Leading Tax and E-file Provider H&R Block Opens Web Site for Tax Season
KANSAS CITY, Mo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 14, 2004--
Faced with Tax Law Changes, Do-it-Yourselfers Benefit from New
Money-Saving Advice and One-Click Access to Trusted Tax Pros Who Can
Sign Returns
To help do-it-yourself taxpayers get every advantage from complex new tax law changes, H&R Block Online is now offering its online products and services, including a new library of tax tips, a new report tailored to the client's tax and financial situation and a new, comprehensive do-it-yourself service that provides users with the option of a professionally signed return.
H&R Block Online's money-saving Plain Talk Tax Tips help users understand common but complex tax topics, while The H&R Block Advantage report shows the effect of tax law changes on the user's return and provides advice for the future, including tailored Occupational Advice based on the taxpayer's profession. The new Signature Edition online product provides audit assistance and the option of a professional review and signature, making the taxpayer eligible for the same guarantees as H&R Block office clients.
"Our new features deliver financial information and suggestions in plain English so every do-it-yourself taxpayer -- from those with the simplest to the most complex tax returns -- get the full benefit of tax law changes," said Aaron Horvath, H&R Block's director of e-commerce. "We've found new, convenient ways to deliver the H&R Block Advantage to our online clients."
In addition to simplified, click-through interviews with enhanced graphics and deeper tax and financial content, H&R Block Online delivers seamless, one-click access to specially selected and trained tax professionals, all from the comfort and convenience of the do-it-yourselfer's home computer.
Taxpayers with questions can consult with an H&R Block tax professional by phone or e-mail via H&R Block Online's Ask A Tax Advisor service. The service is available to all taxpayers for $19.95 and is free to users who purchase H&R Block Online's Premium and Signature editions.
Online do-it-yourselfers can work with an H&R Block tax pro via the Professional Review service for reassurance that they've completed their return accurately and have taken advantage of applicable tax breaks. The H&R Block tax pro reviews the self-prepared return, interviews the client and makes suggestions for any money-saving opportunities.
Do-it-Yourself H&R Block Online Tax Preparation
Standard Edition
H&R Block Online's solution for do-it-yourself taxpayers with simple tax and financial situations, Standard Edition features a step-by-step, click-through interview with built-in, customized tax tips from H&R Block. Standard Edition enables users to quickly and easily complete their returns by accurately doing all of the calculations, checking for common errors and automatically completing the appropriate IRS tax forms. All calculations are guaranteed accurate by H&R Block.
NEW! Premium Edition
H&R Block Online's enhanced program for the do-it-yourself taxpayer with complex tax and financial issues, Premium Edition includes a free Ask A Tax Advisor consultation with an H&R Block tax professional ($19.95 value). Premium Edition also includes a library of video content from H&R Block tax pros, along with deeper information about common tax and financial issues such as education savings, business expenses and home offices. The Calculation Check-ups in Premium Edition flag items that are more likely to trigger an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) review.
NEW! Signature Edition
H&R Block Online's most comprehensive do-it-yourself online tax product, Signature Edition includes all of the features of Premium Edition, plus:
-- The option of having an H&R Block tax professional review and
sign the return, thereby receiving the same guarantee offered
to H&R Block office clients. If H&R Block makes an error while
preparing a client's return, H&R Block will reimburse the
taxpayer for penalties and interest resulting from the error.
-- Year-round consultations with experienced H&R Block tax
professionals to answer tax questions anytime throughout the
year.
-- Audit assistance in the event that the IRS contacts the client
for any reason. H&R Block will assist the client in responding
to and preparing for IRS inquiries.
Professional Tax Preparation Via the Web
Professional Tax Service/Drop-off Service
Taxpayers who prefer to have their returns professionally prepared can enjoy the convenience and security of working with an H&R Block tax pro from the comfort of their home computers. Professional Tax Service clients complete a simple, online questionnaire, including notes and questions for their tax professional. The tax professional calls the client to complete the interview and discuss specific questions and issues before completing the return. H&R Block reviews the return with the client before signing and e-filing it to the IRS.
Planning tools and other helpful features are available year-round at hrblock.com. All clients of H&R Block's online tax products enjoy free e-filing of federal and state returns and three-year secure online storage of tax returns.
About H&R Block
H&R Block Inc. (www.hrblock.com) is a diversified company with subsidiaries that deliver tax, financial, mortgage and business products and services. It is the only major company with subsidiaries offering a full range of software, online and in-office tax solutions, combined with personalized financial advice about retirement savings, home ownership, and other opportunities to help clients build a better financial future. As the world's largest tax services company, H&R Block served nearly 21 million clients in the U.S. and 11 countries in 2003. H&R Block Financial Advisors Inc. offers investment services and securities products. With more than 1,000 financial advisors serving clients at more than 400 offices, H&R Block Financial Advisors Inc. is a member NYSE, SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and a registered investment advisor. H&R Block Inc. is not a registered broker-dealer and is not a registered investment advisor. H&R Block Mortgage Corp. offers a full range of retail mortgage products. Option One Mortgage Corp. provides mortgage services and offers wholesale mortgage products through large financial institutions and a network of 24,000 independent mortgage brokers. RSM McGladrey Business Services Inc. and its subsidiaries serve mid-sized businesses and their owners with tax, accounting and business consulting services, as well as personal wealth management services.
CONTACT: H&R Block
Tom Linafelt, 816-932-8418
tlinafelt@hrblock.com
or
Boasberg\Wheeler Communications for H&R Block
Natalie Lutz, 816-960-3106
nlutz@bwcom.com
SOURCE: H&R Block