90 Million Taxpayers Can Access W-2s, Prepare Taxes Early

H&R Block's New Service Can Cut Wait Time for W-2 by Three Weeks

KANSAS CITY, MO (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- An estimated 90 million taxpayers can access their W-2s up to three weeks early -- rather than waiting until the end of January -- enabling them to file their tax returns and potentially get their refunds more quickly, thanks to a new service from H&R Block (NYSE: HRB).

"Taxpayers want their refunds as soon as possible, especially in a tight economy. This service will help taxpayers get a head start on doing their taxes and being prepared to e-file on Jan. 15," said Mark Ciaramitaro, vice president of marketing at H&R Block. "Taxpayers can cut the wait for their W-2s by three weeks, which means if they're owed a refund, they'll get it sooner."

The W-2 Early Access online service enables many taxpayers to securely send electronic copies of their W-2s directly to H&R Block tax offices at no extra cost rather than waiting for the hard copy to be mailed to their home. Feb. 1, 2010, is the date employers must have mailed W-2s to employees.

Other benefits of H&R Block's W-2 Early Access service include:

• Replacing lost W-2s that were mailed
• Providing easy access to W-2s for taxpayers who no longer work for a specific employer.

In addition to making filing easier this year at participating offices, H&R Block is offering standard pricing for clients using Form 1040 EZ. For just $39, clients can file quickly and easily using 1040EZ. Each state return is just an additional $29.

"We know times are tough but people still want expertise when it comes to their taxes. So H&R Block is providing our industry-leading expertise at a special price," Ciaramitaro said.

Taxpayers can go online to www.hrblock.com/w2 to check whether their employer is participating in this service. Or, they can make an appointment online with an experienced tax professional.

About H&R Block

H&R Block Inc. (NYSE: HRB) is the world's preeminent tax services provider, having prepared more than 500 million tax returns since 1955. In fiscal 2009, H&R Block had annual revenues of $4.1 billion and prepared more than 24 million tax returns worldwide, utilizing more than 120,000 highly trained tax professionals. The Company provides tax return preparation services in person, through H&R Block At Home(TM) online and desktop software products, and through other channels. The Company is also one of the leading providers of business services through RSM McGladrey.

SOURCE: H & R Block

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