H&R Block advises DIY clients on how to prepare for taxes at end of season

Get organized, review product options and start the preparation process—it’s that simple


KANSAS CITY, Mo., April 03, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With just days to go before the April 17 tax filing deadline, H&R Block (NYSE:HRB) wants DIY taxpayers to know that just because they are running out of time to file, doesn’t mean they are running out of good preparation options.

“The only difference between filing when e-file opened in January and filing now, is that taxpayers have less time to file, and that means they need to focus on getting this task accomplished before the April 17 deadline,” said Heather Watts, senior vice president and general manager of digital at H&R Block. “The best way to start the DIY tax prep process is to make sure you have all the paperwork you need to file your return – if you don’t you could end up filing a return that isn’t accurate.”

Get organized –for this year and next year

To help avoid filing frustration, DIY filers should make sure they have all the documents they will need before they start entering their information. Making a customized tax preparation checklist can help. With H&R Block DIY products previous year tax returns can be imported from virtually any preparer, using the “drag and drop” feature, which makes getting necessary information from last year’s return, such as how much adjusted gross income was earned in 2016, much easier.

Taxpayers who want to start preparing for tax season 2019 and making the organization process easier for next year can start using an H&R Block MyBlock account to store their 2018 tax-related documents. Also, the new Self-Employed product integrates the mobile expense tracking app Stride Tax, which automates mileage tracking and helps clients discover tax deductions unique to their profession.

Check out the H&R Block DIY options

H&R Block’s DIY products are based on 60-plus years of preparing income tax returns. H&R Block’s DIY interview will guide clients through preparing and filing an accurate tax return. Whether a client selects a software (downloadable from the website) or an online product, with all H&R Block tax prep solutions, consumers receive several H&R Block guarantees.

“Whether you’re a first-time DIY filer or you’ve been using our DIY products for many years, you can feel confident knowing that when you have the appropriate financial documents on hand, you can easily file an accurate tax return that gets you your maximum tax refund,” Watts said.

Be confident and get started

Understanding tax law isn’t a requirement for being a DIY filer because the interview questions in the product guide clients through the preparation process. Also built into the DIY software products and the paid online products is access to live, free, unlimited chat with a tax expert from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends (all times are central), and The H&R Block Community is available 24/7.  

Online clients who want more assistance can add Tax Pro Review, making it possible for a completed DIY online tax return to be reviewed and filed by a tax pro – all without the client making a trip to the tax office.

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, susan.waldron@hrblock.com