Press Release Details

H&R Block Only Company to Combine Convenience of Online With Help From Tax ProfessionalKANSAS CITY, MO, Jan 26, 2010 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- The typical do-it-yourself taxpayer spends more than 30 hours preparing their own tax return -- a dozen of those hours are merely researching tax laws. Stumped with how to interpret the tax code? That information is a call or click away with H&R Block's Best of Both, from the only company to combine online with in-office tax preparation.

Best of Both(SM), a new H&R Block (NYSE: HRB) tax preparation solution, combines the convenience of an online program with the expertise and guidance of a tax professional for $99.95. Taxpayers who use Best of Both complete their return online then submit it to an H&R Block tax professional, who reviews, corrects if needed, certifies and signs the return. H&R Block then e-files the return on the taxpayer's behalf.

"H&R Block Best of Both is a unique tax preparation experience," said Ken White, vice president of integration at H&R Block. "H&R Block Best of Both provides clients with access to our online expertise paired with the assistance of an H&R Block tax professional, who is among the best trained in the business. Taxes can be complex; Best of Both removes some of the guess work out of tax preparation."

Online and in the office

Taxpayers log on to www.hrblock.com to access Best of Both. When complete, they simply submit their return to be reviewed by an H&R Block tax professional.

-- The process eliminates jargon and walks a taxpayer through the return in plain English.

-- At any point taxpayers can call or e-mail an H&R Block tax professional for assistance.

-- When selecting a tax professional, the taxpayer can find one who best matches their overall tax needs. Taxpayers can even select an H&R Block tax professional they have worked with in the past.*

-- The taxpayer then submits the return to a tax professional who reviews, corrects if needed, signs and e-files the federal return for $99.95.

-- Additional state returns are just $29.

Backed by Block

Best of Both is a great next step for taxpayers looking to try an online solution for the first-time or DIY taxpayers whose tax situation has gotten more complex. When an H&R Block tax professional signs the return, clients receive the following guarantees:

H&R Block Guarantee

The H&R Block Guarantee is included with every tax return it prepares. If H&R Block makes an error on the return, it will pay resulting penalties and interest. If the taxpayer is audited, H&R Block will explain the audit notice and the documentation needed for the auditor.

Maximum Refund Guarantee

Get the maximum refund entitled to or the return is free.

"With H&R Block Best of Both, the tax professional experience is built in. That means hundreds of hours of tax code-specific training are at your fingertips," White said. "For those tax questions taxpayers just aren't confident answering, their tax professional is just a call or click away. H&R Block has their back."

For more information about Best of Both and H&R Block's suite of At Home(TM) do-it-yourself tax solutions, visit www.hrblock.com.

*Subject to tax professional availability and/or participation in Best of Both.

About H&R Block

H&R Block Inc. (NYSE: HRB) is the world's preeminent tax services provider, having prepared more than 500 million tax returns since 1955. In fiscal 2009, H&R Block had annual revenues of $4.1 billion and prepared more than 24 million tax returns worldwide, utilizing more than 100,000 highly trained tax professionals. The Company provides tax return preparation services in person, online through H&R Block Online, through its H&R Block At Home(TM) software and through other channels. The Company is also one of the leading providers of business services through RSM McGladrey. For more information visit our Online Press Center at www.hrblock.com.

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

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