KANSAS CITY, MO -- (Marketwire) -- 01/18/13 -- Taxpayers can prepare their returns now to be ready to file Jan. 30, when the IRS starts accepting electronically filed 2012 tax returns. As an added incentive to get started, H&R Block (NYSE: HRB) is offering free* preparation of a federal 1040EZ tax return through Feb. 15.

H&R Block is making tax filing easy and convenient by providing options for taxpayers to prepare their 1040EZ tax return for free:

• At participating H&R Block tax offices and Wal-Mart kiosks
• With H&R Block At Home online and iPad options
• From the comforts of home virtually with a tax professional via video chat through Block Live(SM)
• With the 1040EZ app for iPhone and Android smartphones -- now available in Spanish.

"There are roughly 17 million taxpayers who will file a 1040EZ this year. Almost 9 out of 10 will receive a refund. By preparing their tax return now, taxpayers can have confidence they'll get their tax refund as fast as possible," said Kimberly Ardison, a veteran H&R Block tax professional in Houston. "With H&R Block, taxpayers can file a simple tax return any way, anywhere or anytime they chose."

H&R Block makes it even simpler to prepare the return now with W-2 Early Access. This free, online service securely sends electronic copies of taxpayers' W-2s directly to H&R Block tax offices. Rather than waiting for the hard copy to be mailed to their home by the Jan. 31 deadline, taxpayers can prepare the return now so it will be filed as soon as the IRS begins processing.

Taxpayers who qualify as a 1040EZ filer generally file single or married filing jointly, do not pay mortgage interest, have no dependents and earned less than $100,000 last year.

"Filing a simple tax return is no simple matter," Ardison said. "For taxpayers who want the confidence of an expert preparer behind them, H&R Block tax professionals stand ready in our offices. For taxpayers who prefer to prepare their returns on their own, our online and digital products are the right choice and are backed by our expertise."

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™. 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.

*Type of federal return filed is based on taxpayer's personal situation and IRS rules/regulations. Form 1040EZ is generally used by single/married taxpayers with taxable income under $100,000, no dependents, no itemized deductions, and certain types of income (including wages, salaries, tips, taxable scholarships or fellowship grants, and unemployment compensation). Additional fees apply with Earned Income Credit and you file any other returns such as city or local income tax returns, or if you select other products and services such as a Refund Anticipation Check. Available at participating U.S. locations. Offer expires February 15, 2013 ©2013 HRB Tax Group, Inc.

About H&R Block
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.

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