H&R Block offering five free prep/filing options, IRS e-file opens

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Jan. 29, 2018 -- With IRS e-file opening today, Jan. 29, the IRS will start processing tax returns, which starts the countdown to the tax deadline; April 17 is now 79 days away. H&R Block (NYSE:HRB) has been helping its clients prepare and file their 2017 tax returns since Dec 1 when H&R Block DIY Online went live, and Jan. 2 when the tax offices opened. Among the various products H&R Block offers, five of them are free tax preparation options, including working with a tax professional, a do-it-yourself product that doesn’t have income restrictions, and special programs resulting from partnerships with the United Way, the IRS and the military.

“H&R Block’s five free options include in-office service with a tax professional and DIY tax preparation options – and the filing of the return,” said Heather Watts, senior vice president and general manager of digital at H&R Block. “These free products allow millions of taxpayers to get the quality, guarantees and benefits of being an H&R Block client without paying anything for the services.”

H&R Block Free 1040EZ offers filing in H&R Block offices

In the only offer of its kind by national tax preparation brands, approximately 23 million taxpayers can file a Federal 1040EZ for free for a limited time at participating H&R Block offices. This gives eligible taxpayers access to expert assistance in completing their returns, and guarantees they get their maximum refund.

Generally, a 1040EZ filer is a taxpayer who files single or married filing jointly, does not pay mortgage interest, has no dependents and earned less than $100,000 last year.

H&R Block More Zero^℠ DIY option for 87 million – includes some itemized deductions

H&R Block More Zero℠ allows 87 million (6 in 10) to file free online federal (1040EZ, 1040A and 1040 with Schedule A) and state returns. Taxpayers who could use H&R Block More Zero℠ include:

• 1040EZ filers who generally file single or married filing jointly and have no dependents
• 1040A filers who may have student loan interest, educator expenses or even a tuition and fees deduction
• 1040 Schedule A filers who itemize because of mortgage payments, child care expenses, charitable donations or medical expenses.

H&R Block DIY partnership with United Way continues

H&R Block and United Way, through the MyFreeTaxes initiative, have been providing free tax filing services online for federal and state taxes in all 50 states and the District of Columbia for nine years.

Taxpayers earning less than $66,000 can enter their data through MyFreeTaxes.com, which links to a secure H&R Block website, making it easy to complete their taxes from home, at work or on mobile devices.

H&R Block remains member of Free File Alliance

H&R Block partners with the Free File Alliance, which is made up of leading tax preparation companies working with the IRS, to provide free online tax preparation and e-filing that could be used by nearly 100 million taxpayers whose income is less than $66,000 and between the ages of 17 and 50. To use this service, visit IRS Free File. 

H&R Block offers free DIY tax prep for military

H&R Block offers free DIY tax preparation online to service members through a partnership with Military One Source. Overall, 23 percent of active, reserve and Department of Defense civilian employees used H&R Block for tax preparation in 2017.

“Because tax prep isn’t one-size-fits-all, H&R Block has a variety of office and DIY products to meet taxpayers’ specific needs no matter how simple or complex their tax situation is,” Watts said.

Taxpayers have multiple ways online to access H&R Block, including through the H&R Block apps, H&R Block DIY online products, downloaded H&R Block DIY software products or an appointment at an H&R Block retail tax office. 

About H&R Block
H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE:HRB) is a global consumer tax services provider. Tax return preparation services are provided by professional tax preparers in approximately 12,000 company-owned and franchise retail tax offices worldwide, and through H&R Block tax software products for the DIY consumer. H&R Block also offers adjacent Tax Plus products and services. In fiscal 2017, H&R Block had annual revenues of over $3 billion with 23 million tax returns prepared worldwide. For more information, visit the H&R Block Newsroom.

For Further Information
Susan Waldron, 816-854-5522, [email protected]