Press Release Details

KANSAS CITY, Mo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 12, 2004--H&R Block Inc. (NYSE:HRB) plans to release preliminary business results for its U.S. tax operations segment five times in the course of tax season 2004, according to the following schedule:

    --  Feb. 24, including data for business activity through Feb. 15,
        to be announced after market closing along with third-quarter
        financial results.

    --  March 18 before market opening, including data for business
        activity through Feb. 29.

    --  April 1 before market opening, including data for business
        activity through March 15.

    --  April 16 before market opening, including data for business
        activity through March 31.

    --  April 30 before market opening, including data for business
        activity through April 15.

These preliminary reports will include the key data points that measure the on-going performance of the U.S. tax business segment. This data is expected to include the number of U.S. clients served, the total dollar volume from tax preparation and related fees and the average fee per client served. The company will also report on business results from company-owned operations in former major franchise territories.

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 Inc.
             Media Relations:
             Bob Schneider, 816-932-4835
             bschneider@hrblock.com
                 or
             Investor Relations:
             Mark Barnett, 816-701-4443
             marbarnett@hrblock.com

    SOURCE: H&R Block Inc.