE: H & R Block

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