10-K
Table of Contents

 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-K
     
(Mark One)    
þ
  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934
    For the fiscal year ended April 30, 2009
OR
o
  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934
    For the transition period from          to          
 
Commission file number 1-6089
 
(H&R BLOCK LOGO)
H&R Block, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
     
MISSOURI   44-0607856
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
One H&R Block Way, Kansas City, Missouri 64105
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
 
(816) 854-3000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
     
Title of each class   Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, without par value
  New York Stock Exchange
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Stock, without par value
(Title of Class)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes þ No o
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No þ
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes o No o
 
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
             
Large accelerated filer þ
  Accelerated filer o   Non-accelerated filer o   Smaller reporting company o
                        (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
 
The aggregate market value of the registrant’s Common Stock (all voting stock) held by non-affiliates of the registrant, computed by reference to the price at which the stock was sold on October 31, 2008, was $6,539,980,861.
 
Number of shares of the registrant’s Common Stock, without par value, outstanding on May 31, 2009: 334,140,455.
 
Documents incorporated by reference
 
The definitive proxy statement for the registrant’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders, to be held September 10, 2009, is incorporated by reference in Part III to the extent described therein.
 


 

(H&R BLOCK LOGO)
 
2009 FORM 10-K AND ANNUAL REPORT
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
             
    Introduction and Forward-Looking Statements     1  
 
PART I
  Business     1  
  Risk Factors     7  
  Unresolved Staff Comments     12  
  Properties     12  
  Legal Proceedings     12  
  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders     15  
 
PART II
  Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities     15  
  Selected Financial Data     16  
  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations     17  
  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk     36  
  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data     38  
  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure     78  
  Controls and Procedures     78  
  Other Information     78  
 
PART III
  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance     79  
  Executive Compensation     79  
  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters     79  
  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence     79  
  Principal Accounting Fees and Services     79  
 
PART IV
  Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules     80  
    Signatures     81  
    Exhibit Index     82  
 EX-10.18
 EX-10.35
 EX-10.36
 EX-10.37
 EX-12
 EX-21
 EX-23.1
 EX-23.2
 EX-31.1
 EX-31.2
 EX-32.1
 EX-32.2
 


Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION AND FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Specified portions of our proxy statement, which will be filed in July 2009, are listed as “incorporated by reference” in response to certain items. Our proxy statement will be made available to shareholders in July 2009, and will also be available on our website at www.hrblock.com.
This report and other documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) may contain forward-looking statements. In addition, our senior management may make forward-looking statements orally to analysts, investors, the media and others. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They often include words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “could” or “may.” Forward-looking statements provide management’s current expectations or predictions of future conditions, events or results. They may include projections of revenues, income, earnings per share, capital expenditures, dividends, liquidity, capital structure or other financial items, descriptions of management’s plans or objectives for future operations, products or services, or descriptions of assumptions underlying any of the above. They are not guarantees of future performance. By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. These statements speak only as of the date they are made and management does not undertake to update them to reflect changes or events occurring after that date except as required by federal securities laws.
 
 
PART I
 
 
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
 
GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OF BUSINESS
H&R Block, Inc. has subsidiaries that provide tax, retail banking, accounting and business consulting services and products. Our Tax Services segment primarily consists of our income tax preparation businesses – retail, online and software. These businesses serve the general public in the United States (U.S.), Canada and Australia. Additionally, this segment includes commercial tax businesses, which provide tax preparation software to certified public accountants (CPAs) and other tax preparers in the U.S. Our Business Services segment consists of a national accounting, tax and business consulting firm primarily serving middle-market companies under the RSM McGladrey, Inc. (RSM) brand. Our Consumer Financial Services segment is engaged in retail banking through H&R Block Bank (HRB Bank).
H&R Block, Inc. was organized as a corporation in 1955 under the laws of the State of Missouri. “H&R Block,” “the Company,” “we,” “our” and “us” are used interchangeably to refer to H&R Block, Inc. or to H&R Block, Inc. and its subsidiaries, as appropriate to the context. A complete list of our subsidiaries can be found in Exhibit 21.
  DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS – Effective November 1, 2008, we sold H&R Block Financial Advisors, Inc. (HRBFA) to Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (Ameriprise). We received cash proceeds, net of selling costs, of $304.0 million and repayment of $46.6 million in intercompany liabilities. At April 30, 2009, HRBFA and its direct corporate parent are presented as discontinued operations in the consolidated financial statements. All periods presented have been reclassified to reflect our discontinued operations. See additional discussion in Item 8, note 19 to our consolidated financial statements.
Our discontinued operations also include the wind-down of our mortgage loan origination business and the sale of our mortgage loan servicing business in the prior year. Also included in the prior years are the results of three smaller lines of business previously reported in our Business Services segment.
  ISSUANCE OF COMMON STOCK – In October 2008, we sold 8.3 million shares of our common stock, without par value, at a price of $17.50 per share in a registered direct offering through subscription agreements with selected institutional investors. We received net proceeds of $141.4 million, after deducting placement agent fees and other offering expenses. The purpose of the equity offering was to ensure we maintained adequate equity levels, as a condition of certain borrowings, during our off-season. Proceeds were used for general corporate purposes.
 
 
FINANCIAL INFORMATION ABOUT INDUSTRY SEGMENTS
See discussion below and in Item 8, note 20 to our consolidated financial statements.
 
 
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
 
TAX SERVICES
GENERAL – Our Tax Services segment is primarily engaged in providing tax return preparation and related services and products in the U.S. and its territories, Canada and Australia. Major revenue sources include fees earned for tax preparation services performed at company-owned retail tax offices, royalties from franchise retail tax offices, sales of tax-related services, sales of tax preparation and other software, online tax preparation fees,

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participation in refund anticipation loans (RALs) and Emerald Advance lines of credit. Segment revenues constituted 74.3% of our consolidated revenues from continuing operations for fiscal year 2009, 73.1% for 2008 and 72.4% for 2007.
Retail income tax return preparation and related services are provided by tax professionals via a system of retail offices operated directly by us or by franchisees. We also offer our services through seasonal offices located inside major retailers.
TAX RETURNS PREPARED – We, together with our franchisees, prepared approximately 24.0 million tax returns worldwide during fiscal year 2009, compared to 24.6 million in 2008 and 24.0 million in 2007. We prepared 21.1 million tax returns in the U.S. during fiscal year 2009, down from 21.8 million in 2008 and 21.5 million in 2007. Our U.S. tax returns prepared, including those prepared and filed at no charge, for the 2009 tax season constituted 15.8% of an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) estimate of total individual income tax returns filed during the fiscal year 2009 tax season. This compares to 16.2% in the 2008 tax season, excluding tax returns filed as a result of the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 (Stimulus Act), and 16.5% in 2007.
FRANCHISES – We offer franchises as a way to expand our presence in the market. Our franchise arrangements provide us with certain rights designed to protect our brand. Most of our franchisees receive use of our software, access to product offerings and expertise, signs, specialized forms, local advertising, initial training and supervisory services, and pay us a percentage, typically approximately 30%, of gross tax return preparation and related service revenues as a franchise royalty.
From time to time, we have acquired the territories of existing franchisees and other tax return preparation businesses, and may continue to do so if future conditions warrant and satisfactory terms can be negotiated. During fiscal year 2009, we acquired the assets and franchise rights of our last major independent franchise operator for an aggregate purchase price of $279.2 million. Results of the acquisition are included in our consolidated financial statements at April 30, 2009. See Item 8, note 2 to our consolidated financial statements for additional information.
We have also initiated a program to optimize our retail tax office network, including the mix of franchised and company-owned offices. During fiscal year 2009 we sold certain offices to existing franchisees for sales proceeds totaling $16.9 million. The net gain on these transactions totaled $14.9 million. We expect to continue this program in the coming years. The extent to which we refranchise offices will depend upon ongoing analysis regarding the optimal mix of offices for our network, including geographic location, as well as our ability to identify qualified franchisees.
OFFICES – A summary of our company-owned and franchise offices is as follows:
 
                         
 
April 30,   2009     2008     2007  
 
 
U.S. OFFICES:
                       
Company-owned offices
    7,029       6,835       6,669  
Company-owned shared locations(1)
    1,542       1,478       1,488  
   
Total company-owned offices
    8,571       8,313       8,157  
   
Franchise offices
    3,565       3,812       3,784  
Franchise shared locations(1)
    787       913       843  
   
Total franchise offices
    4,352       4,725       4,627  
   
      12,923       13,038       12,784  
   
INTERNATIONAL OFFICES:
                       
Canada
    1,193       1,143       1,070  
Australia
    378       366       360  
   
      1,571       1,509       1,430  
   
 
(1)  Shared locations include offices located within Sears, Wal-Mart or other third-party businesses.
 
The acquisition of our last major independent franchise operator included a network of over 600 tax offices, nearly two-thirds of which converted to company-owned offices upon the closing of the transaction, as reflected in the table above.
Offices in shared locations at April 30, 2009, include 722 offices in Sears stores operated as “H&R Block at Sears” and 1,030 offices operated in Wal-Mart stores. The Sears license agreement expires in July 2010. The Wal-Mart agreement expired in May 2009, and the related offices have been closed.
During fiscal year 2007, we acquired ExpressTax, a national franchisor of tax preparation businesses, for an aggregate cash purchase price of $5.7 million. This acquisition added 249 offices to our network, which continue to operate under the ExpressTax brand. There are currently 368 offices operating under the ExpressTax brand.

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SERVICE AND PRODUCT OFFERINGS – We offer a number of digital tax preparation alternatives. TaxCut® from H&R Block enables do-it-yourself users to prepare their federal and state tax returns easily and accurately. Our software products may be purchased through third-party retail stores, direct mail or online.
We also offer our clients many online options: multiple versions of do-it-yourself tax preparation; professional tax review; tax advice; and tax preparation through a tax professional, whereby the client completes a tax organizer and sends it to a tax professional for preparation and/or signature.
By offering professional and do-it-yourself tax preparation options through multiple channels, we seek to serve our clients in the manner they choose to be served.
We also offer clients a number of options for receiving their income tax refund, including a check directly from the IRS, an electronic deposit directly to their bank account, a prepaid debit card, a refund anticipation check (RAC) or a RAL.
The following are some of the services and products we offer in addition to our tax preparation service:
RALs. RALs are offered to our U.S. clients by a designated bank primarily through a contractual relationship with HSBC Holdings plc (HSBC). An eligible, electronic filing client may apply for a RAL at one of our offices. After meeting certain eligibility criteria, clients are offered the opportunity to apply for a loan from HSBC in amounts up to $9,999 based on their anticipated federal income tax refund. We simultaneously transmit the income tax return information to the IRS and the lending bank. Within a few days after the filing date, the client receives a check, direct deposit or prepaid debit card in the amount of the loan, less the bank’s transaction fee, our tax return preparation fee and other fees for client-selected services. Additionally, qualifying electronic filing clients are eligible to receive their RAL proceeds, less applicable fees, in approximately one hour after electronic filing using the Instant Money service. A RAL is repaid when the IRS directly deposits the participating client’s federal income tax refund into a designated account at the lending bank. See related discussion in “Loan Participations” below.
RACs. Refund Anticipation Checks are offered to U.S. clients who would like to either: (1) receive their refund faster and do not have a bank account for the IRS to direct deposit their refund; (2) have their tax preparation fees paid directly out of their refund; or (3) receive their refund faster but do not qualify for a RAL under the existing credit criteria. A RAC is not a loan and is provided through a contractual relationship with HSBC.
Peace of Mind (POM) Guarantee. The POM guarantee is offered to U.S. clients, in addition to our standard guarantee, whereby we (1) represent our clients if audited by the IRS, and (2) assume the cost, subject to certain limits, of additional taxes owed by a client resulting from errors attributable to one of our tax professionals’ work. The POM program has a per client cumulative limit of $5,000 in additional taxes assessed with respect to the federal, state and local tax returns we prepared for the taxable year covered by the program.
Emerald Advance Lines of Credit. Emerald Advance lines of credit are offered to clients in tax offices from mid-November through early January, currently in an amount not to exceed $1,000 (previously $500). If the borrower meets certain criteria as agreed in the loan terms, the line of credit can be increased and utilized year-round. These lines of credit are offered by HRB Bank.
H&R Block Prepaid Emerald Mastercard®. The H&R Block Prepaid Emerald MasterCard® allows a client to receive a tax refund from the IRS directly on a prepaid debit card, or to direct RAL or RAC proceeds to the card to avoid high-cost check-cashing fees. The card can be used for everyday purchases, bill payments and ATM withdrawals anywhere MasterCard® is accepted. Additional funds can be added to the card account year-round through direct deposit or at participating retail locations. The H&R Block Prepaid Emerald MasterCard® is issued by HRB Bank.
Tax Return Preparation Courses. We offer income tax return preparation courses to the public, which teach students how to prepare income tax returns and provide us with a source of trained tax professionals.
Software Products. We develop and market TaxCut® income tax preparation software. TaxCut® offers a simple step-by-step tax preparation interview, data imports from money management software and tax preparation software, calculations, completion of the appropriate tax forms, checking for errors and electronic filing.
During fiscal year 2007, we acquired TaxWorks LLC and its affiliated entities, a provider of commercial tax preparation software targeting the independent tax preparer market. The primary software product, TaxWorks®, is designed for small to mid-sized CPA firms who file tax returns for individuals and businesses. See Item 8, note 2 to our consolidated financial statements.
Online Tax Preparation. We offer a comprehensive range of online tax services, from tax advice to complete professional and do-it-yourself tax return preparation and electronic filing, through our websites at www.hrblock.com and www.taxcut.com. These websites allow clients to prepare their federal and state income tax returns using the TaxCut® Online Tax Program, access tax tips, advice and tax-related news and use calculators for tax planning.

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We participate in the Free File Alliance (FFA). This alliance was created by the tax return preparation industry and the IRS, and allows qualified filers with adjusted gross incomes less than $56,000 to prepare and file their federal return online at no charge. We feel this program provides a valuable public service and increases our visibility with new clients, while also providing an opportunity to offer our state return preparation and other services to these clients.
CashBack Program. We offer a refund discount (CashBack) program to our customers in Canada. In accordance with current Canadian regulations, if a customer’s tax return indicates the customer is entitled to a tax refund, we issue a check to the client in the amount of the refund, less a discount. The client assigns to us the full amount of the tax refund to be issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and the refund check is then sent by the CRA directly to us. In accordance with the law, the discount is deemed to include both the tax return preparation fee and the fee for tax refund discounting. This program is financed by short-term borrowings. The number of returns discounted under the CashBack program in fiscal year 2009 was approximately 782,000, compared to 749,000 in 2008 and 670,000 in 2007.
LOAN PARTICIPATIONS – Since July 1996, we have been a party to agreements with HSBC and its predecessors to participate in RALs provided by a lending bank to H&R Block tax clients. During fiscal year 2006, we signed a new agreement with HSBC in which we obtained the right to purchase a 49.9% participation interest in all RALs obtained through our retail offices. We received a signing bonus from HSBC during fiscal year 2006 in connection with this agreement, which was recorded as deferred revenue and is earned over the contract term. The agreement is effective through June 2011 and we have extensions through 2013. Our purchases of the participation interests are financed through short-term borrowings and we bear all of the credit risk associated with our participation interests. Revenue from our participation is calculated as the rate of participation multiplied by the fee paid by the borrower to the lending bank. Our RAL participation revenue was $142.7 million, $190.2 million and $192.4 million in fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
SEASONALITY OF BUSINESS – Because most of our clients file their tax returns during the period from January through April of each year, substantially all of our revenues from income tax return preparation and related services and products are received during this period. As a result, our tax segment generally operates at a loss through the first eight months of the fiscal year. Peak revenues occur during the applicable tax season, as follows:
 
         
    United States and Canada
Australia
  January – April
July – October
 
COMPETITIVE CONDITIONS – The retail tax services business is highly competitive. There are a substantial number of tax return preparation firms and accounting firms offering tax return preparation services. Many tax return preparation firms and many firms not otherwise in the tax return preparation business are involved in providing electronic filing and RAL services to the public. Commercial tax return preparers and electronic filers are highly competitive with regard to price and service. In terms of the number of offices and personal tax returns prepared and electronically filed in offices, online and via our software, we believe we are the largest company providing direct tax return preparation and electronic filing services in the U.S. We also believe we operate the largest tax return preparation businesses in Canada and Australia.
Our digital tax solutions businesses compete with a number of companies. Intuit, Inc. is the largest supplier of tax preparation software and online tax preparation services. There are many smaller competitors in the online market, as well as free state-sponsored online filing programs. Price and marketing competition for digital tax preparation services is increasing, including offers of free tax preparation services.
GOVERNMENT REGULATION – Federal legislation requires income tax return preparers to, among other things, set forth their signatures and identification numbers on all tax returns prepared by them and retain all tax returns prepared by them for three years. Federal laws also subject income tax return preparers to accuracy-related penalties in connection with the preparation of income tax returns. Preparers may be prohibited from further acting as income tax return preparers if they continuously and repeatedly engage in specified misconduct.
The federal government regulates the electronic filing of income tax returns in part by requiring electronic filers to comply with all publications and notices of the IRS applicable to electronic filing. We are required to provide certain electronic filing information to the taxpayer and comply with advertising standards for electronic filers. We are also subject to possible monitoring by the IRS, penalties for improper disclosure or use of income tax return preparation, other preparer penalties and suspension from the electronic filing program.
The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and related Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations require income tax preparers to adopt and disclose consumer privacy policies, and provide consumers a reasonable opportunity to “opt-out” of having personal information disclosed to unaffiliated third-parties for marketing purposes. Some states have adopted or proposed strict “opt-in” requirements in connection with use or disclosure of consumer

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information. In addition, the IRS generally prohibits the use or disclosure by tax return preparers of taxpayer information without the prior written consent of the taxpayer.
Federal statutes and regulations also regulate an electronic filer’s involvement in RALs. Electronic filers must clearly explain the RAL is a loan and not a substitute for or a quicker way of receiving an income tax refund. Federal laws place restrictions on the fees an electronic filer may charge in connection with RALs. In addition, some states and localities have enacted laws and adopted regulations for RAL facilitators and/or the advertising of RALs.
Certain states have regulations and requirements relating to offering income tax courses. These requirements include licensing, bonding and certain restrictions on advertising.
As noted above under “Offices,” many of the income tax return preparation offices operating in the U.S. under the name “H&R Block” are operated by franchisees. Our franchising activities are subject to the rules and regulations of the FTC and various state laws regulating the offer and sale of franchises. The FTC and various state laws require us to furnish to prospective franchisees a franchise offering circular containing prescribed information. A number of states in which we are currently franchising regulate the sale of franchises and require registration of the franchise offering circular with state authorities and the delivery of a franchise offering circular to prospective franchisees. We are currently operating under exemptions from registration in several of these states based on our net worth and experience. Substantive state laws regulating the franchisor/franchisee relationship presently exist in a substantial number of states, and bills have been introduced in Congress from time to time that would provide for federal regulation of the franchisor/franchisee relationship in certain respects. The state laws often limit, among other things, the duration and scope of non-competition provisions, the ability of a franchisor to terminate or refuse to renew a franchise and the ability of a franchisor to designate sources of supply. From time to time, we may make appropriate amendments to our franchise offering circular to comply with our disclosure obligations under federal and state law.
We also seek to determine the applicability of all government and self-regulatory organization statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations in the other countries in which we operate (collectively, Foreign Laws) and to comply with these Foreign Laws. In addition, the Canadian government regulates the refund-discounting program in Canada. These laws have not materially affected our international operations.
See discussion in Item 1A, “Risk Factors” for additional information.
 
 
BUSINESS SERVICES
GENERAL – Our Business Services segment offers accounting, tax and business consulting services, wealth management and capital markets services to middle-market companies. Segment revenues constituted
22.0% of our consolidated revenues from continuing operations for fiscal year 2009, 23.0% for fiscal year 2008 and 25.1% for fiscal year 2007.
This segment consists primarily of RSM, which provides accounting, tax and business consulting services in 93 cities and 25 states and offers services in 21 of the 25 top U.S. markets.
From time to time, we have acquired related businesses and may continue to do so if future conditions warrant and satisfactory terms can be negotiated.
RELATIONSHIP WITH ATTEST FIRMS – By regulation, we cannot provide financial statement attest services. McGladrey & Pullen LLP (M&P) and other public accounting firms (collectively, “the Attest Firms”) operate in an alternative practice structure with RSM, and provide attest and other services related to client financial statements. Through a number of agreements with these Attest Firms, we provide accounting, payroll, human resources, marketing and other administrative services to the Attest Firms. We receive a management fee for these services. We also have a cost-sharing arrangement with the Attest Firms, whereby they reimburse us for certain costs, mainly for the use of RSM-owned or leased real estate, property and equipment. The Attest Firms generally may terminate these arrangements upon 210 days notice. Following such a termination, the Attest Firms generally are prohibited for a period of three years from engaging in businesses in which RSM engages or soliciting RSM clients. In addition, we provide working capital to M&P through a revolving credit facility in an amount equal to the lower of the value of their accounts receivable, work-in-process and fixed assets or $125.0 million. This credit facility is secured by M&P’s accounts receivable, work-in-process and fixed assets. The Attest Firms are limited liability partnerships with their own independent management, legal and business advisors, professional liability insurance, quality assurance and risk management policies. Accordingly, the Attest Firms are separate legal entities and not affiliates. Some partners and employees of the Attest Firms are also employees of RSM. The terms of the RSM/Attest Firms arrangements are based on the mutual agreement of the parties. As a result, from time to time, the parties assess various aspects of the relationship, such as the extent and cost of the RSM services, mutually supportive marketing initiatives, acquisition strategies and financing, and, when mutually agreed, have

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implemented appropriate changes in the relationship. Such a discussion is currently underway, which could lead to additional changes in the relationship.
SEASONALITY OF BUSINESS – Revenues for this segment are largely seasonal in nature, with peak revenues occurring during January through April.
COMPETITIVE CONDITIONS – The accounting, tax and consulting business is highly competitive. The principal methods of competition are price, service and reputation for quality. There are a substantial number of accounting firms offering similar services at the international, national, regional and local levels. As our focus is on middle-market businesses, our principal competition is with national and regional accounting firms.
GOVERNMENT REGULATION – Many of the same federal and state regulations relating to tax preparers and the information concerning tax reform discussed previously in Tax Services apply to the Business Services segment as well. RSM is not, and is not eligible to be, a licensed public accounting firm and takes measures to ensure that it does not provide services prohibited by regulation, such as attest services. RSM, through its subsidiaries, provides capital markets and wealth management services and is subject to state and federal regulations governing investment advisors and securities brokers and dealers.
Auditor independence rules of the SEC, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) and various states apply to the Attest Firms as public accounting firms. In applying its auditor independence rules, the SEC views us and the Attest Firms as a single entity and requires that the SEC independence rules for the Attest Firms apply to us and requires us to be independent of any SEC audit client of the Attest Firms. The SEC regards any financial interest or prohibited business relationship we have with a client of the Attest Firms as a financial interest or prohibited business relationship between the Attest Firms and the client for purposes of applying its auditor independence rules.
We and the Attest Firms have jointly developed and implemented policies, procedures and controls designed to ensure the Attest Firms’ independence as audit firms complying with applicable SEC regulations and professional responsibilities. These policies, procedures and controls are designed to monitor and prevent violations of applicable independence rules and include, among other things: (1) informing our officers, directors and other members of senior management concerning auditor independence matters; (2) procedures for monitoring securities ownership; (3) communicating with SEC audit clients regarding the SEC’s interpretation and application of relevant independence rules and guidelines; and (4) requiring RSM employees to comply with the Attest Firms’ independence and relationship policies (including the Attest Firms’ independence compliance questionnaire procedures).
See discussion in Item 1A, “Risk Factors” for additional information.
 
 
CONSUMER FINANCIAL SERVICES
GENERAL – Our Consumer Financial Services segment is engaged in providing retail banking offerings through HRB Bank, primarily to Tax Services clients in the U.S. HRB Bank offers the H&R Block Prepaid Emerald MasterCard® and Emerald Advance lines of credit through our Tax Services segment. HRB Bank also offers traditional banking services including prepaid debit card accounts, checking and savings accounts, individual retirement accounts and certificates of deposit. Segment revenues constituted 3.5% of our consolidated revenues from continuing operations for fiscal year 2009, 3.5% for 2008 and 2.1% for 2007. This segment previously included HRBFA, which was sold to Ameriprise during fiscal year 2009 and has been presented as a discontinued operation in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
The operations of HRB Bank are primarily focused on providing limited retail banking services to tax clients of H&R Block. In fiscal years 2008 and 2007, HRB Bank purchased mortgage loans, primarily from former affiliates. Although HRB Bank no longer intends to purchase mortgage loans, it continues to hold mortgage loans for investment purposes. HRB Bank had mortgage loans held for investment of $744.9 million and $966.3 million at April 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
HRB Bank earns interest income on mortgage loans held for investment and other investments, bank card transaction fees on the use of debit cards, fees from the use of ATM networks and interest and fees related to Emerald Advance lines of credit. H&R Block and its affiliates provide certain administrative services to HRB Bank. A significant portion of HRB Bank’s deposit base includes deposits relating to the business of affiliates.
The information required by the SEC’s Industry Guide 3, “Statistical Disclosure by Bank Holding Companies,” is included in Item 7.
SEASONALITY OF BUSINESS – HRB Bank’s operating results are subject to seasonal fluctuations primarily related to the offering of the H&R Block Prepaid Emerald MasterCard® and Emerald Advance lines of credit. These services are primarily offered to Tax Services clients, and therefore peak in January and February and taper off through the remainder of the tax season.

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COMPETITIVE CONDITIONS – HRB Bank is highly integrated with our Tax Services segment and its customer base of tax preparation clients. For many of these clients, HRB Bank is their only access to banking services. HRB Bank does not seek to compete broadly with regional or national retail banks.
GOVERNMENT REGULATION – HRB Bank is subject to regulation, supervision and examination by the Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS), the Federal Reserve and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). All savings associations are subject to the capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. HRB Bank must meet specific capital guidelines involving quantitative measures of HRB Bank’s assets, liabilities and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. HRB Bank’s capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk-weightings and other factors. As a savings and loan holding company, H&R Block, Inc. is also subject to regulation by the OTS.
See Item 7, “Regulatory Environment” and Item 8, note 16 to the consolidated financial statements for additional discussion of regulatory requirements.
Also see discussion in 1A, “Risk Factors” for additional information.
 
 
SERVICE MARKS, TRADEMARKS AND PATENTS
We have made a practice of selling our services and products under service marks and trademarks and of obtaining protection for these by all available means. Our service marks and trademarks are protected by registration in the U.S. and other countries where our services and products are marketed. We consider these service marks and trademarks, in the aggregate, to be of material importance to our business, particularly our business segments providing services and products under the “H&R Block” brand.
We have no registered patents material to our business.
 
 
EMPLOYEES
We have approximately 8,300 regular full-time employees as of April 30, 2009. The highest number of persons we employed during the fiscal year ended April 30, 2009, including seasonal employees, was approximately 133,700.
 
 
AVAILABILITY OF REPORTS AND OTHER INFORMATION
Our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports filed with or furnished to the SEC are available, free of charge, through our website at www.hrblock.com as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. The public may read and copy any materials we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains a website at www.sec.gov containing reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers who file electronically with the SEC.
Copies of the following corporate governance documents are posted on our website:
  §  The Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of H&R Block, Inc.;
  §  The Amended and Restated Bylaws of H&R Block, Inc.;
  §  The H&R Block, Inc. Corporate Governance Guidelines;
  §  The H&R Block, Inc. Code of Business Ethics and Conduct;
  §  The H&R Block, Inc. Board of Directors Independence Standards;
  §  The H&R Block, Inc. Audit Committee Charter;
  §  The H&R Block, Inc. Governance and Nominating Committee Charter; and
  §  The H&R Block, Inc. Compensation Committee Charter.
If you would like a printed copy of any of these corporate governance documents, please send your request to the Office of the Secretary, H&R Block, Inc., One H&R Block Way, Kansas City, Missouri 64105.
Information contained on our website does not constitute any part of this report.
 
 
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
An investment in our common stock involves risk, including the risk that the value of an investment may decline or that returns on that investment may fall below expectations. There are a number of significant factors which could cause actual conditions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, many of which are beyond management’s control or its ability to accurately forecast or predict, or could adversely affect our operating results and the value of any investment in our stock. Other factors besides those listed below or discussed in reports filed with the SEC could adversely affect our results.

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Our businesses may be adversely affected by economic conditions generally, including the current economic recession.
An economic recession, as we are currently experiencing, is frequently characterized by rising unemployment and declining consumer and business spending. Poor economic conditions may negatively affect demand and pricing for our services. In addition, the recent downturn in the residential housing market and increase in mortgage defaults has negatively impacted our operating results and may continue to do so. An economic recession will likely reduce the ability of our borrowers to repay mortgage loans, and declining home values could increase the severity of loss we may incur in the event of default. In addition to mortgage loans, we also extend secured and unsecured credit to other customers, including RALs and Emerald Advance lines of credit to our tax preparation customers. We may incur significant losses on credit we extend, which in turn could reduce our profitability.
 
Our access to liquidity may be negatively impacted if disruptions in credit markets occur, if credit rating downgrades occur or if we fail to meet certain covenants. Funding costs may increase, leading to reduced earnings.
We need liquidity to meet our off-season working capital requirements, to service debt obligations including refinancing of maturing obligations, to purchase RAL participations and for other related activities. Although we believe we have sufficient liquidity to meet our current needs, our access to and the cost of liquidity could be negatively impacted in the event of credit-rating downgrades or if we fail to meet existing debt covenants. In addition, events could occur which could increase our need for liquidity above current levels.
If rating agencies downgrade our credit rating, the cost of debt would likely increase and capital market availability could decrease or become unavailable. Our unsecured committed lines of credit (CLOCs) are subject to various covenants, including a covenant requiring that we maintain minimum net worth equal to $650.0 million and a requirement that we reduce the aggregate outstanding principal amount of short-term debt (as defined) to $200.0 million or less for a minimum period of thirty consecutive days during the period from March 1 to June 30 of each year. Violation of a covenant could impair our access to liquidity currently available through the CLOCs. If current sources of liquidity were to become unavailable, we would need to obtain additional sources of funding, which may not be possible or may be available under less favorable terms.
 
The industries in which we operate face substantial litigation, and such litigation may damage our reputation or result in material liabilities and losses.
We have been named, from time to time, as a defendant in various legal actions, including arbitrations, class actions and other litigation arising in connection with our various business activities. Adverse outcomes related to litigation could result in substantial damages and could cause our earnings to decline. Negative public opinion can also result from our actual or alleged conduct in such claims, possibly damaging our reputation and could cause the market price of our stock to decline. See Item 3, “Legal Proceedings” for additional information.
 
Failure to comply with laws and regulations that protect our customers’ personal and financial information could result in significant fines, penalties and damages and could harm our brand and reputation.
Privacy concerns relating to the disclosure of consumer financial information have drawn increased attention from federal and state governments. The IRS generally prohibits the use or disclosure by tax return preparers of taxpayers’ information without the prior written consent of the taxpayer. In addition, other regulations require financial service providers to adopt and disclose consumer privacy policies and provide consumers with a reasonable opportunity to “opt-out” of having personal information disclosed to unaffiliated third-parties for marketing purposes. Although we have established security procedures to protect against identity theft, breaches of our clients’ privacy may occur. To the extent the measures we have taken prove to be insufficient or inadequate, we may become subject to litigation or administrative sanctions, which could result in significant fines, penalties or damages and harm to our brand and reputation.
In addition, changes in these federal and state regulatory requirements could result in more stringent requirements and could result in a need to change business practices, including how information is disclosed. Establishing systems and processes to achieve compliance with these new requirements may increase costs and/or limit our ability to pursue certain business opportunities.
 
We are subject to operational risk and risks associated with our controls and procedures, which may result in incurring financial and reputational losses.
There is a risk of loss resulting from inadequate or failed processes or systems, theft or fraud. These can occur in many forms including, among others, errors, business interruptions arising from natural disasters or other events, inadequate design and development of products and services, inappropriate behavior of or misconduct by our employees or those contracted to perform services for us, and vendors that do not perform in accordance with

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their contractual agreements. These events could potentially result in financial losses or other damages. We utilize internally developed processes, internal and external information and technological systems to manage our operations. We are exposed to risk of loss resulting from breaches in the security or other failures of these processes and systems. Our ability to recover or replace our major operational systems and processes could have a significant impact on our core business operations and increase our risk of loss due to disruptions of normal operating processes and procedures that may occur while re-establishing or implementing information and transaction systems and processes. As our businesses are seasonal, our systems must be capable of processing high volumes during peak season. Therefore, service interruptions resulting from system failures could negatively impact our ability to serve our customers, which in turn could damage our brand and reputation, or adversely impact our profitability.
We also face the risk that the design of our controls and procedures may prove to be inadequate or that our controls and procedures may be circumvented, thereby causing delays in detection of errors or inaccuracies in data and information. It is possible that any lapses in the effective operations of controls and procedures could materially affect earnings or harm our reputation. Lapses or deficiencies in internal control over financial reporting could also be material to us.
 
TAX SERVICES
 
Government initiatives that simplify tax return preparation could reduce the need for our services as a third-party tax return preparer. In addition, changes in government regulations or processes regarding the preparation and filing of tax returns may increase our operating costs or reduce our revenues.
Many taxpayers seek assistance from paid tax return preparers such as us because of the level of complexity involved in the tax return preparation and filing process. From time to time, government officials propose measures seeking to simplify the preparation and filing of tax returns or to provide additional assistance with respect to preparing and filing such tax returns. The passage of any measures that significantly simplify tax return preparation or otherwise reduce the need for a third-party tax return preparer could reduce demand for our services, causing our revenues or results of operations to decline.
Governmental regulations and processes affect how we provide services to our clients. Changes in these regulations and processes may require us to make corresponding changes to our client service systems and procedures. The degree and timing of changes in governmental regulations and processes may impair our ability to serve our clients in an effective and cost-efficient manner or reduce demand for our services, causing our revenues or results of operations to decline.
 
Federal and state legislators and regulators have increasingly taken an active role in regulating financial products such as RALs. In addition, we are dependent on third-party financial institutions to provide certain of these financial products to our clients and these institutions could cease or significantly reduce the offering of such products. These trends or potential developments could impede our ability to facilitate these financial products, reduce demand for our services and harm our business.
Changes in government regulation related to RALs could limit the offering of RALs to our clients or our ability to purchase participation interests. In addition, third-party financial institutions currently originating RALs and similar products could decide to cease or significantly limit such offerings and related collection practices. Changes in IRS practices could impair our ability to limit our bad debt exposure. Changes in any of these, as well as possible litigation related to financial products offered through our distribution channels, may cause our revenues or profitability to decline. See discussion of RAL litigation in Item 3, “Legal Proceedings.” In addition to the loss of revenues and income directly attributable to the RAL program, the inability to offer RALs could indirectly result in the loss of retail tax clients and associated tax preparation revenues, unless we were able to take mitigating actions.
Total revenues related directly to the RAL program (including revenues from participation interests) were $141.0 million for the year ended April 30, 2009, representing 3.5% of consolidated revenues and contributed $56.8 million to the Tax Services segment’s pretax results. Revenues related directly to the RAL program totaled $189.8 million for the year ended April 30, 2008, representing 4.6% of consolidated revenues and contributed $87.0 million to pretax results.
 
Increased competition for tax preparation clients in our retail offices and our online and software channels could adversely affect our current market share and profitability, and could limit our ability to grow our client base. Offers of free tax preparation services could adversely affect our revenues and profitability.
The retail tax services business is highly competitive. There are a substantial number of tax return preparation firms and accounting firms offering tax return preparation services. Many tax return preparation firms and many firms not otherwise in the tax return preparation business are involved in providing electronic filing, RALs and

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other related services to the public. Commercial tax return preparers and electronic filers are highly competitive with regard to price and service. Our digital tax solutions businesses also compete with in-office tax preparation services and a number of online and software companies, primarily on the basis of price and functionality.
Federal and certain state taxing authorities currently offer, or facilitate the offer of, tax return preparation and electronic filing options to taxpayers at no charge. In addition, many of our direct competitors offer certain free online tax preparation and electronic filing options. We have free offerings as well and prepared 788,000 federal income tax returns in fiscal year 2009 at no charge as part of the FFA. Government tax authorities and direct competitors may elect to expand free offerings in the future. Intense price competition, including offers of free service, could result in a loss of market share, lower revenues or lower margins.
See tax returns prepared statistics included in Item 7, under “Tax Services.”
 
BUSINESS SERVICES
 
The RSM alternative practice structure involves relationships with Attest Firms that are subject to regulatory restrictions and other constraints. Failure to comply with these restrictions, or operational difficulties involving the Attest Firms, could damage our brand reputation, lead to reduced earnings and impair our investment in RSM.
RSM’s relationship with the Attest Firms requires compliance with applicable regulations regarding the practice of public accounting and auditor independence rules and requirements. Many of RSM’s clients are also clients of the Attest Firms. In addition, the relationship with the Attest Firms closely links our RSM McGladrey brand with the Attest Firms. If the Attest Firms were to encounter regulatory or independence issues pertaining to the alternative practice structure or if significant litigation arose involving the Attest Firms or their services, such developments could have an adverse effect on our brand reputation and our ability to realize the mutual benefits of our relationship. In addition, a significant judgment or settlement of a claim against the Attest Firms could (1) impair M&P’s ability to meet its payment obligations under various service arrangements with RSM and to repay amounts borrowed under the revolving credit facility it maintains with us, (2) impact RSM’s ability to attract and retain clients and quality professionals, (3) have a significant indirect adverse effect on RSM, as the Attest Firm partners are also RSM employees and (4) result in significant management distraction. This in turn could result in reduced revenue and earnings and, if sufficiently significant, impairment of our investment in RSM.
 
RSM receives a significant portion of its revenues from clients that are also clients of the Attest Firms. A termination of the alternative practice structure between RSM and the Attest Firms could result in a material loss of revenue to RSM and an impairment of our investment in RSM.
Under the alternative practice structure, RSM and the Attest Firms market their services jointly and provide services to a significant number of common clients. RSM also provides operational and administrative support services to the Attest Firms, including accounting, payroll, human resources, marketing, administrative services and personnel, and office space and equipment. In return for these services, RSM receives a management fee and reimbursement of certain costs, mainly for the use of RSM-owned or leased real estate, property and equipment. If the RSM/Attest Firms relationship under the alternative practice structure were to be terminated, RSM could lose key employees and clients. In addition, RSM may not be able to recoup its costs associated with the infrastructure used to provide the operational and administrative support services to the Attest Firms. This in turn could result in reduced revenue, increased costs and reduced earnings and, if sufficiently significant, impairment of our investment in RSM.
 
CONSUMER FINANCIAL SERVICES
 
We are subject to extensive government regulation, including banking rules and regulations. If we fail to comply with applicable banking laws, rules and regulations, we could be subject to disciplinary actions, damages, penalties or restrictions that could significantly harm our business.
The OTS can, among other things, censure, fine, issue cease-and-desist orders or suspend or expel a bank or any of its officers or employees with respect to banking activities. Similarly, the attorneys general of each state could bring legal action on behalf of the citizens of the various states to ensure compliance with local laws.
HRB Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the OTS. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements may trigger actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on HRB Bank. HRB Bank must meet specific capital guidelines involving quantitative measures of assets, liabilities and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. A bank’s capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about the strength of components of its capital, risk-weightings of assets, off-balance sheet transactions and other factors. Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require HRB Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of tangible equity, total risk-based capital and Tier 1 capital. In addition to these minimum ratio requirements, HRB Bank is required to continually maintain a 12.0% minimum leverage ratio through fiscal year 2012.

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See Item 8, note 16 to the consolidated financial statements for the calculation of required ratios.
 
Economic conditions that negatively affect housing prices and the job market may result in deterioration in credit quality of our loan portfolio, and such deterioration could have a negative impact on our business and profitability.
The overall credit quality of mortgage loans held for investment is impacted by the strength of the U.S. economy and local economic conditions, including residential housing prices. Economic trends that negatively affect housing prices and the job market could result in deterioration in credit quality of our mortgage loan portfolio and a decline in the value of associated collateral. Future interest rate resets could also lead to increased delinquencies in our mortgage loans held for investment. Recent trends in the residential mortgage loan market reflect an increase in loan delinquencies and declining collateral values. As a result of similar trends in our loan portfolio, we recorded significant loan loss provisions totaling $63.9 million during fiscal year 2009.
Our loan portfolio is concentrated in the states of Florida, California, New York and Wisconsin, which represented 19.4%, 17.0%, 13.7% and 8.3%, respectively, of our total mortgage loans held for investment at April 30, 2009. No other state held more than 5% of our loan balances. If adverse trends in the residential mortgage loan market continue, particularly in geographic areas in which we own a greater concentration of mortgage loans, we could incur additional significant loan loss provisions.
Mortgage loans purchased from Sand Canyon Corporation (SCC), formerly Option One Mortgage Corporation, represented approximately 65% of total loans held for investment at April 30, 2009. These loans have been subject to higher delinquency rates than other loans in our portfolio, and may expose us to greater risk of credit loss.
 
Significant changes have been proposed relating to the regulation of financial institutions. Although the ultimate impact of pending proposals is uncertain at this time, increased regulation could impact operating activities of our bank.
Various legislative proposals have been made regarding changes in the regulation of financial institutions, including the recently released Financial Regulatory Reform Plan. Prior proposals included legislation which would have empowered courts to modify the terms of mortgage loans including a reduction in the principal amount to reflect lower underlying property values.
Future changes in regulation could increase compliance requirements and operating costs of HRB Bank, and could potentially limit operating activities of the bank. Should proposals be enacted into law allowing government modification of mortgage loans, we could report losses on mortgage loans in excess of current levels. The availability of principal reductions or other mortgage loan modifications could make bankruptcy a more attractive option for troubled borrowers, leading to increased bankruptcy filings and accelerated defaults.
 
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
 
SCC is subject to potential litigation stemming from discontinued mortgage operations, which may result in significant financial losses.
Although SCC terminated its mortgage loan origination activities and sold its loan servicing business during fiscal year 2008, it remains subject to investigations, claims and lawsuits pertaining to its loan origination and servicing activities prior to such termination and sale. The costs involved in defending against and/or resolving these investigations, claims and lawsuits may be substantial in some instances and the ultimate resulting liability is difficult to predict. In the current non-prime mortgage environment, the number and frequency of investigations, claims and lawsuits has increased over historical experience and is likely to continue at increased levels. In the event of unfavorable outcomes, the amount SCC may be required to pay in the discharge of liabilities or settlements could be substantial and, because SCC’s operating results are included in our consolidated financial statements, could have a material adverse impact on our consolidated results of operations.
 
We are subject to potential contingent liabilities related to loan repurchase obligations, which may result in significant financial losses.
SCC remains exposed to losses relating to mortgage loans it previously originated. Non-prime mortgage loans originated by SCC were sold either as whole-loan sales to single third-party buyers or in the form of a securitization.
SCC entered into indemnification agreements with third-parties relating to the mortgage loans transferred through such whole-loan sales or securitizations. In some instances, H&R Block, Inc. was required to guarantee SCC’s obligations. Obligations to repurchase loans or indemnify a third-party up to an agreed upon amount may arise from breaches of various representations and warranties SCC made under such indemnification agreements. These representations and warranties vary based on the nature of the transaction and the buyer’s requirements but generally pertain to the ownership of the loan, the property securing the loan and compliance with applicable laws

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and SCC underwriting guidelines. These representations and warranties and corresponding repurchase obligations generally are not subject to stated limits or a stated term.
SCC records a liability for contingent losses relating to representation and warranty claims by estimating loan repurchase volumes and indemnification obligations for both known claims and projections of expected future claims. To the extent that future valid claim volumes exceed current estimates, or the value of mortgage loans and residential home prices decline, future losses may be greater than these estimates and those differences may be significant.
 
 
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
 
 
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Most of our tax offices, except those in shared locations, are operated under leases throughout the U.S. Our Canadian executive offices are located in a leased office in Calgary, Alberta. Our Canadian tax offices are operated under leases throughout Canada.
RSM’s executive offices are located in leased offices in Bloomington, Minnesota. Its administrative offices are located in leased offices in Davenport, Iowa. RSM also leases office space throughout the U.S.
HRB Bank is headquartered and its single branch location is located in our corporate headquarters.
We own our corporate headquarters, which is located in Kansas City, Missouri. All current leased and owned facilities are in good repair and adequate to meet our needs.
 
 
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The information below should be read in conjunction with the information included in Item 8, note 18 to our consolidated financial statements.
RAL LITIGATION – We have been named as a defendant in numerous lawsuits throughout the country regarding our refund anticipation loan programs (collectively, “RAL Cases”). The RAL Cases have involved a variety of legal theories asserted by plaintiffs. These theories include allegations that, among other things: disclosures in the RAL applications were inadequate, misleading and untimely; the RAL interest rates were usurious and unconscionable; we did not disclose that we would receive part of the finance charges paid by the customer for such loans; untrue, misleading or deceptive statements in marketing RALs; breach of state laws on credit service organizations; breach of contract, unjust enrichment, unfair and deceptive acts or practices; violations of the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act; violations of the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and unfair competition regarding debt collection activities; and that we owe, and breached, a fiduciary duty to our customers in connection with the RAL program.
The amounts claimed in the RAL Cases have been very substantial in some instances, with one settlement resulting in a pretax expense of $43.5 million in fiscal year 2003 (the “Texas RAL Settlement”) and other settlements resulting in a combined pretax expense in fiscal year 2006 of $70.2 million.
We have settled all but one of the RAL Cases. The sole remaining RAL Case is a putative class action entitled Sandra J. Basile, et al. v. H&R Block, Inc., et al., April Term 1992 Civil Action No. 3246 in the Court of Common Pleas, First Judicial District Court of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia County, instituted on April 23, 1993. In Basile, the court decertified the class in December 2003, and the Pennsylvania appellate court subsequently reversed the trial court’s decertification decision. In September 2006, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court reversed the appellate court’s reversal of the trial court’s decertification decision. In June 2007, the appellate court affirmed its earlier decision to reverse the trial court’s decertification decision. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has granted our request to review the appellate court ruling. We believe we have meritorious defenses to this case and we intend to defend it vigorously. There can be no assurances, however, as to the outcome of this case or its impact on our financial statements.
PEACE OF MIND LITIGATION – We are defendants in lawsuits regarding our Peace of Mind program (collectively, the “POM Cases”), under which our applicable tax return preparation subsidiary assumes liability for additional tax assessments attributable to tax return preparation error. The POM Cases are described below.
Lorie J. Marshall, et al. v. H&R Block Tax Services, Inc., et al., Case No. 08-CV-591 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois, is a class action case originally filed in the Circuit Court of Madison County, Illinois on January 18, 2002, in which class certification was granted in August 2003. The plaintiffs allege that the sale of POM guarantees constitutes (1) statutory fraud by selling insurance without a license, (2) an unfair trade practice, by omission and by “cramming” (i.e., charging customers for the guarantee even though they did not request it or

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want it), and (3) a breach of fiduciary duty. The court has certified plaintiff classes consisting of all persons residing in 13 states who from January 1, 1997 to final judgment (1) were charged a separate fee for POM by “H&R Block;” (2) were charged a separate fee for POM by an “H&R Block” entity not licensed to sell insurance; or (3) had an unsolicited charge for POM posted to their bills by “H&R Block.” Persons who received the POM guarantee through an H&R Block Premium office were excluded from the plaintiff class. In August 2008, we removed the case from state court in Madison County, Illinois to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois. In December 2008, the U.S. District Court remanded the case back to state court. On April 3, 2009, the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit reversed the decision to remand the case back to state court, ruling that the case had been properly removed to federal court. The plaintiffs have filed a petition for rehearing of this decision with the Seventh Circuit.
There is one other putative class action pending against us in Texas that involves the POM guarantee. This case is pending before the same judge that presided over the Texas RAL Settlement, involves the same plaintiffs’ attorneys that are involved in the Marshall litigation in Illinois, and contains allegations similar to those in the Marshall case. No class has been certified in this case.
We believe we have meritorious defenses to the claims in the POM Cases, and we intend to defend them vigorously. The amounts claimed in the POM Cases are substantial, however, and there can be no assurances as to the outcome of these pending actions individually or in the aggregate.
EXPRESS IRA LITIGATION – On March 15, 2006, the New York Attorney General filed a lawsuit in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York (Index No. 06/401110) entitled The People of New York v. H&R Block, Inc. and H&R Block Financial Advisors, Inc. et al. The complaint alleged fraudulent business practices, deceptive acts and practices, common law fraud and breach of fiduciary duty with respect to the Express IRA product and sought equitable relief, disgorgement of profits, damages and restitution, civil penalties and punitive damages. In July 2007, the Supreme Court of the State of New York issued a ruling that dismissed all defendants other than HRBFA and the claims of common law fraud. The intermediate appellate court reversed this ruling in January 2009. We believe we have meritorious defenses to the claims in this case and intend to defend this case vigorously, but there are no assurances as to its outcome.
On January 2, 2008, the Mississippi Attorney General filed a lawsuit in the Chancery Court of Hinds County, Mississippi First Judicial District (Case No. G 2008 6 S 2) entitled Jim Hood, Attorney for the State of Mississippi v. H&R Block, Inc., et al. The complaint alleged fraudulent business practices, deceptive acts and practices, common law fraud and breach of fiduciary duty with respect to the Express IRA product and sought equitable relief, disgorgement of profits, damages and restitution, civil penalties and punitive damages. The defendants have filed a motion to dismiss. We believe we have meritorious defenses to the claims in this case, and we intend to defend this case vigorously, but there are no assurances as to its outcome.
In addition to the New York and Mississippi Attorney General actions, a number of civil actions were filed against HRBFA and us concerning the Express IRA product, the first of which was filed on March 15, 2006. Except for two cases pending in state court, all of the civil actions have been consolidated by the panel for Multi-District Litigation into a single action styled In re H&R Block, Inc. Express IRA Marketing Litigation (Case No. 06-1786-MD-RED) in the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri. The amounts claimed in these cases are substantial. We believe we have meritorious defenses to the claims in these cases and intend to defend these cases vigorously, but there are no assurances as to their outcome.
Although we sold HRBFA effective November 1, 2008, we remain responsible for the Express IRA litigation through an indemnification agreement with Ameriprise. See additional discussion in Item 8, note 19 to the consolidated financial statements.
SECURITIES LITIGATION – On April 6, 2007, a putative class action styled In re H&R Block Securities Litigation (Case No. 06-0236-CV-W-ODS) was filed against the Company and certain of its officers in the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri. The complaint alleged, among other things, deceptive, material and misleading financial statements and failure to prepare financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The complaint sought unspecified damages and equitable relief. The court dismissed the complaint in February 2008, and the plaintiffs appealed the dismissal in March 2008. In addition, plaintiffs in a shareholder derivative action that was consolidated into the securities litigation filed a separate appeal in March 2008, contending that the derivative action was improperly consolidated. The derivative action is Iron Workers Local 16 Pension Fund v. H&R Block, et al., in the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri, Case No. 06-cv-00466-ODS (instituted on June 8, 2006) and was brought against certain of our directors and officers purportedly on behalf of the Company. The derivative action alleges breach of fiduciary duty, abuse of control, gross mismanagement, waste, and unjust enrichment pertaining to (1) our restatement of financial results in fiscal year 2006 due to errors in determining our state effective income tax rate and (2) certain of our products and business activities. We believe we have meritorious defenses to the claims in these cases and intend to defend

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this litigation vigorously. We currently do not believe that we will incur a material loss with respect to this litigation.
RSM MCGLADREY LITIGATION – RSM McGladrey Business Services, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries are parties to a class action filed on July 11, 2006 and entitled Do Right’s Plant Growers, et al. v. RSM EquiCo, Inc., et al. Case No. 06 CC00137, in the California Superior Court, Orange County. The complaint contains allegations regarding business valuation services provided by RSM EquiCo, Inc., including fraud, negligent misrepresentation, breach of contract, breach of implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, breach of fiduciary duty and unfair competition and seeks unspecified damages, restitution and equitable relief. On March 17, 2009, the court granted plaintiffs’ motion for class certification on all claims. The class consists of all RSM EquiCo U.S. clients who signed platform agreements and for whom RSM EquiCo did not ultimately market their business for sale. RSM EquiCo has filed an appeal of this certification ruling and intends to defend this case vigorously. The amount claimed in this action is substantial and could have a material adverse impact on our consolidated results of operations. There can be no assurance regarding the outcome of this matter.
RSM has a relationship with the Attest Firms pursuant to which (1) some RSM employees are also partners or employees of the Attest Firms, (2) many clients of the Attest Firms are also RSM clients, and (3) our RSM McGladrey brand is closely linked to the Attest Firms. The Attest Firms are parties to claims and lawsuits (collectively, “Attest Firm Claims”) arising in the normal course of business. Judgments or settlements arising from Attest Firm Claims exceeding the Attest Firms’ insurance coverage could have a direct adverse effect on Attest Firm operations and could impair RSM’s ability to attract and retain clients and quality professionals. For example, accounting and auditing firms (including one of the Attest Firms) have become subject to claims based on losses their clients suffered from investments in investment funds managed by third-parties. Although RSM may not have a direct liability for significant Attest Firm Claims, such Attest Firm Claims could have a material adverse effect on RSM’s operations and impair the value of our investment in RSM. There is no assurance regarding the outcome of the Attest Firm Claims.
LITIGATION AND CLAIMS PERTAINING TO DISCONTINUED MORTGAGE OPERATIONS – Although mortgage loan origination activities were terminated and the loan servicing business was sold during fiscal year 2008, SCC remains subject to investigations, claims and lawsuits pertaining to its loan origination and servicing activities that occurred prior to such termination and sale. These investigations, claims and lawsuits include actions by state attorneys general, other state regulators, municipalities, individual plaintiffs, and cases in which plaintiffs seek to represent a class of others alleged to be similarly situated. Among other things, these investigations, claims and lawsuits allege discriminatory or unfair and deceptive loan origination and servicing practices, public nuisance, fraud, and violations of the Truth in Lending Act, Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Fair Housing Act. In the current non-prime mortgage environment, the number of these investigations, claims and lawsuits has increased over historical experience and is likely to continue at increased levels. The amounts claimed in these investigations, claims and lawsuits are substantial in some instances, and the ultimate resulting liability is difficult to predict. In the event of unfavorable outcomes, the amounts SCC may be required to pay in the discharge of liabilities or settlements could be substantial and, because SCC’s operating results are included in our consolidated financial statements, could have a material adverse impact on our consolidated results of operations.
On June 3, 2008, the Massachusetts Attorney General filed a lawsuit in the Superior Court of Suffolk County, Massachusetts (Case No. 08-2474-BLS) entitled Commonwealth of Massachusetts v. H&R Block, Inc., et al., alleging unfair, deceptive and discriminatory origination and servicing of mortgage loans and seeking equitable relief, disgorgement of profits, restitution and statutory penalties. In November 2008, the court granted a preliminary injunction limiting the ability of the owner of SCC’s former loan servicing business to initiate or advance foreclosure actions against certain loans originated by SCC or its subsidiaries without (1) advance notice to the Massachusetts Attorney General and (2) if the Attorney General objects to foreclosure, approval by the court. The preliminary injunction generally applies to loans meeting all of the following four characteristics: (1) adjustable rate mortgages with an introductory period of three years or less; (2) the borrower has a debt-to-income ratio generally exceeding 50 percent; (3) an introductory interest rate at least 2 percent lower than the fully indexed rate (unless the debt-to-income ratio is 55% or greater); and (4) loan-to-value ratio of 97 percent or certain prepayment penalties. We have appealed this preliminary injunction. We believe the claims in this case are without merit, and we intend to defend this case vigorously, but there are no assurances as to its outcome.
SCC also remains subject to potential claims for indemnification and loan repurchases pertaining to loans previously sold. In the current non-prime mortgage environment, it is likely that the frequency of repurchase and indemnification claims may increase over historical experience and give rise to additional litigation. In some instances, H&R Block, Inc. was required to guarantee SCC’s obligations. The amounts involved in these potential claims may be substantial, and the ultimate resulting liability is difficult to predict. Because SCC’s operating

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results are included in our consolidated financial statements, the amounts SCC may be required to pay in the discharge or settlement of these claims in the event of unfavorable outcomes could have a material adverse impact on our consolidated results of operations.
OTHER CLAIMS AND LITIGATION – We are from time to time party to investigations, claims and lawsuits not discussed herein arising out of our business operations. These investigations, claims and lawsuits include actions by state attorneys general, other state regulators, individual plaintiffs, and cases in which plaintiffs seek to represent a class of others similarly situated. Some of these investigations, claims and lawsuits pertain to RALs, the electronic filing of customers’ income tax returns, the POM guarantee program, wage and hour claims and investment products. We believe we have meritorious defenses to each of these claims, and we are defending or intend to defend them vigorously. The amounts claimed in these claims and lawsuits are substantial in some instances, however the ultimate liability with respect to such litigation and claims is difficult to predict. In the event of an unfavorable outcome, the amounts we may be required to pay in the discharge of liabilities or settlements could be material.
In addition to the aforementioned types of cases, we are party to claims and lawsuits that we consider to be ordinary, routine litigation incidental to our business, including claims and lawsuits (collectively, “Other Claims”) concerning the preparation of customers’ income tax returns, the fees charged customers for various products and services, relationships with franchisees, intellectual property disputes, employment matters and contract disputes. While we cannot provide assurance that we will ultimately prevail in each instance, we believe the amount, if any, we are required to pay in the discharge of liabilities or settlements in these Other Claims will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated operating results, financial position or cash flows.
 
 
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2009.
 
 
PART II
 
 
ITEM 5.  MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
 
H&R Block’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol HRB. On May 31, 2009, there were 24,835 shareholders of record and the closing stock price on the NYSE was $14.60 per share.
In October 2008, we sold 8.3 million shares of our common stock in a registered direct offering through subscription agreements with selected institutional investors. See additional information in Item 8, note 11 to the consolidated financial statements.
During the fiscal year ended April 30, 2009, we issued approximately 8,500 shares of our common stock as purchase price consideration for acquisitions. These issuances were private offerings exempt from registration pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933.
On March 4, 2009, we also issued a total of 8,604 shares of our common stock to former members of our Board of Directors (4,302 shares each to Roger W. Hale and Henry F. Frigon) as compensation pursuant to the 2008 Deferred Stock Unit Plan for Outside Directors, in reliance upon the administrative position set forth in SEC Release No. 33-6188 (February 1, 1980) 17 C.F.R. 231.6188 (1989) and SEC Release No. 33-6281 (January 15, 1981) 17 C.F.R. 231.6281 (1989).
The information regarding H&R Block’s common stock regarding quarterly sales prices and dividends declared appears in Item 8, note 21 to our consolidated financial statements.
A summary of our securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans as of April 30, 2009 is as follows:
                             
(in 000s, except per share amounts) 
    Number of securities
    Weighted-average
    Number of securities remaining
     
    to be issued upon
    exercise price of
    available for future issuance under
     
    exercise of options
    outstanding options
    equity compensation plans (excluding
     
    warrants and rights     warrants and rights     securities reflected in the first column)      
 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
    16,081     $ 21.83       11,540      
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
    –         –         –        
                             
Total
    16,081     $ 21.83       11,540      
                             
                             
The remaining information called for by this item relating to “Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans” is reported in Item 8, note 12 to our consolidated financial statements.

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A summary of our purchases of H&R Block common stock during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2009 is as follows:
                                     
(in 000s, except per share amounts) 
          Average
    Total Number of Shares
    Maximum Dollar Value of
     
    Total Number of
    Price Paid
    Purchased as Part of Publicly
    Shares that May be Purchased
     
    Shares Purchased(1)     per Share     Announced Plans or Programs(2)     Under the Plans or Programs(2)      
 
February 1 – February 28
    5     $ 20.75       –       $ 2,000,000      
March 1 – March 31
    5,630     $ 17.53       5,630     $ 1,901,419      
April 1 – April 30
    1     $ 18.51       –       $ 1,901,419      
                                     
(1)  Of the shares listed above, approximately six thousand shares were purchased in connection with funding employee income tax withholding obligations arising upon the exercise of stock options or the lapse of restrictions on restricted shares.
(2)  In June 2008, our Board of Directors rescinded the previous authorizations to repurchase shares of our common stock, and approved an authorization to purchase up to $2.0 billion of our common stock through June 2012.
 
PERFORMANCE GRAPH – The following graph compares the cumulative five-year total return provided shareholders on H&R Block, Inc.’s common stock relative to the cumulative total returns of the S&P 500 index and the S&P Diversified Commercial & Professional Services index. An investment of $100, with reinvestment of all dividends, is assumed to have been made in our common stock and in each of the indexes on April 30, 2004, and its relative performance is tracked through April 30, 2009.
 
(LINE GRAPH)
 
ITEM 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
We derived the selected consolidated financial data presented below as of and for each of the five years in the period ended April 30, 2009, from our audited consolidated financial statements. At April 30, 2009, HRBFA and its direct corporate parent are presented as discontinued operations in the consolidated financial statements. All periods presented have been reclassified to reflect our discontinued operations. The data set forth below should be read in conjunction with Item 7 and our consolidated financial statements in Item 8.
                                             
                (in 000s, except per share amounts)      
April 30,   2009     2008     2007     2006     2005      
 
Revenues
  $  4,083,577     $  4,086,630     $  3,710,362     $  3,286,798     $  2,907,125      
Net income before discontinued operations and
change in accounting principle
    513,055       445,947       369,460       310,811       358,327      
Net income (loss)
    485,673       (308,647 )     (433,653 )     490,408       623,910      
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
                                           
Net income before discontinued operations and change in accounting principle
  $ 1.54     $ 1.37     $ 1.14     $ 0.95     $ 1.08      
Net income (loss)
    1.46       (0.95 )     (1.34 )     1.49       1.88      
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
                                           
Net income before discontinued operations and change in accounting principle
  $ 1.53     $ 1.36     $ 1.13     $ 0.93     $ 1.06      
Net income (loss)
    1.45       (0.94 )     (1.33 )     1.47       1.85      
Total assets
  $ 5,359,722     $ 5,623,425     $ 7,544,050     $ 5,989,135     $ 5,538,056      
Long-term debt
    1,032,122       1,031,784       537,134       417,262       922,933      
Dividends per share
  $ 0.59     $ 0.56     $ 0.53     $ 0.49     $ 0.43      

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ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
Our subsidiaries provide tax preparation, retail banking and various business advisory and consulting services. We are the only major company offering a full range of software, online and in-office tax preparation solutions to individual tax clients.
 
 
OVERVIEW
A summary of our fiscal year 2009 results is as follows:
  §  Revenues for the fiscal year were $4.1 billion, essentially flat compared with prior year results.
  §  Diluted earnings per share of our continuing operations increased 12.5% from the prior year to $1.53, primarily due to cost containment measures implemented across all our segments.
  §  Tax returns prepared in the U.S. declined 3.2% from the prior year due to a decline in overall IRS filings and a weak economy, which we believe resulted in clients seeking lower-cost alternatives.
  §  Increases in net average fee per tax return prepared of 7.2% resulted primarily from higher return-complexity.
  §  Tax Services segment revenues increased 1.5% over the prior year. Segment pretax income increased $108.0 million, or 13.7%, due primarily to cost containment measures resulting in a year-over-year increase to pretax margin of 320 basis points to 29.5%. Revenues and margins also benefitted from the November 2008 acquisition of our last major franchise operator.
  §  Business Services pretax income increased 8.2% over the prior year, as lower than expected revenues were offset by cost containment measures.
  §  Consumer Financial Services reported a pretax loss of $14.5 million compared to income of $11.5 million in the prior year, due primarily to increases in loan loss provisions.
  §  Our brokerage advisor business previously conducted through HRBFA was sold to Ameriprise effective November 1, 2008 and results for that business have been reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented.
                             
Consolidated Results of Operations Data   (in 000s, except per share amounts)      
Year Ended April 30,   2009     2008     2007      
 
REVENUES:
                           
Tax Services
  $  3,033,123     $  2,988,617     $  2,685,858      
Business Services
    897,809       941,686       932,361      
Consumer Financial Services
    141,801       142,706       77,178      
Corporate and eliminations
    10,844       13,621       14,965      
   
    $ 4,083,577     $ 4,086,630     $ 3,710,362      
   
INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE TAXES:
Tax Services
  $ 893,805     $ 785,839     $ 705,171      
Business Services
    96,097       88,797       57,661      
Consumer Financial Services
    (14,508 )     11,484       23,086      
Corporate and eliminations
    (136,024 )     (151,049 )     (158,657 )    
   
      839,370       735,071       627,261      
Income taxes
    326,315       289,124       257,801      
   
Net income from continuing operations
    513,055       445,947       369,460      
Net loss of discontinued operations
    (27,382 )     (754,594 )     (803,113 )    
   
Net income (loss)
  $ 485,673     $ (308,647 )   $ (433,653 )    
   
BASIC EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE:
                           
Net income from continuing operations
  $ 1.54     $ 1.37     $ 1.14      
Net loss of discontinued operations
    (0.08 )     (2.32 )     (2.48 )    
   
Net income (loss)
  $ 1.46     $ (0.95 )   $ (1.34 )    
   
DILUTED EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE:
                           
Net income from continuing operations
  $ 1.53     $ 1.36     $ 1.13      
Net loss of discontinued operations
    (0.08 )     (2.30 )     (2.46 )    
   
Net income (loss)
  $ 1.45     $ (0.94 )   $ (1.33 )    
   
 

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
 
TAX SERVICES
This segment primarily consists of our income tax preparation businesses – retail, online and software. This segment includes our tax operations in the U.S., Canada and Australia. The following discussion excludes the results of our former tax business in the United Kingdom, which is reported in discontinued operations for fiscal year 2007.
 
                         
Tax Services – Operating Statistics              
(in 000s, except average fee)  
 
Year Ended April 30,   2009     2008     2007  
 
 
TAX RETURNS PREPARED (1):
                       
United States:
                       
Company-owned operations
    10,231       10,530       10,336  
Franchise operations
    4,936       5,577       5,460  
   
Total retail operations
    15,167       16,107       15,796  
   
Software
    2,418       2,378       2,708  
Online
    2,775       1,911       1,723  
Free File Alliance
    788       1,453       1,224  
   
Total digital tax solutions
    5,981       5,742       5,655  
   
Total U.S operations
    21,148       21,849       21,451  
International operations
    2,864       2,725       2,569  
   
      24,012       24,574       24,020  
   
NET AVERAGE FEE PER U.S. TAX RETURN PREPARED (2):
                       
Company-owned operations
  $ 196.16     $ 183.68     $ 172.45  
Franchise operations
    169.04       157.72       151.06  
   
    $  187.36     $  174.70     $  165.06  
   
LOAN PRODUCTS :
                       
RALs(3):
                       
Company-owned operations
    1,904       2,446       2,402  
Franchise operations
    1,042       1,460       1,450  
   
      2,946       3,906       3,852  
   
Emerald Advance lines of credit
    1,047       887       –    
   
(1)  Fiscal year 2009 tax returns prepared in company-owned offices include approximately 470,000 returns prepared in offices of our last major franchise operator, which we acquired in November 2008. Tax returns prepared in the same acquired offices are reported in franchise operations for fiscal years 2008 and 2007. Clients who were prompted to file a tax return to receive a rebate under the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 have been excluded from all periods.
(2)  Calculated as net tax preparation fees divided by retail tax returns prepared.
(3)  Data is for tax season (January 1 – April 30) only.
 
                         
 
Tax Services – Financial Results     (dollars in 000s)  
 
Year Ended April 30,   2009     2008     2007  
 
 
Service revenues:
                       
Tax preparation fees
  $ 2,155,217     $ 2,096,236     $ 1,896,269  
Other services
    367,153       363,579       301,411  
   
      2,522,370       2,459,815       2,197,680  
Royalties
    255,536       237,986       220,136  
Loan participation fees and related revenue
    142,740       190,201       210,040  
Other
    112,477       100,615       58,002  
   
Total revenues
    3,033,123       2,988,617       2,685,858  
   
Cost of services:
                       
Compensation and benefits
    870,044       889,923       826,064  
Occupancy
    377,846       376,350       346,937  
Supplies
    47,852       56,731       58,013  
Bad debt
    43,327       42,248       25,228  
Depreciation and amortization
    37,521       36,378       42,043  
Allocated shared services and other
    209,473       203,695       189,595  
   
      1,586,063       1,605,325       1,487,880  
Cost of other revenues, selling, general and administrative
    553,255       597,453       492,807  
   
Total expenses
    2,139,318       2,202,778       1,980,687  
   
Pretax income
  $ 893,805     $ 785,839     $ 705,171  
   
Pretax margin
    29.5%       26.3%       26.3%  

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FISCAL 2009 COMPARED TO FISCAL 2008 – Tax Services’ revenues increased $44.5 million, or 1.5%, compared to the prior year.
Tax preparation fees from our retail offices increased $59.0 million, or 2.8%, for fiscal year 2009. This increase is primarily due to an increase of 6.8% in the net average fee per U.S. tax return prepared in company-owned offices, offset by a 2.8% decrease in the number of U.S. tax returns prepared in those offices. Tax return volume was positively affected by the November 2008 acquisition of our last major independent franchise operator, which resulted in an increase of 470,000 tax returns prepared in company-owned offices. See Item 8, note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information on this acquisition. Excluding operating results attributable to the acquired franchise operator, tax returns prepared in company-owned offices decreased 7.3% from the prior year and tax preparation fees decreased $32.9 million.
Increases in our net average fee are due primarily to increased tax return complexity. In addition, planned pricing increases of approximately 1% and lower discounts contributed to an increase in net average fee. We believe that declines during the year in tax return volume were attributable to a decline of approximately 6% in IRS tax filings overall, and difficult economic conditions which resulted in clients seeking lower-cost tax preparation alternatives.
Tax returns prepared in our international operations grew 5.1%, and the related tax preparation revenues increased 8.9% in local currencies. However, unfavorable exchange rates caused these revenues in U.S. dollars to decline $9.5 million, or 5.6%, from the prior year.
Other service revenue increased $3.6 million, or 1.0%, primarily due to $10.7 million in additional license fees earned from bank products, mainly RACs, coupled with additional revenues from online tax preparation. We also earned an incremental $6.6 million in connection with an agreement with HRB Bank for the H&R Block Emerald Prepaid MasterCard® program, under which, this segment shares in the revenues and expenses associated with the program. These increases were partially offset by a $10.6 million decline in e-filing revenues, as a result of the elimination of separate e-filing fees related to our TaxCut® software product.
Royalty revenue increased $17.6 million, or 7.4%, primarily due to a 7.2% increase in the net average fee and an increase in royalty rates at sub-franchises of the acquired franchise operator.
Loan participation fees and related revenues decreased $47.5 million, or 25.0%, from the prior year. This decrease is primarily due to a 24.6% decline in RAL volume, mainly as a result of many clients choosing lower cost alternatives such as RACs rather than a loan. In addition, stricter credit criteria were required by our third-party loan originator.
Other revenues increased $11.9 million, or 11.8%, primarily due to $22.7 million in incremental fees earned in connection with the Emerald Advance loan program, also under a revenue and expense sharing agreement with HRB Bank. This increase was partially offset by a decline in software revenues.
Total expenses decreased $63.5 million, or 2.9%, compared with the prior year, due primarily to lower tax return volumes, lower bad debt on loan products and planned cost reduction initiatives. Cost of services decreased $19.3 million, or 1.2%, from the prior year almost exclusively as a result of a decrease in commission-based wages resulting from a corresponding decrease in tax returns prepared.
Cost of other revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $44.2 million, or 7.4%. This decrease was due, in part, to a $17.1 million decline in bad debt expense due to lower RAL volumes and the impact of loss provisions in the prior year which did not repeat in fiscal year 2009, partially offset by an increase in Emerald Advance loan volumes. We also saw a decline of $32.4 million in allocated corporate and support department costs due to cost reduction efforts, offset by a planned increase of $43.0 million in marketing costs. During fiscal year 2009 we sold certain company-owned offices to franchisees, recognizing a net gain of $14.9 million, which is included above as a reduction to cost of other revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses.
Pretax income for fiscal year 2009 increased $108.0 million, or 13.7%, from 2008. As a result of cost reduction initiatives and the acquisition of our last major franchise operator, pretax margin for the segment increased from 26.3% in fiscal year 2008, to 29.5% in fiscal year 2009, in excess of our stated minimum goal to achieve a 200 basis point margin improvement.
 
FISCAL 2008 COMPARED TO FISCAL 2007 – Tax Services’ revenues increased $302.8 million, or 11.3%, compared to fiscal year 2007.
Tax preparation fees from our retail offices increased $200.0 million, or 10.5%, for fiscal year 2008. This increase was primarily due to an increase of 6.5% in the net average fee per U.S. tax return prepared in company-owned offices, and a 1.9% increase in the number of U.S. tax returns prepared in those offices. Our international operations contributed $33.2 million to the increase, resulting from a 6.1% increase in tax returns prepared.
Other service revenue increased $62.2 million, or 20.6%, primarily due to $23.9 million in additional license fees earned from bank products and $16.2 million in additional revenues from our online tax preparation and e-filing

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services. This segment also earned $15.1 million in additional customer fees based on an agreement with HRB Bank for the H&R Block Emerald Prepaid MasterCard® program.
Royalty revenue increased $17.9 million, or 8.1%, due to a 2.1% increase in tax returns prepared in franchise offices and a 4.4% increase in the net average fee.
Loan participation fees and related revenues decreased $19.8 million, or 9.4%, from fiscal year 2007. This decrease was primarily due to participation fees earned on Instant Money Advance Loans (IMALs) in fiscal year 2007. IMALs were not offered during fiscal year 2008. This decrease was offset by an increase in other revenues related to Emerald Advance lines of credit.
Other revenues increased $42.6 million, or 73.5%, primarily due to $24.1 million in fees earned in connection with the Emerald Advance loan program, also under a revenue and expense sharing agreement with HRB Bank. Additionally, $16.2 million of the increase was due to sales of commercial tax preparation software, TaxWorks®, which was acquired in February 2007.
Total expenses increased $222.1 million, or 11.2%, compared to fiscal year 2007. Cost of services increased $117.4 million, or 7.9%, from fiscal year 2007. Compensation and benefits increased $63.9 million, or 7.7%, primarily as a result of a 6.5% increase in commission-based wages resulting from a corresponding increase in tax returns prepared and net average charge. Occupancy expenses increased $29.4 million, or 8.5%, primarily as a result of higher rent expenses, due to a 2.8% increase in company-owned offices under lease and a 3.4% increase in the average rent. Bad debt expense increased $17.0 million due to increased settlement product withholdings and increased delinquency rates. Other cost of services increased $14.1 million, or 7.4%, primarily due to additional support department costs for information technology and other projects and costs associated with the H&R Block Emerald Prepaid MasterCard® program, which this segment shares with HRB Bank.
Cost of other revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses increased $104.6 million, or 21.2%. This increase was primarily due to $58.1 million of incremental bad debt expense related to RALs and our new Emerald Advance program. Approximately $14.2 million of the increase in bad debt expense was due to the elimination of third-party cross-collect practices, whereby banks no longer collect amounts due from clients on our behalf, and an additional $12.0 million resulted from changes in IRS taxpayer fraud detection practices. The remaining increase was primarily due to an incremental $31.5 million in bad debt expense related to the Emerald Advance loan program, which replaced the IMAL. This increase was primarily due to the participation rate on IMALs, which was 26%, while Emerald Advances are funded by HRB Bank with nearly 100% participation by this segment in loans outstanding at April 30, 2008. We also saw increases of $23.3 million, $10.6 million and $9.8 million in corporate wages, amortization of intangibles and legal expenses, respectively.
Pretax income for fiscal year 2008 increased $80.7 million, or 11.4%, from 2007.

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BUSINESS SERVICES
This segment offers accounting, tax and business consulting services, wealth management and capital market services to middle-market companies. The following discussion excludes the results of three businesses reported in discontinued operations in fiscal years 2008 and 2007.
                         
 
Business Services – Operating Statistics  
 
Year Ended April 30,   2009     2008     2007  
 
 
ACCOUNTING, TAX AND BUSINESS CONSULTING:
                       
Chargeable hours (000s)
    4,724       4,971       5,075  
Chargeable hours per person
    1,406       1,423       1,373  
Net billed rate per hour
  $ 151     $ 147     $ 148  
Average margin per person
  $ 121,492     $ 120,638     $ 118,415  
 
                         
 
Business Services – Operating Results     (dollars in 000s)  
 
Year Ended April 30,   2009     2008     2007  
 
 
Tax services
  $   458,439     $   442,521     $   408,857  
Business consulting
    249,346       237,113       205,541  
Accounting services
    54,217       57,399       65,372  
Capital markets
    18,220       51,144       48,886  
Leased employee revenue
    55       25,100       83,244  
Reimbursed expenses
    19,863       18,654       13,436  
Other
    97,669       109,755       107,025  
   
Total revenues
    897,809       941,686       932,361  
   
Compensation and benefits
    521,513       535,920       541,861  
Occupancy
    79,817       74,841       68,859  
Other
    61,732       65,349       65,699  
   
Cost of revenues
    663,062       676,110       676,419  
Amortization of intangible assets
    13,018       14,439       15,521  
Selling, general and administrative
    125,632       162,340       182,760  
   
Total expenses
    801,712       852,889       874,700  
   
Pretax income
  $ 96,097     $ 88,797     $ 57,661  
   
Pretax margin
    10.7%       9.4%       6.2%  
 
 
FISCAL 2009 COMPARED TO FISCAL 2008 – Business Services’ revenues for fiscal year 2009 decreased $43.9 million, or 4.7%, from the prior year, primarily due to declines in capital markets, leased employee revenues and outside contractor services.
Revenues from core tax, consulting and accounting services increased $25.0 million, or 3.4%, over the prior year. Tax services revenues increased $15.9 million, or 3.6%, over the prior year due to increases in net billed rate per hour. Business consulting revenues increased $12.2 million, or 5.2%, over the prior year primarily due to a large one-time financial institutions engagement.
Weak economic conditions in the current year severely reduced investment and transaction activity. As a result, capital markets revenues decreased $32.9 million, or 64.4%, from the prior year primarily due to a 57.4% decline in the number of transactions closed.
Leased employee revenue decreased due to a change in organizational structure between the businesses we acquired from American Express Tax and Business Services, Inc. (AmexTBS) and the Attest Firms that, while not affiliates of our company, also serve our clients. Employees we previously leased to the Attest Firms were transferred to the separate attest practices over the last two fiscal years. As a result, we no longer record the revenues and expenses associated with leasing these employees, which resulted in a reduction of $25.0 million to current year revenues, and a similar reduction in compensation and benefits.
Other revenue declined $12.1 million, or 11.0%, primarily due to a decrease in outside contractor services provided to our clients.
Total expenses decreased $51.2 million, or 6.0%, compared to the prior year. Compensation and benefits decreased $14.4 million, primarily due to the change in organizational structure with AmexTBS and fewer capital markets commissions resulting from the decline in transactions, as discussed above. These decreases were partially offset by severance costs incurred in the current year.
Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $36.7 million, or 22.6%, primarily due to declines in external consulting fees, allocated corporate and support department costs and travel and entertainment expenses.
Pretax income for the year ended April 30, 2009 of $96.1 million compares to $88.8 million in the prior year. Pretax margin for the segment increased from 9.4% in fiscal year 2008, to 10.7% in fiscal year 2009, below our stated

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goal to achieve a 12.0% pretax margin primarily due to poor results in our capital markets business and lower than expected revenue growth in our core businesses.
 
FISCAL 2008 COMPARED TO FISCAL 2007 – Business Services’ revenues for fiscal year 2008 increased $9.3 million, or 1.0%, over fiscal year 2007.
Tax services revenues increased $33.7 million, or 8.2% and business consulting revenues increased $31.6 million, or 15.4%, over fiscal year 2007. These increases resulted primarily from both an increase in the number of client service professionals as well as an improvement in productivity per professional.
Capital markets revenues increased $2.3 million, primarily due to a $12.6 million increase in underwriting revenues due to a 37.4% increase in revenue per transaction. Valuation and seminar revenues declined $10.4 million due to a 70.3% decline in the number of business valuation projects as a result of the wind-down of this service line.
Leased employee revenue decreased due to the change in organizational structure with AmexTBS as discussed above, which resulted in a reduction of $58.1 million to fiscal year 2008 revenues, and a similar reduction in compensation and benefits.
Total expenses decreased $21.8 million, or 2.5%, for fiscal year 2008 compared to 2007. Compensation and benefits decreased due to the change in organizational structure with AmexTBS as discussed above, which was almost entirely offset by additional compensation resulting from increases in the number of personnel and the average wage per employee.
Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $20.4 million, or 11.2%, primarily due to decreases in external consulting and legal fees. During fiscal year 2007, additional consulting fees were incurred related to our marketing initiatives, and additional legal expenses were incurred related to international acquisitions that were ultimately not completed.
Pretax income for the year ended April 30, 2008 of $88.8 million compares to $57.7 million in fiscal year 2007.
 
 
CONSUMER FINANCIAL SERVICES
This segment is engaged in providing retail banking offerings primarily to Tax Services clients through HRB Bank. HRB Bank offers traditional banking services including prepaid debit card accounts, Emerald Advance lines of credit, checking and savings accounts, individual retirement accounts and certificates of deposit. This segment previously included HRBFA, which has been presented as a discontinued operation in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

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Consumer Financial Services – Operating Statistics  
 
Year Ended April 30,   2009     2008     2007  
 
 
Net interest margin (1)
    9.06%       5.54%       2.77%  
Pretax return on average assets (2)
    (1.03% )     0.80%       2.60%  
Total assets (in 000s)
  $ 1,117,000     $ 1,078,188     $ 1,501,390  
Mortgage loans held for investment:
                       
Loan loss reserve as a % of mortgage loans
    10.23%       4.49%       0.25%  
Delinquency rate (30+ days)
    20.23%       11.71%       3.86%  
 
(1)  Defined as net interest income divided by average earning assets. See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Information” at the end of Item 7.
(2)  Defined as pretax income divided by average assets. See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Information” at the end of Item 7.
 
                                 
 
Consumer Financial Services – Operating Results     (in 000s)        
 
Year Ended April 30,   2009     2008     2007        
 
 
Interest income:
                               
Mortgage loans, net
  $ 46,396     $ 74,895     $ 53,396          
Emerald Advance lines of credit
    44,171       21,224                
Other
    1,845       7,151       3,531          
   
      92,412       103,270       56,927          
   
Interest expense:
                               
Deposits
    14,069       42,878       32,128          
FHLB advances
    5,113       6,008       836          
   
      19,182       48,886       32,964          
   
Net interest income
    73,230       54,384       23,963          
Provision for loan losses
    (63,897)       (42,004)       (3,622)          
Other
    49,389       39,436       20,251          
   
Total revenues (1)
    58,722       51,816       40,592          
   
Non-interest expenses
    73,230       40,332       17,506          
   
Pretax income (loss)
  $ (14,508)     $ 11,484     $ 23,086          
   
                                 
                                 
(1)  Total revenues, less interest expense and provision for loan losses on mortgage loans held for investment.
 
FISCAL 2009 COMPARED TO FISCAL 2008 – Consumer Financial Services’ revenues, net of interest expense and provision for loan losses, for fiscal year 2009 increased $6.9 million, or 13.3% over the prior year.
Net interest income increased $18.8 million, or 34.7%, over the prior year. Interest income earned from our Emerald Advance loan program increased $22.9 million as a result of higher volumes. Interest expense on deposits declined $28.8 million due to lower interest rates and lower average balances. Interest income on mortgage loans held for investment declined $28.5 million due to lower balances and an increase in non-accrual loans from $110.8 million at April 30, 2008 to $222.4 million at April 30, 2009. The following table summarizes the key drivers of net interest income:
                                         
(dollars in 000s)   
 
    Average Balance     Average Rate Earned (Paid)        
 
Year Ended April 30,   2009     2008     2009     2008        
 
 
Mortgage loans held for investment, net
  $ 839,253     $ 1,157,360       5.14%       6.40%          
Emerald Advance lines of credit
    133,252       68,932       35.31%       32.31%          
Investments
    354,102       196,262       0.50%       3.64%          
Deposits, interest-bearing
    863,072       904,836       (1.63)%       (4.74%)          

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Our non-performing assets consist of the following:
 
                       
(in 000s) 
April 30,   2009     2008      
 
Impaired loans:
                     
60 – 89 days
  $ 21,415     $ 18,182        
90+ days, non-accrual
    121,685       73,600        
TDR loans, current
    60,044              
TDR loans, non-accrual
    100,697       37,159        
   
      303,841       128,941        
Real estate owned (1)
    44,533       350        
   
Total non-performing assets
  $ 348,374     $ 129,291        
   
                       
                       
(1)  Includes loans classified as in-substance foreclosures of $27.4 million at April 30, 2009.
 
Details of our mortgage loans held for investment and the related allowance at April 30, 2009 and 2008 are as follows:
                               
(dollars in 000s) 
    Outstanding
  Loan Loss
  % 30-Days
       
    Principal Balance   Allowance   Past Due   Average FICO    
 
As of April 30, 2009:
                             
Purchased from SCC
  $ 531,233   $ 78,067     28.74%     639      
All other
    290,604     6,006     4.44%     715      
   
    $ 821,837   $ 84,073     20.23%     666      
   
As of April 30, 2008:
                             
Purchased from SCC
  $ 683,889   $ 43,769     17.53%     664      
All other
    320,751     1,632     2.07%     721      
   
    $ 1,004,640   $ 45,401     11.71%     682      
   

Mortgage loans held for investment include loans originated by our affiliate, SCC, and purchased by HRB Bank totaling $531.2 million, or approximately 65% of the total loan portfolio at April 30, 2009. Loans originated by and purchased from SCC have characteristics which are representative of Alt-A loans — loans to customers who have credit ratings above sub-prime, but may not conform to government-sponsored standards. As such, we have experienced higher rates of delinquency and have greater exposure to loss with respect to this segment of our loan portfolio. Cumulative losses on our original loan portfolio purchased from SCC and retained for investment, including losses on loans now classified as other real estate, totaled approximately 14% at April 30, 2009. Our remaining loan portfolio totaled $290.6 million and is characteristic of a prime loan portfolio, and we believe subject to a lower loss exposure.
We recorded a provision for loan losses on our mortgage loans held for investment of $63.9 million during the current year, compared to $42.0 million in the prior year. Our loan loss provision increased primarily as a result of continued declines in residential home prices, particularly in certain states where we have a higher concentration of loans. In addition, loan loss reserves increased due to higher projected delinquencies and higher reserves on modified loans. Our allowance for loan losses as a percent of mortgage loans was 10.23%, or $84.1 million, at April 30, 2009, compared to 4.49%, or $45.4 million, at April 30, 2008. This allowance represents our best estimate of losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet dates.
Residential real estate markets are experiencing significant declines in property values and mortgage default rates are increasing. If adverse market trends continue, including trends within our portfolio specifically, we may be required to record additional loan loss provisions, and those losses may be significant.
Other revenue increased $10.0 million, or 25.2%, primarily due to incremental fees earned related to our H&R Block Prepaid Emerald MasterCard® program.
Non-interest expenses increased $32.9 million, or 81.6%, from the prior year, primarily related higher expenses from the H&R Block Prepaid Emerald MasterCard® and Emerald Advance line of credit programs, reflecting higher volumes. The revenues and expenses from these programs are shared with the Tax Services segment.
The pretax loss for fiscal year 2009 was $14.5 million compared to prior year income of $11.5 million, primarily due to a $21.9 million increase in provision for loan losses.
FISCAL 2008 COMPARED TO FISCAL 2007 – Consumer Financial Services’ revenues, net of interest expense and provision for loan loss reserves, for fiscal year 2008 increased $11.2 million, or 27.7%, over fiscal year 2007.

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Net interest income increased $30.4 million due to interest income received on our Emerald Advance loan products and an increase in average mortgage loans held for investment, partially offset by an increase in average deposits. The following table summarizes the key drivers of net interest income:
                                         
(dollars in 000s)   
 
    Average Balance     Average Rate Earned (Paid)        
 
Year Ended April 30,   2008     2007     2008     2007        
 
 
Mortgage loans held for investment, net
  $ 1,157,360     $ 746,387       6.40%       6.80%          
Emerald Advance lines of credit
    68,932       –           32.31%       – %          
Investments
    196,262       117,350       3.64%       5.25%          
Deposits, interest-bearing
    904,836       596,104       (4.74%)       (5.39%)          
Detail of our mortgage loans held for investment and the related allowance at April 30, 2008 and 2007 is as follows:
                               
(dollars in 000s) 
    Outstanding
  Loan Loss
  % 30-Days
       
    Principal Balance   Allowance   Past Due   Average FICO    
 
As of April 30, 2008:
                             
Purchased from SCC
  $ 683,889   $ 43,769     17.53%     664      
All other
    320,751     1,632     2.07%     721      
   
    $ 1,004,640   $ 45,401     11.71%     682      
   
As of April 30, 2007:
                             
Purchased from SCC
  $ 1,010,028   $ 3,341     4.70%     710      
All other
    340,864     107     0.50%     731      
   
                               
    $ 1,350,892   $ 3,448     3.86%     719      
   
   
                               
                               
We recorded a provision for loan losses on our mortgage loans held for investment of $42.0 million during fiscal year 2008, compared to $3.6 million in 2007. Our loan loss provision increased significantly during 2008 as a result of declining collateral values due to declining residential home prices and increasing delinquencies occurring in our portfolio. Our loan loss reserve as a percent of mortgage loans was 4.49%, or $45.4 million, at April 30, 2008, compared to 0.25%, or $3.4 million, at April 30, 2007.
Other revenues increased $19.2 million, primarily due to increases in fees received in connection with the H&R Block Prepaid Emerald MasterCard® program.
Non-interest expenses increased $22.8 million from the prior year, primarily due to additional expenses associated with the H&R Block Prepaid Emerald MasterCard® program and the Emerald Advance lines of credit.
Pretax income for fiscal year 2008 was $11.5 million compared to prior year income of $23.1 million.
 
 
CORPORATE, ELIMINATIONS AND INCOME TAXES ON CONTINUING OPERATIONS
 
FISCAL 2009 COMPARED TO FISCAL 2008 – The pretax loss recorded in our corporate operations for fiscal year 2009 was $136.0 million compared to $151.0 million in the prior year. The decreased loss was primarily due to severance-related costs of $11.3 million recorded in the prior year, coupled with benefits in the current year resulting from the cost reduction program implemented in fiscal year 2008.
Our effective tax rate for continuing operations was 38.9% for fiscal year 2009 compared to 39.3% in the prior year.
 
FISCAL 2008 COMPARED TO FISCAL 2007 – The pretax loss recorded in our corporate operations for fiscal year 2008 was $151.0 million compared to $158.7 million in 2007. The decreased loss was primarily due to a decline in interest expense, which resulted from increased allocation of interest expense to our discontinued mortgage operations.
Our effective tax rate for continuing operations was 39.3% for fiscal year 2008 compared to 41.1% in 2007. The decrease was primarily due to decreases in our state effective rates and releases of valuation allowances.
 
 
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
Effective November 1, 2008, we sold HRBFA to Ameriprise. HRBFA and its direct corporate parent are presented as discontinued operations in the consolidated financial statements for all periods presented.
Our discontinued operations also include our former mortgage loan origination and servicing business, as well as three smaller lines of business previously reported in our Business Services segment.

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FISCAL 2009 COMPARED TO FISCAL 2008 – The pretax loss of our discontinued operations for fiscal year 2009 was $47.6 million compared to a loss of $1.2 billion in the prior year. The loss from discontinued operations for the prior year period included significant losses from our former mortgage loan businesses, including losses relating to loan repurchase obligations of $582.4 million and impairments of residual interests of $137.8 million. Net of applicable tax benefits, the loss from discontinued operations for fiscal year 2009 was $27.4 million compared to a loss of $754.6 million in the prior year.
Our effective tax rate for discontinued operations was 42.5% and 35.3% for the fiscal years 2009 and 2008, respectively. Our effective tax rate increased primarily due to a tax benefit recorded in conjunction with the sale of HRBFA.
FISCAL 2008 COMPARED TO FISCAL 2007 – The pretax loss of our discontinued operations for fiscal year 2008 was $1.2 billion, which was essentially flat compared to fiscal year 2007. The loss from discontinued operations for both periods included significant losses from our former mortgage loans businesses.
Our effective tax rate for discontinued operations was 35.3% and 34.4% for the fiscal years 2008 and 2007, respectively.
 
 
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
We consider the policies discussed below to be critical to understanding our financial statements, as they require the use of significant judgment and estimation in order to measure, at a specific point in time, matters that are inherently uncertain. Specific risks for these critical accounting policies are described in the following paragraphs. We have reviewed and discussed each of these policies with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors. For all of these policies, we caution that future events rarely develop precisely as forecasted and estimates routinely require adjustment and may require material adjustment.
ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES – The principal amount of mortgage loans held for investment totaled $821.8 million at April 30, 2009. We are exposed to the risk that borrowers may not repay amounts owed to us when they become contractually due. We record an allowance representing our estimate of credit losses inherent in the portfolio of loans held for investment at the balance sheet date. Determination of our allowance for loan losses is considered a critical accounting policy because loss provisions can be material to our operating results, projections of loan delinquencies and related matters are inherently subjective, and actual losses are impacted by factors outside of our control including economic conditions, unemployment rates and residential home prices.
We record a loan loss allowance for loans less than 60 days past due on a pooled basis. The aggregate principal balance of these loans totaled $518.0 million at April 30, 2009, and the portion of our allowance for loan losses allocated to these loans totaled $18.8 million. In estimating our loan loss allowance for these loans, we stratify the loan portfolio based on our view of risk associated with various elements of the pool and assign estimated loss rates based on those risks. Loss rates are based primarily on historical experience and our assessment of economic and market conditions. Loss rates consider both the rate at which loans will become delinquent (frequency) and the amount of loss that will ultimately be realized upon occurrence of a liquidation of collateral (severity). Frequency rates are based primarily on historical migration analysis of loans to delinquent status. Severity rates are based primarily on recent broker quotes or appraisals of collateral. Because of imprecision and uncertainty inherent in developing estimates of future credit losses, in particular during periods of rapidly declining collateral values or increasing delinquency rates, our estimation process during fiscal year 2009 included development of ranges of possible outcomes. Ranges were developed by stressing initial estimates of both frequency and severity rates. Stressing of frequency and severity assumptions is intended to model deterioration in credit quality that is difficult to predict during declining economic conditions. Future deterioration in credit quality may exceed our modeled assumptions.
Mortgage loans held for investment include loans originated by our affiliate, SCC, and purchased by HRB Bank. We have greater exposure to loss with respect to this segment of our loan portfolio as a result of historically higher delinquency rates. Therefore, we assign higher frequency rate assumptions to SCC-originated loans compared with loans originated by other third-party banks as we consider estimates of future losses. At April 30, 2009 our weighted-average frequency assumption was 10.6% for SCC-originated loans compared to 1.3% for remaining loans in the portfolio.
Loans 60 days past due are considered impaired and are reviewed individually. We record loss estimates typically based on the value of the underlying collateral. Our specific loan loss allowance for these impaired loans reflected an average loss severity of approximately 38.5% at April 30, 2009. The aggregate principal balance of loans 60 days past due or more totaled $143.1 million at April 30, 2009, and the portion of our allowance for loan losses allocated to these loans totaled $55.2 million.

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Modified loans that meet the definition of a troubled debt restructuring (TDR) are also considered impaired and are reviewed individually. We record impairment equal to the difference between the principal balance of the loan and the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate. However, if we assess that foreclosure of a modified loan is probable, we record impairment based on the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral. The aggregate principal balance of TDR loans totaled $160.7 million at April 30, 2009, and the portion of our allowance for loan losses allocated to these loans totaled $10.1 million.
The loan loss allowance as a percent of mortgage loans held for investment was 10.23% at April 30, 2009, compared to 4.49% at April 30, 2008. The loan loss provision increased significantly during the current year primarily as a result of declining collateral values due to lower residential home prices and modeled expectations for future loan delinquencies in the portfolio. The residential mortgage industry has experienced significant adverse trends for an extended period. If adverse trends continue for a sustained period or at rates worse than modeled by us, we may be required to record additional loan loss provisions, and those losses may be significant.
Determining the allowance for credit losses for loans held for investment requires us to make estimates of losses that are highly uncertain and requires a high degree of judgment. If our underlying assumptions prove to be inaccurate, the allowance for loan losses could be insufficient to cover actual losses. Our mortgage loan portfolio is a static pool, as we are no longer originating or purchasing new mortgage loans, and we believe that factor over time will limit variability in our loss estimates. Our allowance at April 30, 2009 currently assumes that loans in the principal amount of approximately $280 million will become delinquent and that we will incur losses on delinquent loans at an approximate loss severity of 40%. We have estimated that future delinquencies where a loss is probable as of April 30, 2009, may be as high as $315 million and that loss-severity rates may be subject to variability up to 200 basis points. We have estimated the high end of a range of possible outcomes to be approximately $20 million greater than presently recorded.
MORTGAGE LOAN REPURCHASE OBLIGATION – SCC is obligated to repurchase loans sold or securitized in the event of a breach of representations and warranties it made to purchasers or insurers of such loans, or otherwise indemnify certain third-parties for losses incurred by them. SCC records a liability for contingent losses relating to representation and warranty claims by estimating loan repurchase volumes and indemnification obligations for both known claims and projections of expected future claims. Projections of future claims are based on an analysis that includes a combination of reviewing historical repurchase trends, developing loss expectations on loans sold or securitized, and predicting the level at which previously originated loans may be subject to valid claims regarding representation and warranty breaches.
Based on an analysis as of April 30, 2009, SCC estimated its liability for loan repurchase and indemnification obligations pertaining to claims of breach of representation and warranties to be $206.6 million. Actual losses charged against this reserve during fiscal year 2009 totaled $44.2 million. To the extent that valid claim volumes in the future exceed current estimates, or the value of mortgage loans and residential home prices decline, future losses may be greater than our current estimates and those differences may be significant. See Item 8, note 17 to our consolidated financial statements.
LITIGATION – It is our policy to routinely assess the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes related to legal matters, as well as ranges of probable losses. A determination of the amount of the reserves required, if any, for these contingencies is made after analysis of each known issue and an analysis of historical experience in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 5, “Accounting for Contingencies,” and related pronouncements. Therefore, we have recorded reserves related to certain legal matters for which we believe it is probable that a loss will be incurred and the range of such loss can be estimated. With respect to other matters, we have concluded that a loss is only reasonably possible or remote, or is not estimable and, therefore, no liability is recorded.
Assessing the likely outcome of pending litigation, including the amount of potential loss, if any, is highly subjective. Our judgments regarding likelihood of loss and our estimates of probable loss amounts may differ from actual results due to difficulties in predicting the outcome of jury trials, arbitration hearings, settlement discussions and related activity, predicting the outcome of class certification actions and various other uncertainties. Due to the number of claims which are periodically asserted against us, and the magnitude of damages sought in those claims, actual losses in the future may significantly exceed our current estimates.
VALUATION OF GOODWILL – The evaluation of goodwill for impairment is a critical accounting estimate due both to the magnitude of our goodwill balances, and the judgment involved in determining the fair value of our reporting units. Goodwill balances in our continuing operations totaled $850.2 million as of April 30, 2009 and $831.3 million as of April 30, 2008.
We test goodwill and other indefinite-life intangible assets for impairment annually or more frequently if events occur or circumstances change which would, more likely than not, reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. Our goodwill impairment analysis is based on a discounted cash flow approach and market

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comparables. This analysis, at the reporting unit level, requires significant management judgment with respect to revenue and expense forecasts, anticipated changes in working capital and the selection and application of an appropriate discount rate. Changes in projections or assumptions could materially affect our estimate of reporting unit fair values. The use of different assumptions would increase or decrease estimated discounted future operating cash flows and could affect our conclusions regarding the existence or amount of potential impairment. Finally, strategic changes in our outlook regarding reporting units or intangible assets may alter our valuation approach and could result in changes to our conclusions regarding impairment.
Estimates of fair value for certain of our reporting units exceed the corresponding carrying value by a significant margin. In certain instances, however, the excess of estimated fair value over carrying value is not significant. Future estimates of fair value may be adversely impacted by declining economic conditions. In addition, if future operating results of our reporting units are below our current modeled expectations, fair value estimates may decline. Any of these factors could result in future impairments, and those impairments could be significant.
In assessing potential goodwill impairment of our RSM reporting unit, we estimate fair value based on an assumption that the collaboration between RSM and M&P under their alternative practice structure arrangement will continue. Were M&P to exit the alternative practice structure, or the collaboration between these two businesses otherwise cease, we believe our fair value estimates could be lower than presently assumed. In addition, adverse business results for M&P could also negatively impact our fair value estimates for RSM. Goodwill balances for RSM totaled $402.6 million at April 30, 2009. Changes in our future assessment of fair value for this reporting unit could result in an impairment of goodwill and such impairment could be significant.
We recorded goodwill impairments within our Tax Services segment of $2.2 million and $5.7 million during fiscal years 2009 and 2008, respectively. There was no goodwill impairment in our continuing operations during fiscal year 2007, however, we recorded $154.9 million in goodwill impairments in discontinued operations related to the sale and wind-down of our mortgage operations.
INCOME TAXES – We account for income taxes in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes” (SFAS 109), as further interpreted by FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (FIN 48).
We calculate our current and deferred tax provision for the fiscal year based on estimates and assumptions that could differ from the actual results reflected in income tax returns filed during the applicable calendar year. Adjustments based on filed returns are recorded in the appropriate periods when identified. We file a consolidated federal tax return on a calendar year basis, generally in the second fiscal quarter of the subsequent year.
We record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. We have considered taxable income in carry-back periods, historical and forecasted earnings, future taxable income, the mix of earnings in the jurisdictions in which we operate, and tax planning strategies in determining the need for a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets. Determination of a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets requires that we make judgments about future matters that are not certain, including projections of future taxable income and evaluating potential tax-planning strategies. To the extent that actual results differ from our current assumptions, the valuation allowance will increase or decrease. In the event we were to determine we would not be able to realize all or part of our deferred tax assets in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax assets would be charged to earnings in the period in which we make such determination. Likewise, if we later determine it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets would be realized, we would reverse the applicable portion of the previously provided valuation allowance.
The income tax laws of jurisdictions in which we operate are complex and subject to different interpretations by the taxpayer and applicable government taxing authorities. Income tax returns filed by us are based on our interpretation of these rules. The amount of income taxes we pay is subject to ongoing audits by federal, state and foreign tax authorities, which may result in proposed assessments, including assessments of interest and/or penalties. Our estimate for the potential outcome for any uncertain tax issue is highly subjective and based on our best judgments. Actual results may differ from our current judgments due to a variety of factors, including changes in law, interpretations of law by taxing authorities that differ from our assessments, changes in the jurisdictions in which we operate and results of routine tax examinations. We believe we have adequately provided for any reasonably foreseeable outcome related to these matters. However, our future results may include favorable or unfavorable adjustments to our estimated tax liabilities in the period the assessments are made or resolved, or when statutes of limitation on potential assessments expire. As a result, our effective tax rate may fluctuate on a quarterly basis.
REVENUE RECOGNITION – We have many different revenue sources, each governed by specific revenue recognition policies. Our revenue recognition policies can be found in Item 8, note 1 to our consolidated financial statements.

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OTHER SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – Other significant accounting policies, not involving the same level of judgment or uncertainty as those discussed above are nevertheless important to an understanding of the financial statements. These policies may require judgments on complex matters that are often subject to multiple sources of authoritative guidance. Certain of these matters are among topics currently under reexamination by accounting standard setters and regulators. Although specific conclusions reached by these standard setters may cause a material change in our accounting policies, outcomes cannot be predicted with confidence. See Item 8, note 1 to our consolidated financial statements, which discusses accounting policies we have selected when there are acceptable alternatives and new or proposed accounting standards that may affect our financial reporting in the future.
 
 
FINANCIAL CONDITION
CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY – Our sources of capital include cash from operations, issuances of common stock and debt. We use capital primarily to fund working capital, pay dividends, repurchase treasury shares and acquire businesses. Our operations are highly seasonal and therefore generally require the use of cash to fund operating losses during the period May through mid-January.
Given the likely availability of a number of liquidity options discussed herein, including borrowing capacity under our CLOCs, we believe, that in the absence of any unexpected developments, our existing sources of capital at April 30, 2009 are sufficient to meet our operating needs.
CASH FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES – Cash provided by operations totaled $1.0 billion for fiscal year 2009, compared to cash provided by operations of $258.8 million in 2008 and cash used in operations of $557.0 million in 2007. Operating cash flows in fiscal year 2009 increased from fiscal year 2008 primarily due to net income of $485.7 million in the current year compared to a net loss of $308.6 million in the prior year.
Restricted Cash.  We hold certain cash balances that are restricted as to use. Cash and cash equivalents – restricted totaled $51.7 million at April 30, 2009, and primarily consisted of cash held by our captive insurance subsidiary that will be used to pay claims.
CASH FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES – Cash provided by investing activities totaled $5.6 million for fiscal year 2009, compared to $1.1 billion in fiscal year 2008 and $1.2 billion used in fiscal year 2007.
Acquisitions and Sales.  Total cash paid for acquisitions was $293.8 million, $24.9 million and $57.6 million during fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. On November 3, 2008, we acquired the assets and franchise rights of our last major independent franchise operator for an aggregate purchase price of $279.2 million. See Item 8, note 2 to our consolidated financial statements.
Total cash received from sales of discontinued operations totaled $304.0 million and $1.1 billion during fiscal years 2009 and 2008, respectively.
Mortgage Loans Held for Investment.  We received net proceeds of $91.3 million and $207.6 million on our mortgage loans held for investment in fiscal years 2009 and 2008, respectively. We used $954.3 million for originating and purchasing mortgage loans held for investment in fiscal year 2007.
CASH FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES – Cash used in financing activities totaled $40.2 million for fiscal year 2009, compared to $1.6 billion in fiscal year 2008 and cash provided of $2.0 billion in fiscal year 2007. Changes from prior year amounts are primarily the result of significant borrowings in fiscal year 2007, which were then repaid in fiscal year 2008.
Debt.  We borrow under our CLOCs to support working capital requirements primarily arising from off-season operating losses in our Tax Services and Business Services segments, pay dividends, repurchase treasury shares and acquire businesses. We had no balance outstanding under our CLOCs at April 30, 2009, 2008 or 2007. See additional discussion below in “Borrowings.”
We may from time to time seek to retire or purchase our outstanding debt through cash purchases and/or exchanges for equity securities, in open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. Such repurchases or exchanges, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. The amounts involved may be material.
Issuances of Common Stock.  In October 2008, we sold 8.3 million shares of our common stock, without par value, at a price of $17.50 per share in a registered direct offering through subscription agreements with selected institutional investors. We received net proceeds of $141.4 million, after deducting placement agent fees and other offering expenses. The purpose of the equity offering was to ensure we maintained adequate equity levels, as a condition of our CLOCs, during our off-season. Proceeds were used for general corporate purposes.
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock in accordance with our stock-based compensation plans totaled $71.6 million, $23.3 million and $25.7 million in fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
Dividends.  We have consistently paid quarterly dividends. Dividends paid totaled $198.7 million, $183.6 million and $172.0 million in fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

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Share Repurchases. In June 2008, our Board of Directors rescinded the previous authorizations to repurchase shares of our common stock and approved an authorization to purchase up to $2.0 billion of our common stock through June 2012. During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2009, we repurchased 5.6 million shares pursuant to this authorization at an aggregate price of $98.7 million, or an average price of $17.53 per share. There was $1.9 billion remaining under this authorization at April 30, 2009.
Customer Deposits. Customer deposits provided $64.4 million in the current year compared to $345.4 million used in fiscal year 2008 and $1.1 billion provided in fiscal year 2007. These deposits are held by HRB Bank, which is included in the Consumer Financial Services segment.
SEGMENT CASH FLOWS – A condensed consolidating statement of cash flows by segment for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2009, follows. Generally, interest is not charged on intercompany activities between segments. Our consolidated statements of cash flows are located in Item 8.
                                                     
(in 000s) 
                Consumer
                       
    Tax
    Business
    Financial
          Discontinued
    Consolidated
     
    Services     Services     Services     Corporate(1)     Operations     H&R Block      
 
Cash provided by (used in):
                                                   
Operations
  $ 531,151     $ 62,213     $ 62,419     $ 298,460     $ 70,196     $ 1,024,439      
Investing
    (313,981 )     (24,691 )     104,760       (15,594 )     255,066       5,560      
Financing
    (7,678 )     (2,786 )     41,037       (75,589 )     4,783       (40,233 )    
Net intercompany
    (199,582 )     (44,567 )     19,663       554,531       (330,045 )     –          
(1)  Income tax payments, net of refunds of $158.9 million received during fiscal year 2009, are included in Corporate operating cash flows.
 
Tax Services. Tax Services has historically been our largest provider of annual operating cash flows. The seasonal nature of Tax Services generally results in a large positive operating cash flow in the fiscal fourth quarter. Tax Services generated $531.2 million in operating cash flows primarily related to net income, as cash is generally collected from clients at the time services are rendered. Cash used in investing activities of $314.0 million was primarily for business acquisitions and capital expenditures.
Our international operations are generally self-funded. However, H&R Block Canada, Inc. (Block Canada) utilized intercompany borrowings to fund its CashBack program and working capital requirements during the last two fiscal years. Cash balances are held in Canada and Australia independently in local currencies.
Business Services. Business Services’ funding requirements are largely related to receivables for completed work and “work in process” and funding relating to acquired businesses. We have provided funding in the normal course of business sufficient to cover these working capital needs. Business Services also has future obligations and commitments, which are summarized in “Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments.”
This segment generated $62.2 million in operating cash flows primarily related to net income. Additionally, Business Services used $24.7 million in investing activities primarily related to capital expenditures.
Consumer Financial Services. In fiscal year 2009, Consumer Financial Services provided $104.8 million in investing activities primarily due to principal payments received on mortgage loans held for investment. Cash provided by financing activities of $41.0 million is primarily due to changes in customer deposits net of payments on Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) borrowings.
HRB Bank’s current liquidity needs are generally met through deposits from banking clients. HRB Bank has access to traditional funding sources such as deposits, federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements. HRB Bank maintains a credit facility with the FHLB. At April 30, 2009, $100.0 million was drawn under this facility.
Block Financial LLC (BFC) made additional capital contributions to HRB Bank of $245.0 million during fiscal year 2009. These contributions were provided for HRB Bank to meet its capital requirements due to seasonal fluctuations in the size of its balance sheet. Also during fiscal year 2009, we submitted an application to the OTS requesting that HRB Bank be allowed to pay dividends to BFC in an amount that would not exceed the capital necessary to continuously maintain HRB Bank’s required 12.0% leverage ratio. The OTS approved our application on January 12, 2009. HRB Bank paid dividends of $235.0 million to BFC in fiscal year 2009.
See additional discussion of regulatory and capital requirements of HRB Bank in “Regulatory Environment.”
We believe the funding sources for Consumer Financial Services are stable. Liquidity risk within this segment is primarily limited to maintaining sufficient capital levels at HRB Bank.
Discontinued Operations. Discontinued operations provided $255.1 million in cash from investing activities primarily due to proceeds received from the sale of HRBFA.
 

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BORROWINGS
The following chart provides the debt ratings for BFC:
 
                                                     
          April 30,
                April 30,
           
          2009
                2008
           
    Short-term     Long-term     Outlook     Short-term     Long-term     Outlook      
 
Moody’s
    P-2       Baa1       Stable       P-2       Baa1       Negative      
S&P
    A-2       BBB       Positive       A-3       BBB-       Negative      
Fitch
    F2       BBB       Stable       F3       BBB       Negative      
DBRS
    R-2 (high )     BBB (high )     Positive       R-2 (high )     BBB (high )     Negative      
At April 30, 2009, we maintained $2.0 billion in revolving credit facilities to support commercial paper issuance and for general corporate purposes. These CLOCs, and any outstanding borrowings thereunder, have a maturity date of August 2010, bear interest in a range of LIBOR plus 14 to 45 basis points per annum and an annual facility fee in a range of 6 to 15 basis points per annum, based on our credit ratings. These lines are subject to various affirmative and negative covenants, including (1) a minimum net worth covenant requiring us to maintain at least $650.0 million of net worth on the last day of any fiscal quarter, (2) limits on our indebtedness and (3) a requirement that we reduce the aggregate outstanding principal amount of short-term debt, as defined in the agreement, to $200.0 million or less for a minimum period of thirty consecutive days during the period from March 1 to June 30 of each year (the “Clean-down requirement”). At April 30, 2009, we were in compliance with these covenants and had net worth of $1.4 billion. There was no balance outstanding on this facility at April 30, 2009.
Lehman Brothers Bank, FSB (Lehman) is a participating lender in our $2.0 billion CLOCs, with a $50.0 million credit commitment. In September 2008, Lehman’s parent company declared bankruptcy. Since then, Lehman has not honored any funding requests under these facilities, thereby effectively reducing our available liquidity under our CLOCs to $1.95 billion. We do not expect this change to have a material impact on our liquidity or consolidated financial statements.
On January 11, 2008, we issued $600.0 million of 7.875% Senior Notes under our shelf registration. The Senior Notes are due January 15, 2013 and are not redeemable by the bondholders prior to maturity. The net proceeds of this transaction were used to repay a $500.0 million facility, with the remaining proceeds used for working capital and general corporate purposes. As of April 30, 2009, we had $250.0 million remaining under our shelf registration for additional debt issuances.
We entered into a committed line of credit agreement with HSBC Finance Corporation effective January 14, 2009 for use as a funding source for the purchase of RAL participations. This line provided funding totaling $2.5 billion through March 30, 2009 and $120.0 million thereafter through June 30, 2009. This line is subject to various covenants that are similar to our CLOCs and is secured by our RAL participations. All borrowings on this facility were repaid as of April 30, 2009 and the facility is now closed.
During fiscal year 2009, borrowing needs in our Canadian operations were funded by corporate borrowings in the U.S. To mitigate the foreign currency exchange rate risk, we used foreign exchange forward contracts. We do not enter into forward contracts for speculative purposes. In estimating the fair value of derivative positions, we utilize quoted market prices, if available, or quotes obtained from external sources. There were no forward contracts outstanding as of April 30, 2009.
 
 
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND COMMERCIAL COMMITMENTS
A summary of our obligations to make future payments as of April 30, 2009, is as follows:
                                             
(in 000s) 
          Less Than
                       
    Total     1 Year     1 - 3 Years     4 - 5 Years     After 5 Years      
 
Long-term debt (including interest)
  $ 1,286,214     $ 67,750     $ 135,500     $ 674,008     $ 408,956      
Customer deposits
    854,888       442,683       17,649       8,698       385,858      
FHLB borrowings
    100,000       25,000       75,000       –         –        
Acquisition payments
    30,658       8,263       22,258       91       46      
Media advertising purchase obligation
    45,768       11,442       22,884       11,442       –        
Capital lease obligations
    12,001       519       1,091       1,411       8,980      
Operating leases
    762,298       248,712       315,263       118,859       79,464      
                                             
   
Total contractual cash obligations
  $ 3,091,827     $ 804,369     $ 589,645     $ 814,509     $ 883,304      
   
                                             
                                             
The amount of liabilities recorded in connection with FIN 48 that we expect to pay within twelve months is $15.1 million at April 30, 2009 and is included in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet. The remaining amount is included in other noncurrent liabilities on our

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consolidated balance sheet. Because the ultimate amount and timing of any future cash settlements cannot be predicted with reasonable certainty, the estimated FIN 48 liability has been excluded from the table above. See Item 8, note 13 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information.
A summary of our commitments as of April 30, 2009, which may or may not require future payments, are as follows:
                                             
(in 000s) 
          Less Than
                       
    Total     1 Year     1 - 3 Years     4 - 5 Years     After 5 Years      
 
Franchise Equity Lines of Credit
  $ 38,055     $ 20,569     $ 9,075     $ 8,411     $ –        
Commitment to fund M&P
    88,581       88,581       –         –         –        
Contingent acquisition payments
    24,165       5,062       18,487       227       389      
Other commercial commitments
    2,206       1,724       482       –         –        
                                             
   
Total commercial commitments
  $  153,007     $  115,936     $  28,044     $  8,638     $  389      
   
                                             
                                             
See discussion of contractual obligations and commitments in Item 8, within the notes to our consolidated financial statements.
 
 
REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT
HRB Bank is a federal savings bank and H&R Block, Inc. is a savings and loan holding company. As a result, each is subject to regulation by the OTS. Federal savings banks are subject to extensive regulation and examination by the OTS, their primary federal regulator, as well as the FDIC. In conjunction with H&R Block, Inc.’s application with the OTS for HRB Bank, H&R Block, Inc. made commitments as part of our charter approval order (Master Commitment) which included, but were not limited to: (1) H&R Block, Inc. to maintain a three percent minimum ratio of adjusted tangible capital to adjusted total assets, as defined by the OTS; (2) maintain all HRB Bank capital within HRB Bank in accordance with the submitted three-year business plan; and (3) follow federal regulations surrounding intercompany transactions and approvals. Effective April 30, 2008, the three percent minimum ratio of adjusted tangible capital to adjusted total assets requirement was eliminated and a Supervisory Directive relating to prior non-compliance with this requirement was rescinded.
All savings associations are subject to the capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. HRB Bank must meet specific capital guidelines involving quantitative measures of HRB Bank’s assets, liabilities and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. HRB Bank’s capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk-weightings and other factors. As of March 31, 2009, our most recent Thrift Financial Report (TFR) filing with the OTS, HRB bank was a “well capitalized” institution under the prompt corrective action provisions of the FDIC. See Item 8, note 16 to the consolidated financial statements for additional discussion of regulatory capital requirements and classifications.
HRB Bank is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of H&R Block, Inc. and its customer deposits are insured by the FDIC. If an insured institution fails, claims for administrative expenses of the receiver and for deposits in U.S. branches (including claims of the FDIC as subrogee of the failed institution) have priority over the claims of general unsecured creditors. In addition, the FDIC has authority to require H&R Block, Inc. to reimburse it for losses it incurs in connection with the failure of HRB Bank or with the FDIC’s provision of assistance to a banking subsidiary that is in danger of failure.
H&R Block, Inc. is a legal entity separate and distinct from its subsidiary, HRB Bank. Various federal and state statutory provisions and regulations limit the amount of dividends HRB Bank may pay without regulatory approval. The OTS has authority to prohibit HRB Bank from engaging in unsafe or unsound practices in conducting their business. The payment of dividends, depending on the financial condition of the bank, could be deemed an unsafe or unsound practice. The ability of HRB Bank to pay dividends in the future is currently, and could be further, influenced by bank regulatory policies and capital guidelines.
The U.S., various state, local, provincial and foreign governments and some self-regulatory organizations have enacted statutes and ordinances, and/or adopted rules and regulations, regulating aspects of our business. These aspects include, but are not limited to, commercial income tax return preparers, income tax courses, the electronic filing of income tax returns, the facilitation of RALs, loan originations and assistance in loan originations, mortgage lending, privacy, consumer protection, franchising, sales methods, banking, accountants and the accounting practice. We seek to determine the applicability of such statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations (collectively, “Laws”) and comply with those Laws.
From time to time in the ordinary course of business, we receive inquiries from governmental and self-regulatory agencies regarding the applicability of Laws to our services and products. In response to past inquiries, we have agreed to comply with such Laws, convinced the authorities that such Laws were not applicable or that

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compliance already exists and/or modified our activities in the applicable jurisdiction to avoid the application of all or certain parts of such Laws. We believe the past resolution of such inquiries and our ongoing compliance with Laws has not had a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements. We cannot predict what effect future Laws, changes in interpretations of existing Laws or the results of future regulator inquiries with respect to the applicability of Laws may have on our consolidated financial statements. See additional discussion of legal matters in Item 3, “Legal Proceedings” and Item 8, note 18 to our consolidated financial statements.
FUTURE LEGISLATION – In light of current conditions in the U.S. and global financial markets and the U.S. and global economy, regulators have increased their focus on the regulation of the financial services industry. Proposals that could substantially intensify the regulation of the financial services industry are expected to be introduced in the U.S. Congress, in state legislatures and from applicable regulatory authorities. These proposals may change banking statutes and regulation and our operating environment in substantial and unpredictable ways. If enacted, these proposals could increase or decrease the cost of doing business, limit or expand permissible activities or affect the competitive balance among banks, savings associations, credit unions and other financial institutions. We cannot predict whether any of these proposals will be enacted and, if enacted, the effect that it, or any impending regulations, would have on our business, results of operations or financial condition.
 
 
STATISTICAL DISCLOSURE BY BANK HOLDING COMPANIES
This section presents information required by the SEC’s Industry Guide 3, “Statistical Disclosure by Bank Holding Companies.” The tables in this section include HRB Bank information only.
DISTRIBUTION OF ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY; INTEREST RATES AND INTEREST DIFFERENTIAL – The following table presents average balance data and interest income and expense data for our banking operations, as well as the related interest yields and rates for fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007:
 
                                                                         
                                              (dollars in 000s)  
 
Year Ended April 30,   2009     2008     2007  
 
          Interest
    Average
          Interest
    Average
          Interest
    Average
 
    Average
    Income/
    Yield/
    Average
    Income/
    Yield/
    Average
    Income/
    Yield/
 
    Balance     Expense     Cost     Balance     Expense     Cost     Balance     Expense     Cost  
 
 
Interest-earning assets:
                                                                       
Mortgage loans, net
  $ 839,253     $ 46,396       5.14 %   $ 1,157,360     $ 74,895       6.40 %   $ 746,387     $ 50,767       6.80 %
Federal funds sold
    311,138       801       0.26 %     153,332       4,981       3.25 %     91,975       4,747       5.16 %
Emerald Advance (1)
    133,252       91,019       35.31 %     68,932       45,339       32.31 %     –        –        %
Available-for-sale investment securities
    29,500       791       2.68 %     36,055       1,847       5.12 %     24,405       1,389       5.69 %
FHLB stock
    6,557       127       1.93 %     6,876       322       4.70 %     970       24       2.47 %
Cash and due from banks
    12,474       123       0.99 %     –         –         –   %     –         –         –   %
                                                                         
      1,332,174     $ 139,257       10.45 %     1,422,555     $ 127,384       8.95 %     863,737     $ 56,927       6.59 %
                                                                         
Non-interest-earning assets
    71,759                       20,313                       24,583                  
                                                                         
Total HRB Bank assets
  $ 1,403,933                     $ 1,442,868                     $ 888,320                  
                                                                         
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                                                       
Customer deposits
  $ 863,072     $ 14,069       1.63 %   $ 904,836     $ 42,878       4.74 %   $ 596,104     $ 32,128       5.39 %
FHLB borrowing
    103,885       5,113       4.92 %     117,743       6,008       5.10 %     16,055       836       5.21 %
                                                                         
      966,957     $ 19,182       1.98 %     1,022,579     $ 48,886       4.78 %     612,159     $ 32,964       5.38 %
                                                                         
Non-interest-bearing liabilities
    230,271                       210,767                       110,610                  
                                                                         
Total liabilities
    1,197,228                       1,233,346                       722,769                  
Total shareholders’ equity
    206,705                       209,522                       165,551                  
                                                                         
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 1,403,933                     $ 1,442,868                     $ 888,320                  
                                                                         
Net yield on interest-earning assets (1)
          $ 120,075       9.06 %           $ 78,498       5.54 %           $ 23,963       2.77 %
 
(1)  Includes all interest income related to Emerald Advance activities. Amounts recognized as interest income also include certain fees, which are amortized into interest income over the life of the loan, of $44.0 million and $23.1 million for fiscal years 2009 and 2008, respectively.
 

H&R BLOCK 2009 Form 10K  33


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The following table presents the rate/volume variance in interest income and expense for the last two fiscal years:
 
                                                                         
                            (in 000s)  
 
Year Ended April 30,   2009     2008        
 
    Total Change
    Change
    Change
    Change
    Total Change
    Change
    Change
    Change
       
    in Interest
    Due to
    Due to
    Due to
    in Interest
    Due to
    Due to
    Due to
       
    Income/Expense     Rate/Volume     Rate     Volume     Income/Expense     Rate/Volume     Rate     Volume        
 
 
Interest income:
                                                                       
Loans, net(1)
  $ 17,182     $ (11,253 )   $ 53,654     $ (25,219 )   $ 69,466     $ 14,490     $ 23,027     $ 31,949          
Available-for-sale investment securities
    (1,056 )     160       (881 )     (335 )     458       (63 )     (133 )     654          
Federal funds sold
    (4,180 )     (4,720 )     (4,586 )     5,126       234       (1,016 )     (1,659 )     2,909          
FHLB stock
    (196 )     9       (190 )     (15 )     303       153       25       125          
Cash & due from banks
    123       123                                              
   
    $ 11,873     $  (15,681 )   $ 47,997     $  (20,443 )   $  70,461     $  13,564     $  21,260     $  35,637          
   
Interest expense:
                                                                       
Customer deposits
  $ (28,809 )   $ 1,298     $ (28,128 )   $ (1,979 )   $ 10,750     $ (1,880 )   $ (3,004 )   $ 15,634          
FHLB borrowings
    (895 )     25       (213 )     (707 )     5,176       (81 )     (13 )     5,270          
   
    $  (29,704 )   $ 1,323     $  (28,341 )   $ (2,686 )   $ 15,926     $ (1,961 )   $ (3,017 )   $ 20,904          
   

(1)  Non-accruing loans have been excluded from the analysis above.
 
INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO – The following table presents the cost basis and fair value of HRB Bank’s investment portfolio at April 30, 2009, 2008 and 2007:
                                                         
(in 000s)  
 
April 30,   2009     2008     2007        
 
    Cost Basis     Fair Value     Cost Basis     Fair Value     Cost Basis     Fair Value        
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities
  $ 27,466     $ 26,793     $ 30,809     $ 29,401     $ 35,122     $ 35,084          
Federal funds sold
    157,326       157,326       9,938       9,938       53,946       53,946          
FHLB stock
    6,730       6,730       7,536       7,536       9,091       9,091          
Trust preferred security
    3,454       292       3,500       2,809       3,500       3,500          
   
    $  194,976     $  191,141     $  51,783     $  49,684     $  101,659     $  101,621          
   

 
 
The following table shows the cost basis, scheduled maturities and average yields for HRB Bank’s investment portfolio at April 30, 2009:
                                                             
    (dollars in 000s) 
          Less Than One Year     After Ten Years     Total      
    Cost
    Balance
    Average
    Balance
    Average
    Balance
    Average
     
    Basis     Due     Yield     Due     Yield     Due     Yield      
 
Mortgage-backed securities
  $ 27,466     $       %   $ 27,466       2.68 %   $ 27,466       2.68 %    
Federal funds sold
    157,326       157,326       0.26 %           %     157,326       0.26 %    
FHLB stock
    6,730             %     6,730       1.93 %     6,730       1.93 %    
Trust preferred security
    3,454             %     3,454       2.37 %     3,454       2.37 %    
     
     
             
             
             
    $  194,976     $  157,326             $  37,650             $  194,976              
     
     
             
             
             
 
LOAN PORTFOLIO AND SUMMARY OF LOAN LOSS EXPERIENCE – The following table shows the composition of HRB Bank’s mortgage loan portfolio as of April 30, 2009, 2008 and 2007, and information on delinquent loans:
                                 
    (in 000s)  
 
April 30,   2009     2008     2007        
 
 
Residential real estate mortgages
  $  821,583     $  1,004,283     $  1,350,612          
Home equity lines of credit
    254       357       280          
     
     
     
         
    $ 821,837     $ 1,004,640     $ 1,350,892          
     
     
     
         
Loans and TDRs on non-accrual
  $ 222,382     $ 110,759     $ 22,909          
Loans past due 90 days or more
    121,685       73,600       22,909          
Total TDRs
    160,741       37,159                
 

34   H&R BLOCK 2009 Form 10K


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Of total loans outstanding at April 30, 2009, 65% were adjustable-rate loans and 35% were fixed-rate loans.
 
Concentrations of loans to borrowers located in a single state may result in increased exposure to loss as a result of changes in real estate values and underlying economic or market conditions related to a particular geographical location. The table below presents outstanding loans by state for our portfolio of mortgage loans held for investment as of April 30, 2009:
                                         
    (dollars in 000s)  
 
          Loans
                   
    Loans
    Purchased
                   
    Purchased
    from Other
          Percent
    Delinquency
 
    from SCC     Parties     Total     of Total     Rate (30+ Days)  
 
 
Florida
  $ 68,080     $ 91,707     $ 159,787       19.4 %     19.78 %
California
    124,750       14,965       139,715       17.0 %     30.10 %
New York
    103,325       9,386       112,711       13.7 %     22.84 %
Wisconsin
    2,241       65,882       68,123       8.3 %     2.54 %
All others
    232,837       108,664       341,501       41.6 %     19.07 %
     
     
     
                 
Total
  $  531,233     $  290,604     $  821,837       100.0 %     20.23 %
     
     
     
                 
 
 
A rollforward of HRB Bank’s allowance for loss on mortgage loans is as follows:
                         
    (dollars in 000s)  
 
Year Ended April 30,   2009     2008     2007  
 
 
Balance at beginning of the year
  $ 45,401     $ 3,448     $  
Provision
    63,897       42,004       3,622  
Recoveries
    54       999        
Charge-offs
     (25,279 )     (1,050 )     (174 )
     
     
     
 
Balance at end of the year
  $ 84,073     $  45,401     $  3,448  
     
     
     
 
Ratio of net charge-offs to average loans outstanding during the year
    2.80%       0.09%       0.02%  
 
 
DEPOSITS – The following table shows HRB Bank’s average deposit balances and the average rate paid on those deposits for fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007:
                                                 
                            (dollars in 000s)  
 
Year Ended April 30,   2009     2008     2007  
 
    Average
    Average
    Average
    Average
    Average
    Average
 
    Balance     Rate     Balance     Rate     Balance     Rate  
 
 
Money market and savings
  $ 467,864       1.37 %   $ 653,126       4.92 %   $ 509,915       5.46 %
Interest-bearing checking accounts
    13,579       2.25 %     141,328       4.31 %     75,077       4.96 %
IRAs
    289,814       1.27 %     101,085       4.12 %     10,534       5.05 %
Certificates of deposit
    91,815       3.98 %     9,297       5.45 %     578       5.06 %
                                                 
      863,072       1.63 %     904,836       4.74 %     596,104       5.39 %
Non-interest-bearing deposits
    212,607               189,325               104,603          
                                                 
    $  1,075,679             $  1,094,161             $  700,707          
                                                 
 
 
RATIOS – The following table shows certain of HRB Bank’s key ratios for fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007:
 
                       
 
Year Ended April 30,   2009   2008     2007  
 
 
Pretax return on assets
    (1.03)%     0.80%       2.60%  
Net return on equity
    (6.67)%     3.32%       13.95%  
Equity to assets ratio
    12.44%     12.80%       11.59%  
 
SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS – The following table shows HRB Bank’s short-term borrowings for fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007:
                                                 
                                  (dollars in 000s)  
 
Year Ended April 30,   2009     2008     2007  
 
    Balance     Rate     Balance     Rate     Balance     Rate  
 
 
Ending balance of FHLB advances
  $ 25,000       1.76%     $  25,000       2.64%     $  75,000       5.31%  
Average balance of FHLB advances
     103,885       4.92%       13,743       5.32%       16,055       5.18%  
 
 
The maximum amount of FHLB advances outstanding during fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007 was $129.0 million, $179.0 million and $179.0 million, respectively.

H&R BLOCK 2009 Form 10K  35


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NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
 
See Item 8, note 1 to our consolidated financial statements for a discussion of recently issued accounting pronouncements.
 
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
We report our financial results in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). However, we believe certain non-GAAP performance measures and ratios used in managing the business may provide additional meaningful comparisons between current year results and prior periods. Reconciliations to GAAP financial measures for common banking ratios are provided below. These non-GAAP financial measures should be viewed in addition to, not as an alternative for, our reported GAAP results.
                         
    (dollars in 000s)  
 
Banking Ratios                  
 
Year Ended April 30,   2009     2008     2007  
 
 
Net Interest Margin:
                       
Net interest income(1)
  $ 120,075     $ 78,498     $ 23,963  
Divided by average earning assets
  $ 1,324,645     $ 1,417,366     $ 863,737  
      9.06%       5.54%       2.77%  
Pretax Return on Average Assets:
                       
Pretax income
  $ (14,508 )   $ 11,484     $ 23,086  
Divided by average assets
  $  1,403,933     $  1,442,868     $  888,320  
      (1.03)%       0.80%       2.60%  
(1)  Includes all interest income related to Emerald Advance activities.
 
 
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
GENERAL
INTEREST RATE RISK – We have a formal investment policy that strives to minimize the market risk exposure of our cash equivalents and available-for-sale (AFS) securities, which are primarily affected by credit quality and movements in interest rates. These guidelines focus on managing liquidity and preserving principal and earnings.
Our cash equivalents are primarily held for liquidity purposes and are comprised of high quality, short-term investments, including qualified money market funds. Because our cash and cash equivalents have a relatively short maturity, our portfolio’s market value is relatively insensitive to interest rate changes. See additional discussion of interest rate risk included below in Consumer Financial Services.
As our short-term borrowings are generally seasonal, interest rate risk typically increases through our third fiscal quarter and declines to zero by fiscal year-end. While the market value of short-term borrowings is relatively insensitive to interest rate changes, interest expense on short-term borrowings will increase and decrease with changes in the underlying short-term interest rates. See Item 7, “Financial Condition” for additional information.
Our long-term debt at April 30, 2009, consists primarily of fixed-rate Senior Notes; therefore, a change in interest rates would have no impact on consolidated pretax earnings. See Item 8, note 9 to our consolidated financial statements.
EQUITY PRICE RISK – We have limited exposure to the equity markets. Our primary exposure is through our deferred compensation plans. Within the deferred compensation plans, we have mismatches in asset and liability amounts and investment choices (both fixed-income and equity). At April 30, 2009 and 2008, the impact of a 10% market value change in the combined equity assets held by our deferred compensation plans and other equity investments would be approximately $7.3 million and $12.2 million, respectively, assuming no offset for the liabilities.
 
TAX SERVICES
FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATE RISK  Our operations in international markets are exposed to movements in currency exchange rates. The currencies involved are the Canadian dollar and the Australian dollar. We translate revenues and expenses related to these operations at the average of exchange rates in effect during the period. Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates prevailing at the end of the year. Translation adjustments are recorded as a separate component of other comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity. Translation of financial results into U.S. dollars does not presently materially affect and has not historically materially affected our consolidated financial results, although such changes do affect the year-to-year comparability of the operating results in U.S. dollars of our international businesses. We estimate a 10% change in foreign exchange rates by itself would impact consolidated net income in fiscal years 2009 and 2008 by

36   H&R BLOCK 2009 Form 10K


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approximately $3.0 million and $3.2 million, respectively, and cash balances at April 30, 2009 and 2008 by $5.4 million and $4.0 million, respectively.
During fiscal year 2009, borrowing needs in our Canadian operations were funded by corporate borrowings in the U.S. To mitigate the foreign currency exchange rate risk, we used forward foreign exchange contracts. We do not enter into forward contracts for speculative purposes. In estimating the fair value of derivative positions, we utilized quoted market prices, if available, or quotes obtained from external sources. When foreign currency financial instruments are outstanding, exposure to market risk on these instruments results from fluctuations in currency rates during the periods in which the contracts are outstanding. The counterparties to our currency exchange contracts consist of major financial institutions, each of which is rated investment grade. We are exposed to credit risk to the extent of potential non-performance by counterparties on financial instruments. Any potential credit exposure does not exceed the fair value. We believe the risk of incurring losses due to credit risk is remote. At April 30, 2009 we had no forward exchange contracts outstanding.
 
CONSUMER FINANCIAL SERVICES
INTEREST RATE RISK  At April 30, 2009, approximately 67% of HRB Bank’s total assets were residential mortgage loans with 35% of these fixed-rate loans and 65% adjustable-rate loans. These loans are sensitive to changes in interest rates as well as expected prepayment levels. As interest rates increase, fixed-rate residential mortgages tend to exhibit lower prepayments. The opposite is true in a falling rate environment. When mortgage loans prepay, mortgage origination costs are written off. Depending on the timing of the prepayment, the write-offs of mortgage origination costs may result in lower than anticipated yields.
At April 30, 2009, HRB Bank’s other investments consisted primarily of mortgage-backed securities and FHLB stock. See table below for sensitivity analysis of our mortgage-backed securities.
HRB Bank’s liabilities consist primarily of transactional deposit relationships, such as prepaid debit card accounts and checking accounts. Other liabilities include money market accounts, certificates of deposit and collateralized borrowings from the FHLB. Money market accounts re-price as interest rates change. Certificates of deposit re-price over time depending on maturities. FHLB advances generally have fixed rates ranging from one day through multiple years.
Under criteria published by the OTS, HRB Bank’s overall interest rate risk exposure at March 31, 2009, the most recent date an evaluation was completed, was characterized as “minimal.” We actively manage our interest rate risk positions. As interest rates change, we will adjust our strategy and mix of assets and liabilities to optimize our position.
 
SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS
The sensitivities of certain financial instruments to changes in interest rates as of April 30, 2009 and 2008 are presented below. The following table represents hypothetical instantaneous and sustained parallel shifts in interest rates and should not be relied on as an indicator of future expected results. The impact of a change in interest rates on other factors, such as delinquency and prepayment rates, is not included in the analysis below.
 
                                                 
    (in 000s)    
        Basis Point Change
    Carrying Value at
 
    April 30, 2009   −300   −200   −100   +100   +200   +300    
 
Mortgage loans held for investment
  $     744,899   $   115,319   $   76,202   $   33,253   $   (28,847)   $   (58,293)   $   (85,922)      
Mortgage-backed securities
    26,793     803     727     398     (1,188)     (1,675)     (1,906)      
                                                 
        Basis Point Change
   
    Carrying Value at
 
   
    April 30, 2008   −300   −200   −100   +100   +200   +300    
 
Mortgage loans held for investment
  $     966,301   $   33,382   $   22,618   $   14,291   $   (22,135)   $   (44,639)   $   (65,274)      
Mortgage-backed securities
    29,401     941     681     624     (165)     (198)     (227)      
 
 

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ITEM 8.   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
 
DISCUSSION OF FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
We at H&R Block are guided by our core values of client focus, integrity, excellence, respect and teamwork. These values govern the manner in which we serve clients and each other and are embedded in the execution and delivery of our responsibilities to our shareholders. H&R Block’s management is responsible for the integrity and objectivity of the information contained in this document. Management is responsible for the consistency of reporting this information and for ensuring that accounting principles generally accepted in the United States are used. In discharging this responsibility, management maintains an extensive program of internal audits and requires the management teams of our individual subsidiaries to certify their respective financial information. Our system of internal control over financial reporting also includes formal policies and procedures, including a Code of Business Ethics and Conduct program designed to encourage and assist all employees and directors in living up to high standards of integrity.
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, composed solely of outside and independent directors, meets periodically with management, the independent auditors and the chief internal auditor to review matters relating to our financial statements, internal audit activities, internal accounting controls and non-audit services provided by the independent auditors. The independent auditors and the chief internal auditor have full access to the Audit Committee and meet, both with and without management present, to discuss the scope and results of their audits, including internal control, audit and financial matters.
Deloitte & Touche LLP audited our consolidated financial statements for fiscal years 2009 and 2008. Their audits were conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 12a-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in “Internal Control — Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) as of April 30, 2009.
Based on our assessment, management concluded that as of April 30, 2009, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective based on the criteria set forth by COSO. The Company’s external auditors, Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, have issued an audit report on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
     
-s- Alan M. Bennett
Russell P. Smyth
President and Chief Executive Officer
  -s- Becky S. Shulman

Becky S. Shulman
Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

38   H&R BLOCK 2009 Form 10K


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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
Board of Directors and Stockholders
H&R Block, Inc.
Kansas City, Missouri
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of H&R Block, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of April 30, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the years then ended. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits. The consolidated financial statements of the Company for the year ended April 30, 2007, before the effects of the retrospective adjustments for operations discontinued in 2009 as discussed in Note 19 to the consolidated financial statements, were audited by other auditors whose report, dated June 29, 2007, expressed an unqualified opinion on those statements.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such 2009 and 2008 consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of H&R Block, Inc. and subsidiaries as of April 30, 2009 and 2008, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
As discussed in Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” on May 1, 2007.
We also have audited the retrospective adjustments to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended April 30, 2007 for operations discontinued in 2009, as discussed in Note 19 to the consolidated financial statements. Our procedures included (1) obtaining the Company’s underlying accounting analysis prepared by management of the retrospective adjustments for discontinued operations and comparing the retrospectively adjusted amounts shown in the 2007 financial statements to such analysis, (2) comparing previously reported amounts to the previously issued financial statements for such year, (3) testing the mathematical accuracy of the accounting analysis, and (4) on a test basis, comparing the adjustments to retrospectively adjust the financial statements for discontinued operations to the Company’s supporting documentation. In our opinion, such retrospective adjustments are appropriate and have been properly applied. However, we were not engaged to audit, review, or apply any procedures to the 2007 consolidated financial statements of the Company other than with respect to the retrospective adjustments and, accordingly, we do not express an opinion or any other form of assurance on the 2007 consolidated financial statements taken as a whole.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of April 30, 2009, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated June 29, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
signature
June 29, 2009

H&R BLOCK 2009 Form 10K  39


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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
Board of Directors and Stockholders
H&R Block, Inc.
Kansas City, Missouri
 
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of H&R Block, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of April 30, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of April 30, 2009, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule as of and for the year ended April 30, 2009 of the Company and our report dated June 29, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and financial statement schedule and included an explanatory paragraph regarding the Company’s adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” on May 1, 2007.
 
-s- signature
June 29, 2009

40   H&R BLOCK 2009 Form 10K


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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
H&R Block, Inc.:
We have audited, before the effects of the retrospective adjustments to present the results of operations of HRB Financial Corporation as discontinued operations described in note 19, the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), stockholders’ equity, and cash flows of H&R Block, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) for the year ended April 30, 2007. In connection with our audit of the consolidated financial statements, we have also audited before the effects of the retrospective adjustments described in note 19, the financial statement schedule as of April 30, 2007 listed in the Index at Item 15. The 2007 consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule before the effects of the adjustments discussed in note 19 are not presented herein. The 2007 consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the 2007 consolidated financial statements, before the effects of the retrospective adjustments to present the results of operations of HRB Financial Corporation as discontinued operations described in note 19, present fairly, in all material respects, the results of operations and cash flows of H&R Block, Inc. and its subsidiaries for the year ended April 30, 2007 in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, before the effects of the retrospective adjustments described in note 19, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
We were not engaged to audit, review or apply any procedures to the retrospective adjustments to present the results of operations of HRB Financial Corporation as discontinued operations described in note 19, and, accordingly, we do not express an opinion or any other form of assurance about whether such adjustments are appropriate and have been properly applied. These adjustments were audited by a successor auditor.
 
-s- KPMG LLP
Kansas City, Missouri
June 29, 2007

H&R BLOCK 2009 Form 10K  41


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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
                         
 
    (in 000s, except per share amounts)  
Year ended April 30,   2009     2008     2007  
 
 
REVENUES:
                       
Service revenues
  $  3,437,906     $  3,393,906     $  3,108,335  
Other revenues:
                       
Product and other revenues
    491,155       541,166       528,775  
Interest income
    154,516       151,558       73,252  
   
      4,083,577       4,086,630       3,710,362  
   
OPERATING EXPENSES:
                       
Cost of services
    2,296,449       2,280,478       2,157,838  
Cost of other revenues
    299,769       307,715       172,656  
Selling, general and administrative
    648,490       788,898       728,540  
   
      3,244,708       3,377,091       3,059,034  
   
Operating income
    838,869       709,539       651,328  
Other income (expense), net
    501       25,532       (24,067 )
   
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
    839,370       735,071       627,261  
Income taxes
    326,315       289,124       257,801  
   
Net income from continuing operations
    513,055       445,947       369,460  
Net loss from discontinued operations
    (27,382 )     (754,594 )     (803,113 )
   
NET INCOME (LOSS)
  $ 485,673     $ (308,647 )   $ (433,653 )
   
BASIC EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE:
                       
Net income from continuing operations
  $ 1.54     $ 1.37     $ 1.14  
Net loss from discontinued operations
    (0.08 )     (2.32 )     (2.48 )
   
Net income (loss)
  $ 1.46     $ (0.95 )   $ (1.34 )
DILUTED EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE:
                       
Net income from continuing operations
  $ 1.53     $ 1.36     $ 1.13  
Net loss from discontinued operations
    (0.08 )     (2.30 )     (2.46 )
   
Net income (loss)
  $ 1.45     $ (0.94 )   $ (1.33 )
   
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS):
                       
Net income (loss)
  $ 485,673     $ (308,647 )   $ (433,653 )
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities, net of taxes:
                       
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the year, net of taxes of $(1,736), $2,683 and $(5,072)
    (2,836 )     4,402       (8,151 )
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in income, net of taxes of $762, $130 and $11,120
    (1,164 )     (205 )     (18,001 )
Change in foreign currency translation adjustments
    (10,125 )     (391 )     2,884  
   
Comprehensive income (loss)
  $ 471,548     $ (304,841 )   $ (456,921 )
   
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

42   H&R BLOCK 2009 Form 10K


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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                 
 
    (in 000s, except share and per share amounts)  
    April 30, 2009     April 30, 2008  
 
 
ASSETS
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 1,654,663     $ 664,897  
Cash and cash equivalents — restricted
    51,656       7,031  
Receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $128,541 and $120,155
    512,814       534,229  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    351,947       420,738  
Assets of discontinued operations, held for sale
    –         987,592  
   
Total current assets
    2,571,080       2,614,487  
Mortgage loans held for investment, less allowance for loan losses of $84,073 and $45,401
    744,899       966,301  
Property and equipment, at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization of $625,075 and $620,460
    368,289       363,664  
Intangible assets, net
    385,998       147,368  
Goodwill
    850,230       831,314  
Other assets
    439,226       700,291  
   
Total assets
  $ 5,359,722     $ 5,623,425  
   
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
LIABILITIES:
               
Customer banking deposits
  $ 854,888     $ 785,624  
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities
    705,945       739,887  
Accrued salaries, wages and payroll taxes
    259,698       365,712  
Accrued income taxes
    543,967       439,380  
Current portion of long-term debt
    8,782       7,286  
Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings
    25,000       129,000  
Liabilities of discontinued operations, held for sale
    –         644,446  
   
Total current liabilities
    2,398,280       3,111,335  
Long-term debt
    1,032,122       1,031,784  
Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings
    75,000       –    
Other noncurrent liabilities
    448,461       492,488  
   
Total liabilities
    3,953,863       4,635,607  
   
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
               
Common stock, no par, stated value $.01 per share, 800,000,000 shares authorized, shares issued of 444,176,510 and 435,890,796, respectively
    4,442       4,359  
Convertible preferred stock, no par, stated value $0.01 per share, 500,000 shares authorized
    –         –    
Additional paid-in capital
    836,477       695,959  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    (11,639 )     2,486  
Retained earnings
    2,671,437       2,384,449  
Less treasury shares, at cost
    (2,094,858 )     (2,099,435 )
   
Total stockholders’ equity
    1,405,859       987,818  
   
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 5,359,722     $ 5,623,425  
   

 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

H&R BLOCK 2009 Form 10K  43


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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 
 
    (in 000s)        
Year ended April 30,   2009     2008     2007        
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
                               
Net income (loss)
  $ 485,673     $ (308,647 )   $ (433,653 )        
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
                               
Depreciation and amortization
    123,631       119,514       107,479          
Provision for bad debts and loan losses
    181,829       174,813       64,066          
Provision for deferred taxes
    73,213       (51,695 )     (26,236 )        
Stock-based compensation
    26,557       40,373       37,014          
Operating cash flows of discontinued operations:
                               
Loss on sale of discontinued operations
    10,626       45,510       –            
Other
    86,952       167,535       97,754          
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
                               
Cash and cash equivalents — restricted
    (44,625 )     (3,168 )     12,793          
Receivables
    (57,155 )     (116,846 )     (66,331 )        
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    84,279       6,796       (2,969 )        
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities
    (36,024 )     16,215       (72,326 )        
Accrued salaries, wages and payroll taxes
    (106,014 )     65,845       47,356          
Accrued income taxes
    126,594       204,472       (275,337 )        
Other noncurrent liabilities
    (56,001 )     (34,738 )     20,538          
Other, net
    124,904       (67,219 )     (67,123 )        
   
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    1,024,439       258,760       (556,975 )        
   
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
                               
Available-for-sale securities:
                               
Purchases of available-for-sale securities
    (5,092 )     (11,794 )     (54,375 )        
Sales of and payments received on available-for-sale securities
    15,075       18,175       5,983          
Mortgage loans originated or purchased for investment, net
    91,329       207,606       (954,281 )        
Purchases of property and equipment
    (97,880 )     (101,554 )     (158,460 )        
Payments made for business acquisitions, net of cash acquired
    (293,805 )     (24,872 )     (57,554 )        
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities of discontinued operations:
                               
Proceeds from sale of operating units, net of cash
    303,983       1,114,535       –            
Other
    (48,917 )     (69,545 )     22,081          
Other, net
    40,867       14,738       38,230          
   
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    5,560       1,147,289       (1,158,376 )        
   
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
                               
Repayments of commercial paper
    –         (5,125,279 )     (8,264,561 )        
Proceeds from issuance of commercial paper
    –         4,133,197       9,256,643          
Repayments of Senior Notes
    –         –         (500,000 )        
Proceeds from issuance of Senior Notes
    –         599,376       –            
Repayments of other borrowings
    (4,762,294 )     (9,055,426 )     (6,010,432 )        
Proceeds from other borrowings
    4,733,294       8,505,426       6,689,432          
Customer banking deposits, net
    64,357       (345,391 )     1,129,263          
Dividends paid
    (198,685 )     (183,628 )     (171,966 )        
Acquisition of treasury shares
    (106,189 )     (7,280 )     (188,802 )        
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net
    141,415       –         –            
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    71,594       23,322       25,703          
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities of discontinued operations
    4,783       (64,439 )     42,926          
Other, net
    11,492       (37,947 )     (17,095 )        
   
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    (40,233 )     (1,558,069 )     1,991,111          
   
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    989,766       (152,020 )     275,760          
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year
    664,897       816,917       541,157          
   
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year
  $ 1,654,663     $ 664,897     $ 816,917          
   
SUPPLEMENTARY CASH FLOW DATA:
                               
Income taxes paid, net of refunds received of $158,862, $317,849 and $3,861
  $ (1,593 )   $ (238,803 )   $ 405,445          
Interest paid on borrowings
    89,541       173,181       151,436          
Interest paid on deposits
    14,004       44,501       27,475          
Transfers of loans to foreclosed assets
    65,171       –         –            
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

44   H&R BLOCK 2009 Form 10K


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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(amounts in 000s, except 
per share amounts) 
                                                                                 
 
                                  Accumulated
                         
                Convertible
    Additional
    Other
                         
    Common Stock     Preferred Stock     Paid-in
    Comprehensive
    Retained
    Treasury Stock     Total
 
    Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Capital     Income (Loss)     Earnings     Shares     Amount     Equity  
 
 
Balances at May 1, 2006
    435,891     $  4,359       –       $     –       $  653,053     $   21,948     $  3,492,059        (107,378 )   $  (2,023,620 )   $  2,147,799  
Net loss
    –         –         –         –         –         –         (433,653 )     –         –         (433,653 )
Unrealized translation gain
    –         –         –         –         –         2,884       –         –         –         2,884  
Change in net unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities
    –         –         –         –         –         (26,152 )     –         –         –         (26,152 )
Stock-based compensation
    –         –         –         –         50,495       –         –         –         –         50,495  
Shares issued for:
                                                                               
Option exercises
    –         –         –         –         (7,219 )     –         –         1,638       31,246       24,027  
Nonvested shares
    –         –         –         –         (20,619 )     –         –         1,053       20,067       (552 )
ESPP
    –         –         –         –         1,002       –         –         470       8,967       9,969  
Acquisitions
    –         –         –         –         54       –         –         21       396       450  
Acquisition of treasury shares
    –         –         –         –         –         –         –         (8,476 )     (188,802 )     (188,802 )
Cash dividends paid – $0.53 per share
    –         –         –         –         –         –         (171,966 )     –         –         (171,966 )
   
Balances at April 30, 2007
    435,891       4,359       –         –         676,766       (1,320 )     2,886,440       (112,672 )     (2,151,746 )     1,414,499  
Remeasurement of uncertain tax positions upon adoption of FIN 48
    –         –         –         –         –         –         (9,716 )     –         –         (9,716 )
Net loss
    –         –         –         –         –         –         (308,647 )     –         –         (308,647 )
Unrealized translation loss
    –         –         –         –         –         (391 )     –         –         –         (391 )
Change in net unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities
    –         –         –         –         –         4,197       –         –         –         4,197  
Stock-based compensation
    –         –         –         –         50,410       –         –         –         –         50,410  
Shares issued for:
                                                                               
Option exercises
    –         –         –         –         (11,090 )     –         –         1,736       33,174       22,084  
Nonvested shares
    –         –         –         –         (20,097 )     –         –         963       18,387       (1,710 )
ESPP
    –         –         –         –         (65 )     –         –         413       7,872       7,807  
Acquisitions
    –         –         –         –         35       –         –         8       158       193  
Acquisition of treasury shares
    –         –         –         –         –         –         –         (328 )     (7,280 )     (7,280 )
Cash dividends paid – $0.56 per share
    –         –         –         –         –         –         (183,628 )     –         –         (183,628 )
   
Balances at April 30, 2008
    435,891       4,359       –         –         695,959       2,486       2,384,449       (109,880 )     (2,099,435 )     987,818  
Net income
    –         –         –         –         –         –         485,673       –         –         485,673  
Unrealized translation loss
    –         –         –         –         –         (10,125 )     –         –         –         (10,125 )
Change in net unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities
    –         –         –         –         –         (4,000 )     –         –         –         (4,000 )
Proceeds from common stock issuance, net of expenses
    8,286       83       –         –         141,332       –         –         –         –         141,415  
Stock-based compensation
    –         –         –         –         32,600       –         –         –         –         32,600  
Shares issued for:
                                                                               
Option exercises
    –         –         –         –         (12,624 )     –         –         4,481       85,624       73,000  
Nonvested shares
    –         –         –         –         (20,392 )     –         –         1,015       19,402       (990 )
ESPP
    –         –         –         –         (423 )     –         –         292       5,577       5,154  
Acquisitions
    –         –         –         –         25       –         –         8       163       188  
Acquisition of treasury shares
    –         –         –         –         –         –         –         (5,991 )     (106,189 )     (106,189 )
Cash dividends paid – $0.59 per share
    –         –         –         –         –         –         (198,685 )     –         –         (198,685 )
   
Balances at April 30, 2009
    444,177     $ 4,442       –       $ –       $ 836,477     $ (11,639 )   $ 2,671,437       (110,075 )   $ (2,094,858 )   $ 1,405,859  
   
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
 
NOTE 1:   SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
NATURE OF OPERATIONS  Our operating subsidiaries provide a variety of services to the general public, principally in the United States (U.S.). Specifically, we offer: tax return preparation; accounting, tax and consulting services to business clients; certain retail banking services; tax preparation and related software; and refund anticipation loans (RALs) offered by third-party lending institutions. Tax preparation services are also provided in Canada and Australia. Our Tax Services segment comprised 74.3% of our consolidated revenues from continuing operations for fiscal year 2009.
Our discontinued operations were primarily engaged in the origination, sale and servicing of non-prime and prime mortgage loans and investment services through a registered broker-dealer. See additional information on our discontinued operations in note 19.
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION  The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and our wholly-owned subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.
Some of our subsidiaries operate in regulated industries and their underlying accounting records reflect the policies and requirements of these industries.
RECLASSIFICATIONS  Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts to conform to the current year presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on our results of operations or stockholders’ equity as previously reported. Effective November 1, 2008, we sold H&R Block Financial Advisors, Inc. (HRBFA) to Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (Ameriprise). As of April 30, 2009, HRBFA and its direct corporate parent are presented as discontinued operations in the consolidated financial statements. Operating results of this business for all periods presented have been reclassified in the consolidated statements of operations to discontinued operations. We elected to present assets and liabilities of the business as held for sale as of April 30, 2008, both classified as current. See additional discussion in note 19.
MANAGEMENT ESTIMATES  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Significant estimates, assumptions and judgments are applied in the determination of our allowance for loan losses, potential losses from loan repurchase and indemnity obligations associated with our discontinued mortgage business, contingent losses associated with pending litigation, fair value of reporting units, reserves for uncertain tax positions and related matters. We seek to change our estimates when facts and circumstances dictate, however, future events and their effects cannot be determined with absolute certainty. As such, actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
CONCENTRATIONS OF RISK  Cash deposits in bank accounts in excess of insured or guaranteed limits are exposed to loss in the event of nonperformance by the financial institution. We had cash deposits in excess of these limits of less than $70 million at April 30, 2009. We have not historically experienced any losses on bank deposits. In addition to cash deposits with financial institutions, we had investments totaling approximately $1.3 billion and $157.3 million in money market funds and federal funds sold, respectively, at April 30, 2009.
The overall credit quality of our mortgage loans held for investment is impacted by the strength of the U.S. economy and local economies. Our mortgage loans held for investment include concentrations of loans to borrowers in certain states, which may result in increased exposure to loss as a result of changes in real estate values and underlying economic or market conditions related to a particular geographical location. Approximately 50.1% of our mortgage loan portfolio consists of loans to borrowers located in the states of Florida, California and New York.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS  Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, cash due from banks and federal funds sold. For purposes of the consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of cash flows, all non-restricted highly liquid instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents. We present cash flow activities utilizing the indirect method. Book overdrafts included in accounts payable totaled $48.0 million and $42.2 million at April 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS – RESTRICTED – Cash and cash equivalents – restricted consists primarily of cash held by our captive insurance subsidiary that will be used to pay claims.
RECEIVABLES  Receivables consist primarily of accounts receivable from customers of our Business Services segment, receivables from tax clients for tax return preparation, refund anticipation loan participations and receivables of our franchise financing subsidiary. The allowance for doubtful accounts requires management’s

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judgment regarding collectibility and current economic conditions to establish an amount considered by management to be adequate to cover estimated losses as of the balance sheet date.
MARKETABLE SECURITIES – AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE – Marketable securities we hold are classified as available-for-sale (AFS) and are reported at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses are calculated using the specific identification method and reported, net of applicable taxes, as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Realized gains and losses on the sale of these securities are determined using the specific identification method. These securities are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets.
We monitor our AFS investment portfolio for impairment and consider many factors in determining whether the impairment is deemed to be other-than-temporary. These factors include, but are not limited to, the length of time the security has had a market value less than the cost basis, the severity of loss, our intent to sell, including regulatory or contractual requirements to sell, recent events specific to the issuer or industry, external credit ratings and recent downgrades in such ratings.
For investments in mortgage-backed securities, amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts are recognized in interest income using the interest method, adjusted for anticipated prepayments where applicable. We update our estimates of expected cash flows periodically and recognize changes in calculated effective yields as appropriate.
Our investment in the stock of the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) is carried at cost, as it is a restricted security, which is required to be maintained by H&R Block Bank (HRB Bank) for borrowing availability. The cost of the stock represents its redemption value, as there is no ready market value.
REAL ESTATE OWNED  Real estate owned (REO) includes foreclosed properties securing mortgage loans. Foreclosed assets are adjusted to fair value less costs to sell upon transfer of the loans to REO. Subsequently, REO is carried at the lower of carrying value or fair value less costs to sell. Fair value is generally based on independent market prices or appraised values of the collateral. Subsequent holding period losses and losses arising from the sale of REO are expensed as incurred. REO is included in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the consolidated balance sheets.
MORTGAGE LOANS HELD FOR INVESTMENT   Mortgage loans held for investment represent loans originated or acquired with the ability and current intent to hold to maturity. Loans held for investment are carried at amortized cost adjusted for charge-offs, net allowance for loan losses, deferred fees or costs on originated loans and unamortized premiums or discounts on purchased loans. Loan fees and certain direct loan origination costs are deferred and the net fee or cost is recognized in interest income over the lives of the related loans. Unearned income, premiums and discounts on purchased loans are amortized or accreted into income over the estimated life of the loan using methods that approximate the interest method based on assumptions regarding the loan portfolio, including prepayments adjusted to reflect actual experience.
We record an allowance representing our estimate of credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio at the balance sheet date. Loan recoveries and the provision for credit losses increase the allowance, while loan charge-offs decrease the allowance. A current assessment of the value of the loan is made when the loan is no later than 180 days past due and any loan balance in excess of the value less costs to sell the property is charged off.
We evaluate mortgage loans less than 60 days past due on a pooled basis and record a loan loss allowance for those loans in the aggregate. We stratify these loans based on our view of risk associated with various elements of the pool and assign estimated loss rates based on those risks. Loss rates consider both the rate at which loans will become delinquent (frequency) and the amount of loss that will ultimately be realized upon occurrence of a liquidation of collateral (severity), and are primarily based on historical experience and our assessment of economic and market conditions.
Loans are considered impaired when we believe it is probable we will be unable to collect all principal and interest due according to the contractual terms of the note, or when the loan is 60 days past due. Impaired loans are reviewed individually and a specific loan loss allowance is recorded based on the fair value of the underlying collateral.
We classify loans as non-accrual when full and timely collection of interest or principal becomes uncertain, or when they are 90 days past due. Interest previously accrued, but not collected, is reversed against current interest income when a loan is placed on non-accrual status. Accretion of deferred fees is discontinued for non-accrual loans. Payments received on non-accrual loans are recognized as interest income when the loan is considered collectible and applied to principal when it is doubtful that full payment will be collected. Loans are not placed back on accrual status until collection of principal and interest is reasonably assured as a result of the borrower bringing the loan into compliance with the contractual terms of the loan. Prior to restoring a loan to accrual status, management considers a borrower’s prospects for continuing future contractual payments.
From time to time, as part of our loss mitigation process, we may agree to modify the contractual terms of a borrower’s loan. We have developed loan modification programs designed to help borrowers refinance adjustable-

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rate mortgage (ARM) loans prior to rate reset. In cases where we modify a loan and in so doing grant a concession to a borrower experiencing financial difficulty, the modification is considered a troubled debt restructuring (TDR). We may consider the borrower’s payment status and history, the borrower’s ability to pay upon a rate reset on an adjustable-rate mortgage, the size of the payment increase upon a rate reset, the period of time remaining prior to the rate reset and other relevant factors in determining whether a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. A borrower who is current may be deemed to be experiencing financial difficulty in instances where the evidence suggests an inability to pay based on the original terms of the loan after the interest rate reset and, in the absence of a modification, may default on the loan. We evaluate whether the modification represents a concession we would not otherwise consider, such as a lower interest rate than what a new borrower of similar credit risk would be offered. A loan modified in a troubled debt restructuring, including a loan that was current at the time of modification, is placed on non-accrual status until we determine future collection of principal and interest is reasonably assured, which generally requires the borrower to demonstrate a period of performance according to the restructured terms. TDR loans totaled $160.7 million and $37.2 million at April 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. At the time of the modification, we record impairment for TDR loans equal to the difference between the principal balance of the loan and the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate. However, if we later assess that foreclosure of a modified loan is probable, we record impairment based on the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral.
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT   Buildings and equipment are initially recorded at cost and are depreciated over the estimated useful life of the assets using the straight-line method. Leasehold improvements are initially recorded at cost and are amortized over the lesser of the term of the respective lease or the estimated useful life, using the straight-line method. Estimated useful lives are 15 to 40 years for buildings, 3 to 5 years for computers and other equipment and up to 8 years for leasehold improvements.
We capitalize certain allowable costs associated with software developed or purchased for internal use. These costs are typically amortized over 36 months using the straight-line method.
Substantially all of the operations of our subsidiaries are conducted in leased premises. For all lease agreements, including those with escalating rent payments or rent holidays, we recognize rent expense on a straight-line basis.
INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND GOODWILL  We test goodwill and other indefinite-life intangible assets for impairment annually or more frequently, whenever events occur or circumstances change which would, more likely than not, reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. The first step of the impairment test is to compare the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value. If the carrying value is less than fair value, no impairment exists. If the carrying value is greater than fair value, a second step is performed to determine the fair value of goodwill and the amount of impairment loss, if any.
In addition, long-lived assets, including intangible assets with finite lives, are assessed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be fully recoverable by comparing the carrying value to future undiscounted cash flows. Impairment is recorded for long-lived assets determined not to be fully recoverable equal to the excess of the carrying amount of the asset over its estimated fair value.
We recorded $2.2 million and $5.7 million in goodwill impairments in our Tax Services segment in fiscal years 2009 and 2008, respectively. There was no goodwill impairment in our continuing operations during fiscal year 2007. In fiscal year 2007, we recorded $154.9 million in goodwill impairments related to the sale or wind-down of our discontinued operations. No material impairment adjustments to other intangible assets or other long-lived assets of continuing operations were made during the three-year period ended April 30, 2009.
The weighted-average life of intangible assets with finite lives is 28 years. Intangible assets are typically amortized over the estimated useful life of the assets using the straight-line method.
MORTGAGE LOAN REPURCHASE LIABILITY  Sand Canyon Corporation’s (SCC), formerly Option One Mortgage Corporation, mortgage loan repurchase liability relates to potential losses that could be incurred in connection with the repurchase of sold loans or indemnification of losses as a result of breaches of representations and warranties customary to the mortgage banking industry.
The amount of expected losses depends primarily on the frequency of valid claims and the severity of loss incurred on loans. To the extent actual losses related to repurchase and indemnification activity are different from estimates, the repurchase reserve may increase or decrease. See note 17 for additional information.
LITIGATION  It is our policy to routinely assess the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes related to legal matters, as well as ranges of probable losses. A determination of the amount of the reserves required, if any, for these contingencies is made after analysis of each known issue and an analysis of historical experience in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 5, “Accounting for Contingencies” (SFAS 5), and related pronouncements. We record reserves related to certain legal matters for which we believe it is probable that a loss will be incurred and the range of such loss can be estimated. With respect to other matters,

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management has concluded that a loss is only reasonably possible or remote, or not estimable and, therefore, no liability is recorded. Management discloses the facts regarding material matters, and potential exposure if determinable, for losses assessed as reasonably possible to occur. Costs incurred with defending claims are expensed as incurred. Any receivable for insurance recoveries is recorded separately from the corresponding litigation reserve, and only if recovery is determined to be probable.
INCOME TAXES  We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires us to record deferred income tax assets and liabilities for future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying value of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred taxes are determined separately for each tax-paying component within each tax jurisdiction based on provisions of enacted tax law. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Our deferred tax assets include state and foreign tax loss carry-forwards and are reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Our current deferred tax assets are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the consolidated balance sheets. Noncurrent deferred tax assets are included in other assets on our consolidated balance sheets.
We evaluate the sustainability of each uncertain tax position based on its technical merits. If we determine it is more likely than not a tax position will be sustained based on its technical merits, we record the impact of the position in our consolidated financial statements at the largest amount that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. We record no tax benefit for tax positions where we have concluded it is not more likely than not to be sustained. Differences between a tax position taken or expected to be taken in our tax returns and the amount of benefit recognized and measured in the financial statements result in unrecognized tax benefits, which are recorded in the balance sheet as either a liability for unrecognized tax benefits or reductions to recorded tax assets, as applicable.
We file a consolidated federal tax return on a calendar year basis and state tax returns on a consolidated or combined basis, as permitted by authorities. We report interest and penalties as a component of income tax expense.
TREASURY SHARES  Shares of common stock repurchased by us are recorded, at cost, as treasury shares and result in a reduction of stockholders’ equity. We reissue treasury shares as part of our stock-based compensation programs. When shares are reissued, we determine the cost using the average cost method. Periodically, we may permanently retire shares held in treasury as determined by our Board of Directors.
REVENUE RECOGNITION  Service revenues consist primarily of fees for preparation and filing of tax returns, both in offices and through our online programs, fees associated with our Peace of Mind (POM) guarantee program and fees for consulting services. Service revenues are recorded in the period in which the service is performed. Retail and online tax preparation revenues are recorded when a completed return is filed or accepted by the customer. POM revenues are deferred and recognized over the term of the guarantee, based on historical and actual payment of claims. Revenues for services rendered in connection with the Business Services segment include fees based on time and materials, which are recognized as the services are performed and amounts are earned. Revenues associated with our H&R Block Prepaid Emerald MasterCard® program consist of interchange income from the use of debit cards and fees from the use of ATM networks. Interchange income is a fee paid by a merchant bank to the card-issuing bank through the interchange network, and is based on cardholder purchase volumes. HRB Bank recognizes interchange income as earned.
Interest income consists primarily of interest earned on mortgage loans held for investment and Emerald Advance lines of credit. Interest income on mortgage loans held for investment includes deferred origination fees and costs and purchase discounts and premiums, which are amortized to income over the life of the loan using the interest method. Interest income on Emerald Advance lines of credit is calculated using the average daily balance method and is recognized based on the principal amount outstanding until the outstanding balance is paid or written-off. Loan commitment fees, net of related expenses, are initially deferred and recognized as revenue over the commitment period.
Product and other revenues include royalties from franchisees, RAL participation revenues and sales of software products, and are recognized as follows:
  §  Upon granting of a franchise, franchisees pay a refundable deposit generally in the amount of $2,500, but pay no initial franchise fee. We record the payment as a deposit liability and recognize no revenue in connection with the initial granting of a franchise. Franchise royalties, which are based on contractual percentages of franchise revenues, are recorded in the period in which the franchise provides the service.
  §  Loan participation revenue is recognized over the life of the loan.

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  §  Software revenues consist mainly of tax preparation software and other personal productivity software. Revenue from the sale of software such as TaxCut® is recognized when the product is sold to the end user, either through retail, online or other channels. Rebates, slotting fees and other incentives paid in connection with these sales are recorded as a reduction of revenue. Revenue from the sale of TaxWorks® software is deferred and recognized over the period for which upgrades and support are provided to the customer.
Revenue recognition is evaluated separately for each unit in multiple-deliverable arrangements. Sales tax we collect and remit to taxing authorities is recorded net in our consolidated income statements.
ADVERTISING EXPENSE  Advertising costs are primarily expensed as incurred, or the first time the advertisement takes place. Total advertising costs of continuing operations for fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007 totaled $249.2 million, $204.8 million and $213.9 million, respectively.
DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLANS  We have 401(k) defined contribution plans covering all full-time and seasonal employees following the completion of an eligibility period. Contributions of our continuing operations to these plans are discretionary and totaled $26.7 million, $27.3 million and $23.3 million for fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION  Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates prevailing at the end of the year. Revenues and expenses of our foreign operations are translated at the average exchanges rates in effect during the fiscal year. Translation adjustments are recorded as a separate component of other comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity.
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME  Our comprehensive income (loss) is comprised of net income (loss), foreign currency translation adjustments and the change in net unrealized gains or losses on AFS marketable securities. Included in stockholders’ equity at April 30, 2009 and 2008, the net unrealized holding gain on AFS securities was $(1.5) million and $5.5 million, respectively, and the foreign currency translation adjustment was $13.1 million and $(3.0) million, respectively. Translation adjustments recorded in fiscal year 2009 totaled $10.1 million, and are net of income taxes of $4.1 million.
NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS  In June 2008, FASB Staff Position on EITF 03-6-1, “Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions are Participating Securities” (FSP 03-6-1) was issued. FSP 03-6-1 addresses whether instruments granted in share-based payment transactions are participating securities prior to vesting and, therefore, should be included in the process of allocating earnings for purposes of computing earnings per share. This guidance is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and the related interim periods beginning after December 15, 2008. Early application is not permitted. The provisions of FSP 03-6-1 are effective for the first quarter of our fiscal year 2010. We do not expect the adoption of FSP 03-6-1 will have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
In December 2007, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141(R), “Business Combinations,” (SFAS 141R) and Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 160, “Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements – An Amendment of ARB No. 51” (SFAS 160) were issued. These standards will require an acquiring entity to recognize all the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a transaction, including non-controlling interests, at the acquisition date fair value with limited exceptions. SFAS 141R will further require acquisition-related expenses to be expensed and will generally require contingent consideration be recorded as a liability at the time of acquisition. Under SFAS 141R, subsequent changes to deferred tax valuation allowances relating to acquired businesses and acquired liabilities for uncertain tax positions will no longer be applied to goodwill but will instead be typically recognized as an adjustment to income tax expense. The provisions of these standards are effective as of the beginning of our fiscal year 2010. We do not expect the adoption of SFAS 141R and SFAS 160 will have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
As discussed in note 15, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (SFAS 157) and Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (SFAS 159) as of May 1, 2008, and FASB Staff Position No. 115-2 and 124-2, “Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments” (FSP 115-2) as of April 30, 2009.
 
NOTE 2: BUSINESS COMBINATIONS AND DISPOSALS
Effective November 3, 2008, we acquired the assets and franchise rights of our last major independent franchise operator for an aggregate purchase price of $279.2 million. Results related to the acquired business have been included in our consolidated financial statements since November 3, 2008. Pro forma results of operations have not been presented as the effects of this acquisition were not material to our results. Goodwill recognized on this

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transaction is included in the Tax Services segment and is deductible for tax purposes. The allocation of the purchase price to assets acquired and liabilities assumed has been completed and is as follows:
 
                         
(dollars in 000s)        
 
Asset Acquired   Estimated Life     Fair Value at Acquisition        
 
 
Property and equipment
    various     $ 6,169          
Goodwill
    N/A       18,111          
Reacquired franchise rights
    52 years       229,438          
Sub-franchise agreements
    15 years       19,201          
Customer relationships
    5 years       5,691          
Noncompete agreements
    3 years       756          
Other assets
    N/A       830          
Liabilities
    N/A       (954 )        
                         
Weighted-average life of intangible assets
    48 years     $  279,242          
                         
During fiscal year 2007, we acquired TaxWorks LLC, a provider of commercial tax preparation software targeting the independent tax preparer market. The initial cash purchase price was $24.8 million, including the present value of a $10.0 million payment made in April 2007 and a payment of $23.6 million due in May 2012. An additional payment of up to $8.0 million, contingent on meeting certain performance targets, could be paid in April 2012 and would typically be recorded as additional purchase price, generally goodwill. Goodwill recognized in this transaction is included in the Tax Services segment and is deductible for tax purposes.
During fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007, we made other acquisitions, which were accounted for as purchases with cash payments totaling $12.6 million, $21.4 million and $32.8 million, respectively. Operating results of the acquired businesses, which are not material, are included in the consolidated income statements since the date of acquisition. During fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007 we also paid $1.9 million, $3.6 million and $5.4 million, respectively, for contingent payments on prior acquisitions.
We periodically acquire the businesses of franchisees and account for the transaction as a business combination. We also periodically sell company-operated offices to franchisees and record a gain if the sale qualifies as a divestiture for accounting purposes and upon determination that collection of the sales proceeds is reasonably assured. Gains are reported in operating income because the transactions are considered a recurring part of our business. During fiscal year 2009, we sold certain offices to existing franchisees for cash proceeds of $16.9 million, and recorded gains on these sales of $14.9 million.
 
 
NOTE 3: EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic earnings per share is computed using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. The dilutive effect of potential common shares outstanding is included in diluted earnings per share. The computations of basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations are as follows:
                                 
    (in 000s, except per share amounts)        
 
Year Ended April 30,   2009     2008     2007        
 
 
Net income from continuing operations
  $  513,055     $  445,947     $  369,460          
   
                                 
Basic weighted-average common shares
    332,787       324,810       322,688          
Dilutive potential shares from stock options and nonvested stock
    1,750       2,656       3,464          
Convertible preferred stock
    2       2       2          
   
Dilutive weighted-average common shares
    334,539       327,468       326,154          
   
Earnings per share from continuing operations:
                               
Basic
  $ 1.54     $ 1.37     $ 1.14          
Diluted
    1.53       1.36       1.13          
 
Diluted earnings per share excludes the impact of shares of common stock issuable upon the lapse of certain restrictions or the exercise of options to purchase 15.7 million, 18.2 million and 16.8 million shares of stock for fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively, as the effect would be antidilutive.

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NOTE 4: MARKETABLE SECURITIES AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
The amortized cost and fair value of securities classified as available-for-sale held at April 30, 2009 and 2008 are summarized below:
                                                                         
(in 000s)        
 
April 30,   2009     2008        
 
          Gross
    Gross
                Gross
    Gross
             
    Amortized
    Unrealized
    Unrealized
    Fair
    Amortized
    Unrealized
    Unrealized
    Fair
       
    Cost     Gains     Losses(1)     Value     Cost     Gains     Losses(1)     Value        
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities
  $ 27,466     $  25     $ (698 )   $ 26,793     $ 30,809     $ 10     $ (1,418 )   $ 29,401          
Municipal bonds
    9,560       491       (4 )     10,047       9,449       233       –         9,682          
Trust preferred security
    3,454       –         (3,162 )     292       3,500       –         (691 )     2,809          
Residual interests in securitizations
    166       5,627       –         5,793       4,289       10,170       –         14,459          
Common stock
    –         –         –         –         3,359       586       (113 )     3,832          
   
    $  40,646     $  6,143     $  (3,864 )   $  42,925     $  51,406     $  10,999     $  (2,222 )   $  60,183          
   
(1)  At April 30, 2009, investments with a cost of $30.3 million and gross unrealized losses of $3.9 million had been in continuous loss position for more than twelve months. At April 30, 2008, investments in common stock with a cost of approximately $33 thousand and gross unrealized losses of $3 thousand had been in continuous loss position for more than twelve months.
 
Proceeds from the sales of AFS securities were $8.3 million, $13.9 million and $3.5 million during fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Gross realized gains on those sales during fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007 were $0.7 million, $0.4 million and $0.3 million, respectively; gross realized losses were $1.3 million, $0.1 million and $0.1 million, respectively. During fiscal years 2009 and 2008, we recorded other-than-temporary impairments of AFS securities totaling $1.5 million and $0.4 million, respectively, due to our inability to hold the investments until potential recovery of market value.
Contractual maturities of AFS debt securities at April 30, 2009, occur at varying dates over the next one to 28 years, and are set forth in the table below.
                         
(in 000s)        
 
    Cost Basis     Fair Value        
 
 
Maturing in:
                       
One year or less
  $ 1,012     $ 1,028          
Two to five years
    4,140       4,411          
Five to ten years
    4,408       4,608          
Beyond
    3,454       292          
                         
   
    $  13,014     $  10,339          
   
HRB Bank is required to maintain a restricted investment in FHLB stock for borrowing availability. The cost of this investment, $6.7 million, represents its redemption value, as these investments do not have a ready market.
 
 
NOTE 5: MORTGAGE LOANS HELD FOR INVESTMENT AND RELATED ASSETS
The composition of our mortgage loan portfolio as of April 30, 2009 and 2008 is as follows:
                                         
(dollars in 000s)        
 
    2009     2008        
 
April 30,   Amount     % of Total     Amount     % of Total        
 
 
Adjustable-rate loans
  $ 534,943       65 %   $  715,919       71 %        
Fixed-rate loans
    286,894       35 %     288,721       29 %        
   
      821,837       100 %     1,004,640       100 %        
Unamortized deferred fees and costs
    7,135               7,062                  
Less: Allowance for loan losses
    (84,073 )             (45,401 )                
     
             
                 
    $  744,899             $ 966,301                  
     
             
                 

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The table below analyzes the composition of our mortgage loans held for investment as of April 30, 2009 and 2008, by reference to their loan-to-value ratios at each date:
 
                                 
(in 000s)  
 
    Current Loan-to-Value Ratio  
 
    <80%     80 – 90%     >90%     Total  
 
 
At April 30, 2009:
                               
Adjustable-rate loans
  $  349,035     $  170,626     $  15,282     $ 534,943  
Fixed-rate loans
    180,159       81,147       25,588       286,894  
   
    $ 529,194     $ 251,773     $ 40,870     $ 821,837  
   
At April 30, 2008:
                               
Adjustable-rate loans
  $ 450,621     $ 242,425     $ 22,873     $ 715,919  
Fixed-rate loans
    182,883       86,056       19,782       288,721  
   
    $ 633,504     $ 328,481     $ 42,655     $  1,004,640  
   
Activity in the allowance for mortgage loans for the years ended April 30, 2009 and 2008 is as follows:
                         
(in 000s)        
 
Year Ended April 30,   2009     2008        
 
 
Balance at beginning of the year
  $ 45,401     $ 3,448          
Provision
    63,897       42,004          
Recoveries
    54       999          
Charge-offs
     (25,279 )     (1,050 )        
                         
   
Balance at end of the year
  $ 84,073     $  45,401          
   
The loan loss provision increased significantly during the current year as a result of declining collateral values due to declining residential home prices and increasing delinquencies occurring in our portfolio. Our loan loss reserve as a percent of mortgage loans was 10.23% at April 30, 2009, compared to 4.49% at April 30, 2008. Mortgage loans held for investment include loans originated by SCC and affiliates, which were purchased by HRB Bank. Those loans have experienced higher rates of delinquency than other loans in our portfolio and expose us to a higher risk of potential credit loss. Residential real estate markets are experiencing significant declines in property values and mortgage default rates are increasing. If adverse market trends continue, including trends within our portfolio specifically, we may be required to record additional loan loss provisions, and those losses may be significant.
Information related to our non-performing assets as of April 30, 2009 and 2008 is as follows:
                         
(in 000s)        
 
April 30,   2009     2008        
 
 
Impaired loans:
                       
60 – 89 days
  $ 21,415     $ 18,182          
90+ days, non-accrual
    121,685       73,600          
TDR loans, current
    60,044       –            
TDR loans, non-accrual
    100,697       37,159          
   
    $  303,841     $  128,941          
   
                         
                         
Average impaired loans
  $ 216,391     $ 46,679          
Interest income on impaired loans
  $ 5,964     $ 1,678          
Interest income on impaired loans recognized on a cash basis on non-accrual status
  $ 4,927     $ 585          
Portion of total allowance for loan losses allocated to impaired loans and TDR loans:
                       
Based on collateral value method
  $ 55,134     $ 16,705          
Based on discounted cash flow method
    10,139       1,144          
   
    $ 65,273     $ 17,849          
   
As of April 30, 2009 and 2008, accrued interest receivable on mortgage loans held for investment totaled $3.5 million and $5.4 million, respectively. At April 30, 2009, HRB Bank had interest-only mortgage loans in its investment portfolio totaling $5.6 million.
Amounts classified as real estate owned as of April 30, 2009 and 2008 totaled $44.5 million and $0.3 million, respectively, and are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the consolidated balance sheets. The

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increase over the prior year is primarily due to higher delinquency rates and foreclosures related to our mortgage loan portfolio. Activity related to our real estate owned for fiscal year 2009 is as follows:
         
(in 000s)  
 
 
Balance, beginning of the year
  $ 350  
Additions
    65,171  
Sales
    (9,072 )
Writedowns
     (11,916 )
     
 
Balance, end of the year
  $ 44,533  
     
 
 
NOTE 6: PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
The components of property and equipment are as follows:
                         
(in 000s)        
 
April 30,   2009     2008        
 
 
Land and other non-depreciable assets
  $ 5,353     $ 1,887          
Buildings
    171,785       170,790          
Computers and other equipment
    469,066       490,365          
Capitalized software
    153,771       142,164          
Leasehold improvements
    187,180       172,572          
Construction in process
    6,209       6,346          
   
      993,364       984,124          
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization
     (625,075 )      (620,460 )        
   
    $ 368,289     $ 363,664          
   

Property and equipment included above and subject to capital lease arrangements included the following:
                         
(in 000s)        
 
April 30,   2009     2008        
 
 
Property and equipment under capital lease
  $ 47,913     $ 47,913          
Less accumulated amortization
     (25,368 )      (17,090 )        
   
    $ 22,545     $ 30,823          
   

Depreciation and amortization expense of continuing operations for fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007 was $96.6 million, $90.1 million and $87.5 million, respectively. Included in depreciation and amortization expense of continuing operations is amortization of capitalized software of $23.4 million, $19.9 million and $15.5 million, respectively.
 
 
NOTE 7: GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment for the year ended April 30, 2009, are as follows:
 
                                                 
(in 000s)        
 
    April 30,
                      April 30,
       
    2008     Additions     Impairment     Other     2009        
 
 
Tax Services
  $  431,981     $  22,692     $  (2,188 )   $  (4,894 )   $  447,591          
Business Services
    399,333       3,306       –         –         402,639          
   
Total
  $ 831,314     $ 25,998     $ (2,188 )   $ (4,894 )   $ 850,230          
   

Goodwill and other indefinite-life intangible assets were tested for impairment in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2009. We recorded $2.2 million and $5.7 million in goodwill impairments in our Tax Services segment in fiscal years 2009 and 2008, respectively. The goodwill impairment recorded in fiscal year 2009 was a result of the closure of a previously acquired business. There was no goodwill impairment in our continuing operations during fiscal year 2007. Goodwill of our discontinued operations totaled $174.0 million at April 30, 2008, and is included in assets of discontinued operations held for sale in the consolidated balance sheet at that date, as the business was sold in November 2008. In fiscal year 2007, we recorded $154.9 million in goodwill impairments related to the sale or wind-down of our discontinued mortgage operations.

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The components of intangible assets are as follows:
 
                                                         
(in 000s)        
 
April 30,   2009     2008        
 
    Gross
                Gross
                   
    Carrying
    Accumulated
          Carrying
    Accumulated
             
    Amount     Amortization     Net     Amount     Amortization     Net        
 
 
Tax Services:
                                                       
Customer relationships
  $ 54,655     $ (25,267 )   $ 29,388     $ 46,479     $ (22,007 )   $ 24,472          
Noncompete agreements
    23,263       (20,941 )     2,322       22,966       (19,981 )     2,985          
Reacquired franchise rights
    229,438       (1,838 )     227,600       –         –         –            
Franchise agreements
    19,201       (533 )     18,668       –         –         –            
Purchased technology
    12,500       (4,240 )     8,260       12,500       (2,283 )     10,217          
Trade name
    1,025       (217 )     808       1,025       (117 )     908          
Business Services:
                                                       
Customer relationships
    146,040       (111,017 )     35,023       143,402       (100,346 )     43,056          
Noncompete agreements
    33,068       (19,908 )     13,160       32,303       (17,589 )     14,714          
Trade name – amortizing
    2,600       (2,600 )     –         3,290       (3,043 )     247          
Trade name – non-amortizing
    55,637       (4,868 )     50,769       55,637       (4,868 )     50,769          
   
Total intangible assets
  $  577,427     $  (191,429 )   $  385,998     $  317,602     $  (170,234 )   $  147,368          
   

 
Amortization of intangible assets of continuing operations for the years ended April 30, 2009, 2008 and 2007 was $24.9 million, $23.7 million and $19.9 million, respectively. Estimated amortization of intangible assets for fiscal years 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 is $28.7 million, $26.4 million, $23.5 million, $19.2 million and $15.8 million, respectively.
 
 
NOTE 8: CUSTOMER BANKING DEPOSITS
The components of customer banking deposits at April 30, 2009 and 2008 are as follows:
 
                                         
(in 000s)        
 
April 30,   2009     2008        
 
    Outstanding
    Interest
    Outstanding
    Interest
       
    Balance     Expense     Balance     Expense        
 
 
Money-market deposits
  $ 144,617     $ 6,148     $ 297,320     $ 31,242          
Savings deposits
    16,943       270       27,538       877          
Checking deposits:
                                       
Interest-bearing
    1,728       306       140,529       6,093          
Non-interest-bearing
    196,221       –         162,987       –            
   
      197,949       306       303,516       6,093          
   
IRAs and other time deposits:
                                       
Due in one year
    83,164               1,686                  
Due in two years
    7,207               4,290                  
Due in three years
    10,442               4,784                  
Due in four years
    5,670               901                  
Due in five years
    3,028               5,656                  
IRAs
    385,868               139,933                  
   
      495,379       7,345       157,250       4,666          
   
    $  854,888     $  14,069     $  785,624     $  42,878          
   

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Accrued but unpaid interest on deposits totaled $0.2 million and $0.1 million at April 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
Time deposit accounts totaling $6.9 million were in excess of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insured limits at April 30, 2009, and mature as follows:
 
         
    (in 000s)  
 
 
Three months or less
  $ 1,019  
Three to six months
    1,760  
Six to twelve months
    1,719  
Over twelve months
    2,448  
     
 
    $  6,946  
     
 
 
 
NOTE 9: LONG-TERM DEBT
The components of long-term debt are as follows:
 
                         
(in 000s)        
 
April 30,   2009     2008        
 
 
Senior Notes, 7.875%, due January 2013
  $ 599,539     $ 599,414          
Senior Notes, 5.125%, due October 2014
    398,706       398,471          
Acquisition obligations, due from May 2009 to May 2015
    30,658       28,398          
Capital lease obligations
    12,001       12,514          
Other obligations
    –         273          
   
      1,040,904       1,039,070          
Less: Current portion
    (8,782 )     (7,286 )        
   
    $  1,032,122     $  1,031,784          
   

 
At April 30, 2009, we maintained $2.0 billion in revolving credit facilities to support commercial paper issuance and for general corporate purposes. These unsecured committed lines of credit (CLOCs), and any outstanding borrowings thereunder, have a maturity date of August 2010, bear interest in a range of LIBOR plus 14 to 45 basis points per annum and an annual facility fee in a range of 6 to 15 basis points per annum, based on our credit ratings. These lines are subject to various affirmative and negative covenants, including (1) a minimum net worth covenant requiring us to maintain at least $650.0 million of net worth on the last day of any fiscal quarter, (2) limits on our indebtedness and (3) a requirement that we reduce the aggregate outstanding principal amount of short-term debt, as defined in the agreement, to $200.0 million or less for a minimum period of thirty consecutive days during the period from March 1 to June 30 of each year (the “Clean-down requirement”). At April 30, 2009, we were in compliance with these covenants and had net worth of $1.4 billion. We had no balance outstanding under the CLOCs at April 30, 2009 or 2008.
Lehman Brothers Bank, FSB (Lehman) is a participating lender in our $2.0 billion CLOCs, with a $50.0 million credit commitment. In September 2008, Lehman’s parent company declared bankruptcy. Since then, Lehman has not honored any funding requests under these facilities, thereby effectively reducing our available liquidity under our CLOCs to $1.95 billion. We do not expect this change to have a material impact on our liquidity or consolidated financial statements.
On January 11, 2008, we issued $600.0 million of 7.875% Senior Notes under our shelf registration. The Senior Notes are due January 15, 2013 and are not redeemable by the bondholders prior to maturity. The net proceeds of this transaction were used to repay a $500.0 million facility, with the remaining proceeds used for working capital and general corporate purposes. As of April 30, 2009, we had $250.0 million remaining under our shelf registration for additional debt issuances.
On October 26, 2004, we issued $400.0 million of 5.125% Senior Notes under a shelf registration statement. The Senior Notes are due October 30, 2014 and are not redeemable by the bondholders prior to maturity. The net proceeds of this transaction were used to repay $250.0 million in 63/4% Senior Notes that were due in November 2004. The remaining proceeds were used for working capital, capital expenditures, repayment of other debt and other general corporate purposes.
We had obligations related to various acquisitions of $30.7 million and $28.4 million at April 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, which are due from May 2009 to May 2015.
We have a capitalized lease obligation of $12.0 million at April 30, 2009, that is collateralized by land and buildings. The obligation is due in 12 years.
We entered into a committed line of credit agreement with HSBC Finance Corporation effective January 14, 2009 for use as a funding source for the purchase of RAL participations. This line provided funding totaling $2.5 billion

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through March 30, 2009 and $120.0 million thereafter through June 30, 2009. All borrowings on this facility were repaid as of April 30, 2009 and the facility is now closed.
The aggregate payments required to retire long-term debt are $8.8 million, $3.2 million, $20.2 million, $0.7 million, $600.3 million and $407.7 million in fiscal years 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and beyond, respectively.
HRB Bank is a member of the FHLB of Des Moines, which extends credit to member banks based on eligible collateral, which consists primarily of mortgage loans held for investment and certain AFS securities. At April 30, 2009, HRB Bank had FHLB advance capacity of $319.7 million based on eligible pledged collateral of $632.6 million. On April 13, 2009, we borrowed $100.0 million from the FHLB for liquidity purposes, leaving remaining availability of $219.7 million. The maturities and related interest rates related to this borrowing are as follows:
 
                 
          (dollars in 000s)  
 
    Amount Due     Interest Rate  
 
 
Fiscal year:
               
2010
  $ 25,000       1.76%  
2011
    50,000       1.92%  
2012
    25,000       2.36%  
   
    $   100,000          
     
         
 
 
NOTE 10: OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
We have deferred compensation plans that permit certain employees to defer portions of their compensation and accrue income on the deferred amounts. Included in other noncurrent liabilities is $112.6 million and $155.5 million at April 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, reflecting our obligation under these plans. We may purchase whole-life insurance contracts on certain employee participants to recover distributions made or to be made under the plans. The cash surrender value of the policies and other assets held by the Deferred Compensation Trust is recorded in other noncurrent assets and totaled $104.0 million and $163.1 million at April 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. These assets are restricted, as they are only available to fund the related liability. The decrease in value of these assets and liabilities is primarily due to current market conditions. Losses on certain invested assets are not deductible for income taxes and therefore had an impact on our income tax rates in the current fiscal year.
 
 
NOTE 11: STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
On October 27, 2008, we sold 8.3 million shares of our common stock, without par value, at a price of $17.50 per share in a registered direct offering through subscription agreements with selected institutional investors. We received net proceeds of $141.4 million, after deducting placement agent fees and other offering expenses. The purpose of the equity offering was to ensure we maintained adequate equity levels, as a condition of our CLOCs, during our off-season. Proceeds were used for general corporate purposes.
We are authorized to issue 6.0 million shares of Preferred Stock without par value. At April 30, 2009, we had 5.6 million shares of authorized but unissued Preferred Stock. Of the unissued shares, 0.6 million shares have been designated as Participating Preferred Stock.
On March 8, 1995, our Board of Directors authorized the issuance of a series of 0.5 million shares of non-voting Preferred Stock designated as Convertible Preferred Stock without par value. At April 30, 2009, we had 0.5 million shares of authorized but unissued Convertible Preferred Stock. The holders of the Convertible Preferred Stock are not entitled to receive dividends paid in cash, property or securities and, in the event of any dissolution, liquidation or wind-up of the Company, will share ratably with the holders of Common Stock then outstanding in the assets of the Company after any distribution or payments are made to the holders of Participating Preferred stock or the holders of any other class or series of stock of the Company with preference over the Common Stock.
 
 
NOTE 12: STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
We utilize the fair value method to account for stock-based awards. Stock-based compensation expense of $32.6 million, $50.4 million and $50.5 million was recorded in fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The related tax benefits of $12.2 million, $17.3 million and $17.9 million are included in our results for fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Stock-based compensation expense of our continuing operations totaled $26.6 million, $40.4 million and $37.0 million in fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment” (SFAS 123R) requires excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation to be included as a financing activity in the statements of cash flows. As a result, we classified $8.6 million, $3.2 million and $3.2 million as cash inflows from financing activities rather

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than as operating activities for fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. We realized tax benefits of $20.2 million, $12.6 million and $13.3 million in fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
We have four stock-based compensation plans which have been approved by our shareholders. As of April 30, 2009, we had 11.5 million shares reserved for future awards under these plans. We issue shares from our treasury stock to satisfy the exercise or release of stock-based awards. We believe we have adequate treasury stock to issue for the exercise or release of stock-based awards.
Our 2003 Long-Term Executive Compensation Plan provides for awards of options (both incentive and nonqualified), nonvested shares, performance nonvested share units and other stock-based awards to employees. These awards entitle the holder to shares or the right to purchase shares of common stock as the award vests, typically over a three-year period with one-third vesting each year. Nonvested shares receive dividends during the vesting period and performance nonvested share units receive cumulative dividends at the end of the vesting period. We measure the fair value of options on the grant date or modification date using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. We measure the fair value of nonvested shares and performance nonvested share units based on the closing price of our common stock on the grant date. Generally, we expense the grant-date fair value, net of estimated forfeitures, over the vesting period on a straight-line basis. Upon adoption of SFAS 123R, awards granted to employees who are of retirement age or reach retirement age at least one year after the grant date, but prior to the end of the service period of the awards, are expensed over the shorter of the two periods. Options are generally granted at a price equal to the fair market value of our common stock on the grant date and have a contractual term of ten years.
Our 1999 Stock Option Plan for Seasonal Employees provides for awards of nonqualified options to certain employees. These awards are granted to seasonal employees in our Tax Services segment and entitle the holder to the right to purchase shares of common stock as the award vests, typically over a two-year period. We measure the fair value of options on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. We expense the grant-date fair value, net of estimated forfeitures, over the seasonal service period. Options are granted at a price equal to the fair market value of our common stock on the grant date, are exercisable during September through November in each of the two years following the calendar year of the grant, and have a contractual term of 29 months.
Our 1989 Stock Option Plan for Outside Directors, which provided for awards of nonqualified options to outside directors, was terminated effective June 11, 2008, except for outstanding awards thereunder. The plan was replaced by the 2008 Deferred Stock Unit Plan for Outside Directors. The number of deferred stock units credited to an outside director’s account pursuant to an award is determined by dividing the dollar amount of the award by the average current market value per share of common stock for the ten consecutive trading dates ending on the date the deferred stock units are granted to the outside directors. Each deferred stock unit granted is vested upon award and the settlement of shares occurs six months after separation of service from the Board of Directors.
Our 2000 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) provides employees the option to purchase shares of our common stock through payroll deductions. The purchase price of the stock is 90% of the lower of either the fair market value of our common stock on the first trading day within the Option Period or on the last trading day of the Option Period. The Option Periods are six-month periods beginning on January 1 and July 1 each year. We measure the fair value of options on the grant date utilizing the Black-Scholes option valuation model in accordance with FASB Technical Bulletin 97-1, “Accounting under Statement 123 for Certain Employee Stock Purchase Plans with a Look-Back Option.” The fair value of the option includes the value of the 10% discount and the look-back feature. We expense the grant-date fair value over the six-month vesting period.
A summary of options for the year ended April 30, 2009, is as follows:
                                         
(in 000s, except per share amounts)        
 
                Weighted-Average
             
          Weighted-Average
    Remaining
    Aggregate
       
    Shares     Exercise Price     Contractual Term     Intrinsic Value        
 
 
Outstanding, beginning of the year
    21,641     $   21.04                          
Granted
    5,153       22.79                          
Exercised
    (4,442 )     16.26                          
Forfeited or expired
    (5,951 )     23.90                          
     
                                 
Outstanding, end of the year
    16,401       21.85       3 years     $   4,081          
     
                                 
Exercisable, end of the year
    10,666     $ 21.27       2 years     $ 4,081          
Exercisable and expected to vest
    16,081       21.83       3 years       4,081          
 
The total intrinsic value of options exercised during fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007 was $33.0 milllion, $12.9 million and $11.8 million, respectively. As of April 30, 2009, we had $9.0 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to these options. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of two years.

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We utilize the Black-Scholes option valuation model to value our options on the grant date. We typically estimate the expected volatility using our historical stock price data, unless historical volatility is not representative of expected volatility. We also use historical exercise and forfeiture behaviors to estimate the options expected term and our forfeiture rate. The dividend yield is calculated based on the current dividend and the market price of our common stock on the grant date. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury zero-coupon yield curve in effect on the grant date. Both expected volatility and the risk-free interest rate are based on a period that approximates the expected term.
The following assumptions were used to value options during the periods:
 
                                 
 
Year Ended April 30,   2009     2008     2007        
 
 
Options – management and director:
                               
Expected volatility
    23.41% - 25.20%       21.92% - 25.74%       21.70% - 29.06%          
Expected term
    4 years       4-7 years       4-7 years          
Dividend yield
    2.35% - 3.04%       2.36% - 3.12%       2.15% - 2.62%          
Risk-free interest rate
    2.54% - 3.26%       2.35% - 5.01%       4.33% - 5.10%          
Weighted-average fair value
  $ 3.80     $ 4.44     $ 5.15          
Options – seasonal:
                               
Expected volatility
    25.35%       20.75%       20.05%          
Expected term
    2 years       2 years       2 years          
Dividend yield
    2.80%       2.44%       2.26%          
Risk-free interest rate
    2.54%       4.81%       5.11%          
Weighted-average fair value
  $ 2.83     $ 3.07     $ 3.17          
ESPP options:
                               
Expected volatility
    29.13% - 43.82%       29.96% - 31.10%       19.55% - 26.30%          
Expected term
    0.5 years       0.5 years       0.5 years          
Dividend yield
    2.67% - 2.78%       2.46% - 3.06%       2.26% - 2.33%          
Risk-free interest rate
    0.27% - 2.13%       3.32% - 4.98%       5.08% - 5.24%          
Weighted-average fair value
  $ 4.38     $ 3.87     $ 3.90          
 
A summary of nonvested shares and performance nonvested share units for the year ended April 30, 2009, is as follows:
                         
    (shares in 000s)        
 
          Weighted-Average
       
          Grant Date
       
    Shares     Fair Value        
 
 
Outstanding, beginning of the year
    1,727     $   23.79          
Granted
    1,016       22.14          
Released
    (1,024 )     23.83          
Forfeited
    (262 )     22.93          
     
                 
Outstanding, end of the year
    1,457       22.73          
     

                 
 
The total fair value of shares vesting during fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007 was $21.1 million, $21.4 million and $24.9 million, respectively. Upon the grant of nonvested shares and performance nonvested share units, unearned compensation cost is recorded as an offset to additional paid-in capital and is amortized as compensation expense over the vesting period. As of April 30, 2009, we had $17.4 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to these shares. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of two years.
 
 
 
NOTE 13: INCOME TAXES
The components of income from continuing operations upon which domestic and foreign income taxes have been provided are as follows:
                                 
(in 000s)        
 
Year Ended April 30,   2009     2008     2007        
 
 
Domestic
  $   815,614     $   700,162     $   600,964          
Foreign
    23,756       34,909       26,297          
   
    $ 839,370     $ 735,071     $ 627,261          
   

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The components of income tax expense (benefit) for continuing operations are as follows:
                                 
(in 000s)  
 
Year Ended April 30,   2009     2008     2007        
 
 
Current:
                               
Federal
  $ 243,085     $ 196,676     $ 240,688          
State
    38,418       54,096       35,332          
Foreign
    1,393       16,901       7,388          
   
      282,896       267,673       283,408          
   
Deferred:
                               
Federal
    36,739       48,788       (28,117 )        
State
    6,582       (27,471 )     (26 )        
Foreign
    98       134       2,536          
   
      43,419       21,451       (25,607 )        
   
Total income taxes for continuing operations
  $  326,315     $  289,124     $  257,801          
   

The reconciliation between the income tax provision and the amount computed by applying the statutory federal tax rate of 35% to income taxes of continuing operations is as follows:
 
                                 
 
Year Ended April 30,   2009     2008     2007        
 
 
U.S. statutory tax rate
    35.0 %     35.0 %     35.0 %        
Change in tax rate resulting from:
                               
State income taxes, net of
                               
federal income tax benefit
    4.2 %     5.0 %     3.6 %        
Permanent differences
    1.6 %     0.7 %     (0.1 )%        
FIN 48 liabilities
    0.5 %     2.9 %     –   %        
Net decrease in valuation allowance
    (1.2 %)     (3.7 )%     –   %        
Other
    (1.2 %)     (0.6 )%     2.6 %        
   
Effective tax rate
    38.9 %     39.3 %     41.1 %        
   

The significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities of continuing operations are reflected in the following table:
 
                         
(in 000s)        
 
April 30,   2009     2008        
 
 
Gross deferred tax assets:
                       
Accrued expenses
  $ 49,239     $ 78,618          
Allowance for credit losses and related reserves
    179,508       154,320          
Net operating loss carryovers
    5,495       8,771          
Other
    2,119       2,523          
Valuation allowance
    (4,773 )     –            
   
Current
    231,588       244,232          
   
Deferred and stock-based compensation
    65,493       88,797          
Property and equipment
    5,743       34,180          
Deferred revenue
    39,489       40,339          
Basis difference in mortgage-related investment
    18,288       40,394          
Net operating loss carryovers
    27,315       36,829          
Accrued expenses
    42,291       12,914          
Capital loss carryover
    145,572       2,300          
Other
    6,480       2,383          
Valuation allowance
    (160,642 )     (36,929 )        
   
Noncurrent
    190,029       221,207          
   
      421,617       465,439          
Gross deferred tax liabilities:
                       
Prepaid expenses
    (5,607 )     (6,580 )        
   
Current
    (5,607 )     (6,580 )        
   
Intangibles
    (105,366 )     (78,685 )        
   
Noncurrent
    (105,366 )     (78,685 )        
   
Net deferred tax assets
  $   310,644     $   380,174          
   

The deferred tax assets and liabilities reported at April 30, 2008 do not include deferred tax assets totaling $21.4 million and deferred tax liabilities totaling $1.1 million, as these were disclosed on a net basis as assets of discontinued operations held for sale in the prior year. The loss from discontinued operations for fiscal years 2009,

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2008 and 2007 of $27.4 million, $754.6 million and $803.1 million, respectively are net of tax benefits of $20.3 million, $411.1 million and $421.4 million, respectively. Our effective tax rate for discontinued operations was 42.5% and 35.3% for fiscal years 2009 and 2008, respectively.
During the current year, we recorded a deferred tax asset of $145.6 million, representing the tax effects of the difference between the tax and book basis in the stock of our brokerage business sold to Ameriprise in November 2008. For tax purposes, we incurred a capital loss upon disposition of that business, which generally can only be utilized to the extent we realize capital gains within five years subsequent to the date of the loss. We do not currently expect to be able to realize a tax benefit for substantially all of this loss and, therefore, recorded a valuation allowance of $137.4 million, resulting in a net tax benefit during fiscal year 2009 of approximately $9 million. We have a capital loss carryover of approximately $369 million which will expire if not used to offset future capital gains before December 31, 2013.
Certain of our subsidiaries file stand-alone returns in various states and foreign jurisdictions, and others join in filing consolidated of combined returns in such jurisdictions. At April 30, 2009, we had net operating losses (NOLs) in various states and foreign jurisdictions. The amount of state NOLs vary by taxing jurisdiction. We recorded deferred tax assets of $32.8 million for the tax effects of such losses and a valuation allowance of $19.5 million for the portion of such losses that, more likely than not, will not be realized. If not used, the NOLs will expire in varying amounts during fiscal years 2010 through 2029.
We intend to indefinitely reinvest foreign earnings, therefore, a provision has not been made for income taxes that might be payable upon remittance of such earnings. Determination of the amount of unrecognized deferred tax liability on unremitted foreign earnings is not practicable.
As a result of the initial adoption of FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (FIN 48) in fiscal year 2008, we recognized an additional reserve for uncertain tax positions of $9.7 million and a corresponding decrease to retained earnings.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits for fiscal years 2009 and 2008 is as follows:
 
                         
(in 000s)        
 
Year Ended April 30,   2009     2008        
 
 
Balance, beginning of the year
  $  137,608     $ 133,263          
Additions based on tax positions related to prior years
    14,541       26,283          
Reductions based on tax positions related to prior years
    (6,096 )     (16,500 )        
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year
    4,110       17,736          
Reductions related to settlements with tax authorities
    (18,189 )     (18,633 )        
Expiration of statute of limitations
    (5,007 )     (5,692 )        
Foreign currency translation
    (2,362 )     1,151          
   
Balance, end of the year
  $ 124,605     $  137,608          
   

Of the $124.6 million ending gross unrecognized tax benefit balance, $107.0 million if recognized, would impact the effective rate. This difference results from adjusting the gross balances for such items as federal, state and foreign deferred items, interest and deductible taxes. We believe it is reasonably possible that the balance of unrecognized tax benefits could decrease by approximately $15.5 million within the next twelve months due to anticipated settlements of audit issues with various states. This amount is included in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities. The remaining amount is classified as long-term and is included in other noncurrent liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet.
Interest and penalties, if any, accrued on the unrecognized tax benefits are reflected in income tax expense. The amount of gross interest and penalties accrued on FIN 48 positions during fiscal year 2009 totaled $15.4 million. The total gross interest and penalties accrued as of April 30, 2009 totaled $42.4 million.
We file a consolidated federal income tax return in the U.S. and file tax returns in various state and foreign jurisdictions. The consolidated tax returns for the years 2006 and 2007 are currently under examination by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The consolidated tax returns for the years 1999 – 2005 are at the appellate level. Tax years prior to 1999 are closed by statute. Historically, tax returns in various foreign and state jurisdictions are examined and settled upon completion of the examination.

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NOTE 14:  INTEREST INCOME AND INTEREST EXPENSE
The following table shows the components of interest income and expense of our continuing operations. Operating interest expense is included in cost of other revenues, and interest expense on acquisition debt is included in other income (expense), net on our consolidated statements of operations.
 
                                 
(in 000s)        
 
Year Ended April 30,   2009     2008     2007        
 
 
Interest income:
                               
Mortgage loans, net
  $ 46,396     $ 74,895     $ 53,396          
Emerald Advance lines of credit
    91,019       45,339       –            
Investment securities
    4,896       12,143       8,174          
Other
    12,205       19,181       11,682          
   
    $  154,516     $  151,558     $ 73,252          
   
Operating interest expense:
                               
Borrowings
  $ 83,193     $ 56,482     $ 43,378          
Deposits
    14,069       42,878       32,128          
FHLB advances
    5,113       6,008       836          
   
      102,375       105,368       76,342          
Interest expense – acquisition debt
    1,653       2,019       46,920          
   
Total interest expense
  $ 104,028     $ 107,387     $  123,262          
   
 
 
NOTE 15: FAIR VALUE
On May 1, 2008, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (SFAS 157). SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. We elected to defer the application of SFAS 157 for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities until fiscal year 2010, as provided for by FASB Staff Position FAS 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157” (FSP 157-2). We adopted FASB Staff Position No. 115-2 and 124-2, “Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments” (FSP 115-2), which provides guidance on determining other-than-temporary impairments for debt securities, as of April 30, 2009. The adoption of these pronouncements did not have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations or financial position.
FAIR VALUE HIERARCHY – SFAS 157 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value into three broad levels, considering the relative reliability of the inputs, as follows:
  §  Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. An active market for the asset or liability is a market in which transactions for the asset or liability occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.
  §  Level 2 – Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuations in which all significant inputs are observable in the market.
  §  Level 3 – Valuation is modeled using significant inputs that are unobservable in the market. These unobservable inputs reflect our own estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.
ESTIMATION OF FAIR VALUE – The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities measured at fair value and the general classification of these instruments pursuant to the fair value hierarchy.
  §  Available-for-sale securities – Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value on a recurring basis. When available, fair value is based on quoted prices in an active market and as such, would be classified as Level 1. If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are estimated using quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics, discounted cash flows or other pricing models. Available-for-sale securities that we classify as Level 2 include certain agency and non-agency mortgage-backed securities, U.S. states and political subdivisions debt securities and other debt and equity securities.
  §  Residual interests in securitizations – Determination of the fair value of residual interests in securitizations requires the use of unobservable inputs. We value these securities using a discounted cash flow approach that incorporates expectations of prepayment speeds and expectations of delinquencies and losses. Risk-adjusted discount rates are based on quotes from third-party sources. These assets are classified as Level 3.
  §  Impaired mortgage loans held for investment – The fair value of impaired mortgage loans held for investment are generally based on the lower of (1) the amortized cost adjusted for charge-offs, net of allowance for loan losses, deferred fees or costs on originated loans and unamortized premiums or discounts on purchased loans

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  or (2) the appraised value of the underlying collateral less estimated selling costs. These loans are classified as Level 3.
ASSETS AND LIABILITIES MEASURED AT FAIR VALUE – The following table presents for each hierarchy level the financial assets of our continuing operations that are measured at fair value on both a recurring and non-recurring basis at April 30, 2009:
 
                                         
(dollars in 000s)        
 
    Total     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3        
 
 
Recurring:
                                       
Available-for-sale securities
  $ 43,863     $ –       $ 43,863     $ –            
Residual interests in securitizations
    5,793       –         –         5,793          
Non-recurring:
                                       
Impaired mortgage loans held for investment
    238,568       –         –         238,568          
   
    $  288,224     $  –       $  43,863     $  244,361          
   
As a percentage of total assets
    5.4 %     –   %     0.8 %     4.6 %        
   

The following table presents changes in residual interests in securitizations, our only Level 3 financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis, at April 30, 2009:
                 
    (in 000s)        
 
 
Fair value, beginning of period
  $  16,678          
Losses:
               
Included in earnings
    (5,830 )        
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)
    (1,707 )        
Cash received
    (3,348 )        
   
Fair value, end of period
  $ 5,793          
   

Available-for-sale securities and residual interests in securitizations are included in other assets on our consolidated balance sheets. Losses included in earnings are reported in results from operations, except for losses from residual interests in securitizations which are reported in other non-operating income (expense) of our continuing operations.
The following methods were used to determine the fair values of our other financial instruments:
  §  Cash equivalents, accounts receivable, demand deposits, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and the current portion of long-term debt – The carrying values reported in the balance sheet for these items approximate fair market value due to the relative short-term nature of the respective instruments.
  §  Mortgage loans held for investment – The fair value of mortgage loans held for investment is generally determined using a pricing model based on current market information obtained from origination data, and bids received from time to time. The fair value of certain impaired loans held for investment is primarily based on the appraised value of the underlying collateral less estimated selling costs.
  §  IRAs and other time deposits – The fair value is calculated based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows.
  §  Long-term debt – The fair value of borrowings is based on rates currently available to us for obligations with similar terms and maturities, including current market rates on our Senior Notes.
The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of our financial instruments at April 30, 2009 are as follows:
                         
(in 000s)        
 
    Carrying
    Estimated
       
    Amount     Fair Value        
 
 
Mortgage loans held for investment
  $ 744,899     $ 568,920          
IRAs and other time deposits
    495,379       494,795          
Long-term debt
     1,040,904        1,000,483          
FAIR VALUE OPTION – We adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (SFAS 159) on May 1, 2008. SFAS 159 permits an instrument by instrument irrevocable election to account for selected financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value. We did not elect to apply the fair value option to any eligible financial assets or financial liabilities on May 1, 2008 or during the fiscal year ended April 30, 2009. Subsequent to the initial adoption, we may elect to account for selected financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value. Such an election could be made at the time an eligible financial asset, financial liability or firm commitment is recognized or when certain specified reconsideration events occur.

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NOTE 16: REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS
BANKING – HRB Bank and the Company are subject to various regulatory requirements, including capital guidelines for HRB Bank, administered by federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can trigger certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on HRB Bank and our consolidated financial statements. All savings associations are subject to the capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. HRB Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of HRB Bank’s assets, liabilities and certain off-balance sheet items, as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. HRB Bank’s capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors. HRB Bank files its regulatory Thrift Financial Report (TFR) on a calendar quarter basis.
Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require HRB Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of tangible equity, total risk-based capital and Tier 1 capital, as set forth in the table below. In addition to these minimum ratio requirements, HRB Bank is required to continually maintain a 12.0% minimum leverage ratio as a condition of its charter-approval order through fiscal year 2009. This condition was extended through fiscal year 2012 as a result of a Supervisory Directive issued on May 29, 2007. As of April 30, 2009, HRB Bank’s leverage ratio was 12.4%.
As of March 31, 2009, our most recent TFR filing with the Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS), HRB Bank was a “well capitalized” institution under the prompt corrective action provisions of the FDIC. The five capital categories are: (1) “well capitalized” (total risk-based capital ratio of 10%, Tier 1 Risk-based capital ratio of 6% and leverage ratio of 5%); (2) “adequately capitalized;” (3) “undercapitalized;” (4) “significantly undercapitalized;” and (5) “critically undercapitalized.” There are no conditions or events since March 31, 2009 that management believes have changed HRB Bank’s category.
The following table sets forth HRB Bank’s regulatory capital requirements at March 31, 2009, as calculated in the most recently filed TFR:
                                                         
(dollars in 000s)        
 
                            To Be Well Capitalized
       
                            Prompt Corrective
       
    Actual     For Capital Adequacy Under Purposes     Action Provisions        
 
    Amount     Ratio     Amount     Ratio     Amount     Ratio        
 
 
Total risk-based capital ratio (1)
  $  182,459       28.4%     $ 51,320       8.0%     $  64,150       10.0%          
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio (2)
  $ 175,159       27.3%       N/A       N/A     $ 38,490       6.0%          
Tier 1 capital ratio (leverage) (3)
  $ 175,159       13.7%     $  153,752       12.0%     $ 64,063       5.0%          
Tangible equity ratio (4)
  $ 175,159       13.7%     $ 19,219       1.5%       N/A       N/A          
(1)  Total risk-based capital divided by risk-weighted assets.
(2)  Tier 1 (core) capital less deduction for low-level recourse and residual interest divided by risk-weighted assets.
(3)  Tier 1 (core) capital divided by adjusted total assets.
(4)  Tangible capital divided by tangible assets.
Block Financial LLC (BFC) made additional capital contributions to HRB Bank of $245.0 million during fiscal year 2009. These contributions were provided for HRB Bank to meet its capital requirements due to seasonal fluctuations in the size of its balance sheet. Also during fiscal year 2009, we submitted an application to the OTS requesting that HRB Bank be allowed to pay dividends to BFC in an amount that would not exceed the capital necessary to continuously maintain HRB Bank’s required 12.0% leverage ratio. The OTS approved our application on January 12, 2009. HRB Bank paid dividends of $235.0 million to BFC in fiscal year 2009.
 
 
NOTE 17: COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
We offer guarantees under our POM program to tax clients whereby we will assume the cost of additional tax assessments, up to a cumulative per client limit of $5,000, attributable to tax return preparation error for which we are responsible. We defer all revenues and direct costs associated with these guarantees, recognizing these amounts over the term of the guarantee based on historical and actual payment of claims. The related current asset is included in prepaid expenses and other current assets. The related liability is included in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. The related noncurrent asset and liability are included in other assets and other noncurrent liabilities, respectively, in the consolidated balance

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sheets. A loss on these POM guarantees would be recognized if the sum of expected costs for services exceeded unearned revenue. The changes in the deferred revenue liability for fiscal years 2009 and 2008 are as follows:
                         
(in 000s)        
 
Year Ended April 30,   2009     2008        
 
 
Balance, beginning of the year
  $ 140,583     $ 142,173          
Amounts deferred for new guarantees issued
    84,429       78,913          
Revenue recognized on previous deferrals
    (78,205 )     (80,503 )        
   
Balance, end of the year
  $  146,807     $  140,583          
   

During fiscal year 2009, we entered into an agreement to purchase $45.8 million in media advertising between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2013. We expect to make payments totaling $11.4 million during each fiscal year through 2013.
We have various contingent purchase price obligations in connection with prior acquisitions. In many cases, contingent payments to be made in connection with these acquisitions are not subject to a stated limit. We estimate the potential payments (undiscounted) total $24.2 million as of April 30, 2009. Our estimate is based on current financial conditions. Should actual results differ materially from our assumptions, the potential payments will differ from the above estimate. Such payments, if and when paid, would typically be recorded as additional purchase price, generally goodwill.
Commitments exist to loan McGladrey & Pullen LLP (M&P) the lower of the value of their accounts receivable, work-in-process and fixed assets or $125.0 million, on a revolving basis through January 31, 2011, subject to certain termination clauses. This revolving facility bears interest at prime rate plus two percent on the outstanding amount. The loan is secured by the accounts receivable, work-in-process and fixed assets of M&P. At April 30, 2009, we had a receivable from M&P totaling $36.4 million related to this commitment.
During fiscal year 2009, we entered into an agreement to advance funds to M&P through April 2018 to fund acquisitions that would be mutually beneficial to both entities. This facility bears interest at prime rate plus two percent on the outstanding amount. Loans are secured by the accounts receivable, work-in-process and fixed assets of M&P and are due fifteen years from the date of each advance. At April 30, 2009, we had a receivable from M&P totaling $23.2 million related to this commitment.
We have contractual commitments to fund certain franchises requesting Franchise Equity Lines of Credit (FELCs). Our total obligation under these lines of credit was $83.1 million at April 30, 2009, and net of amounts drawn and outstanding, our remaining commitment to fund totaled $38.1 million.
We are self-insured for certain risks, including, workers’ compensation, property and casualty, professional liability and claims related to our POM program. These programs maintain various self-insured retentions. In all but POM, commercial insurance is purchased in excess of the self-insured retentions. We accrue estimated losses for self-insured retentions using actuarial models and assumptions based on historical loss experience. The nature of our business may subject us to error and omissions, casualty and professional liability lawsuits. To the extent that we are subject to claims exceeding our insurance coverage, such suits could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
We issued three standby letters of credit to servicers paying claims related to our POM, errors and omissions, and property and casualty insurance policies. These letters of credit are for amounts not to exceed $6.7 million in the aggregate. At April 30, 2009, there were no balances outstanding on these letters of credit.
Our self-insured health benefits plan provides medical benefits to employees electing coverage under the plan. We maintain a reserve for incurred but not reported medical claims and claim development. The reserve is an estimate based on historical experience and other assumptions, some of which are subjective. We adjust our self-insured medical benefits reserve as our loss experience changes due to medical inflation, changes in the number of plan participants and an aging employee base.
During fiscal year 2006, we entered into a transaction with the City of Kansas City, Missouri, to provide us with sales and property tax savings on the furniture, fixtures and equipment for our corporate headquarters facility. Under the transaction, the City purchased equipment by issuing $31.0 million in Industrial Revenue Bonds due in December 2015, and leased the furniture, fixtures and equipment to us for an identical term under a capital lease. The City’s bonds were purchased by us. Because the City has assigned the lease to the bond trustee for our benefit as the sole bondholder, we, in effect, control enforcement of the lease against ourselves. As a result of the capital lease treatment, the furniture, fixtures and equipment will remain a component of property, plant and equipment in our consolidated balance sheets. As a result of the legal right of offset, the capital lease obligation and the corresponding bond investments have been eliminated in consolidation. The transaction provides us with property tax exemptions for the leased furniture, fixtures and equipment. As of April 30, 2009, we have purchased $31.0 million in bonds in connection with this arrangement.

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Substantially all of the operations of our subsidiaries are conducted in leased premises. Most of the operating leases are for periods ranging from three years to five years, with renewal options and provide for fixed monthly rentals. Future minimum operating lease commitments of our continuing operations at April 30, 2009, are as follows:
                 
    (in 000s)        
 
 
2010
  $ 248,712          
2011
    186,389          
2012
    128,874          
2013
    74,714          
2014
    44,145          
2015 and beyond
    79,464          
   
    $ 762,298          
   

Rent expense of our continuing operations for fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007 totaled $308.1 million, $299.6 million and $284.9 million, respectively.
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS – SCC maintains recourse with respect to loans previously sold or securitized under indemnification of loss provisions relating to breach of representations and warranties made to purchasers or insurers. As a result, SCC may be required to repurchase loans or otherwise indemnify third-parties for losses. These representations and warranties and corresponding repurchase obligations generally are not subject to stated limits or a stated term and, therefore, may continue. SCC has established a liability related to potential losses under these indemnifications and monitors the adequacy of the repurchase liability on an ongoing basis. To the extent that future claim volumes differ from current estimates, or the value of mortgage loans and residential home prices change, future losses may be different than these estimates and those differences may be significant.
At April 30, 2009 and 2008, our loan repurchase liability totaled $206.6 million and $243.1 million, respectively. This liability is included in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. During fiscal year 2009, we made payments to third-parties totaling $44.2 million representing loan repurchases or loss indemnifications for various representation and warranties claims.
As described more fully in note 19, we entered into indemnifications in connection with our November 2008 sale of HRBFA and recorded a liability with an estimated fair value of $15.5 million in connection with the sale.
We have recorded a restructuring liability which primarily relates to estimated lease obligations for vacant space resulting from office closings and employee severance costs for our discontinued mortgage businesses. These liabilities are included in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities and accrued salaries, wages and payroll taxes on our consolidated balance sheets, respectively. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Changes in our restructuring liability during the year ended April 30, 2009 are as follows:
                                         
(in 000s)   
 
    Accrual Balance as of
    Cash
    Other
    Accrual Balance as of
       
    April 30, 2008     Payments     Adjustments     April 30, 2009        
 
 
Employee severance costs
  $ 4,807     $ (5,068 )   $ 408     $ 147          
Contract termination costs
    23,113       (15,594 )      (133 )     7,386          
   
    $  27,920     $  (20,662 )   $  275     $  7,533          
   

GENERAL – In the regular course of business, we are subject to routine examinations by federal, state and local taxing authorities. In management’s opinion, the disposition of matters raised by such taxing authorities, if any, would not have a material adverse impact on our consolidated financial statements.
We routinely enter into contracts that include embedded indemnifications that have characteristics similar to guarantees. Other guarantees and indemnifications of the Company and its subsidiaries include obligations to protect counterparties from losses arising from the following: (1) tax, legal and other risks related to the purchase or disposition of businesses; (2) penalties and interest assessed by federal and state taxing authorities in connection with tax returns prepared for clients; (3) indemnification of our directors and officers; and (4) third-party claims relating to various arrangements in the normal course of business. Typically, there is no stated maximum payment related to these indemnifications, and the terms of the indemnities may vary and in many cases is limited only by the applicable statute of limitations. The likelihood of any claims being asserted against us and the ultimate liability related to any such claims, if any, is difficult to predict. While we cannot

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provide assurance we will ultimately prevail in the event any such claims are asserted, we believe the fair value of these guarantees and indemnifications is not material as of April 30, 2009.
 
 
NOTE 18: LITIGATION AND RELATED CONTINGENCIES
We are party to investigations, legal claims and lawsuits arising out of our business operations. We accrue our best estimate of the probable loss upon resolution of investigations, legal claims and lawsuits, which totaled $11.7 million and $11.5 million at April 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. With respect to most of the matters described below, we have concluded that a loss is not probable and therefore no liability has been recorded.
RAL LITIGATION – We have been named as a defendant in numerous lawsuits throughout the country regarding our refund anticipation loan programs (collectively, “RAL Cases”). The RAL Cases have involved a variety of legal theories asserted by plaintiffs. These theories include allegations that, among other things: disclosures in the RAL applications were inadequate, misleading and untimely; the RAL interest rates were usurious and unconscionable; we did not disclose that we would receive part of the finance charges paid by the customer for such loans; untrue, misleading or deceptive statements in marketing RALs; breach of state laws on credit service organizations; breach of contract, unjust enrichment, unfair and deceptive acts or practices; violations of the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act; violations of the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and unfair competition regarding debt collection activities; and that we owe, and breached, a fiduciary duty to our customers in connection with the RAL program.
The amounts claimed in the RAL Cases have been very substantial in some instances, with one settlement resulting in a pretax expense of $43.5 million in fiscal year 2003 (the “Texas RAL Settlement”) and other settlements resulting in a combined pretax expense in fiscal year 2006 of $70.2 million.
We have settled all but one of the RAL Cases. The sole remaining RAL Case is a putative class action entitled Sandra J. Basile, et al. v. H&R Block, Inc., et al., April Term 1992 Civil Action No. 3246 in the Court of Common Pleas, First Judicial District Court of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia County, instituted on April 23, 1993. In Basile, the court decertified the class in December 2003, and the Pennsylvania appellate court subsequently reversed the trial court’s decertification decision. In September 2006, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court reversed the appellate court’s reversal of the trial court’s decertification decision. In June 2007, the appellate court affirmed its earlier decision to reverse the trial court’s decertification decision. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has granted our request to review the appellate court ruling. We believe we have meritorious defenses to this case and we intend to defend it vigorously. There can be no assurances, however, as to the outcome of this case or its impact on our financial statements.
PEACE OF MIND LITIGATION – We are defendants in lawsuits regarding our Peace of Mind program (collectively, the “POM Cases”), under which our applicable tax return preparation subsidiary assumes liability for additional tax assessments attributable to tax return preparation error. The POM Cases are described below.
Lorie J. Marshall, et al. v. H&R Block Tax Services, Inc., et al., Case No. 08-CV-591 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois, is a class action case originally filed in the Circuit Court of Madison County, Illinois on January 18, 2002, in which class certification was granted in August 2003. The plaintiffs allege that the sale of POM guarantees constitutes (1) statutory fraud by selling insurance without a license, (2) an unfair trade practice, by omission and by “cramming” (i.e., charging customers for the guarantee even though they did not request it or want it), and (3) a breach of fiduciary duty. The court has certified plaintiff classes consisting of all persons residing in 13 states who from January 1, 1997 to final judgment (1) were charged a separate fee for POM by “H&R Block;” (2) were charged a separate fee for POM by an “H&R Block” entity not licensed to sell insurance; or (3) had an unsolicited charge for POM posted to their bills by “H&R Block.” Persons who received the POM guarantee through an H&R Block Premium office were excluded from the plaintiff class. In August 2008, we removed the case from state court in Madison County, Illinois to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois. In December 2008, the U.S. District Court remanded the case back to state court. On April 3, 2009, the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit reversed the decision to remand the case back to state court, ruling that the case had been properly removed to federal court. The plaintiffs have filed a petition for rehearing of this decision with the Seventh Circuit.
There is one other putative class action pending against us in Texas that involves the POM guarantee. This case is pending before the same judge that presided over the Texas RAL Settlement, involves the same plaintiffs’ attorneys that are involved in the Marshall litigation in Illinois, and contains allegations similar to those in the Marshall case. No class has been certified in this case.
We believe we have meritorious defenses to the claims in the POM Cases, and we intend to defend them vigorously. The amounts claimed in the POM Cases are substantial, however, and there can be no assurances as to the outcome of these pending actions individually or in the aggregate.

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EXPRESS IRA LITIGATION – On March 15, 2006, the New York Attorney General filed a lawsuit in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York (Index No. 06/401110) entitled The People of New York v. H&R Block, Inc. and H&R Block Financial Advisors, Inc. et al. The complaint alleged fraudulent business practices, deceptive acts and practices, common law fraud and breach of fiduciary duty with respect to the Express IRA product and sought equitable relief, disgorgement of profits, damages and restitution, civil penalties and punitive damages. In July 2007, the Supreme Court of the State of New York issued a ruling that dismissed all defendants other than HRBFA and the claims of common law fraud. The intermediate appellate court reversed this ruling in January 2009. We believe we have meritorious defenses to the claims in this case and intend to defend this case vigorously, but there are no assurances as to its outcome.
On January 2, 2008, the Mississippi Attorney General filed a lawsuit in the Chancery Court of Hinds County, Mississippi First Judicial District (Case No. G 2008 6 S 2) entitled Jim Hood, Attorney for the State of Mississippi v. H&R Block, Inc., et al. The complaint alleged fraudulent business practices, deceptive acts and practices, common law fraud and breach of fiduciary duty with respect to the Express IRA product and sought equitable relief, disgorgement of profits, damages and restitution, civil penalties and punitive damages. The defendants have filed a motion to dismiss. We believe we have meritorious defenses to the claims in this case, and we intend to defend this case vigorously, but there are no assurances as to its outcome.
In addition to the New York and Mississippi Attorney General actions, a number of civil actions were filed against HRBFA and us concerning the Express IRA product, the first of which was filed on March 15, 2006. Except for two cases pending in state court, all of the civil actions have been consolidated by the panel for Multi-District Litigation into a single action styled In re H&R Block, Inc. Express IRA Marketing Litigation (Case No. 06-1786-MD-RED) in the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri. The amounts claimed in these cases are substantial. We believe we have meritorious defenses to the claims in these cases and intend to defend these cases vigorously, but there are no assurances as to their outcome.
Although we sold HRBFA effective November 1, 2008, we remain responsible for the Express IRA litigation through an indemnification agreement with Ameriprise. See additional discussion in note 19.
SECURITIES LITIGATION – On April 6, 2007, a putative class action styled In re H&R Block Securities Litigation (Case No. 06-0236-CV-W-ODS) was filed against the Company and certain of its officers in the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri. The complaint alleged, among other things, deceptive, material and misleading financial statements and failure to prepare financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The complaint sought unspecified damages and equitable relief. The court dismissed the complaint in February 2008, and the plaintiffs appealed the dismissal in March 2008. In addition, plaintiffs in a shareholder derivative action that was consolidated into the securities litigation filed a separate appeal in March 2008, contending that the derivative action was improperly consolidated. The derivative action is Iron Workers Local 16 Pension Fund v. H&R Block, et al., in the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri, Case No. 06-cv-00466-ODS (instituted on June 8, 2006) and was brought against certain of our directors and officers purportedly on behalf of the Company. The derivative action alleges breach of fiduciary duty, abuse of control, gross mismanagement, waste, and unjust enrichment pertaining to (1) our restatement of financial results in fiscal year 2006 due to errors in determining our state effective income tax rate and (2) certain of our products and business activities. We believe we have meritorious defenses to the claims in these cases and intend to defend this litigation vigorously. We currently do not believe that we will incur a material loss with respect to this litigation.
RSM MCGLADREY LITIGATION – RSM McGladrey Business Services, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries are parties to a class action filed on July 11, 2006 and entitled Do Right’s Plant Growers, et al. v. RSM EquiCo, Inc., et al. Case No. 06 CC00137, in the California Superior Court, Orange County. The complaint contains allegations regarding business valuation services provided by RSM EquiCo, Inc., including fraud, negligent misrepresentation, breach of contract, breach of implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, breach of fiduciary duty and unfair competition and seeks unspecified damages, restitution and equitable relief. On March 17, 2009, the court granted plaintiffs’ motion for class certification on all claims. The class consists of all RSM EquiCo U.S. clients who signed platform agreements and for whom RSM EquiCo did not ultimately market their business for sale. RSM EquiCo has filed an appeal of this certification ruling and intends to defend this case vigorously. The amount claimed in this action is substantial and could have a material adverse impact on our consolidated results of operations. There can be no assurance regarding the outcome of this matter.
RSM McGladrey, Inc. (RSM) has a relationship with certain public accounting firms (collectively, “the Attest Firms”) pursuant to which (1) some RSM employees are also partners or employees of the Attest Firms, (2) many clients of the Attest Firms are also RSM clients, and (3) our RSM McGladrey brand is closely linked to the Attest Firms. The Attest Firms are parties to claims and lawsuits (collectively, “Attest Firm Claims”) arising in the normal course of business. Judgments or settlements arising from Attest Firm Claims exceeding the Attest Firms’

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insurance coverage could have a direct adverse effect on Attest Firm operations and could impair RSM’s ability to attract and retain clients and quality professionals. For example, accounting and auditing firms (including one of the Attest Firms) have become subject to claims based on losses their clients suffered from investments in investment funds managed by third-parties. Although RSM may not have a direct liability for significant Attest Firm Claims, such Attest Firm Claims could have a material adverse effect on RSM’s operations and impair the value of our investment in RSM. There is no assurance regarding the outcome of the Attest Firm Claims.
LITIGATION AND CLAIMS PERTAINING TO DISCONTINUED MORTGAGE OPERATIONS – Although mortgage loan origination activities were terminated and the loan servicing business was sold during fiscal year 2008, SCC remains subject to investigations, claims and lawsuits pertaining to its loan origination and servicing activities that occurred prior to such termination and sale. These investigations, claims and lawsuits include actions by state attorneys general, other state regulators, municipalities, individual plaintiffs, and cases in which plaintiffs seek to represent a class of others alleged to be similarly situated. Among other things, these investigations, claims and lawsuits allege discriminatory or unfair and deceptive loan origination and servicing practices, public nuisance, fraud, and violations of the Truth in Lending Act, Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Fair Housing Act. In the current non-prime mortgage environment, the number of these investigations, claims and lawsuits has increased over historical experience and is likely to continue at increased levels. The amounts claimed in these investigations, claims and lawsuits are substantial in some instances, and the ultimate resulting liability is difficult to predict. In the event of unfavorable outcomes, the amounts SCC may be required to pay in the discharge of liabilities or settlements could be substantial and, because SCC’s operating results are included in our consolidated financial statements, could have a material adverse impact on our consolidated results of operations.
On June 3, 2008, the Massachusetts Attorney General filed a lawsuit in the Superior Court of Suffolk County, Massachusetts (Case No. 08-2474-BLS) entitled Commonwealth of Massachusetts v. H&R Block, Inc., et al., alleging unfair, deceptive and discriminatory origination and servicing of mortgage loans and seeking equitable relief, disgorgement of profits, restitution and statutory penalties. In November 2008, the court granted a preliminary injunction limiting the ability of the owner of SCC’s former loan servicing business to initiate or advance foreclosure actions against certain loans originated by SCC or its subsidiaries without (1) advance notice to the Massachusetts Attorney General and (2) if the Attorney General objects to foreclosure, approval by the court. The preliminary injunction generally applies to loans meeting all of the following four characteristics: (1) adjustable rate mortgages with an introductory period of three years or less; (2) the borrower has a debt-to-income ratio generally exceeding 50 percent; (3) an introductory interest rate at least 2 percent lower than the fully indexed rate (unless the debt-to-income ratio is 55% or greater); and (4) loan-to-value ratio of 97 percent or certain prepayment penalties. We have appealed this preliminary injunction. We believe the claims in this case are without merit, and we intend to defend this case vigorously, but there are no assurances as to its outcome.
SCC also remains subject to potential claims for indemnification and loan repurchases pertaining to loans previously sold. In the current non-prime mortgage environment, it is likely that the frequency of repurchase and indemnification claims may increase over historical experience and give rise to additional litigation. In some instances, H&R Block, Inc. was required to guarantee SCC’s obligations. The amounts involved in these potential claims may be substantial, and the ultimate resulting liability is difficult to predict. Because SCC’s operating results are included in our consolidated financial statements, the amounts SCC may be required to pay in the discharge or settlement of these claims in the event of unfavorable outcomes could have a material adverse impact on our consolidated results of operations.
OTHER CLAIMS AND LITIGATION – We are from time to time party to investigations, claims and lawsuits not discussed herein arising out of our business operations. These investigations, claims and lawsuits include actions by state attorneys general, other state regulators, individual plaintiffs, and cases in which plaintiffs seek to represent a class of others similarly situated. Some of these investigations, claims and lawsuits pertain to RALs, the electronic filing of customers’ income tax returns, the POM guarantee program, wage and hour claims and investment products. We believe we have meritorious defenses to each of these claims, and we are defending or intend to defend them vigorously. The amounts claimed in these claims and lawsuits are substantial in some instances, however the ultimate liability with respect to such litigation and claims is difficult to predict. In the event of an unfavorable outcome, the amounts we may be required to pay in the discharge of liabilities or settlements could be material.
In addition to the aforementioned types of cases, we are party to claims and lawsuits that we consider to be ordinary, routine litigation incidental to our business, including claims and lawsuits (collectively, “Other Claims”) concerning the preparation of customers’ income tax returns, the fees charged customers for various products and services, relationships with franchisees, intellectual property disputes, employment matters and contract disputes. While we cannot provide assurance that we will ultimately prevail in each instance, we believe the

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amount, if any, we are required to pay in the discharge of liabilities or settlements in these Other Claims will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated operating results, financial position or cash flows.
 
 
NOTE 19:   DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
Effective November 1, 2008, we sold HRB Financial Corporation, including our securities brokerage business formerly conducted through HRBFA, to Ameriprise. As a result of this transaction, we received cash proceeds, net of selling costs, of $304.0 million, plus repayment of net intercompany liabilities of $46.6 million. The carrying value of our investment in this business at the date of disposition was $293.7 million, which included $174.0 million of goodwill from our initial acquisition of HRB Financial Corporation. We deferred recognition of a portion of the sale proceeds totaling $7.0 million, which represents the estimated value of an ongoing collaboration arrangement with our Tax Services businesses.
In connection with the sale, we indemnified Ameriprise against certain losses relating to pre-acquisition contingencies, including matters involving compliance with the Employment Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Fair Labor Standards Act, tax matters and certain pending litigation. Certain indemnities are subject to a maximum aggregate payment of $31.5 million, while other indemnities are not subject to any stated limit. The indemnities are not subject to a stated term. FASB Interpretation No. 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others,” requires that we recognize a liability for the estimated fair value of guarantee and indemnification obligations at the inception of the arrangement. We estimated an aggregate fair value of $15.5 million relating to the Ameriprise indemnifications and recorded a liability in that amount as of the date of sale. Subsequent changes in this liability will be determined in accordance with SFAS 5 and recorded in discontinued operations.
The transaction resulted in a capital loss for income tax purposes and, with the exception of benefits of approximately $9 million recorded during fiscal year 2009, is not currently expected to result in a tax benefit. Net of selling expenses, deferrals and indemnification liabilities, we recorded a loss during fiscal year 2009 in connection with the disposition of this business totaling $12.2 million.
At April 30, 2009, HRBFA had $10.0 million invested in the Reserve Primary Fund (Reserve Fund), a money market fund. The Reserve Fund is currently in orderly liquidation under the supervision of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and its net asset value has fallen below its stated value of $1.00 per share. The most recent net asset values communicated by the Reserve Fund were $0.97 per share as of June 1, 2009. However, the Reserve Fund has indicated that it has established a “special reserve” for contingent damages and defense costs relating to pending litigation and, accordingly, fund distributions are currently being made at $0.917 per share. This asset was sold to Ameriprise in connection with the sale of HRBFA at a contractually agreed to value of $0.92 per share. Although this investment is no longer reported in our balance sheet we are subject to contingent gains or losses, through post-closing purchase price adjustments, to the extent ultimate redemptions from the Reserve Fund are greater or less than $0.92 per share. Assuming HRBFA recovered its invested principal in full, we would recognize a gain at that time of approximately $8 million. Assuming HRBFA received no further distributions from the Reserve Fund, we would ultimately record additional losses of approximately $2 million.
As of April 30, 2009, the results of operations of HRBFA and its direct corporate parent are presented as discontinued operations in the consolidated financial statements. All periods presented have been retrospectively adjusted to reflect our discontinued operations.
Overhead costs which would have previously been allocated to discontinued businesses totaled $4.6 million, $14.7 million and $24.5 million for fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. These amounts are included in continuing operations. Prior year amounts include overhead allocations which were previously allocated to our discontinued mortgage operations.
The financial results of discontinued operations are as follows:
 
                         
                (in 000s)  
 
Year Ended April 30,   2009     2008     2007  
 
 
Net revenue
  $ 129,863     $ (105,964 )   $ 385,486  
   
                         
Pretax loss from operations
  $ (37,015 )   $ (1,120,216 )   $ (873,593 )
Goodwill impairment
    –         –         (157,511 )
Loss on sale and estimated impairments
    (10,626 )     (45,510 )     (193,367 )
   
                         
Pretax loss
    (47,641 )     (1,165,726 )     (1,224,471 )
Income tax benefit
    (20,259 )     (411,132 )     (421,358 )
   
                         
Net loss from discontinued operations
  $ (27,382 )   $ (754,594 )   $ (803,113 )
   

70   H&R BLOCK 2009 Form 10K


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During fiscal year 2008, we exited the mortgage business operated through a subsidiary and sold the related loan servicing business. Our discontinued operations include pretax losses related to our mortgage business of $17.0 million for fiscal year 2009, compared to $1.2 billion in each of the fiscal years 2008 and 2007.
 
 
NOTE 20: SEGMENT INFORMATION
Management has determined the reportable segments identified below according to types of services offered and the manner in which operational decisions are made. Operating results of our reportable segments are all seasonal.
TAX SERVICES – This segment is primarily engaged in providing tax return preparation and related services and products in the U.S., Canada and Australia. Segment revenues include fees earned for tax-related services performed at company-owned tax offices, royalties from franchise offices, sales of tax preparation and other software, fees from online tax preparation and RAL participations. This segment includes the Company’s tax preparation software, TaxCut® from H&R Block as well as software designed for small to mid-sized CPA firms who file tax returns for individuals and businesses. This segment also offers online do-it-yourself tax preparation and online tax advice to the general public through various websites.
Our international operations contributed $160.7 million, $170.2 million and $131.8 million in revenues for fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and $31.6 million, $32.1 million and $20.1 million of pretax income, respectively.
BUSINESS SERVICES – This segment offers accounting, tax and business consulting services, wealth management, and capital markets services to middle-market companies in offices located throughout the U.S.
CONSUMER FINANCIAL SERVICES – This segment is engaged in providing retail banking offerings to our Tax Services clients through HRB Bank. HRB Bank offers traditional banking services including checking and savings accounts, lines of credit, individual retirement accounts, certificates of deposit and prepaid debit card accounts. HRB Bank operates through a single stand-alone branch office. HRB Bank offers the H&R Block Prepaid Emerald MasterCard® and Emerald Advance lines of credit through our Tax Services segment. HRB Bank also historically purchased loans from former affiliates, in addition to prime loan purchases from third-parties. During fiscal year 2008, HRB Bank stopped purchasing loans and currently does not intend to purchase mortgage loans from third-parties. This segment previously included HRBFA, which has been presented as a discontinued operation in our consolidated financial statements.
CORPORATE – Corporate support departments provide services to our operating segments, consisting of marketing, information technology, facilities, human resources, executive, legal, finance, government relations and corporate communications. These support department costs are largely allocated to our operating segments. Our captive insurance and franchise financing subsidiaries are also included within Corporate.
IDENTIFIABLE ASSETS – Identifiable assets are those assets, including goodwill and intangible assets, associated with each reportable segment. The remaining assets are classified as Corporate assets, which consist primarily of cash, marketable securities and equipment. The carrying value of assets held outside the U.S. totaled $126.8 million, $124.8 million and $120.9 million at April 30, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

H&R BLOCK 2009 Form 10K  71


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Information concerning the Company’s operations by reportable segment is as follows:
 
                                 
                (in 000s)        
 
Year Ended April 30,   2009     2008     2007        
 
 
REVENUES:
                               
Tax Services
  $  3,033,123     $  2,988,617     $  2,685,858          
Business Services
    897,809       941,686       932,361          
Consumer Financial Services
    141,801       142,706       77,178          
Corporate
    10,844       13,621       14,965          
   
    $ 4,083,577     $ 4,086,630     $ 3,710,362          
   
                                 
INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE TAXES:
                               
Tax Services
  $ 893,805     $ 785,839     $ 705,171          
Business Services
    96,097       88,797       57,661          
Consumer Financial Services
    (14,508 )     11,484       23,086          
Corporate
    (136,024 )     (151,049 )     (158,657 )        
   
    $ 839,370     $ 735,071     $ 627,261          
   
                                 
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION:
                               
Tax Services
  $ 78,729     $ 76,828     $ 68,369          
Business Services
    36,748       36,523       35,046          
Consumer Financial Services
    686       379       59          
Corporate
    7,468       5,784       4,005          
   
    $ 123,631     $ 119,514     $ 107,479          
   
                                 
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES:
                               
Tax Services
  $ 46,884     $ 32,712     $ 41,809          
Business Services
    21,185       32,918       31,770          
Consumer Financial Services
    32       17       112          
Corporate
    29,779       35,907       84,769          
   
    $ 97,880     $ 101,554     $ 158,460          
   
                                 
IDENTIFIABLE ASSETS:
                               
Tax Services
  $ 1,351,335     $ 941,769     $ 961,415          
Business Services
    897,250       920,945       941,754          
Consumer Financial Services
    1,281,618       1,068,436       1,493,090          
Corporate
    1,829,519       1,704,683       1,273,976          
Assets of discontinued operations
    –         987,592       2,873,815          
   
    $ 5,359,722     $ 5,623,425     $ 7,544,050          
   

72   H&R BLOCK 2009 Form 10K


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NOTE 21: QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
 
                                                 
                (in 000s, except per share amounts)        
 
    Fiscal Year 2009     Apr 30, 2009     Jan 31, 2009     Oct 31, 2008     Jul 31, 2008        
 
 
Revenues
  $  4,083,577     $  2,466,753     $  993,446     $  351,469     $  271,909          
   
                                                 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes (benefit)
  $ 839,370     $ 1,178,054     $ 101,739     $ (227,453 )   $ (212,970 )        
Income taxes (benefit)
    326,315       470,245       34,909       (94,292 )     (84,547 )        
   
Net income (loss) from continuing operations
    513,055       707,809       66,830       (133,161 )     (128,423 )        
Net loss from discontinued operations
    (27,382 )     (906 )     (19,467 )     (2,713 )     (4,296 )        
   
Net income (loss)
  $ 485,673     $ 706,903     $ 47,363     $  (135,874 )   $  (132,719 )        
   
                                                 
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
                                               
Net income (loss) from continuing operations
  $ 1.54     $ 2.10     $ 0.20     $ (0.40 )   $ (0.39 )        
Net loss from discontinued operations
    (0.08 )     –         (0.06 )     (0.01 )     (0.02 )        
   
                                                 
Net income (loss)
  $ 1.46     $ 2.10     $ 0.14     $ (0.41 )   $ (0.41 )        
   
                                                 
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
                                               
Net income (loss) from continuing operations
  $ 1.53     $ 2.09     $ 0.20     $ (0.40 )   $ (0.39 )        
Net loss from discontinued operations
    (0.08 )     –         (0.06 )     (0.01 )     (0.02 )        
   
                                                 
Net income (loss)
  $ 1.45     $ 2.09     $ 0.14     $ (0.41 )   $ (0.41 )        
   

                                                 
    Fiscal Year 2008     Apr 30, 2008     Jan 31, 2008     Oct 31, 2007     Jul 31, 2007        
 
 
Revenues
  $  4,086,630     $  2,541,116     $  894,804     $  356,692     $ 294,018          
   
                                                 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes (benefit)
  $ 735,071     $ 1,143,977     $ 416     $  (221,823 )   $  (187,499 )        
Income taxes (benefit)
    289,124       458,017       (6,674 )     (86,890 )     (75,329 )        
   
Net income (loss) from continuing operations
    445,947       685,960       7,090       (134,933 )     (112,170 )        
Net loss from discontinued operations
    (754,594 )     (142,398 )     (54,448 )     (367,338 )     (190,410 )        
   
Net income (loss)
  $ (308,647 )   $ 543,562     $ (47,358 )   $ (502,271 )   $ (302,580 )        
   
                                                 
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
                                               
Net income (loss) from continuing operations
  $ 1.37     $ 2.11     $ 0.02     $ (0.42 )   $ (0.35 )        
Net loss from discontinued operations
    (2.32 )     (0.44 )     (0.17 )     (1.13 )     (0.58 )        
   
                                                 
Net income (loss)
  $ (0.95 )   $ 1.67     $ (0.15 )   $ (1.55 )   $ (0.93 )        
   
                                                 
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
                                               
Net income (loss) from continuing operations
  $ 1.36     $ 2.09     $ 0.02     $ (0.42 )   $ (0.35 )        
Net loss from discontinued operations
    (2.30 )     (0.43 )     (0.16 )     (1.13 )     (0.58 )        
   
                                                 
Net income (loss)
  $ (0.94 )   $ 1.66     $ (0.14 )   $ (1.55 )   $ (0.93 )        
   

Results of discontinued operations for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2008 included pretax provisions for estimated loan repurchase obligations totaling $202.9 million.
The accumulation of four quarters in fiscal years 2009 and 2008 for earnings per share may not equal the related per share amounts for the years ended April 30, 2009 and 2008 due to the timing of the exercise of stock options and

H&R BLOCK 2009 Form 10K  73


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lapse of certain restrictions on nonvested shares and the antidilutive effect of stock options and nonvested shares in the first two quarters.
 
                                                 
 
    Fiscal Year     Fourth Quarter     Third Quarter     Second Quarter     First Quarter        
 
 
Fiscal year 2009:
                                               
Dividends per share
  $ 0.59     $ 0.15     $ 0.15     $ 0.15     $ 0.14          
Stock price range:
                                               
High
  $  27.97     $  22.98     $  23.27     $  27.97     $  24.65          
Low
    14.69       14.69       15.37       15.00       20.40          
Fiscal year 2008:
                                               
Dividends per share
  $ 0.56     $ 0.14     $ 0.14     $ 0.14     $ 0.14          
Stock price range:
                                               
High
  $ 24.02     $ 22.27     $ 21.84     $ 23.00     $ 24.02          
Low
    16.89       17.13       16.89       17.96       19.90          
 
 
NOTE 22: CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
BFC is an indirect, wholly-owned consolidated subsidiary of the Company. BFC is the Issuer and the Company is the Guarantor of the Senior Notes issued on January 11, 2008 and October 26, 2004, the CLOCs and other indebtedness issued from time to time. These condensed consolidating financial statements have been prepared using the equity method of accounting. Earnings of subsidiaries are, therefore, reflected in the Company’s investment in subsidiaries account. The elimination entries eliminate investments in subsidiaries, related stockholders’ equity and other intercompany balances and transactions.
 
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING INCOME STATEMENTS
(in 000s)
                                                 
    H&R Block, Inc.
    BFC
    Other
          Consolidated
       
Year Ended April 30, 2009   (Guarantor)     (Issuer)     Subsidiaries     Elims     H&R Block        
Total revenues
  $ –       $  251,758     $  3,834,880     $ (3,061 )   $  4,083,577          
   
                                                 
Cost of services
    –         46,282        2,250,145       22       2,296,449          
Cost of other revenues
    –          232,507       67,294       (32 )     299,769          
Selling, general and administrative
    –         66,230       582,812       (552 )     648,490          
   
                                                 
Total expenses
    –         345,019       2,900,251       (562 )     3,244,708          
   
                                                 
Operating income (loss)
    –         (93,261 )     934,629       (2,499 )     838,869          
Other income (expense), net
    839,370       (5,992 )     6,461       (839,338 )     501          
   
                                                 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes (benefit)
    839,370       (99,253 )     941,090       (841,837 )     839,370          
Income taxes (benefit)
    326,315       (40,386 )     367,660       (327,274 )     326,315          
   
                                                 
Net income (loss) from continuing operations
    513,055       (58,867 )     573,430       (514,563 )     513,055          
Net loss from discontinued operations
    (27,382 )     (29,176 )     –         29,176       (27,382 )        
   
                                                 
Net income (loss)
  $  485,673     $ (88,043 )   $ 573,430     $  (485,387 )   $ 485,673          
   

 

74   H&R BLOCK 2009 Form 10K


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    H&R Block, Inc.
    BFC
    Other
          Consolidated
       
Year Ended April 30, 2008   (Guarantor)     (Issuer)     Subsidiaries     Elims     H&R Block        
Total revenues
  $ –       $ 338,688     $  3,755,118     $ (7,176 )   $  4,086,630          
   
Cost of services
    –         8,141       2,272,746       (409 )     2,280,478          
Cost of other revenues
    –         222,884       84,831       –         307,715          
Selling, general and administrative
    –         148,218       639,986       694       788,898          
   
                                                 
Total expenses
    –         379,243       2,997,563       285       3,377,091          
   
Operating income (loss)
    –         (40,555 )     757,555       (7,461 )     709,539          
Other income, net
    735,071       –         25,532       (735,071 )     25,532          
   
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes (benefit)
    735,071       (40,555 )     783,087       (742,532 )     735,071          
Income taxes (benefit)
    289,124       (10,351 )     302,873       (292,522 )     289,124          
   
Net income (loss) from continuing operations
    445,947       (30,204 )     480,214       (450,010 )     445,947          
Net loss from discontinued operations
    (754,594 )     (752,386 )     (6,288 )     758,674       (754,594 )        
   
Net income (loss)
  $  (308,647 )   $  (782,590 )   $  473,926     $  308,664     $ (308,647 )        
   

 
                                                 
    H&R Block, Inc.
    BFC
    Other
          Consolidated
       
Year Ended April 30, 2007   (Guarantor)     (Issuer)     Subsidiaries     Elims     H&R Block        
Total revenues
  $ –       $ 663,752     $  3,060,409     $ (13,799 )   $  3,710,362          
   
Cost of services
    –         37,966       2,121,431       (1,559 )     2,157,838          
Cost of other revenues
    –         147,411       25,245       –         172,656          
Selling, general and administrative
    –         182,848       546,233       (541 )     728,540          
   
                                                 
Total expenses
    –         368,225       2,692,909       (2,100 )     3,059,034          
   
Operating income
    –         295,527       367,500       (11,699 )     651,328          
Other income (expense), net
    627,261       (25,157 )     1,090       (627,261 )     (24,067 )        
   
Income from continuing operations before taxes
    627,261       270,370       368,590       (638,960 )     627,261          
Income taxes
    257,801       108,989       153,915       (262,904 )     257,801          
   
Net income from continuing operations
    369,460       161,381       214,675       (376,056 )     369,460          
Net loss from discontinued operations
    (803,113 )     (789,657 )     (20,362 )     810,019       (803,113 )        
   
Net income (loss)
  $  (433,653 )   $  (628,276 )   $  194,313     $  433,963     $ (433,653 )        
   

 
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
(in 000s) 
                                                 
    H&R Block, Inc.
    BFC
    Other
          Consolidated
       
April 30, 2009   (Guarantor)     (Issuer)     Subsidiaries     Elims     H&R Block        
Cash & cash equivalents
  $ –       $ 241,350     $ 1,419,535     $ (6,222 )   $ 1,654,663          
Cash & cash equivalents – restricted
    –         4,303       47,353       –         51,656          
Receivables, net
    38       114,442       398,334       –         512,814          
Mortgage loans held for investment, net
    –         744,899       –         –         744,899          
Intangible assets and goodwill, net
    –         –         1,236,228       –         1,236,228          
Investments in subsidiaries
    3,289,435       –         194       (3,289,435 )     194          
Other assets
    –         308,481       850,787       –         1,159,268          
   
Total assets
  $ 3,289,473     $ 1,413,475     $ 3,952,431     $ (3,295,657 )   $ 5,359,722          
   
                                                 
Customer deposits
  $ –       $ 861,110     $ –       $ (6,222 )   $ 854,888          
Long-term debt
    –         998,245       33,877       –         1,032,122          
FHLB borrowings
    –         100,000       –         –         100,000          
Other liabilities
    2       130,362       1,836,477       12       1,966,853          
Net intercompany advances
    1,883,612       (827,453 )      (1,056,147 )     (12 )     –            
Stockholders’ equity
    1,405,859       151,211       3,138,224       (3,289,435 )     1,405,859          
   
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $  3,289,473     $  1,413,475     $  3,952,431     $  (3,295,657 )   $  5,359,722          
   

 

H&R BLOCK 2009 Form 10K  75


Table of Contents

                                                 
    H&R Block, Inc.
    BFC
    Other
          Consolidated
       
April 30, 2008   (Guarantor)     (Issuer)     Subsidiaries     Elims     H&R Block        
Cash & cash equivalents
  $ –       $ 34,611     $ 630,933     $ (647 )   $ 664,897          
Cash & cash equivalents – restricted
    –         6,214       817       –         7,031          
Receivables, net
    139       122,756       411,334       –         534,229          
Mortgage loans held for investment, net
    –         966,301       –         –         966,301          
Intangible assets and goodwill, net
    –         –         978,682       –         978,682          
Investments in subsidiaries
    4,131,345       –         322       (4,131,345 )     322          
Assets of discontinued operations
    –         987,592       –         –         987,592          
Other assets
    –         514,463       969,896       12       1,484,371          
   
                                                 
Total assets
  $ 4,131,484     $ 2,631,937     $ 2,991,984     $ (4,131,980 )   $ 5,623,425          
   
                                                 
Customer deposits
  $ –       $ 786,271     $ –       $ (647 )   $ 785,624          
Long-term debt
    –         997,885       33,899       –         1,031,784          
FHLB borrowings
    –         129,000       –         –         129,000          
Liabilities of discontinued operations
    –         644,446       –         –         644,446          
Other liabilities
    2       466,236       1,578,464       51       2,044,753          
Net intercompany advances
    3,143,664       (632,522 )     (2,511,103 )     (39 )     –            
Stockholders’ equity
    987,818       240,621       3,890,724       (4,131,345 )     987,818          
   
                                                 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 4,131,484     $ 2,631,937     $ 2,991,984     $ (4,131,980 )   $ 5,623,425          
   

 
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in 000s)
                                                 
    H&R Block, Inc.
    BFC
    Other
          Consolidated
       
Year Ended April 30, 2009   (Guarantor)     (Issuer)     Subsidiaries     Elims     H&R Block        
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
  $ 3,835     $ (13,225 )   $ 1,033,829     $ –       $ 1,024,439          
   
Cash flows from investing:
                                               
Mortgage loans held for investment, net
    –         91,329       –         –         91,329          
Purchases of property & equipment
    –         (43 )     (97,837 )     –         (97,880 )        
Payments for business acquisitions
    –         –         (293,805 )     –         (293,805 )        
Net intercompany advances
    73,820       –         –          (73,820 )     –            
Investing cash flows of discontinued operations
    –         255,066       –         –         255,066          
Other, net
    –         17,598       33,252       –         50,850          
   
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    73,820       363,950       (358,390 )     (73,820 )     5,560          
   
Cash flows from financing:
                                               
Repayments of short-term borrowings
    –          (4,762,294 )     –         –          (4,762,294 )        
Proceeds from short-term borrowings
    –         4,733,294       –         –         4,733,294          
Customer banking deposits, net
    –         69,932       –         (5,575 )     64,357          
Dividends paid
    (198,685 )     –         –         –         (198,685 )        
Acquisition of treasury shares
    (106,189 )     –         –         –         (106,189 )        
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
    141,415       –         –         –         141,415          
Proceeds from stock options
    71,594       –         –         –         71,594          
Net intercompany advances
    –         (199,032 )     125,212       73,820       –            
Financing cash flows of discontinued operations
    –         4,783       –         –         4,783          
Other, net
    14,210       9,331       (12,049 )     –         11,492          
   
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    (77,655 )     (143,986 )     113,163       68,245       (40,233 )        
   
Net increase in cash
    –         206,739       788,602       (5,575 )     989,766          
Cash – beginning of the year
    –         34,611       630,933       (647 )     664,897          
   
Cash – end of the year
  $ –       $ 241,350     $  1,419,535     $ (6,222 )   $ 1,654,663          
   

 

76   H&R BLOCK 2009 Form 10K


Table of Contents

                                                 
    H&R Block, Inc.
    BFC
    Other
          Consolidated
       
Year Ended April 30, 2008   (Guarantor)     (Issuer)     Subsidiaries     Elims     H&R Block        
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
  $ 47,521     $ (686,591 )   $ 897,830     $ –       $ 258,760          
   
Cash flows from investing:
                                               
Mortgage loans held for investment, net
    –         207,606       –         –         207,606          
Purchases of property & equipment
    –         (17 )     (101,537 )     –         (101,554 )        
Payments for business acquisitions
    –         –         (24,872 )     –         (24,872 )        
Net intercompany advances
    112,027       –         –         (112,027 )     –            
Investing cash flows of discontinued operations
    –         1,041,260       3,730       –         1,044,990          
Other, net
    –         13,410       7,709       –         21,119          
   
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    112,027       1,262,259       (114,970 )     (112,027 )     1,147,289          
   
Cash flows from financing:
                                               
Repayments of commercial paper
    –         (5,125,279 )     –         –         (5,125,279 )        
Proceeds from commercial paper
    –         4,133,197       –         –         4,133,197          
Proceeds from issuance of Senior Notes
    –         599,376       –         –         599,376          
Repayments of other borrowings
    –         (9,055,426 )     –         –         (9,055,426 )        
Proceeds from other borrowings
    –         8,505,426       –         –         8,505,426          
Customer banking deposits, net
    –         (344,744 )     –         (647 )     (345,391 )        
Dividends paid
    (183,628 )     –         –         –         (183,628 )        
Acquisition of treasury shares
    (7,280 )     –         –         –         (7,280 )        
Proceeds from stock options
    23,322       –         –         –         23,322          
Net intercompany advances
    –         753,873       (865,900 )     112,027       –            
Financing cash flows of discontinued operations
    –         (63,249 )     (1,190 )     –         (64,439 )        
Other, net
    8,038       (4,428 )     (41,557 )     –         (37,947 )        
   
Net cash used in financing activities
    (159,548 )     (601,254 )     (908,647 )     111,380       (1,558,069 )        
   
Net decrease in cash
    –         (25,586 )     (125,787 )     (647 )     (152,020 )        
Cash – beginning of the year
    –         60,197       756,720       –         816,917          
   
Cash – end of the year
  $ –       $ 34,611     $ 630,933     $ (647 )   $ 664,897          
   

 
                                                 
    H&R Block, Inc.
    BFC
    Other
          Consolidated
       
Year Ended April 30, 2007   (Guarantor)     (Issuer)     Subsidiaries     Elims     H&R Block        
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
  $ 47,638     $ (217,027 )   $ (387,586 )   $ –       $ (556,975 )        
   
Cash flows from investing:
                                               
Mortgage loans held for investment, net
    –         (954,281 )     –         –         (954,281 )        
Purchases of property & equipment
    –         (432 )     (158,028 )     –         (158,460 )        
Payments for business acquisitions
    –         –         (57,554 )     –         (57,554 )        
Net intercompany advances
    276,450       –         –         (276,450 )     –            
Investing cash flows of discontinued operations
    –         26,463       (4,382 )     –         22,081          
Other, net
    –         (5,395 )     (4,767 )     –         (10,162 )        
   
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    276,450       (933,645 )     (224,731 )     (276,450 )     (1,158,376 )        
Cash flows from financing:
                                               
Repayments of commercial paper
    –         (7,908,668 )     (355,893 )     –         (8,264,561 )        
Proceeds from commercial paper
    –         8,900,750       355,893       –         9,256,643          
Repayments of Senior Notes
    –         (500,000 )     –         –         (500,000 )        
Repayments of other borrowings
    –         (6,010,432 )     –         –         (6,010,432 )        
Proceeds from other borrowings
    –         6,689,432       –         –         6,689,432          
Customer banking deposits, net
    –         1,129,263       –         –         1,129,263          
Dividends paid
    (171,966 )     –         –         –         (171,966 )        
Acquisition of treasury shares
    (188,802 )     –         –         –         (188,802 )        
Proceeds from stock options
    25,703       –         –         –         25,703          
Net intercompany advances
    –         (1,134,416 )     857,966       276,450       –            
Financing cash flows of discontinued operations
    –         43,203       (277 )     –         42,926          
Other, net
    10,977       –         (28,072 )     –         (17,095 )        
   
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    (324,088 )     1,209,132       829,617       276,450       1,991,111          
   
Net increase in cash
    –         58,460       217,300       –         275,760          
Cash – beginning of the year
    –         1,737       539,420       –         541,157          
   
Cash – end of the year
  $ –       $ 60,197     $ 756,720     $ –       $ 816,917          
   

H&R BLOCK 2009 Form 10K  77


Table of Contents

 
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
There were no disagreements or reportable events requiring disclosure pursuant to Item 304(b) of Regulation S-K.
 
 
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
(a) EVALUATION OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES – We have established disclosure controls and procedures (Disclosure Controls) to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Company’s reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure Controls are also designed to ensure that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Our Disclosure Controls were designed to provide reasonable assurance that the controls and procedures would meet their objectives. Our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our Disclosure Controls will prevent all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the designed control objectives and management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusions of two or more people or by management override of the control. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective, maturing control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.
As of the end of the period covered by this Form 10-K, we evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operations of our Disclosure Controls. The controls evaluation was done under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded our Disclosure Controls were effective as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
(b) MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING – Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in “Internal Control – Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) as of April 30, 2009.
Based on our assessment, management concluded that, as of April 30, 2009, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective based on the criteria set forth by COSO.
The Company’s external auditors, Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, have issued an audit report on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. This report appears near the beginning of Item 8.
(c) CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING – During the quarter ended April 30, 2009, there were no changes that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
 

78   H&R BLOCK 2009 Form 10K


Table of Contents

 
PART III
 
 
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The following information appearing in our definitive proxy statement, to be filed no later than 120 days after April 30, 2009, is incorporated herein by reference:
  §  Information appearing under the heading “Election of Directors,”
  §  Information appearing under the heading “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,”
  §  Information appearing under the heading “Board of Directors’ Meetings and Committees” regarding identification of the Audit Committee and Audit Committee financial experts.
We have adopted a code of business ethics and conduct that applies to our directors, officers and employees, including our chief executive officer, chief financial officer, principal accounting officer and persons performing similar functions. A copy of the code of business ethics and conduct is available on our website at www.hrblock.com. We intend to provide information on our website regarding amendments to or waivers from the code of business ethics and conduct.
Information about our executive officers as of May 15, 2009, is as follows:
 
         
Name, age   Current position   Business experience since May 1, 2004
 
Russell P. Smyth,
age 52
  President and Chief Executive Officer   President and Chief Executive Officer since August 2008; Consultant, equity owner and active board member for several private equity firms and served on the boards of several privately held companies from January 2005 to July 2008; President – McDonald’s Europe from January 2003 to January 2005.
Becky S. Shulman,
age 44
  Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer   Chief Financial Officer since November 2007; Senior Vice President and Treasurer since September 2001.
Jeffrey T. Brown,
age 50
  Vice President and Corporate Controller   Vice President and Corporate Controller since March 2008; Assistant Vice President and Assistant Controller from August 2005 until March 2008; Director of Corporate Accounting, from September 2002 to August 2005.
Timothy C. Gokey,
age 47
  President, Retail Tax Services*   President, Retail Tax Services since June 2004; McKinsey & Company from 1986 until June 2004.
Tammy S. Serati,
age 50
  Senior Vice President, Human Resources   Senior Vice President, Human Resources since December 2002.
 
On May 8, 2009, Mr. Gokey resigned from his positions with all of the Company’s subsidiaries.
 
 
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information called for by this item is contained in our definitive proxy statement filed pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after April 30, 2009, in the sections entitled “Director Compensation” and “Executive Compensation” and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
 
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The information called for by this item is contained in our definitive proxy statement filed pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after April 30, 2009, in the section titled “Equity Compensation Plans” and in the section titled “Information Regarding Security Holders” and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
 
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The information called for by this item is contained in our definitive proxy statement filed pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after April 30, 2009, in the section titled “Employee Agreements, Change-of-Control and Other Arrangements” and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
 
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The information called for by this item is contained in our definitive proxy statement filed pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after April 30, 2009, in the section titled “Audit Fees” and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
 

H&R BLOCK 2009 Form 10K  79


Table of Contents

 
PART IV
 
 
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a) Documents filed as part of this Report:
  1.  The following financial statements appearing in Item 8: “Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss),” “Consolidated Balance Sheets,” “Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows” and “Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity.”
  2.  “Financial Statement Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts” with the related Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms. These will be filed with the SEC but will not be included in the printed version of the Annual Report to Shareholders.
  3.  Exhibits: The list of exhibits in the Exhibit Index to this Report is incorporated herein by reference. The following exhibits are required to be filed as exhibits to this Form 10-K:
 
     
10.18
  2008 Deferred Stock Unit Plan for Outside Directors.
10.35
  Administrative Services Agreement dated January 30, 2006, by and among RSM McGladrey, Inc. and McGladrey & Pullen, LLP.
10.36
  Amendment Number One, dated June 1, 2008, to the Administrative Services Agreement dated January 30, 2006, by and among RSM McGladrey, Inc. and McGladrey & Pullen, LLP.
10.37
  Operations Agreement, dated as of August 2, 1999, by and among McGladrey & Pullen, LLP, MP Active Partners Trust, Mark W. Scalley, Thomas G. Rotherham, RSM McGladrey, Inc., HRB Business Services, Inc., and H&R Block, Inc.
12
  Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges for the five years ended April 30, 2009.
21
  Subsidiaries of the Company.
23.1
  Consent of Deloitte & Touche, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
23.2
  Consent of KPMG LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
31.1
  Certification by Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2
  Certification by Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1
  Certification by Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2
  Certification by Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
The exhibits will be filed with the SEC but will not be included in the printed version of the Annual Report to Shareholders.

80   H&R BLOCK 2009 Form 10K


Table of Contents

 
SIGNATURES
 
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
     
    H&R BLOCK, INC.
    -s- Russell P. Smyth
    Russell P. Smyth
    President and Chief Executive Officer
June 29, 2009
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated on June 29, 2009.
 
         
-s- Russell P. Smyth   -s- Becky S. Shulman   -s- Jeffrey T. Brown
Russell P. Smyth   Becky S. Shulman   Jeffrey T. Brown
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director   Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer   Vice President and
Corporate Controller
(principal executive officer)
  (principal financial officer)   (principal accounting officer)
         
-s- Richard C. Breeden   -s- Robert A. Gerard   -s- David B. Lewis
Richard C. Breeden
  Robert A. Gerard   David B. Lewis
Director, Chairman of the Board
  Director   Director
         
-s- Thomas M. Bloch   -s- Christianna Wood   -s- Tom D. Seip
Thomas M. Bloch
  Christianna Wood   Tom D. Seip
Director
  Director   Director
         
-s- Alan M. Bennett   -s- Len J. Lauer   -s- L. Edward Shaw
Alan M. Bennett
  Len J. Lauer   L. Edward Shaw
Director
  Director   Director

H&R BLOCK 2009 Form 10K  81


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EXHIBIT INDEX
 
 
 
The following exhibits are numbered in accordance with the Exhibit Table of Item 601 of Regulation S-K:
 
         
  3 .1   Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of H&R Block, Inc., filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 2008, file number 1-6089, is incorporated herein by reference.
  3 .2   Amended and Restated Bylaws of H&R Block, Inc., as amended and restated as of May 5, 2008, filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s current report on Form 8-K dated May 5, 2009, file number 1-6089, is incorporated herein by reference.
  4 .1   Indenture dated as of October 20, 1997, among H&R Block, Inc., Block Financial Corporation and Bankers Trust Company, as Trustee, filed as Exhibit 4(a) to the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 1997, file number 1-6089, is incorporated herein by reference.
  4 .2   First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 18, 2000, among H&R Block, Inc., Block Financial Corporation, Bankers Trust Company and the Bank of New York, filed as Exhibit 4(a) to the Company’s current report on Form 8-K dated April 13, 2000, file number 1-6089, is incorporated herein by reference.
  4 .3   Officer’s Certificate, dated October 26, 2004, in respect of 5.125% Notes due 2014 of Block Financial Corporation, filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s current report on Form 8-K dated October 21, 2004, file number 1-6089, is incorporated herein by reference.
  4 .4   Officer’s Certificate, dated January 11, 2008, in respect of 7.875% Notes due 2013 of Block Financial LLC, filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s current report on Form 8-K dated January 8, 2008, file number 1-6089, is incorporated herein by reference.
  4 .5   Form of 5.125% Note due 2014 of Block Financial Corporation, filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s current report on Form 8-K dated October 21, 2004, file number 1-6089, is incorporated herein by reference.
  4 .6   Form of 7.875% Note due 2013 of Block Financial LLC, filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s current report on Form 8-K dated January 8, 2008, file number 1-6089, is incorporated herein by reference.
  4 .7   Form of Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of Participating Preferred Stock of H&R Block, Inc., filed as Exhibit 4(e) to the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 1995, file number 1-6089, is incorporated by reference.
  4 .8   Form of Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of Participating Preferred Stock of H&R Block, Inc., filed as Exhibit 4(j) to the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 1998, file number 1-6089, is incorporated by reference.
  4 .9   Form of Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of Delayed Convertible Preferred Stock of H&R Block, Inc., filed as Exhibit 4(f) to the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 1995, file number 1-6089, is incorporated by reference.
  10 .1*   The Company’s 2003 Long-Term Executive Compensation Plan, as amended and restated as of February 1, 2008, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2008, file number 1-6089, is incorporated herein by reference.
  10 .2*   Form of 2003 Long-Term Executive Compensation Plan Award Agreement, filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2007, file number 1-6089, is incorporated by reference.
  10 .3*   H&R Block Deferred Compensation Plan for Executives (amended and restated effective December 31, 2008), filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 31, 2009, file number 1-6089, is incorporated by reference.
  10 .4*   Amendment No. 1 to the H&R Block Deferred Compensation Plan for Executives, as Amended and Restated, effective as of March 12, 2003, filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2003, file number 1-6089, is incorporated herein by reference.
  10 .5*   The H&R Block Executive Performance Plan, filed as Exhibit 10.6 to the company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2006, file number 1-6089, is incorporated herein by reference.
  10 .6*   The H&R Block, Inc. 2000 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended August 1, 2001, filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 2001, file number 1-6089, is incorporated herein by reference.
  10 .7*   The H&R Block, Inc. Executive Survivor Plan (as Amended and Restated) filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 2000, file number 1-6089, is incorporated herein by reference.
  10 .8*   First Amendment to the H&R Block, Inc. Executive Survivor Plan (as Amended and Restated), filed as Exhibit 10.9 to the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2002, file number 1-6089, is incorporated by reference.
  10 .9*   Second Amendment to the H&R Block, Inc. Executive Survivor Plan (as Amended and Restated), effective as of March 12, 2003, filed as Exhibit 10.12 to the company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2003, file number 1-6089, is incorporated herein by reference.
  10 .10*   H&R Block Severance Plan, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 2008, file number 1-6089, is incorporated herein by reference.
  10 .11*   Employment Agreement dated July 19, 2008 between H&R Block Management LLC and Russell P. Smyth, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 2008, file number 1-6089, is incorporated herein by reference.

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  10 .12*   Employment Agreement dated December 3, 2007 between HRB Management, Inc. and Alan M. Bennett, filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 31, 2008, file number 1-6089, is incorporated herein by reference.
  10 .13*   Employment Agreement dated December 2, 2002 between HRB Management, Inc. and Tammy S. Serati, filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 31, 2003, file number 1-6089, is incorporated herein by reference.
  10 .14*   Employment Agreement dated as of April 1, 2003 between HRB Business Services, Inc. and Steven Tait, filed as Exhibit 10.23 to the annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2003, file number 1-6089, is incorporated herein by reference.
  10 .15*   Separation and Release Agreement dated January 21, 2009 between RSM McGladrey Business Services and Steven Tait, filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 31, 2009, file number 1-6089, is incorporated herein by reference.
  10 .16*   Employment Agreement dated as of June 28, 2004 between H&R Block Services, Inc. and Timothy C. Gokey, filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 2004, file number 1-6089, is incorporated herein by reference.
  10 .17*   Form of Indemnification Agreement for directors, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s current report on Form 8-K dated December 14, 2005, file number 1-6089, is incorporated herein by reference.
  10 .18*   2008 Deferred Stock Unit Plan for Outside Directors.
  10 .19   HSBC Retail Settlement Products Distribution Agreement dated as of September 23, 2005, among HSBC Bank USA, National Association, HSBC Taxpayer Financial Services Inc., Beneficial Franchise Company Inc., Household Tax Masters Acquisition Corporation, H&R Block Services, Inc., H&R Block Tax Services, Inc., H&R Block Enterprises, Inc., H&R Block Eastern Enterprises, Inc., H&R Block Digital Tax Solutions, LLC, H&R Block Associates, L.P., HRB Royalty, Inc., HSBC Finance Corporation and H&R Block, Inc., filed as Exhibit 10.14 to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 2005, file number 1-6089, is incorporated herein by reference.**
  10 .20   HSBC Digital Settlement Products Distribution Agreement dated as of September 23, 2005, among HSBC Bank USA, National Association, HSBC Taxpayer Financial Services Inc., H&R Block Digital Tax Solutions, LLC, and H&R Block Services, Inc., filed as Exhibit 10.15 to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 2005, file number 1-6089, is incorporated herein by reference.**
  10 .21   HSBC Program Appendix of Defined Terms and Rules of Construction, filed as Exhibit 10.18 to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 2005, file number 1-6089, is incorporated herein by reference.**
  10 .22   Joinder and First Amendment to Program Contracts dated as of November 10, 2006, among HSBC Bank USA, National Association, HSBC Trust Company (Delaware), N.A., HSBC Taxpayer Financial Services Inc., Beneficial Franchise Company Inc., Household Tax Masters Acquisition Corporation, H&R Block Services, Inc., H&R Block Tax Services, Inc., H&R Block Enterprises, Inc., H&R Block Eastern Enterprises, Inc., H&R Block Digital Solutions, LLC,, H&R Block and Associates, L.P., HRB Royalty, Inc., HSBC Finance Corporation, H&R Block, Inc. and Block Financial Corporation, filed as Exhibit 10.25 to the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 31, 2007, file number 1-6089, is incorporated by reference.**
  10 .23   Second Amendment to Program Contracts dated as of November 13, 2006, among HSBC Bank USA, National Association, HSBC Trust Company (Delaware), N.A., HSBC Taxpayer Financial Services, Inc., Beneficial Franchise Company Inc., H&R Block Services, Inc., H&R Block Tax Service, Inc., H&R Block Enterprises, Inc., H&R Block Eastern Enterprises, Inc., H&R Block Digital Solutions,, LLC, H&R Block and Associates, L.P., HRB Royalty, Inc., HSBC Finance Corporation, and H&R Block, Inc., filed as Exhibit 10.26 to the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 31, 2007, file number 1-6089, is incorporated by reference.**
  10 .24   Third Amendment to Program Contracts dated as of December 5, 2008, by and among HSBC Bank USA, HSBC Trust Company (Delaware), N.A., HSBC Taxpayer Financial Services Inc., Beneficial Franchise Company Inc., HRB Tax Group, Inc., H&R Block Tax Services LLC, H&R Block Enterprises LLC, H&R Block Eastern enterprises, Inc., HRB Digital LLC, Block Financial LLC, HRB Innovations, Inc., HSBC Finance Corporation, and H&R Block, Inc., filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 31, 2009, file number 1-6089, is incorporated by reference.**
  10 .25   First Amended and Restated HSBC Refund Anticipation Loan and IMA Participation Agreement Participation Agreement dated as of November 13, 2006 among Block Financial Corporation, HSBC Bank USA, National Association, HSBC Trust Company (Delaware), National Association, and HSBC Taxpayer Financial Services, Inc., filed as Exhibit 10.27 to the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 31, 2007, file number 1-6089, is incorporated by reference.**
  10 .26   First Amended and Restated HSBC Settlements Products Servicing Agreement dated as of November 13, 2006 among Block Financial Corporation, HSBC Bank USA, National Association, HSBC Trust Company (Delaware), National Association, and HSBC Taxpayer Financial Services, Inc., filed as Exhibit 10.28 to the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 31, 2007, file number 1-6089, is incorporated by reference.**
  10 .27   Amended and Restated Five-Year Credit and Guarantee Agreement dated as of August 10, 2005 among Block Financial Corporation, H&R Block, Inc., the lenders party thereto, Bank of America, N.A., HSBC Bank USA, National Association, Royal Bank of Scotland PLC, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 2005, file number 1-6089, is incorporated herein by reference.
  10 .28   First Amendment dated as of November 28, 2006 to Amended and Restated Five-Year Credit and Guarantee Agreement among Block Financial Corporation, H&R Block, Inc., JP Morgan Chase Bank and various financial institutions, filed as Exhibit 10.31 to the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 31, 2007, file number 1-6089, is incorporated by reference.
  10 .29   Second Amendment dated as of November 19, 2007, to the Amended and Restated Five-Year Credit and Guarantee Agreement dated as of August 10, 2005, filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 31, 2008, file number 1-6089, is incorporated by reference.

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  10 .30   Five-Year Credit and Guarantee Agreement dated as of August 10, 2005 among Block Financial Corporation, H&R Block, Inc., the lenders party thereto, Bank of America, N.A., HSBC Bank USA, National Association, The Royal Bank of Scotland PLC, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and J.P. Morgan Securities, Inc., filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 2005, file number 1-6089, is incorporated herein by reference.
  10 .31   First Amendment dated as of November 28, 2006 to Five-Year Credit and Guarantee Agreement among Block Financial Corporation, H&R Block, Inc., JP Morgan Chase Bank and various financial institutions, filed as Exhibit 10.30 to the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 31, 2007, file number 1-6089, is incorporated by reference.
  10 .32   Second Amendment dated as of November 19, 2007, to the Five-Year Credit and Guarantee Agreement dated as of August 10, 2005, filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 31, 2008, file number 1-6089, is incorporated by reference.
  10 .33   License Agreement effective August 1, 2007 between H&R Block Services, Inc. and Sears, Roebuck and Co., filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 2007, file number 1-6089, is incorporated herein by reference.**
  10 .34   Advances, Pledge and Security Agreement dated April 17, 2006, between H&R Block Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines, filed as Exhibit 10.11 to the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 2007, file number 1-6089, is incorporated by reference.**
  10 .35   Administrative Services Agreement dated January 30, 2006, by and among RSM McGladrey, Inc. and McGladrey & Pullen, LLP.
  10 .36   Amendment Number One, dated June 1, 2008, to the Administrative Services Agreement dated January 30, 2006, by and among RSM McGladrey, Inc. and McGladrey & Pullen, LLP.
  10 .37   Operations Agreement, dated as of August 2, 1999, by and among McGladrey & Pullen, LLP, MP Active Partners Trust, Mark W. Scally, Thomas G. Rotherham, RSM McGladrey, Inc., HRB Business Services, Inc., and H&R Block, Inc.
  12     Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges for the five years ended April 30, 2009.
  21     Subsidiaries of the Company.
  23 .1   Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
  23 .2   Consent of KPMG LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
  31 .1   Certification by Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  31 .2   Certification by Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  32 .1   Certification by Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  32 .2   Certification by Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
* Indicates management contracts, compensatory plans or arrangements.
 
** Confidential Information has been omitted from this exhibit and filed separately with the Commission pursuant to a confidential treatment request under Rule 24b-2.

84   H&R BLOCK 2009 Form 10K


Table of Contents

H&R BLOCK, INC.
 
SCHEDULE II — VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
YEARS ENDED APRIL 30, 2009, 2008 AND 2007
 
                                         
 
          Additions                    
    Balance at
    Charged to
                   
    Beginning of
    Costs and
          Balance at End
       
Description   Period     Expenses     Deductions(1)     of Period        
 
 
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts - deducted from accounts receivable in the balance sheet
                                       
2009
  $ 120,155,000     $ 181,829,000     $ 173,443,000     $ 128,541,000          
   
2008
  $ 95,161,000     $ 174,813,000     $ 149,819,000     $ 120,155,000          
   
2007
  $ 61,784,000     $ 64,066,000     $ 30,689,000     $ 95,161,000          
   
Liability related to Mortgage Services restructuring charge
                                       
2009
  $ 27,920,000     $     $ 20,387,000     $ 7,533,000          
   
2008
  $ 14,607,000     $ 76,388,000     $ 63,075,000     $ 27,920,000          
   
2007
  $ 7,558,000     $ 18,740,000     $ 11,691,000     $ 14,607,000          
   
 
 
(1)  Deductions from the Allowance for Doubtful Accounts reflect recoveries and charge-offs.
  Deductions from the restructuring charge liability represent payments made.

EX-10.18
Exhibit 10.18
H&R BLOCK, INC.
2008 DEFERRED STOCK UNIT PLAN FOR OUTSIDE DIRECTORS
Purposes. The purposes of this 2008 Deferred Stock Unit Plan for Outside Directors are to attract, retain and reward experienced and qualified directors who are not employees of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company, and to secure for the Company and its shareholders the benefits of stock ownership in the Company by those directors.
Definitions.
          (a) “Account” shall mean a recordkeeping account for each Recipient reflecting the number of Deferred Stock Units credited to such a Recipient.
          (b) “Beneficiary” or “Beneficiaries” shall mean the persons or trusts designated by a Recipient in writing pursuant to Section 10(a) of the Plan as being entitled to receive any benefit payable under the Plan by reason of the death of a Recipient, or, in the absence of such designation, the persons specified in Section 10(b) of the Plan.
          (c) “Board of Directors” shall mean the board of directors of the Company.
          (d) “Closing Price” shall mean the last reported market price for one share of Common Stock, regular way, on the New York Stock Exchange (or any successor exchange or stock market on which such last reported market price is reported) on the day in question. If such exchange or market is closed on the day on which Closing Price is to be determined or if there were no sales reported on such date, Closing Price shall be computed as of the last date preceding such date on which such exchange or market was open and a sale was reported.
          (e) “Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
          (f) “Common Stock” shall mean the common stock, without par value, of the Company.
          (g) “Company” shall mean H&R Block, Inc., a Missouri corporation.
          (h) “Deferred Stock Unit” shall mean the unit of measurement of a Recipient’s interest in the Plan.
          (i) “Director” shall mean a member of the Board of Directors of the Company or a member of the Board of Directors of any Subsidiary of the Company, as the case may be. With respect only to awards made within thirty (30) days after initial approval of this Plan by shareholders of the Company, Director shall include an individual who was a Director in June, 2008 and whose term expired at the 2008 annual meeting of shareholders at which this Plan was initially approved.
          (j) “Outside Director” shall mean a Director who is not an employee of the Company on the date of grant of the Deferred Stock Unit. As used herein, “employee of the

 


 

Company” means any full-time employee of the Company, its subsidiaries and their respective divisions, departments and subsidiaries and the respective divisions, departments and subsidiaries of such subsidiaries who is employed at least thirty-five (35) hours a week; provided, however, it is expressly understood that an employee of the Company does not include independent contractors or other persons not otherwise employed by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company but who provide legal, accounting, investment banking or other professional services to the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company.
          (k) “Plan” shall mean this 2008 Deferred Stock Unit Plan for Outside Directors, as the same may be amended from time to time.
          (l) “Recipient” shall mean an Outside Director of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company who has been granted a Deferred Stock Unit under the Plan or any person who succeeds to the rights of such Outside Director under this Plan by reason of the death of such Outside Director.
          (m) “Related Company” shall mean (i) any corporation that is a member of a controlled group of corporations (as defined in Section 414(b) of the Code) that includes that Company; and (ii) any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) that is under common control (as defined in Section 414(c) of the Code) with the Company (for purposes of applying Sections 414(b) and (c) of the Code, twenty-five percent (25%) is substituted for the eighty percent (80%) ownership level).
          (n) “Separation from Service” shall mean that a Director ceases to be a Director and it is not anticipated that the individual will thereafter perform services for the Company or a Related Company. For this purpose, services provided as an employee are disregarded if this Plan is not aggregated with any plan in which a Director participates as an employee pursuant to Treasury Regulation section 1.409A-1(c)(2)(ii).
          (o) “Subsidiary of the Company” shall mean a subsidiary of the Company, its divisions, departments, and subsidiaries and the respective divisions, departments and subsidiaries of such subsidiaries.
Administration of the Plan. The Plan may be administered by the Board of Directors. A majority of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum and the acts of a majority of the members present at any meeting at which a quorum is present, or acts approved in writing by all members of the Board of Directors, shall be valid acts of the Board of Directors.
     The Board of Directors shall have full power and authority to construe, interpret and administer the Plan and, subject to the other provisions of this Plan, to make determinations which shall be final, conclusive and binding upon all persons, including, without limitation, the Company, the shareholders of the Company, the Board of Directors, the Recipients and any persons having any interest in any Deferred Stock Units which may be granted under this Plan. The Board of Directors shall impose such additional conditions upon Deferred Stock Units granted under this Plan and the exercise thereof as may from time to time be deemed necessary or advisable, in the opinion of counsel to the Company, to comply with applicable laws and regulations. The Board of Directors from time to time may adopt rules and regulations for

2


 

carrying out the Plan and written policies for implementation of the Plan. Such policies may include, but need not be limited to, the type, size and terms of Deferred Stock Units to be granted to Outside Directors.
Awards. The Board of Directors may, in its sole and absolute discretion, from time to time during the continuance of the Plan, (i) determine which Outside Directors shall be granted Deferred Stock Units under the Plan, (ii) grant Deferred Stock Units to any Outside Directors so selected, (iii) determine the date of grant, size and terms of Deferred Stock Units to be granted to Outside Directors of any Subsidiary of the Company (subject to Sections 7, 13 and 14 hereof, as the same may be hereafter amended), and (iv) do all other things necessary and proper to carry out the intentions of this Plan.
Eligibility. Deferred Stock Units may be granted to any Outside Director; however, no Outside Director or other person shall have any claim or right to be granted a Deferred Stock Unit under the Plan.
Credits. The number of Deferred Stock Units credited to a Recipient’s Account pursuant to an award shall equal the dollar amount of the award divided by the Closing Price on the date of award. If a cash dividend is paid on Common Stock, a Recipient’s Account shall be credited with the number of Deferred Stock Units equal to the amount of dividend that would have been paid with respect to the Deferred Stock Units if they were shares of Common Stock, divided by the Closing Price on the date the dividends were paid. If a stock dividend is paid on Common Stock, a Recipient’s Account shall be credited with the same number of Deferred Stock Units as the number of shares of Common Stock the Recipient would have received as a dividend if the Deferred Stock Units credited to his Account were shares of Common Stock.
Stock Subject to the Plan. The total number of shares of Common Stock issuable under this Plan may not at any time exceed three hundred thousand (300,000) shares, subject to adjustment as provided in Sections 16 and 17 hereof. Shares of Common Stock not actually issued pursuant to Deferred Stock Units shall be available for future awards of Deferred Stock Units. Shares of Common Stock to be delivered under the Plan may be either authorized but unissued Common Stock or treasury shares.
Vesting. All Deferred Stock Units credited to a Recipient’s Account shall be fully vested at all times.
Payment.
          (p) Time and Form of Payment Upon Separation from Service. If a Recipient has a Separation from Service for a reason other than death, payment of his Account shall be made in one lump sum on the six month anniversary of the date the Recipient had a Separation from Service. If the New York Stock Exchange (or any successor exchange or stock market on which shares of the Common Stock are traded) is not open on such day, then payment shall be made on the next day the New York Stock Exchange (or any successor exchange or stock market on which shares of the Common Stock are traded) is open.
          (q) Payment Following Death. If a Recipient dies prior to the payment in full of all amounts due him under the Plan, the balance of his Account shall be payable to his

3


 

designated Beneficiary in a lump sum as soon as reasonably practical following death, but no later than ninety (90) days following the Recipient’s death. The beneficiary designation shall be revocable and must be made in writing in a manner approved by the Company.
          (r) Medium of Payment. Payment of a Director’s Account shall be made in shares of Common Stock. The number of shares of Common Stock issued shall equal the number, rounded up to the next whole number, of Deferred Stock Units credited to a Director’s Account.
Beneficiary.
          (s) Designation by Recipient. Each Recipient has the right to designate primary and contingent Beneficiaries for death benefits payable under the Plan. Such Beneficiaries may be individuals or trusts for the benefit of individuals. A beneficiary designation by a Recipient shall be in writing on a form acceptable to the Company and shall only be effective upon delivery to the Company. In the event a Recipient is married at the time he or she designates a beneficiary other than his or her spouse, such designation will not be valid unless the Recipient’s spouse consents in writing to such designation. A beneficiary designation may be revoked by a Recipient at any time by delivering to the Company either written notice of revocation or a new beneficiary designation form. The beneficiary designation form last delivered to the Company prior to the death of a Recipient shall control.
          (t) Failure to Designate Beneficiary. In the event there is no beneficiary designation on file with the Company, or all Beneficiaries designated by a Recipient have predeceased the Recipient, the benefits payable by reason of the death of the Recipient shall be paid to the Recipient’s spouse, if living; if the Recipient does not leave a surviving spouse, to the Recipient’s issue by right of representation; or, if there are no such issue then living, to the Recipient’s estate. In the event there are benefits remaining unpaid at the death of a sole Beneficiary and no successor Beneficiary has been designated, either by the Recipient or the Recipient’s spouse pursuant to Section 10(a), the remaining balance of such benefit shall be paid to the deceased Beneficiary’s estate; or, if the deceased Beneficiary is one of multiple concurrent Beneficiaries, such remaining benefits shall be paid proportionally to the surviving Beneficiaries.
Unfunded. This Plan is unfunded and payable solely from the general assets of the Company. The Recipients shall be unsecured creditors of the Company with respect to their interests in the Plan.
No Claim on Specific Assets. No Recipient shall be deemed to have, by virtue of being a Recipient, any claim on any specific assets of the Company such that the Recipient would be subject to income taxation on his or her benefits under the Plan prior to distribution and the rights of Recipients and Beneficiaries to benefits to which they are otherwise entitled under the Plan shall be those of an unsecured general creditor of the Company.
Continuation as Director. The Board of Directors shall require that a Recipient be an Outside Director at the time a Deferred Stock Unit is granted. The Board of Directors shall have the sole power to determine the date of any circumstances which shall constitute cessation as a Director and to determine whether such cessation is the result of death or any other reason.

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Registration of Stock. No shares of Common Stock may be issued at any time when its exercise or the delivery of shares of Common Stock or other securities thereunder would, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, be in violation of any state or federal law, rule or ordinance, including any state or federal securities laws or any regulation or ruling of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Non-Assignability. No Deferred Stock Unit granted pursuant to the Plan shall be transferable or assignable by the Recipient other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution or pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order as defined by the Code or Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, or the rules thereunder.
Dilution or Other Adjustments. In the event of any change in the capital structure of the Company, including but not limited to a change resulting from a stock dividend or split, or combination or reclassification of shares, the Board of Directors shall make such equitable adjustments with respect to the Deferred Stock Units or any provisions of this Plan as it deems necessary or appropriate, including, if necessary, any adjustment in the maximum number of shares of Common Stock subject to an outstanding Deferred Stock Unit.
Merger, Consolidation, Reorganization, Liquidation, Etc. If the Company shall become a party to any corporate merger, consolidation, major acquisition of property for stock, reorganization or liquidation, the Board of Directors shall make such arrangements it deems advisable with respect to outstanding Deferred Stock Units, which shall be binding upon the Recipients of outstanding Deferred Stock Units, including, but not limited to, the substitution of new Deferred Stock Units for any Deferred Stock Units then outstanding, the assumption of such Deferred Stock Units and the termination of or payment for such Deferred Stock Units.
Costs and Expenses. The cost and expenses of administering the Plan shall be borne by the Company and not charged to any Deferred Stock Unit nor to any Recipient.
Deferred Stock Unit Agreements. The Board of Directors shall have the power to specify the form of Deferred Stock Unit agreements to be granted from time to time pursuant to and in accordance with the provisions of the Plan and such agreements shall be final, conclusive and binding upon the Company, the shareholders of the Company and the Recipients. No Recipient shall have or acquire any rights under the Plan except such as are evidenced by a duly executed agreement in the form thus specified.
No Shareholder Privileges. Neither the Recipient nor any person claiming under or through him or her shall be or have any of the rights or privileges of a shareholder of the Company in respect to any of the Common Stock issuable with respect to any Deferred Stock Unit, unless and until certificates evidencing such shares of Common Stock shall have been duly issued and delivered.
Guidelines. The Board of Directors shall have the power to provide guidelines for administration of the Plan and to make any changes in such guidelines as from time to time the Board deems necessary.
Amendment and Discontinuance. The Board of Directors shall have the right at any time during the continuance of the Plan to amend, modify, supplement, suspend or terminate the Plan, provided that (a) no amendment, supplement, modification, suspension or termination of the Plan

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shall in any material manner affect any Deferred Stock Unit of any kind theretofore granted under the Plan without the consent of the Recipient of the Deferred Stock Unit, unless such amendment, supplement, modification, suspension or termination is by reason of any change in capital structure referred to in Section 16 hereof or unless the same is by reason of the matters referred to in Section 17 hereof; (b) Section 409A of the Code is not violated thereby, and (c) if the Plan is duly approved by the shareholders of the Company, no amendment, modification or supplement to the Plan shall thereafter, in the absence of the approval of the holders of a majority of the shares of Common Stock present in person or by proxy at a duly constituted meeting of shareholders of the Company, (i) increase the aggregate number of shares which may be issued under the Plan, unless such increase is by reason of any change in capital structure referred to in Section 16 hereof, or (ii) change the termination date of the Plan provided in Section 23 hereof.
Termination. Deferred Stock Units may be granted in accordance with the terms of the Plan until September ___, 2018, on which date this Plan will terminate except as to Deferred Stock Units then outstanding hereunder, which Deferred Stock Units shall remain in effect until they have been paid out according to their terms.
Notices. Any notice permitted or required under the Plan shall be in writing and shall be hand delivered or sent, postage prepaid, by certified mail with return receipt requested, to the principal office of the Company, if to the Company, or to the address last shown on the records of the Company, if to a Recipient or Beneficiary. Any such notice shall be effective as of the date of hand delivery or mailing.
No Guarantee of Membership. Neither the adoption and maintenance of the Plan nor the award of Deferred Stock Units by the Company to any Director shall be deemed to be a contract between the Company and any Recipient to retain his or her position as a Director.
Withholding. The Company may withhold from any payment of benefits under the Plan such amounts as the Company determines are reasonably necessary to pay any taxes (and interest thereon) required to be withheld or for which the Company may become liable under applicable law. Any amounts withheld pursuant to this Section 26 in excess of the amount of taxes due (and interest thereon) shall be paid to the Recipient or Beneficiary upon final determination, as determined by the Company, of such amount. No interest shall be payable by the Company to any Recipient or Beneficiary by reason of any amounts withheld pursuant to this Section 26.
409A Compliance. To the extent provisions of this Plan do not comply with 409A of the Code, the non-compliant provisions shall be interpreted and applied in the manner that complies with 409A of the Code and implements the intent of this Plan as closely as possible.
Release. Any payment of benefits to or for the benefit of a Recipient or Beneficiaries that is made in good faith by the Company in accordance with the Company’s interpretation of its obligations hereunder, shall be in full satisfaction of all claims against the Company for benefits under this Plan to the extent of such payment.
Captions. Article and section headings and captions are provided for purposes of reference and convenience only and shall not be relied upon in any way to construe, define, modify, limit, or extend the scope of any provision of the Plan.

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Approval. This Plan shall take effect upon due approval by the Board of Directors and the shareholders of the Company.

7

EX-10.35
Exhibit 10.35
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AGREEMENT
     THIS ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) is dated and effective as of January 30, 2006 (the “Effective Date”), by and among RSM McGladrey, Inc. (“RSMM”), which is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of H&R Block, Inc. (“Block”), and McGladrey & Pullen, LLP (“M&P”).
RECITALS
     WHEREAS, M&P is licensed to hold itself out as a licensed certified public accounting firm in numerous states and jurisdictions; and
     WHEREAS, RSMM has performed certain administrative services under an Administrative Services Agreement dated August 2, 1999 (the “Original Agreement”); and
     WHEREAS, the Original Agreement provided that its term shall end on August 2, 2004, which term was extended to January 30, 2006; and
     WHEREAS, the parties have decided to terminate the Original Agreement as of the Effective Date and execute this Agreement in its place; and
     WHEREAS, M&P desires to continue to focus its effort, energy and expertise generally on the provision of accounting services including Public Accounting Services (as defined below) and certain tax preparation services to clients (the “Business”), and to accomplish this goal, desires to outsource certain administrative functions of the Business to RSMM; and
     WHEREAS, M&P desires to retain the administrative services of RSMM in connection with the provision of certain services and products relating to the Business that do not involve the provision of Public Accounting Services; and
     WHEREAS, M&P and RSMM have agreed upon a fair compensation for the administrative services provided by RSMM hereunder; and
     WHEREAS, the parties also entered into a letter agreement dated August 2, 1999 relating to the mutual provisions of professional services to each other on a subcontract basis; and
     WHEREAS, such letter agreement was of indefinite duration and the parties wish to incorporate its provisions, as revised, into this Agreement.
AGREEMENT
     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants hereinafter set forth, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 


 

1. Obligations of RSMM.
     1.1. Appointment of RSMM; Administrative Services. M&P hereby retains RSMM and RSMM agrees to provide the administrative services described in Schedule 1.1 hereto (collectively, the “Administrative Services”). From time to time RSMM may replace any of its employees or independent contractors (including hiring and firing employees and terminating the relationship with any independent contractors providing the Administrative Services hereunder), and may obtain alternative types or sources of the Administrative Services in RSMM’s reasonable discretion.
     1.2. Records. For purposes of performing records management services for M&P, RSMM shall be granted access to all M&P files. M&P may impose reasonable restrictions on RSMM’s management of client engagement files for Public Accounting Services (as defined below). Such files shall be maintained at RSMM’s and/or M&P’s offices and such offsite storage as may be obtained by RSMM.
     1.3. Limitation on RSMM’s Authority. Administrative Services shall not include, and RSMM shall not at any time or in any manner engage, pursuant to this Agreement, in providing to M&P or any client or customer of M&P, any services which, under applicable state law, constitute the practice of public accounting, or which require registration with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”), such services to be collectively referred to herein as “Public Accounting Services.” If any Administrative Services or acts required or requested of RSMM herein would be reasonably likely to be construed by a court of competent jurisdiction or the applicable state agency, board or other authority charged under the laws of the state with the licensing, registration and/or regulation of public accountants (each a “State Board”) or by the PCAOB to be Public Accounting Services, the requirement or other request to perform that act shall be deemed waived. M&P shall have complete control and supervision over its provision of any Public Accounting Services including, but not limited to (i) the establishment and maintenance of quality assurance policies, (ii) the hiring, training, promotion and termination of professional staff and partners, (iii) the acceptance and continuation of clients, and (iv) the management and supervision of client engagements. Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, although M&P has delegated to RSMM under the terms of this Agreement various ministerial administrative matters, M&P retains the exclusive right, through its own personnel, to manage its own Business (including Public Accounting Services) subject to the surviving terms and conditions of the Asset Purchase Agreement of June 28, 1999 and the Operations Agreement of August 2, 1999 and the Amended and Restated Loan Agreement of even date herewith.
     1.4. Execution of Contracts. RSMM is hereby authorized to execute contracts on behalf of M&P provided that the contracts so executed relate to the provision of Administrative Services, and do not relate to the performance of Public Accounting Services. M&P grants to RSMM a limited and special power of attorney (the “Power of Attorney”) for the execution of contracts (with amounts due and payable thereunder not to exceed Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000)). Notwithstanding the foregoing, RSMM may execute contracts (including those exceeding $50,000 in annual expenditures) that benefit both RSMM and M&P and relate to services provided by RSMM under this Agreement. A form of the Power of Attorney is set forth as Exhibit 1.4 hereto. The M&P Board of Directors (the “McGladrey Board”) or Managing

 


 

Partner, or his/her or its designees, must authorize contracts with total amounts due and payable thereunder in excess of such amount or which relate to the performance of Public Accounting Services.
2. Term. The term of this Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and shall end at midnight central time on January 31, 2011 (unless sooner terminated pursuant to Section 9 hereof) (the “Initial Term”), provided that, if not sooner terminated, this Agreement shall continue thereafter from year to year, subject to termination by either party at any time following the Initial Term, with or without cause, upon two hundred ten (210) days prior written notice or as otherwise set forth in Section 9. The Initial Term and any continuation thereafter shall be collectively referred to herein as the “Term.”
3. Shared Expenses and Fee. RSMM and M&P shall agree to jointly share in certain common overhead costs which are necessary operating expenses for the performance of attest, accounting, tax and consulting services (the “Shared Expenses”). Such Shared Expenses may include but are not limited to certain human resources, client service, sales and marketing, lease and occupancy, equipment and technology, and administrative expenses. RSMM and M&P agree that such annual cost sharing arrangement will be allocated based upon budgeted Shared Expenses and an allocation method (the “Allocation Method”) based to the extent feasible and reasonable on actual usage by the respective parties and agreed upon in advance by the President of RSMM and the Board of Directors of M&P. RSMM will be responsible for payment of the Shared Expenses (except those expenses directly related to the practice of Public Accounting Services) and will be reimbursed monthly by M&P for its portion based on the Allocation Method. M&P shall pay RSMM an annual administration fee for all of its Administrative Services equal to 15% of M&P’s share of the budgeted Shared Expenses, payable monthly.
4. Occupancy and Partner Benefits.
     4.1. Occupancy and Notice to Vacate Premises. M&P shall be entitled to occupy all office space from time to time occupied by RSMM. M&P agrees to give RSMM at least 210 days’ prior written notice of its intention to vacate any particular office space then occupied by M&P. RSMM agrees to give M&P at least 210 days’ prior written notice of its intention to vacate any office space at the time occupied by both RSMM and M&P, unless such intent to vacate is due to an office relocation or closing which is generally known. In the event of any termination of this Agreement by either party for any reason, except an M&P default for nonpayment of fees, M&P shall in any case be entitled if it so elects to occupy all office space which it then occupies for 210 days after such termination, subject to having received earlier notice of RSMM’s intention to vacate such space as stated above. In the event M&P occupies such office space after termination of the Administrative Services, the parties shall agree on rent payable during M&P’s continued occupancy, or if they fail to do so, the rent shall be prorated according to the Allocation Method.
     4.2. Partner Benefits. RSMM and M&P agree that certain partner benefits may, if the parties agree, be paid by RSMM and in such case M&P will reimburse RSMM for the payment of those benefits. In such case, RSMM and M&P will agree to the allocation methodology as a part of the annual budgeting process and payment for such benefits will be made monthly by M&P.

 


 

     4.3. Independent Identity. M&P shall maintain a separate legal identity and shall observe all legal requirements and customary practices necessary to maintain M&P as a separate and distinct legal entity from any other person or entity. M&P shall also maintain its own business identity, including, without limitation, letterhead and business cards and shall have the right at its option to conduct its own marketing activities. Nothing herein shall prevent M&P from being acquired by or otherwise combining with any other person.
5. Engagement Letters, Billing and Collection of Fees; Accounting.
     5.1. Engagement Letters. M&P will prepare engagement letters in accordance with its policies for services and/or products to be provided by M&P to its clients. The content of such letters shall be solely under the control of M&P and shall be executed only by a partner or employee of M&P.
     5.2. Billing and Collection. As part of the Administrative Services, RSMM shall prepare and mail statements for all services provided by or on behalf of M&P to clients of M&P based upon time records, expense payments and other information provided by M&P to RSMM. M&P shall and shall cause its partners and employers to provide RSMM all records reasonably necessary for billing and collection of accounts pursuant to the provisions of this Section.
     5.3. Accounting. As a part of the Administrative Services, RSMM shall maintain books of account for M&P. In addition, RSMM shall prepare the monthly and annual operational and financial reports for M&P.
6. Mutual Nondisclosure. Neither M&P nor RSMM shall at any time or in any manner, directly or indirectly, use or disclose to any third party any trade secrets or other Confidential Information (defined herein) learned or obtained from the other party hereto as a result of its relationship with the other party hereto or any direct or indirect subsidiary or affiliate (i.e., a person which controls, is controlled by or under common control with a party) of the other party. As used herein, the term “Confidential Information” means information disclosed to or known by one party herein as a consequence of its relationship with the other party hereto (whether before or after the date of this Agreement) and not generally known in the industry in which the parties or any of their direct or indirect subsidiaries or (in the case of information of or about clients of either party) clients is engaged, and that in any way relates to the products, processes, services, inventions (whether patentable or not), formulas, techniques or know-how, including, but not limited to, information relating to distribution systems and methods, research, development, purchasing, accounting, procedures, marketing, customers, vendors, merchandising and selling, of RSMM or M&P or any of their direct or indirect subsidiaries or affiliates, or the clients of either party, and regardless of the format in which it is presented or embodied (written, graphic, electromagnetic or otherwise). The term “Confidential Information,” as used herein, does not include information (a) which was already in the public domain through disclosure by the party or a person owning such Confidential Information or (b) which is disclosed as a matter of right by a third party source after the execution of this Agreement provided such third party source is not bound by confidentiality obligations in favor of the owner of the Confidential Information in question. This Section 6 shall survive the termination of this Agreement. Each party agrees that it will adopt reasonable precautions to guard against unauthorized release or use of Confidential Information, and that it will not use or disclose such Confidential Information in any manner that

 


 

will unfairly benefit itself or damage the other party hereto. Each party agrees to return to the other party all such Confidential Information pertaining to the other party upon termination of this Agreement. In lieu of returning all Confidential Information, a party may destroy such Confidential Information provided that the other party hereto has agreed in writing that destruction is acceptable.
7. Administrative Services, Warranties, Disclaimers, Limitations on Liability and Required Notices. RSMM will act diligently and use reasonable care in providing Administrative Services to M&P. M&P and each Partner hereby release and forever discharge RSMM and its affiliates, parents, employees, agents and assigns from any liability in any way connected with this Agreement, except for any liability for intentional torts or gross negligence. RSMM does not warrant the success or results of M&P. RSMM shall not be liable to M&P or any Partner under any circumstances for special, exemplary, punitive or consequential damages relating to the Administrative Services except for intentional torts or gross negligence. Neither M&P nor any Partner shall be liable to RSMM for special, exemplary, punitive or consequential damages relating to this Agreement.
8. Mutual Provision of Professional Services. RSMM and M&P may from time to time request assistance from the other’s professionals and other personnel in meeting the Contractor’s professional service obligations to its clients (the “Professional Services”). The party requesting such assistance and billing the client for the Professional Services rendered is referred to in this Section 8 as the “Contractor”. The party providing the requested Professional Services to on or behalf of the Contractor and billing the Contractor is referred to in this Section 8 as the “Subcontractor”. In no case shall the Administrative Services rendered by RSMM to M&P pursuant to other sections of this Agreement be subject to this Section 8. The Subcontractor may at its sole option and discretion, provide or decline to provide the requested Professional Services to the Contractor. The provisions set forth below shall apply with respect to all Professional Services so provided pursuant to this Section 8.
     8.1. Nature of Requests. Such a request may be made by any person authorized by the Contractor to do so, and such request may be accepted by any person authorized by the Subcontractor to do so. No formalities are required.
     8.2. Contractor to Bill Client. The Contractor shall have sole responsibility for billing and collecting from its own client with respect to the Subcontractor’s Professional Services. No delay or failure by the client to pay for such Professional Services shall relieve the Contractor from its obligations to pay the Subcontractor for such Professional Services as provided herein.
     8.3. Subcontractor’s Billing for Services Rendered. The Subcontractor shall bill the Contractor for actual hours expended by its personnel to provide Professional Services to the client of the Contractor. The rate to be charged shall be mutually agreed upon from time to time between Contractor and Subcontractor, in writing. The fees in effect as of the date hereof are 69% of the standard rate typically charged by the Subcontractor to its own clients. The objective of Contractor and Subcontractor is to establish a rate that results in an approximately equal sharing of the net profit on an hour of services and that approximates the negotiated borrowed-loaned rate for services provided between M&P economic units prior to the sale of M & P’s non-attest assets and business to RSMM in 1999. Contractor shall make payment to the

 


 

Subcontractor for Professional Services provided hereunder within 30 days after the end of the month in which the Professional Services were provided by the Subcontractor.
     8.4. Subcontractor Responsible for Own Expenses. Subcontractor is solely responsible for the payroll, benefits, training, equipment and facilities necessary for its personnel to provide Professional Services to the Contractor’s client, and for its own profitability or lack thereof, relating to the rendition of such Professional Services. Travel and living expenses away from Subcontractor’s office normally employing personnel used to perform the Professional Services shall be billed to Contractor as disbursements at the actual amount paid to vendors.
     8.5. Compliance With Laws, Rules and Professional Standards. Contractor and Subcontractor agree to comply, and to cause their respective partners and employees to comply, with Rule 301, Confidential Client Information, of the Code of Professional Conduct of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and all related interpretations and rulings in effect from time to time in connection with providing Professional Services to each other’s clients. In addition, the parties shall, in connection with providing of such Professional Services, observe the mutual nondisclosure provisions of Section 6 of this Agreement. The parties also agree to comply, and to cause their respective partners and employees to comply, with Section 7216 of the Internal Revenue Code in connection with providing Professional Services to each other’s clients. RSMM agrees to take all action necessary to comply with Interpretation 101-14 under Rule 101 of the Code of Professional Conduct of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and, unless an exception is agreed to by M & P (which agreement shall not be unreasonably withheld), M&P’s Independence and Relationship Policies as in effect from time to time with respect to all attest clients. The parties agree that RSMM shall not perform any Professional Service which violates any state law governing the practice of public accounting. It is specifically contemplated that M&P will utilize Professional Services of RSMM only in a manner or in instances consistent with the requirements of the governing public accounting licensing laws.
     8.6. Professional Services Indemnity. Contractor agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Subcontractor and its partners, directors, officers, employees, agents and members, as applicable, with respect to any and all claims, losses, damages, liabilities, judgments or settlements (including but not limited to reasonable attorneys’ fees, costs and other expenses) incurred by Subcontractor on account of any Professional Services conducted by Subcontractor pursuant to this Section 8 except those arising in the ordinary course of business of performing requested services and allocated to Subcontractor by Section 8.4 hereof; provided, however, this indemnification shall not extend to cover any claims, losses, damages, liabilities, judgments or settlements (including attorneys’ fees, costs and other expenses) incurred by the Contractor on account of the bad faith misconduct or intentional fraud of Subcontractor (or its partners, directors, officers, employees, agents or members, as applicable).
9. Termination. In addition to any termination pursuant to Section 2 or Section 10 hereof, this Agreement may be terminated in accordance with the provisions of this Section 9.
     9.1. By RSMM. RSMM may terminate this Agreement: (a) on at least 210 days’ prior written notice of intention to terminate this Agreement without cause; (b) on at least 210 days’ prior written notice, if M&P loses or has suspended its license or certification to practice

 


 

public accounting in any state significant to its business and to hold itself out as a firm engaged in public accounting; (c) if M&P is wound up or liquidated or files a voluntary petition in bankruptcy or other action is taken voluntarily or involuntarily under any statute for the protection of creditors; or (d) if M&P materially breaches a provision hereof and fails either to commence cure of the breach within thirty (30) days after the delivery of notice of such breach by RSMM (such notice to detail specifically the breach being complained of), or having so commenced cure fails thereafter to prosecute cure promptly to completion within sixty (60) days after receipt of such initial notice.
     9.2. By M&P. M&P may terminate this Agreement: (a) if RSMM breaches a provision hereof and fails either to commence cure of the breach within thirty (30) days after its receipt of notice of such breach from M&P, such notice to detail specifically the breach being complained of, or having so commenced cure fails thereafter to prosecute cure promptly to completion within sixty (60) days after receipt of such initial notice; or (b) on at least 210 days’ prior written notice of intention to terminate this Agreement without cause.
     9.3. Effect of Termination.
     9.3.1. Payment of Money Owed. Upon the termination of this Agreement for any reason, M&P shall pay all amounts due to RSMM and RSMM shall pay all amounts due to M&P under this Agreement as soon as practicable but in no event later than one hundred eighty (180) days after the effective date of such termination (such effective date being referred to herein as the “Termination Date”).
     9.3.2. Survival of Certain Provisions. Sections 4.1, 6, 8.5 and 8.6, 9.3.4 and 9.3.5, 13, 14 and 17 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
     9.3.3. Records; Files. In the event of termination for any reason, RSMM may, at its expense, and, subject to RSMM’s compliance with any requirements for prior client consent, copy all records or files of M&P, except for client engagement files which contain or reflect the performance of Public Accounting Services.
     9.3.4. License of Billing System. Effective upon any termination by either party (except on the bankruptcy or insolvency of M&P), RSMM shall grant M&P a world-wide royalty-free paid-up nonexclusive nontransferable license and right to use the billing system then in use by RSMM relating to M&P’s accounts receivable for a period (at M&P’s election) of up to eighteen (18) months after termination hereof. Additionally, RSMM will use commercially reasonable efforts to help M&P obtain licensing rights from the third party providers of the payroll, payables, fixed assets, general ledger and financial statement software systems that are being utilized at the time of the termination. This provision shall survive termination of this Agreement.
     9.3.5. Transition Services and Return of Data. RSMM shall cooperate with M&P in transitioning performance of the Administrative Services to M&P or to any third party service provider designated by M&P; provided, however that M&P shall pay RSMM an agreed upon amount for any work RSMM needs to perform to segregate data, delete it and/or integrate such data with M&P and/or its third party vendor, in conjunction

 


 

with such transition upon the written request of M&P. RSMM shall return all copies of all M&P data, materials, and information in the possession or control of RSMM to M&P in such form or format as reasonably requested by M&P. RSMM shall not retain any copies of such data, materials, or information except as required by law. This provision shall survive termination of this Agreement.
10. Regulatory or Legislative Change. In the event of any material change in any statute, regulation or official interpretation thereof (“Laws”), or an enforcement action arising under any Laws, any of which is reasonably likely to materially and adversely affect the manner in which either party may perform or be compensated for its services under this Agreement, or which shall make this Agreement unlawful in whole or in material part, the parties shall immediately enter into good faith negotiations regarding a new service arrangement or basis for compensation for the Administrative Services provided hereunder which is consistent with such Laws and approximates as closely as possible the economic position of the parties hereunder prior to the change. If the parties are unable to reach such an agreement within fifteen business days following written notice from one party to the other, then either party may terminate this Agreement effective upon thirty (30) days’ prior written notice. Termination of this Agreement pursuant to this provision shall not, however, terminate M&P’s right to occupy such office space as it then may occupy on premises leased by RSMM.
11. Miscellaneous. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the successors and assignees of the parties. M&P shall not assign its rights under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the RSMM. RSMM may, in its discretion, assign this Agreement to any other direct or indirect parent, subsidiary or affiliate of RSMM, and M&P shall be liable hereon to the same extent as if such agreement were originally made with such other person, firm or corporation, but no such assignment shall constitute a novation or relieve RSMM of any of its obligations or liabilities hereunder. This Agreement contains the complete understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and no modification or waiver of any provision hereof shall be valid unless in writing and signed by the parties, unless specifically provided to the contrary. This Agreement may not be amended except by an instrument in writing signed by RSMM and M&P. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no party shall be required to violate any law or the good faith reasonable exercise of such party’s professional responsibility.
12. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Missouri, without reference to its choice of law provisions.
13. Right to Offset. M&P agrees that RSMM may offset amounts due M&P hereunder against amounts due RSMM hereunder. Such right to offset shall arise if M&P fails to pay such amounts owed to RSMM within thirty (30) days after written notice to the M&P’s Representative. In the event that any such offset is made but is finally determined by mediation, arbitration or a court of competent jurisdiction to be improper and such offset is revised, RSMM shall pay interest, at the Prime Rate, on the amount of such offset for the period such offset was in effect.
14. Arbitration. Any controversy, claim, or dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any breach thereof, including without limitation any dispute concerning the scope

 


 

of the arbitration clause set forth below (a “Dispute”), shall be resolved as set forth below, except that this Section 14 shall not apply to any controversy, claim or dispute asserted by either party hereto against the other arising out of or related to a controversy, claim or dispute asserted by a third person (other than M&P and/or any of its Partners or RSMM) against either or both parties to this Agreement, nor to any controversy, claim or dispute where a third party (other than M&P and/or any of its Partners or RSMM) would be an indispensable party under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
     14.1. In the event a Dispute arises, any party may demand mediation by notifying the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) in the location where any arbitration would be conducted as set forth below, in writing with copies to all other parties involved in the Dispute. The notification will state with specificity the nature of the Dispute and the amount of any claims. Upon receipt of the mediation demand, the AAA will immediately convene a pre-mediation telephone conference of the parties hereto. The parties will make a representative, with full authority to settle, available for such a conference within five (5) business days of being contacted by the AAA or its designated mediator (“Mediator”). During the pre-mediation telephone conference, the parties will agree on mediation procedures or, in the event they cannot agree, Mediator will set the mediation procedures. The mediation procedures will provide for the mediation to be completed within thirty (30) business days of the date of the initial demand for mediation. The parties will participate in good faith in the mediation and will use their best efforts to reach a resolution within the thirty (30) day time period. Each party will make available in a timely fashion a representative with authority to resolve the Dispute. In the event that the Dispute has not been resolved within thirty (30) days, the mediation may continue if the parties so desire. If not, the Mediator will so notify the parties and declare the mediation terminated. In the event that the mediation continues beyond thirty (30) days, but is not resolved within what the Mediator believes is a reasonable time thereafter, the Mediator will so notify the parties, and declare the mediation terminated. Fees of the mediator shall be split equally between the parties.
     14.2. After the mediation has been declared terminated, the matters in dispute shall be settled by binding arbitration in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules (the “Rules”) of the AAA as supplemented or modified herein and judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrators may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. The governing law of this Agreement shall be the law used by the arbitrators in rendering their award, except that the Federal Rules of Evidence shall apply and that the parties have the right and shall be permitted to conduct and enforce full pre-hearing discovery in accordance with and to the same extent permitted by the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. There shall be three neutral arbitrators. Pending final award, the arbitrators’ compensation and expenses shall be advanced equally by the parties. The AAA shall hold an administrative conference with counsel for the parties within twenty (20) days after the filing of the demand for arbitration by any one or more of the parties. The parties and the AAA shall thereafter cooperate in order to complete the appointment of three arbitrators as quickly as possible. Within fifteen (15) days after all three arbitrators have been appointed, an initial meeting (which, if the arbitrators so determine, may be by phone) among the arbitrators and counsel for the parties shall be held for the purpose of establishing a plan for administration of the arbitration, including: (1) definition of issues; (2) scope, timing, and types of discovery; (3) exchange of documents and filing of detailed statements of claims, prehearing

 


 

memoranda and dispositive motions; (4) schedule and place of hearings; and (5) any other matters that may promote the efficient, expeditious, and cost effective conduct of the proceeding.
     14.3. The majority decision of the arbitrators shall contain findings of fact on which the decision is based, including any specific factual findings requested by either party, and shall further contain the reasons for the decision with reference to the legal principles on which the arbitrators relied. Such decision of the arbitrators shall be final and binding upon the parties. The arbitration shall take place in Minneapolis, Minnesota if the party requesting same is RSMM, or Kansas City, Missouri, if the party requesting same is McGladrey or any Partner. The final award may grant such relief as authorized by the Rules, including damages and out-of-pocket costs but which may not include exemplary, consequential or punitive damages to the extent inconsistent with this Agreement.
15. Notices. Any notices or other communications requiring or permitted hereunder shall be sufficiently given if in writing and sent by certified or registered mail, postage prepaid or by facsimile (receipt confirmed) addressed as follows:
         
 
  If to RSMM:   RSM McGladrey Business Services, Inc.
 
      4400 Main Street
 
      Kansas City, MO 64111
 
      Attn.: Steven Tait
 
      Facsimile: 816-753-8628
 
       
 
  with a copy to:   RSM McGladrey Business Services, Inc.
 
      3600 American Boulevard West, Third Floor
 
      Bloomington, MN 55431
 
      Attn: General Counsel
 
      Facsimile: 952.921.7701
 
       
 
  If to M&P:   McGladrey & Pullen, LLP
 
      3600 West 80th Street, Third Floor
 
      Bloomington MN 55431-4502
 
      Attn: William D. Travis
 
      Facsimile: (952) 921-7701
 
       
 
  with a copy to:   Quentin T. Johnson
 
      Fredrikson & Byron, P.A.
 
      200 South Sixth Street, Suite 4000
 
      Minneapolis, MN 55402
 
      Facsimile: (612) 492-7077
or in each case to such other address as shall have been furnished in writing, and such notice or communication shall be deemed to have been given as of the date so mailed.
16. Integration. This Agreement supersedes and replaces the Original Agreement and that certain letter agreement dated August 2, 1999 between Contractor and M&P, relating to the

 


 

mutual provision of professional services between RSMM and M&P, and the Original Agreement and such letter agreement shall have no further applicability after the Effective Date.
17. Operations Agreement, Letter Agreement. On August 2, 1999, the parties hereto (along with others not a party hereto) entered into an Operations Agreement (attached hereto as Exhibit 17-1). Most of the provisions thereof have by their terms expired, however, the parties agree that several of the provisions are still in effect and that the Operations Agreement has not terminated. As between themselves, the parties hereto, H&R Block Inc. (“HRB”) and RSM McGladrey Business Services, Inc. agree that the following provisions thereof shall remain in effect: (i) Section 13; and (ii) Section 15. On June 22, 2005, the parties hereto entered into a Letter Agreement (attached hereto as Exhibit 17-2) which sets forth a process by which RSM McGladrey, Inc. may authorize, in its sole discretion, exceptions to the non-compete provisions in the Operations Agreement.
THIS AGREEMENT CONTAINS AN ARBITRATION PROVISION WHICH IS BINDING ON THE PARTIES HERETO.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be effective as of the day and year first above written.
         
  RSM MCGLADREY, INC.
 
 
  By:   /s/ Steven Tait   
    Steven Tait, President   
       
 
  MCGLADREY & PULLEN, LLP
 
 
  By:   /s/ William D. Travis   
    William D. Travis, Managing Partner   
       
 

 


 

The following agree as to Section 17 hereof only:
         
    H&R BLOCK, INC.
 
       
 
  By   /s/ Nicholas Spaeth 
 
       
 
  Its   SVP — Chief Legal Officer
         
    RSM McGLADREY BUSINESS SERVICES, INC.
 
       
 
  By   /s/ Steven Tait
 
       
 
      Steven Tait, President

 


 

SCHEDULE 1.1
Administrative Services
Administrative Services to be provided by RSMM to M&P:
1.   Provision and maintenance of suitable office space.
 
2.   Recruiting, training and provision of nonprofessional staff, including clerical services.
 
3.   Provision of office supplies, furniture, fixtures and equipment.
 
4.   Provision of Information Systems development, management and support, including but not limited to hardware, software, operating systems, network systems and Internet Services.
 
5.   Provision and maintenance of a computer system and data processing activities.
 
6.   Provision of billing services.
 
7.   Scheduling and payment of accounts payable.
 
8.   Assistance in collection of accounts receivable.
 
9.   Preparation of payroll and related tax matters.
 
10.   Records management as provided in Section 1.2.
 
11.   Development of policies and procedures relating to the Administrative Services (except those relating to the performance of Public Accounting Services or otherwise inconsistent with those adopted by M&P).
 
12.   Assistance in compliance with all regulatory requirements as requested by M&P.
 
13.   Assistance in maintenance of the books and records of M&P.
 
14.   Provision of annual budgeting assistance.
 
15.   Provision and maintenance of a system of internal accounting.
 
16.   Provision of insurance policies and provision of risk manager services except in each case, as to the professional liability of M&P, including the gathering of underwriting data to submit to broker (payroll, losses, locations, autos, etc.), securing and managing the third party administer to administer workers’ compensation, general liability or auto claims that M&P may have, obtaining Certificates or Evidences of Insurance for distribution with proposals and reviewing contract language as it pertains to insurance.
 
17.   Settlement of client disputes re bills in the ordinary course of business, but not to exceed $                                         reduction of M&P’s fees in any dispute, but RSMM shall have no such authority to settle any dispute where the client or anyone acting on its behalf has threatened legal action, which such threat shall be promptly reported in writing to M&P’s managing partner.

 


 

EXHIBIT 1.4
Form of Power of Attorney
LIMITED POWER OF ATTORNEY
     On this                      day of                     , 20                    , McGladrey & Pullen, LLP, an Iowa limited liability partnership (hereinafter referred to as “M&P”), hereby authorizes and appoints as its attorney-in-fact RSM McGladrey, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as “RSMM”), a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Delaware and having its principal place of business at 4400 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64111, and its successors, to carry out its duties under the Administrative Services Agreement of even date herewith (the “ASA”) in accordance with, but not limited to, the following:
  1.   To enter into and execute contracts (with amounts due and payable thereunder not to exceed Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000)) relating to the performance of Administrative Services as defined in the ASA but do not relate to the performance of Public Accounting Services; and
 
  2.   To deposit into M&P account(s), all funds, fees and revenues generated from the Business and to make withdrawals from the M&P account(s) for payment to creditors, including without limitation, RSMM and the employees of M&P and other persons who perform services on behalf of M&P.
     This Limited Power of Attorney is coupled with an interest and shall be irrevocable except with RSMM’s prior written consent, but in any event shall terminate as provided below.
     This Limited Power of Attorney shall terminate on the expiration or earlier termination of the Administrative Services Agreement.
     All capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning given to them in that certain Administrative Services Agreement of even date hereto.
         
  McGLADREY & PULLEN, LLP
 
 
  By:      
    William D. Travis, Managing Partner   
       
 
     STATE OF                     )
                                             )ss.
     COUNTY OF                 )
     On this                      day of                     , 2006, before me,                     , a Notary public in and for said state, personally appeared William D. Travis and                      of McGladrey & Pullen, LLP, who executed the above document, and acknowledged to me that he is the Managing Partner of McGladrey & Pullen, LLP, and executed the same for the purposes therein stated.
     IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal the day and year last above written.
 
My commission expires:                                          

 


 

Exhibit 17-1

 


 

Exhibit 17-2

 

EX-10.36
Exhibit 10.36
AMENDMENT NO. ONE (1) TO ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AGREEMENT
This Amendment to the Administrative Services Agreement dated January 30, 2006 by and among RSM McGladrey, Inc. (“RSMM”), which is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of H&R Block, Inc. (“Block”), and McGladrey & Pullen, LLP (“M&P”), (the “Agreement”) is effective as of June 01, 2008. The parties intend and agree that this Amendment will override and supersede any inconsistent or conflicting terms in the Agreement, but, otherwise, the Agreement will remain in full force and effect.
  1.   Section 5.3 of the Agreement provides that, as a part of the Administrative Services, RSMM shall maintain books of account and prepare monthly and annual operational and financial reports for M&P. Such services are referred to herein as “the Accounting Services”. RSMM desires to use the instance of PeopleSoft financial reporting software that Block has licensed for itself and its subsidiaries (referred to herein as “the PeopleSoft Application”) to perform the Accounting Services for M&P, and M&P hereby authorizes RSMM to do so, subject to and in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Agreement, as amended by this Amendment:
 
  2.   RSMM represents that RSMM and Block have confirmed that the terms of Block’s license for the PeopleSoft Application permit the application to be used by RSMM to perform the Accounting Services for M&P.
 
  3.   RSMM will assure that RSMM and Block implement and maintain procedures reasonably designed to ensure that only authorized RSMM employees and RSMM-authorized Block employees are allowed to access and use the PeopleSoft Application to perform the Accounting Services.
 
  4.   M&P understands and agrees that one or more Block employee(s) who are responsible for granting access to the PeopleSoft Application, and one or more RSMM employee(s) who are responsible for the Accounting Services, will grant and terminate access to and use of the People Soft Application for the RSMM employee(s) who perform the Accounting Services. M&P further acknowledges and agrees that the designated Block information systems employee(s) will have production read only access to M&P’s books of accounts and financial reports maintained in the PeopleSoft Application, except for those individuals who will have global PeopleSoft Application table and/or database access. This access will be solely for the purpose of support for the PeopleSoft Application and for no other purpose. This access is in line with the current security model currently administered by RSMM on behalf of M&P today.
 
  5.   Section 6 of the Agreement sets forth RSMM’s and M&P’s’ Mutual Nondisclosure obligations with respect to each party’s Confidential Information. M&P agrees that Block’s read only access to the M&P books of account and financial reports stored in the PeopleSoft Application shall not be deemed to violate Section 6 of the Agreement, provided Block agrees to treat such information as M&P’s confidential information and comply with the terms of Section 6 of the Agreement and this Amendment, Block’s agreement to comply with the terms of this Amendment and Section 6 of the Agreement shall be evidenced by its signature below.
                     
RSM MCGLADREY, INC.       MCGLADREY & PULLEN LLP    
 
                   
By:
  /s/ Rene Ordogne
 
      By:   /s/ Dave Scudder
 
   
Name: Rene Ordogne       Name: Dave Scudder    
Title: Chief of Staff, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer       Title: Managing Partner    
 
                   
ACCEPTED AND AGREED FOR H&R BLOCK, INC.                
 
                   
By:
  /s/ Jeffrey Brown                
 
                   
Name: Jeffrey Brown                
Title: Vice President, Corporate Controller                

EX-10.37
Exhibit 10.37
OPERATIONS AGREEMENT
          THIS OPERATIONS AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”), dated as of August 2, 1999 is made by and among MCGLADREY & PULLEN, LLP (“M&P”), an Iowa limited liability partnership, MP ACTIVE PARTNERS TRUST, Clifford Newman, Trustee (“Trust”), MARK W. SCALLY, a resident of Minneapolis, Minnesota (“Scally”), THOMAS G. ROTHERHAM, a resident of Eden Prairie, Minnesota (“Rotherham”), RSM MCGLADREY, INC., a Delaware corporation (“RSM”), HRB BUSINESS SERVICES, INC., a Delaware corporation (“HRB”) and H&R BLOCK, INC., a Missouri corporation (“Block”). Capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the Purchase Agreement (hereinafter defined).
RECITALS
          WHEREAS, M&P, Trust, Scally, Rotherham, RSM, Block and certain other persons and entities are parties to the Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of June 28, 1999 (the “Purchase Agreement”) providing for, among other things, the purchase of certain assets of M&P by RSM; and
          WHEREAS, M&P and RSM are parties to the Administrative Services Agreement dated as of August 2, 1999 (“Administrative Services Agreement”) providing for, among other things, the provision by RSM to M&P of certain administrative and other services; and
          WHEREAS, Block is the ultimate parent corporation of RSM and HRB, and RSM is a direct subsidiary of HRB; and
          WHEREAS, Scally and Rotherham were formerly appointed to the Office of Managing Partner of and were partners of M&P, but effective the date hereof have resigned such positions and partnership and are parties to respective Managing Director Employment Agreements with RSM dated the date hereof (the “Employment Agreements”); and
          WHEREAS, the parties hereto desire to set forth certain understandings and agreements regarding the respective business operations of M&P and RSM after the Closing, as set forth herein.
AGREEMENT
          NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual premises and the covenants, representations and warranties herein contained, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:
          1. Board of Directors of RSM. Effective the date hereof and for the duration of the Earnout Period but subject to Section 16 hereof, HRB will cause the Board of


 

Directors of RSM to be comprised of five (5) directors, consisting of (1) the Chief Executive Officer of RSM, (2) the Chief Operating Officer of RSM and (3) three other directors nominated by Block (such three nominees, the “Block Nominees”).
          2. Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer of RSM. Effective the date hereof and for the duration of the Earnout Period but subject to Section 16 hereof, Block will cause the Block Nominees to vote in favor of the appointment of Scally as the Chief Executive Officer, and Rotherham as the Chief Operating Officer, of RSM, provided that Scally’s and/or Rotherham’s respective Employment Agreement has not then been terminated or expired. In the event that such employment of Scally or Rotherham is terminated prior to the end of the Earnout Period, the Executive Management Committee shall recommend his or their replacement, subject to the good faith approval of Block, which shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.
          3. Executive Management Committee.
          a) Formation. Effective the date hereof and for the duration of the Earnout Period but subject to Section 16 hereof, Block or HRB will use its best efforts to cause the Block Nominees to, and Scally and Rotherham shall as directors of RSM, vote in favor:
          i) of the establishment and maintenance of the Executive Management Committee of the RSM Board of Directors (the “Committee”), which Committee shall initially consist of the Chief Executive Officer of RSM (as sole voting member), the Chief Operating Officer of RSM, and up to seven (7) other persons (each a “Committee Member”) who are selected on the basis set forth in Schedule 3 hereof. The resolution of the RSM Board initially establishing such Committee and the initial members thereof is attached hereto as Schedule 3.
          ii) of the RSM Board’s authorization and direction of the Committee to (i) establish, on an annual basis, the allocation of the Annual Compensation among the Senior Managing Directors and Managing Directors of RSM as provided in Schedule 5 of each of the forms of Managing Director Employment Agreement and the Senior Managing Director Employment Agreement, respectively, dated of even date hereof, (ii) promote or terminate Managing Directors and Senior Managing Directors, (iii) allocate Closing Block Options and Post Closing Block Options and (iv) recommend any replacement for Scally or Rotherham in the event of termination of their employment with RSM during the Earnout Period, as provided in Section 2. The resolution of the RSM Board making such authorization and direction is included within Schedule 3 hereof.

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          4. Capital for Acquisitions. Subject to Section 16 hereof, the parties acknowledge that:
          a) Block management has set a strategic goal of building a national accounting and consulting firm. In pursuing this strategy. Block has to date acquired non-attest assets of accounting firms with aggregate revenues of approximately $102,000,000 for an approximate aggregate base purchase price of $102,000,000. Upon consummation of the transaction contemplated by the Purchase Agreement (the “Transactions”), Block shall have acquired non-attest assets of accounting firms with aggregate revenues of approximately $342,000,000 for an approximate aggregate minimum base price of $342,000,000.
          b) After consummation of the Transactions, Block intends to continue to build a national accounting and consulting firm by expanding Buyer through the acquisition of non-attest assets of other accounting, tax and consulting firms. Block expects to consummate between $300,000,000 to $400,000,000 (in base purchase price) of such acquisitions during the two-year period following the Closing Date. Block anticipates that it will continue to make similar acquisitions after such two-year period.
          c) The foregoing expressed goals, intentions, expectations and anticipations of Block are not, and do not constitute, legally binding obligations of Block or its affiliates and Block may, by decision of its Board of Directors (the “Board”), change such goals, intentions, expectations and anticipations because of a number of factors, including (without limitation) concerns regarding the performance of Buyer, increased costs of capital, adverse economic, regulatory or industry trends or events, and the good faith exercise of fiduciary and other duties owed by the Board to the shareholders of Block.
          5. Working Capital Funds. Effective the date hereof and for the duration of the Earnout Period, Block or a subsidiary or affiliate of Block will provide working capital funds to RSM, bearing interest at the Prime Rate quoted in The Wall Street Journal (adjusted quarterly based upon the Prime Rate reported for the first business day of such quarter and applied against the average of the beginning and closing balance for each month within such quarter) during the Earnout Period. Such working capital funds shall be in such amounts as are reasonably required by the business of RSM (including the purchase of fixed assets), consistent with that funded in past practice and for similarly situated firms, and agreed by Block in its good faith, reasonable discretion considering the foregoing.
          6. Post-Closing Development Expenditures. Block either directly or through any direct or indirect subsidiary of Block agrees to provide capital to M&P for development expenditures in an amount not to exceed Six Million Dollars ($6,000,000) per year for each of the one year periods commencing on the Closing Date and each of the first four anniversary dates of the Closing Date, respectively, regardless of whether such development expenditures are capitalized or expensed for accounting purposes. Such capital shall be used for the development of RSM’s infrastructure, mergers, integration resources, branding or related

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promotional efforts, acquisitions or similar purposes (“Development Purposes”) set forth in an annual preliminary budget (for each such annual period) and for which a year end (for each such annual period) accounting is prepared by RSM and delivered to Block. For purposes of this Section 1.6, it is assumed that such $6,000,000 annual amount is expended ratably over the course of such year.
          7. Certain Acquisitions. Effective the date hereof and for the duration of the Earnout Period, the acquisition of accounting, consulting or financial services businesses to be integrated into RSM, shall be subject to the prior written approval of both Block (whether directly or through HRB) and the Executive Management Committee.
          8. Allocation of Costs to Foundation Firms. Effective the date hereof and for the duration of the Earnout Period, RSM shall not allocate to any Foundation Firm or Prior Add-On Firm any costs for services provided by RSM unless and only to the extent that the Foundation Firm or Prior Add-On Firm has a tangible cost reduction or revenue enhancement derived or resulting from such services; provided however, this Section shall not prohibit M&P from charging Foundation Firms or Prior Add-On Firms for services rendered by M&P for or on behalf of clients of Foundation Firms or Prior Add-On Firms and which services are billed or are billable to such clients.
          9. Use of Block Corporate Services; Reimbursement of Certain Costs. Effective the date hereof and for the duration of the Earnout Period:
          a) RSM shall not be charged an overhead or similar charge by Block or HRB (or any Block Entity not within Group) for use of general administrative, legal, marketing or similar services unless and only to the extent that RSM’s use of such services results or demands incremental costs relating to the hiring of additional personnel, use of additional office space or material, out-of-pocket supply or independent contractor costs; and
          b) Block shall pay, or reimburse M&P, for its reasonable and necessary out of pocket incremental costs incurred by TP Services, LLC (“TPS”), including but not limited to the legal organization of TPS in Delaware, ongoing filing/qualification costs (in Delaware and as a foreign company in other states in which it does business) and annual state franchise taxes or fees (excluding, however, any taxes or fees or portions of taxes or fees representing tax on income or profits of TPS).
          10. Putney Compensation. Effective the date hereof and for the duration of the Earnout Period, the employment and compensation of Terrence E. Putney, an officer of HRB, shall be the obligation and expense of HRB (or another Block Entity not within Group). Terrence E. Putney shall perform work under the direction and on behalf of Block, HRB or RSM.

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          11. Professional Liability Insurance Expense.
          a) RSM and M&P shall each have, and pay for, separate professional liability insurance on a “claims made” coverage basis. Since it is anticipated that professional liability claims made after the Closing will, on a declining basis over time, relate to services performed prior to Closing (for which the Trust has assumed liability), the parties agree that Trust shall have certain obligations regarding the reimbursement of professional liability insurance costs after Closing, as set forth in subsection (b), below.
          b) The professional liability insurance costs (including premiums and payments of deductible and copay amounts) of RSM and M&P (for themselves and their respective employees/partners) shall be allocated as follows, with RSM/M&P paying the insurer(s) directly for their respective entire costs and being reimbursed by Trust for Trust’s respective portion, upon demand from RSM/M&P:
         
        M&P/RSM
Year   Trust (%)   Portion (%)
1   60     40
2   50     50
3   40     60
4     0   100
          12. New Partners. M&P shall require that all persons acquiring equity or capital or rights to equity or capital in M&P or rights similar thereto, agree as a condition to becoming a partner of M&P to be bound by the terms of the Amended Partnership Agreement and a Managing Director Employment Agreement or a Senior Managing Director Employment Agreement. RSM intends to, but shall have no obligation to, enter into any employment agreement with any person who becomes a partner of M&P.
          13. Non-Solicitation/Non-Disclosure Covenants.
          a) Certain Acknowledgments. M&P acknowledges and agrees as follows in exchange for valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which M&P acknowledges:
          i) RSM and Block have obtained and will maintain an advantage over their respective competitors as a result of name, location and reputation developed at great expense;
          ii) M&P’s relationship with RSM involves the understanding of and access to certain trade secrets and confidential information pertaining to the property, business and operations of RSM and its Affiliates;
          iii) M&P’s recognition of the value of the special, unique and extraordinary knowledge and skill required to accept, undertake and perform the

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type of work normally undertaken and performed by M&P, RSM, the Partners and RSM’s other employees and agents;
          iv) All clients/customers of RSM, regardless of when or by whom acquired, are RSM assets and not assets of M&P;
          v) M&P has carefully considered the restrictions contained herein, and M&P specifically agrees that same are reasonable and necessary and essential to the preservation of the business of RSM; and
          vi) M&P’s agreements and covenants under this Section 13 are an essential part of the inducement to RSM to enter into this Agreement.
          b) Scope. Until the later to occur of (i) August 2, 2004 or (ii) that date which is three (3) years after the expiration or termination of this Agreement (the “Covenant Period”), for any reason or for no reason except as set forth in Section 13(d), M&P agrees as follows in consideration for entering into the Asset Purchase Agreement.
          i) Except with the prior written consent of RSM, M&P shall not directly or indirectly, either individually or as a principal, partner, member, manager, agent, employee, employer, consultant, stockholder, joint venturer, or investor, or as a director or officer of any corporation, company, partnership or association, or in any other manner or capacity whatsoever, engage in, assist or have any active interest in a business located anywhere in the United States, on its own behalf or for others, that provides, sells, develops, markets, designs, distributes, coordinates, conducts or publishes, to or for the benefit of any person or entity, investment advisory services, asset management services, financial planning services or products, estate planning services or products, seminars, training materials, industry newsletters, practice development tools or programs, accounting services (not including Public Accountancy services), consulting services, tax preparation services, management advisory services or such other service or product that otherwise competes with or is substantially similar in concept, design, format or otherwise to the business conducted by the RSM on the date hereof, or at any time during the Covenant Period. Notwithstanding the above, this paragraph shall not be construed to prohibit M&P from mere ownership of less than three percent (3%) of the outstanding securities of a corporation which is publicly traded on a securities exchange or through Nasdaq.
          ii) Except with the prior written consent of RSM, M&P shall not, directly or indirectly, either individually, or as a principal, partner, member, manager, agent, employer, consultant, stockholder, joint venturer, or investor, or in any other manner or capacity whatsoever,
          (1) solicit, divert or take away, or attempt to solicit, divert or take away, from RSM, or any direct or indirect subsidiary or

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Affiliate of RSM, any business with any client of RSM or any of its direct or indirect subsidiaries or Affiliates,
          (2) solicit, divert or take away, or attempt to solicit, divert or take away, from RSM or any direct or indirect subsidiary or Affiliate of RSM, any business with any person or entity who was being solicited as a potential client by RSM or any of its direct or indirect subsidiaries or Affiliates (other than for the provision of Public Accounting Services), within one year prior to the commencement of this Agreement and during the Covenant Period,
          (3) induce or cause, or attempt to induce or cause, any salesperson, distributor, supplier, vendor, manufacturer, representative, agent, or other person transacting business with RSM or any of its direct or indirect subsidiaries or Affiliates to terminate or modify such relationship or association,
          (4) induce or cause, or attempt to induce or cause, any employee, accountant, member, manager, shareholder, partner, director or officer of RSM or any of its direct or indirect subsidiaries or Affiliates to leave the employ of RSM or any of its direct or indirect subsidiaries or Affiliates, or
          (5) For purposes of this Agreement, an “Affiliate” shall mean, with respect to any person, (a) any person which, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such person, or (b) any person which RSM or any of its Affiliates (as determined pursuant to (a) above) provides Services of the type contemplated in this Agreement, or other similar agreements. For purposes of this definition “control” of a person shall mean the power, direct or indirect to, (x) vote or direct the voting of 50% or more of the outstanding shares of voting stock or similar interests of such person, or (y) direct or cause the direction of the management of such person, whether by contract or otherwise.
          iii) If M&P violates any of the provisions of Section 16(b)(i) or Section 16(b)(ii) after the date hereof, the Covenant Period shall be extended for a period of time equal to the period of any such violation.
          iv) In addition to any other rights or remedies RSM may possess, RSM shall be entitled to injunctive and other equitable relief to prevent any breach, threatened breach, or continuing breach of any part of this Agreement.
          c) Limitations On Enforcement. If any restriction set forth in this Section 13 is found by any court of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable because it extends for too long a period of time, over too great a range of activities or in too broad a

7


 

geographic area, it shall be interpreted to extend only over the maximum period of time, range of activities or geographic area as to which such court shall consider enforceable.
          d) Termination of Restrictive Covenants. The restrictive covenants set forth in Section 13(b)(i) and 13(b)(ii) hereof shall expire if a Payment Event of Default (defined below) occurs under the Guaranty dated August                     , 1999 by Block in favor of McGladrey (the “Guaranty”). For purposes of this Section, a “Payment Event of Default” shall be deemed to occur if (i) any undisputed Guaranteed Obligation (as defined in the Guaranty) is not timely paid by RSM McGladrey when due and owing and (ii) Block fails to pay the amount of any such Guaranteed Obligation (provided that RSM McGladrey’s nonpayment then exists and is continuing) within thirty (30) days after delivery of written notice thereof to Block pursuant to the notice provisions of the Guaranty. Any expiration of such restrictive covenants pursuant to this Section shall not, however, act or be deemed to work on or effect any expiration, termination, waiver, forfeiture, or release of such restrictive covenants or in any way affect their enforcement for any period prior to the occurrence of the applicable Payment Event of Default.
          14. Network Firm Mergers.
          a) The parties agree that until a Foundation Firm is merged into M&P then a Network Firm (as defined below) operating in the Territory of a Foundation Firm may continue as a Network Firm. At such time that an agreement is executed with a Foundation Firm to merge into M&P, then the Network Firm in the same Territory will have ninety (90) days to determine if it also wants to merge or terminate its Network Firm membership. If a Network Firm determines not to merge with M&P, then (i) such Network Firm shall have an additional ninety (90) days to continue in the Network until Network services are suspended; and (ii) the Network Firm will have the option to continue as a Subscriber Firm (as defined below) and thereafter be entitled to the services provided a Subscriber Firm.
          b) Definitions. For purposes of this Section 14, the following definitions shall have the following meanings.
          i) “Territory” of a Foundation Firm shall mean a circle with a 50 mile radius around a Foundation Firm with its office at the center.
          ii) “Network Firm” shall mean an entity that has entered into an agreement with M&P to be a member of M&P’s network.
          iii) “Subscriber Firm” shall mean an entity that subscribes to certain services provided by M&P.
          15. Compliance with Independence Policies. RSM, HRB and Block agree that subsequent to closing M&P retains the right and authority to (i) establish the independence policies of the attest practice and that such policies will be binding upon RSM and HRB, and (ii) monitor and enforce the compliance with such policies within RSM and HRB organizations

8


 

through the methodology deemed reasonably necessary by the attest firm to accomplish such objectives and to ensure that independence exists between the clients of the attest firm and the non-attest firm and HRB and their respective officers, directors and employees, as appropriate. M&P will resign from any engagement where a satisfactory resolution cannot be achieved whereby M&P can retain its independence.
          16. Obligations Contingent. Except upon occurrence of a Force Majeure Event (as defined below), in the event that (i) RSM fails to have at least 80% of the projected proforma pretax earnings levels set forth in Schedule 16 to this Agreement for any fiscal period during the Earnout Period and (ii) Block, HRB and RSM are otherwise in compliance in all material respects with the provisions of this Agreement and the Employment Agreements, Block, HRB, RSM and the Block Nominees may, in Block’s sole discretion, unilaterally and without liability terminate, modify, amend or ignore any of the provisions, rights, obligations, and/or duties under Sections 1 through 4 hereof (effective the first day of the fiscal annual period immediately following the annual period in which such earnings were deficient or such other later date as designated by Block), by providing written notice of same to M&P, Scally and Rotherham. “Force Majeure Event” shall mean any inability of M&P or RSM to provide service to their clients due to any strike, lockout or other labor or industrial disturbance, civil disturbance, lightning, earthquake, fire, storm, hurricane, tornado, flood, washout, explosion, regulatory action or any other similar cause beyond the reasonable control of M&P or RSM or any of their contractors or other representatives.
          17. Miscellaneous.
          a) Amendment and Modification. This Agreement may be amended, modified and supplemented only by written agreement of the parties hereto.
          b) Waiver of Compliance; Consents. Any failure of any party to comply with any obligation, covenant, agreement or condition herein may be waived in writing by other benefited parties, but such waiver or failure to insist upon strict compliance with such obligation, covenant, agreement or condition shall not operate as a waiver of, or estoppel with respect to, any subsequent or other failure.
          c) Notices. Any notice, request, consent or communication (collectively, a “Notice”) under this Agreement shall be effective only if it is in writing and (a) personally delivered, (b) sent by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, (c) sent by a nationally recognized overnight delivery service, with delivery confirmed, or (d) telexed or telecopied, with receipt confirmed, addressed as follows:

9


 

  (i)   If to M&P:
 
      Bill Travis
McGladrey & Pullen, LLP
3600 West 80th Street
Suite 500
Bloomington, MN 55431
 
  (ii)   If to Rotherham or Scally:
 
      McGladrey & Pullen, LLP
3600 West 80th Street
Suite 500
Bloomington, MN 55431
 
  (iii)   If to the Block, HRB or RSM, to:
 
      Bret G. Wilson
H&R Block, Inc.
4400 Main Street
Kansas City, MO 64111
Facsimile: (816) 753-8628
 
      with a copy to:
 
      James H. Ingraham, Esq.
H&R Block, Inc.
4400 Main Street
Kansas City, MO 64111
Facsimile: (816) 753-8628
 
      and
 
      Gregory G. Johnson, Esq.
Bryan Cave LLP
One Kansas City Place
1200 Main, Suite 3500
Kansas City, MO 64105
Facsimile: (816) 374-3300
or such other persons or addresses as shall be furnished in writing by any party to the other party. A Notice shall be deemed to have been given as of the date when (i) personally delivered, (ii) three (3) days after the date when deposited with the United States mail properly addressed, (iii) when receipt of a Notice sent by an overnight delivery service is confirmed by such

10


 

overnight delivery service, or (4) when receipt of the telex or telecopy is confirmed, as the case may be.
          d) Assignment. This Agreement and all of the provisions hereof shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective heirs, successors and permitted assigns, but neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or obligations hereunder shall be assigned by any party without the prior written consent of other parties.
          e) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
          f) Neutral Interpretation. This Agreement constitutes the product of the negotiation of the parties hereto and the enforcement hereof shall be interpreted in a neutral manner, and not more strongly for or against any party based upon the source of the draftsmanship hereof.
          g) Headings. The section headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
          h) Governing Law. The provisions hereof shall be governed and interpreted in all respects pursuant to the internal and substantive laws of the State of Missouri without regard to conflict of laws principles which might cause the law of another jurisdiction to apply.
          i) Arbitration. Any controversy, claim, or dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any breach thereof, including without limitation any dispute concerning the scope of the arbitration clause set forth below, shall be resolved as set forth below. Any party may seek injunctive relief pending the completion of mediation and arbitration under this Agreement.
          i) In the event a dispute arises relating to this Agreement, any party may demand mediation by notifying the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) in the location where any arbitration would be conducted as set forth below, in writing with copies to all other parties involved in the dispute. The notification will state with specificity the nature of the dispute and the amount of any claims. Upon receipt of the mediation demand, the AAA will immediately convene a pre-mediation telephone conference of the parties hereto. The parties will make a representative, with full authority to settle, available for such a conference within five (5) business days of being contacted by the AAA or its designated mediator (“Mediator”). During the pre-mediation telephone conference, the parties will agree on mediation procedures or, in the event they cannot agree, Mediator will set the mediation procedures. The mediation procedures will provide for the mediation to be completed within thirty (30)

11


 

business days of the date of the initial demand for mediation. The parties will participate in good faith in the mediation and will use their best efforts to reach a resolution within the thirty (30) day time period. Each party will make available in a timely fashion a representative with authority to resolve the dispute. In the event that the dispute has not been resolved within thirty (30) days, the mediation may continue if the parties so desire. If not, the Mediator will so notify the parties and declare the mediation terminated. In the event that the mediation continues beyond thirty (30) days, but is not resolved within what Mediator believes is a reasonable time thereafter, the Mediator will so notify the parties, and declare the mediation terminated. Fees of the mediator shall be split equally between Block, HRB and RSM, on the one hand, and M&P, Scally and Rotherham, on the other hand.
          ii) After the mediation has been declared terminated, the matters in dispute shall be settled by binding arbitration in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules (the “Rules”) of the AAA as supplemented herein and judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrators may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. The governing law of this Agreement shall be the law used by the arbitrators in rendering their award, except that the Federal Rules of Evidence shall apply. There shall be three arbitrators. Each party shall choose one arbitrator, and the two chosen arbitrators shall choose the third arbitrator. Pending final award, the arbitrators’ compensation and expenses shall be advanced equally by the parties. The AAA shall hold an administrative conference with counsel for the parties within twenty (20) days after the filing of the demand for arbitration by any one or more of the parties. The parties and the AAA shall thereafter cooperate in order to complete the appointment of three arbitrators as quickly as possible. Within 15 days after all three arbitrators have been appointed, an initial meeting (which, if the arbitrators so determine, may be by phone) among the arbitrators and counsel for the parties shall be held for the purpose of establishing a plan for administration of the arbitration, including: (1) definition of issues; (2) scope, timing, and types of discovery, which may at the discretion of the arbitrators include production of documents in the possession of the parties, but may not without consent of all parties include depositions; (3) exchange of documents and filing of detailed statements of claims, prehearing memoranda and dispositive motions; (4) schedule and place of hearings; and (5) any other matters that may promote the efficient, expeditious, and cost-effective conduct of the proceeding. Each party shall have the right to request the arbitrator to make specific findings of fact.
          iii) The majority decision of the arbitrators shall contain findings of facts on which the decision is based, including any specific factual findings requested by either party, and shall further contain the reasons for the decision with reference to the legal principles on which the arbitrators relied. Such decision of the arbitrators shall be final and binding upon the parties. The arbitration shall take place in Chicago, Illinois. The final award shall award to the

12


 

prevailing party its reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in connection with the arbitration (but if the prevailing party is not awarded all of the damages sought, only to the extent, pro rata, of its award compared to the damages sought) and may grant such other, further, and different relief as authorized by the Rules, including damages and out-of-pocket costs but which may not include exemplary, consequential or punitive damages.
          j) Entire Agreement. This Agreement, which term as used throughout includes the Schedules hereto, embodies the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein. There are no restrictions, promises, representations, warranties, covenants or undertakings other than those expressly set forth or referred to herein. This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between the parties with respect to such subject matter.
[SIGNATURES ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE]

13


 

THIS AGREEMENT IS SUBJECT TO AN ARBITRATION PROVISION THAT IS
BINDING ON THE PARTIES.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have entered into this Agreement as of the date first herein above set forth.
         
RSM MCGLADREY, INC.
 
       
/s/ Bret G. Wilson
     
Bret G. Wilson, Vice President
 
       
H&R BLOCK, INC.
 
       
By:

Name:
  /s/ Bret G. Wilson
 
Bret G. Wilson
   
Title:
  Vice President, Corporate Development    
 
       
HRB BUSINESS SERVICES, INC.
 
       
By:

Name:
  /s/ Bret G. Wilson
 
Bret G. Wilson
   
Title:
  Vice President    
 
       
MCGLADREY & PULLEN, LLP
 
       
By:
  /s/ Mark W. Scally
 
Mark W. Scally
   
 
       
By:
  /s/ Thomas G. Rotherham
 
Thomas G. Rotherham
   
BEING ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE OFFICE OF MANAGING PARTNER

EX-12
EXHIBIT 12
H&R BLOCK
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
(Dollars in thousands)
                                         
    2009     2008     2007     2006     2005  
Pretax income from continuing operations before change in accounting principle
  $ 839,370     $ 735,071     $ 627,261     $ 531,320     $ 588,568  
 
                             
 
                                       
FIXED CHARGES:
                                       
Interest expense
    89,959       64,509       91,134       69,724       79,197  
Interest on deposits
    14,069       42,878       32,128              
Interest portion of net rent expense (a)
    102,685       99,871       94,978       95,189       76,504  
 
                             
 
                                       
Total fixed charges
    206,713       207,258       218,240       164,913       155,701  
 
                             
 
                                       
Earnings before income taxes and fixed charges
  $ 1,046,083     $ 942,329     $ 845,501     $ 696,233     $ 744,269  
 
                             
 
                                       
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges
                                       
Including interest on deposits
    5.1       4.5       3.9       4.2       4.8  
Excluding interest on deposits
    5.4       5.7       4.5       4.2       4.8  
 
(a)   One-third of net rent expense is the portion deemed representative of the interest factor.
 
Note:   In computing the ratio of earnings to fixed charges: (a) earnings have been based on income from continuing operations before income taxes and fixed charges (exclusive of interest capitalized) and (b) fixed charges consist of interest expense and the estimated interest portion of rents. Interest expense on uncertain tax positions has been excluded from fixed charges, as it is included as a component of income taxes in the consolidated financial statements.

EX-21
         
Exhibit 21
Subsidiaries of H&R Block, Inc.
The following is a list of the direct and indirect subsidiaries of H&R Block, Inc., a Missouri corporation.
     
Company Name   Domestic Jurisdiction
Aculink Mortgage Solutions, LLC
  Florida
AcuLink of Alabama, LLC
  Alabama
Ada Services Corporation
  Massachusetts
BFC Transactions, Inc.
  Delaware
Birchtree Financial Services, Inc.
  Oklahoma
Birchtree Insurance Agency, Inc.
  Missouri
Block Financial LLC
  Delaware
CFS-McGladrey, LLC
  Massachusetts
Cfstaffing, Ltd.
  British Columbia
Cityfront, Inc.
  Delaware
Companion Insurance, Ltd.
  Bermuda
Companion Mortgage Corporation
  Delaware
Creative Financial Staffing of Western Washington, LLC
  Massachusetts
EquiCo, Inc.
  California
Express Tax Service, Inc.
  Delaware
Financial Marketing Services, Inc.
  Michigan
Financial Stop Inc.
  British Columbia
FM Business Services, Inc.
  Delaware
Franchise Partner, Inc.
  Nevada
H&R Block (India) Private Limited
  India
H&R Block (Nova Scotia), Incorporated
  Nova Scotia
H&R Block Bank
  Missouri
H&R Block Canada Financial Services, Inc.
  Federally Chartered
H&R Block Canada, Inc.
  Federally Chartered
H&R Block Eastern Enterprises, Inc.
  Missouri
H&R Block Enterprises LLC
  Missouri
H&R Block Global Solutions (Hong Kong) Limited
  Hong Kong
H&R Block Group, Inc.
  Delaware
H&R Block Insurance Agency, Inc.
  Delaware
H&R Block Limited
  New South Wales
H&R Block Management, LLC
  Delaware


 

     
Company Name   Domestic Jurisdiction
H&R Block Tax and Business Services, Inc.
  Delaware
H&R Block Tax Institute, LLC
  Missouri
H&R Block Tax Services LLC
  Missouri
H&R Block, Inc.
  Missouri
HRB Advance LLC
  Delaware
HRB Center LLC
  Missouri
HRB Concepts LLC
  Delaware
HRB Corporate Enterprises LLC
  Delaware
HRB Corporate Services LLC
  Missouri
HRB Digital LLC
  Delaware
HRB Digital Technology Resources LLC
  Delaware
HRB Expertise LLC
  Missouri
HRB Innovations, Inc.
  Delaware
HRB International LLC
  Missouri
HRB Products LLC
  Missouri
HRB Support Services LLC
  Delaware
HRB Tax & Technology Leadership LLC
  Missouri
HRB Tax Group, Inc.
  Missouri
HRB Technology Holding LLC
  Delaware
HRB Technology LLC
  Missouri
McGladrey Capital Markets Canada Inc.
  Federally Chartered
McGladrey Capital Markets Europe Limited
  United Kingdom
McGladrey Capital Markets LLC
  Delaware
OOMC Holdings LLC
  Delaware
OOMC Residual Corporation
  New York
O’Rourke Career Connections, LLC
  California
Pension Resources, Inc.
  Illinois
Provident Mortgage Services, Inc.
  Delaware
RedGear Technologies, Inc.
  Missouri
RSM Employer Services Agency of Florida, Inc.
  Florida
RSM Employer Services Agency, Inc.
  Georgia
RSM EquiCo, Inc.
  Delaware
RSM McGladrey Business Services, Inc.
  Delaware
RSM McGladrey Business Solutions, Inc.
  Delaware
RSM McGladrey Employer Services, Inc.
  Georgia
RSM McGladrey Insurance Services, Inc.
  Delaware
RSM McGladrey TBS, LLC
  Delaware


 

     
Company Name   Domestic Jurisdiction
RSM McGladrey, Inc.
  Delaware
Sand Canyon Acceptance Corporation
  Delaware
Sand Canyon Corporation
  California
Sand Canyon Securities Corp.
  Delaware
Sand Canyon Securities II Corp.
  Delaware
Sand Canyon Securities III Corp.
  Delaware
Sand Canyon Securities IV LLC
  Delaware
ServiceWorks, Inc.
  Delaware
TaxNet Inc.
  California
TaxWorks, Inc.
  Delaware
Vantive Partners LLC
  Missouri
West Estate Investors, LLC
  Missouri
Woodbridge Mortgage Acceptance Corporation
  Delaware

EX-23.1
Exhibit 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No. 333-118020 on Form S-3 of Block Financial Corporation and Registration Statement Nos. 333-118020-01 and 333-154611 on Form S-3 and Nos. 333-119070, 333-42143, 333-42736, 333-56400, 333-70402, and 333-106710 on Form S-8 of H&R Block, Inc. of our reports dated June 29, 2009, relating to (1) the 2009 and 2008 consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule and the retrospective adjustments to the 2007 consolidated financial statements of H&R Block, Inc. (which report expresses an unqualified opinion and includes an explanatory paragraph regarding H&R Block, Inc.’s adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” on May 1, 2007) and (2) the effectiveness of H&R Block, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of April 30, 2009, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of H&R Block, Inc. for the year ended April 30, 2009.
-s- signature
June 29, 2009

EX-23.2
Exhibit 23.2
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
H&R Block, Inc.:
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements on Form S-3 (Nos. 333-33655 and 333-118020) of Block Financial Corporation and in the registration statements on Form S-3 (No. 333-33655-01) and Form S-8 (Nos. 333-119070, 333-42143, 333-42736, 333-42738, 333-42740, 333-56400, 333-70400, 333-70402, and 333-106710) of H&R Block, Inc. of our report dated June 29, 2007 with respect to the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), stockholders’ equity, and cash flows of H&R Block, Inc. and subsidiaries for the year ended April 30, 2007, and the related financial statement schedule, which report appears in the April 30, 2009 annual report on Form 10-K of H&R Block, Inc. Our report includes an explanatory paragraph that states we did not apply any procedures to or express any assurance on the retrospective adjustments to present the results of operations of HRB Financial Corporation as discontinued operations, as these adjustments were audited by a successor auditor.
 
(KPMG LLP)
Kansas City, Missouri
June 29, 2009

EX-31.1
Exhibit 31.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Russell P. Smyth, Chief Executive Officer, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of H&R Block, Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principals;
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
         
     
Date: June 29, 2009  /s/ Russell P. Smyth    
  Russell P. Smyth   
  Chief Executive Officer
H&R Block, Inc. 
 

EX-31.2
         
Exhibit 31.2
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Becky S. Shulman, Chief Financial Officer, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of H&R Block, Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principals;
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
         
     
Date: June 29, 2009  /s/ Becky S. Shulman    
  Becky S. Shulman   
  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
H&R Block, Inc. 
 

EX-32.1
         
Exhibit 32.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
     In connection with the annual report of H&R Block, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2009 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Russell P. Smyth, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
  (1)   The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
 
  (2)   The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
         
     
  /s/ Russell P. Smyth    
  Russell P. Smyth   
  Chief Executive Officer
H&R Block, Inc.
June 29, 2009
 

EX-32.2
         
Exhibit 32.2
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
     In connection with the annual report of H&R Block, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2009 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Becky S. Shulman, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
  (1)   The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
 
  (2)   The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
         
     
  /s/ Becky S. Shulman    
  Becky S. Shulman   
  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
H&R Block, Inc.
June 29, 2009