Jan 10, 2013 (Marketwire via COMTEX) - Despite the IRS announcement that the tax season kickoff will be delayed, H&R Block At Home® is up to date with the current tax laws and available now for taxpayers to begin preparing their income tax returns. In its 16th tax season of providing do-it-yourself tax preparation solutions, H&R Block (NYSE: HRB) has unveiled an improved suite of H&R Block At Home® products and a $100,000 Facebook contest.
Free filing, free advice and free year-round access to the nation's foremost tax authority highlight the enhancements for this tax season. The technology lineup includes solutions online, in a box, on a smartphone and on a tablet to benefit all taxpayers.
"This year's product lineup offers a range of tools that enable clients to choose the experience best suited to their needs and desired level of guidance and support," said Jason Houseworth, president of U.S. Tax Services at H&R Block. "There is no reason taxpayers should delay preparing their tax return. Once completed and filed, we will hold and submit it so it would be among the first processed. This ensures taxpayers would receive their refund as fast as possible."
Through Feb. 5, H&R Block At Home will be giving away a $20,000 grand prize per week to make someone's tax dream come true by visiting the Dreamfund app on Facebook. In addition, taxpayers can win one of $100 instant prizes each day throughout the contest.
Taxpayers who enter their Dreamfund wish and share it with friends have a chance to win the grand prize. Contestants can enter once per week, or more if they share with friends who also enter the contest. Detailed rules can be found on the Dreamfund page.
This tax season, H&R Block introduced My H&R Block Account. This comprehensive portal provides easy and secure access to all H&R Block tax services across its offices, online and mobile applications. My H&R Block Account creates a more personalized, year-round experience for all clients, regardless of their preferred tax preparation method.
"My H&R Block Account brings a seamless technology-enabled experience to all clients and provides the flexibility to move back and forth between an H&R Block tax professional and do-it-yourself tax preparation because the core account remains the same," Houseworth said. "Only H&R Block can provide this type of service across tax preparation channels."
Clients can upload documents to store for their use or share with a tax professional, view up to three years of prior year tax returns and get up-to-date access to their refund status. The client's information can be stored year-round for tax preparation, checkups and tax planning. My H&R Block Account is available via online, mobile and on the tablet so clients can interact with their account anytime and in any way they choose.
For tax filers on-the-go, H&R Block has expanded its suite of tax-filing apps for smartphones and iPad:
"There are a variety of self-service and tax preparation apps to serve clients how they want to be served," Houseworth said. "At H&R Block, our clients can have a mobile experience that gives them the best service and expertise in the industry."
H&R Block At Home Online and software solutions also have been upgraded to provide a more convenient and straight-forward tax preparation experience for do-it-yourself filers. New features include:
All H&R Block products (software, online and apps) and services are backed by the unmatched expertise of The Tax Institute at H&R Block plus guarantee the maximum refund1 and full audit representation.
Only H&R Block tax preparation products offer free audit support and free audit representation from an H&R Block enrolled agent. H&R Block also guarantees 100 percent accuracy or the return is free2. Visit www.hrblock.com to begin a return for free online or visit Amazon.com, Best Buy, Office Depot, OfficeMax, Staples or Wal-Mart to purchase H&R Block At Home software.
1 If you find another online tax prep method that results in a larger refund (or smaller liability), we will refund the fees you paid us to use our program to prepare that return. Larger refund or smaller liability must not be due to differences in data supplied by you or positions contrary to law.
2We guarantee accurate calculations or we'll reimburse resulting IRS penalties and interest charges (limits apply).
H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE: HRB) is the world's largest tax services provider, having prepared more than 600 million tax returns worldwide since 1955. In fiscal 2012, H&R Block had revenues of $2.9 billion and prepared 25.6 million tax returns worldwide. Tax return preparation services are provided in company-owned and franchise retail tax offices by nearly 100,000 professional tax preparers, and through H&R Block At Home™ digital products. H&R Block Bank provides affordable banking products and services. For more information, visit the H&R Block Online Press Center.
The Tax Institute at H&R Block is the go-to source for objective insights on federal and state tax laws affecting the individual. It provides nonpartisan information and analysis on the real world implications of tax policies and proposals to policymakers, journalists, experts and tax preparers. The Institute's experts include CPAs, Enrolled Agents, attorneys and former IRS agents.
Gene King
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