Press Release Details

KANSAS CITY, Mo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 21, 2004--H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE:HRB) associates today mourn the loss of Richard A. Bloch known as an entrepreneur, philanthropist and cancer survivor. Bloch, 78, died of heart failure early this morning at his home. He is survived by his wife, Annette, three daughters and 10 grandchildren.

Richard Bloch, along with brother, Henry W. Bloch, wrote a new chapter in American business by co-founding H&R Block, Inc., a company that specialized in income tax preparation and grew to be the world's largest tax services provider, which in 2004 served more than 21 million clients worldwide.

Main Street Business Meets Mainstream America

Starting H&R Block in 1955, the Bloch brothers saw the need to help people with their tax needs. The IRS had begun eliminating its free income tax service, and taxpayers across the country were seeking professional assistance with completing and filing tax returns. Richard Bloch focused his energy and talents on opening tax preparation offices nationwide, while his brother managed the company.

By 1962, the same year H&R Block went public, 206 offices were opened in 34 states. Richard spearheaded the international expansion of H&R Block tax services, while Henry focused on the domestic business. In 1964, the first Canadian office opened.

Today, H&R Block serves clients in 11 countries, including Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom.

"Dick was a true entrepreneur, and his energy and talents helped create the path that makes H&R Block the professional and accessible company that it is today," stated Mark A. Ernst, chairman and CEO of H&R Block Inc. "His personal integrity and commitment to helping people remain an important part of our company's culture."

His Promise Was Other's Hope

In 1978, Richard was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, and was told he had three months to live. On his personal quest to "beat the odds," he was cured after two years of aggressive therapy. In his darkest hour, Richard made a promise that if he survived, he would devote his life to helping others fight cancer.

Richard's commitment and dedication to helping cancer survivors is a testament to the values he held steadfast and the way he led his life. He has said: "There is no such thing as false hope for a cancer patient. Hope is as unique with each individual as a finger print."

Recognized nationally for his vision and philanthropic efforts in helping others fight cancer, Richard is most notably known for creating the Cancer Hotline in 1980. The free hotline, one of the first of its kind in the country, has helped hundreds of thousands of cancer patients, friends and family find available treatment resources. The hotline is supported by volunteers who have had cancer or have served as caregivers to cancer patients. He never solicited donations, funding the hotline personally.

Richard's work in support of cancer education and awareness expanded nationwide when his vision of a national network of cancer information became a reality when the National Cancer Institute implemented the Physician's Data Query. The Web site (www.cancer.gov/cancer_information/cancer_type/) provides information about state-of the-art treatment for every type and stage of cancer and all of the current experimental therapies. To honor his efforts, the government named the Bethesda, Md. building the R.A. Bloch International Cancer Information Center.

Richard along with his wife, Annette, authored three inspiring books for people undergoing cancer treatment and distributed nearly 1 million free copies to people seeking support about their personal struggle.

Providing Strength and Support to Kansas Citians and Local Communities

Richard supported projects through the R.A. Bloch Cancer Foundation located in Kansas City, Mo. In addition to managing the Cancer Hotline and Web site (www.blochcancer.org), the Foundation originated what is now know as National Cancer Survivor Day Rally with more than 700 community rallies held across the country the first Sunday in June.

In 1990, the first Richard and Annette Bloch Cancer Survivors' Park was dedicated to people who have been diagnosed with cancer. Twenty cancer survivor parks have been completed throughout the country.

Richard has touched hundreds of thousands of people's lives and through his entrepreneurial and philanthropic efforts he fulfilled his mission of offering a legacy of hope to others.

About H&R Block

H&R Block Inc. (www.hrblock.com) is a diversified company with subsidiaries that deliver tax services and financial advice, investment and mortgage products and services, and business accounting and consulting services. As the world's largest tax services company, H&R Block in 2004 served more than 21 million clients at more than 11,000 retail offices worldwide and with digital tax solutions. H&R Block is the only tax company that offers clients a choice or a blend of in-person services, software and online solutions. 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 Corp. offers a full range of retail mortgage products. Option One Mortgage Corp. offers wholesale mortgage products and other mortgage services. RSM McGladrey Inc. offers a wide range of services to mid-sized companies, including business and tax consulting, wealth management, and retirement and payroll services.

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    CONTACT: H&R Block, Inc.
             Linda McDougall, 816-932-7542
             lmcdougall@hrblock.com
                 or
             Janine Smiley, 816-932-4871
             jsmiley@hrblock.com
                 or
             Tom Linafelt, 816-932-8418
             tlinafelt@hrblock.com

    SOURCE: H&R Block, Inc.