Taxed? H&R Block and Earthlink Join to Offer Complete Web-Based Support
Facing Massive Tax Law Changes, Taxpayers Now Have Comprehensive Web Options for Completing Taxes through EarthLink's Tax Center
Recognizing that sweeping tax law changes have made this tax season especially complicated for taxpayers, H&R Block and EarthLink (Nasdaq:ELNK) have partnered to offer a comprehensive range of Internet-based tax tools available from the comfort of the taxpayer's own home.EarthLink, one of the nation's leading Internet service providers, is helping to eliminate the guesswork and stress from the tax preparation process by providing its subscribers with direct access to H&R Block's new online tax services. EarthLink subscribers can access Block's wide array of online tax solutions -- from single questions to complete professional tax preparation -- through the Tax Center on EarthLink's Personal Start Page(SM) (http://start.earthlink.net). The Tax Center is a tax service and information-focused section of the popular and highly customizable Start Page.
"By teaming with H&R Block, we combine a reliable source of financial services and information with the convenience of a fast, stable Internet connection," said Jon Irwin, EarthLink's executive vice president of customer experience. "EarthLink subscribers can simply log on to their Personal Start Page, and in seconds they can access information regarding the latest tax laws. They also can receive tax advice, and confidently prepare, review and file their taxes -- right from their home or office computer."
EarthLink subscribers have convenient access to H&R Block online tax products and services that include:
-- Professional Tax Service -- With more than 440 new tax laws,
some of which are effective this year, many taxpayers want a
professional to ensure they are complying fully and, where
applicable, getting the full benefit of tax laws. H&R Block's
Professional Tax Service provides users with one-on-one advice
and consultation, the Block Guarantee and an e-filed return at
no additional charge. Clients simply provide their tax
information online and H&R Block does the rest, preparing and
delivering a signed tax return to the customer.
-- Online Tax Program -- Do-it-yourself taxpayers looking for a
faster, easier tax preparation solution than the traditional
pen and paper method can access Block's Online Tax Program via
the EarthLink Tax Center at
http://finance.earthlink.net/taxcenter/. The Online Tax
Program can cut hours off manual tax preparation time and,
with electronic filing and direct deposit, can cut weeks off
the time required to receive a refund. The fee, starting at
$19.95, includes electronic filing.
-- Professional Review -- Taxpayers who access Block's
Professional Review service through EarthLink's Tax Center get
the reassurance that comes from having their self-prepared
return reviewed by an H&R Block tax professional. That tax
professional checks the self-prepared return for errors and
ensures the client is complying with and, where applicable,
getting the full benefit of tax laws.
-- Ask A Tax Advisor -- When faced with a complex personal tax
question, EarthLink subscribers can turn to H&R Block's new
"Ask a Tax Advisor" service for quick, accurate answers from
one of the company's knowledgeable tax professionals for only
$19.95 per solution. Using email, live chat or phone, an H&R
Block tax professional will answer the taxpayer's specific tax
questions.
About EarthLink
EarthLink brings the magic of the Internet to approximately 4.8 million subscribers every day. Headquartered in Atlanta, EarthLink provides a full range of innovative access, hosting and e-commerce solutions to thousands of communities over a nationwide network of dial-up points of presence, as well as high-speed access and wireless technologies. EarthLink is committed to doing an exceptional job of pleasing its subscribers, shareholders and the community by following the company's Core Values and Beliefs [http://www.earthlink.net/about/ourvalues/cvb/index.html]. Information about EarthLink services is available by calling 800/395-8425 and through EarthLink's Web site at www.earthlink.net.
About H&R Block
H&R Block, Inc., is a diversified company with subsidiaries providing a wide range of financial services and products. In 2001, H&R Block served 19.2 million taxpayers -- more than any tax or accounting firm -- through its more than 10,400 offices located in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. H&R Block served another 2.3 million tax clients through its award-winning TaxCut(R) software program and its online tax preparation services. 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 Corporation and Option One Mortgage Corporation offer a wide range of home mortgage products. RSM McGladrey, Inc., is a national accounting, tax, and consulting firm with more than 100 offices nationwide, as well as an affiliation with 550 offices in 75 countries as the U.S. member of RSM International. Additional information is available on the company's Web site at www.hrblock.com.
CONTACT:
H&R Block, Inc.
Tom Linafelt, 816/932-8418
tlinafelt@hrblock.com
Janine Smiley, 816/932-4871
jsmiley@hrblock.com
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