H&R Block Launches One-of-a-Kind Tax Preparation Solution: Block Live

* Reuters is not responsible for the content in this press release.

Thu Jan 12, 2012 12:32pm EST

  KANSAS CITY, MO, Jan 12 (MARKET WIRE) -- 
The company that invented the retail tax preparation industry continues
to redefine the way taxpayers will complete their tax returns now and in
the future. Today, H&R Block (NYSE: HRB) launched a brand new service,
Block Live(SM), which allows taxpayers to have their tax return prepared
by an H&R Block tax professional in real time via online video conference
or chat. 

    Block Live provides the convenience of tax preparation virtually anytime
or anywhere with the expertise of highly skilled tax professionals from
H&R Block. This service is ideal for taxpayers who have busy family
schedules, work from home, travel extensively, work remotely, serve in
the military or just want the convenience of filing taxes in the comfort
of their own home combined with the expertise an H&R Block tax
professional provides.

    To celebrate the birth of this innovative solution, H&R Block is offering
a $100 discount on tax preparation to those who will need its convenience
the most -- busy parents with newborns. To help parents who will be
claiming their newest little dependent for the first time this tax
season, families with a child born in the year 2011 are eligible for the
discount. The offer is open to the first 1,000 parents to email
BlockLive@hrblock.com and request a special coupon code.*

    "The introduction of Block Live provides an innovative way for clients to
access the industry's best trained tax professionals when, where, and how
they want to be served," said Phil Mazzini, president of assisted tax
preparation services at H&R Block. "We are bringing the expertise of our
network of tax professionals directly to the taxpayer. Block Live
literally takes the 'trip' out of the trip to the tax office."

    Block Live is a proprietary online tool with a video interface that
enables face-to-face conversations between the taxpayer and the tax
professional. Taxpayers with a computer, a camera and microphone can
interact in real time via video with their tax professional. Taxpayers
also have the option of using the phone and real-time chat. The taxpayer
also shares documents back and forth securely through the program with a
tax professional to complete the return.

    "Tax expertise and superior client service has always been the
cornerstone of our success," Mazzini said. "Block Live is an example of
innovation that combines the high touch and high tech solutions that H&R
Block uses to push the industry forward. This is about providing
expertise and service in a whole new way."

    For more information or to schedule an appointment with a tax
professional through Block Live, visit www.hrblock.com/live. 

    H&R Block's tax professionals provide guaranteed tax return preparation
services in-person at retail tax offices open year-round and through
Block Live(SM), the only face-to-face online tax preparation experience
available in the industry. Do-it-yourself filers benefit from the
expertise and guidance of The Tax Institute at H&R Block when using H&R
Block At Home(TM) on their computers, tablets and smartphones. Because
understanding taxes is an integral part of managing personal finances,
H&R Block keeps the conversation going with clients all year via blogs,
tweets and Facebook status updates.

    *Eligibility is limited to the first 1,000 individuals who respond
informing us of a child born during the 2011 calendar year. Offer limited
to one coupon code per family. Taxpayers must confirm eligibility at the
time of tax preparation by completing a 2011 tax return with the name and
birth date of a qualifying child. Taxpayers who do not confirm
eligibility will not be allowed to redeem the coupon. Do not send birth
certificates or other evidence of childbirth or adoption. Void where
prohibited. Offer expires 4/30/2012. Offer valid for Block Live only.

    About H&R Block
 H&R Block Inc. (NYSE: HRB) has prepared more than 575
million tax returns worldwide since 1955, making it the country's largest
tax services provider. In fiscal 2011, H&R Block had annual revenues of
$3.8 billion and prepared more than 24.5 million tax returns worldwide,
including Canada and Australia. Tax return preparation services are
provided in company-owned and franchise retail tax offices by
approximately 100,000 professional tax preparers, and through H&R Block
At Home(TM) digital products. The H&R Block Bank provides affordable
banking products and services. For more information, visit the H&R Block
Online Press Center.

    
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For Further Information:
Gene King
816-854-4287
mediadesk@hrblock.com 

Copyright 2012, Market Wire, All rights reserved.

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