KANSAS CITY, Mo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 12, 2005--H&R Block (NYSE:HRB):

What: Media conference call -- H&R Block and ACORN will be
announcing 2005 key programs and provide a partnership
update
When: Conference Call, January 13 (Thursday), 1:00-1:30 p.m. EST
Press release distribution prior to call: Jan. 13,
10:00 a.m. EST
Conference
Dial-in: 1-877-610-5008
Optional RSVP(a): 1-800-362-9317
(a) Reservation not required for call, but greatly appreciated
Who: Johnny Clark and Jordan Ash with ACORN and Murray Walton
with H&R Block will be available to answer questions about
the 2005 programs
To email questions in advance, send to jsmiley@hrblock.com.

Background

In June 2004, H&R Block and the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) aligned to create and execute programs designed to maximize tax refunds and promote low-cost filing options for consumers seeking to get their money faster.

The three-year alliance will focus on increasing awareness of tax credits and government benefit programs among low-income taxpayers. H&R Block will provide tax and financial expertise and funding to develop educational materials, and ACORN will implement programs using those materials in select communities via its local chapters.

The announcement tomorrow will focus on the launch of an Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) grassroots campaign, and enhancements to disclosures on the cost and speed of refund options.

About ACORN

The Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now is the nation's largest community organization of low- and moderate-income families, with over 150,000 member families organized into 750 neighborhood chapters in 65 cities across the country. Since 1970 ACORN has taken action and won victories on issues of concern to its members. Priorities include better housing for first time homebuyers and tenants, living wages for low-wage workers, more investment in communities from banks and governments, and better public schools. ACORN achieves these goals by building community organizations that have the power to win changes through direct action, negotiation, legislation, and voter participation.

About H&R Block

Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2005, H&R Block Inc. (www.hrblock.com) is a diversified company with subsidiaries that deliver tax services and financial advice, investment and mortgage services, and business accounting and consulting services. H&R Block empowers clients to make tax and financial decisions by providing a unique combination of tax services, financial information and advice, and related products and services. The company's mission is to help clients achieve their tax and financial objectives by serving as their tax and financial partner.

As the world's largest tax services company, in 2004 H&R Block served more than 21 million clients in the U.S. and 12 countries. H&R Block Financial Advisors Inc. offers investment services and securities products. With approximately 1,000 financial advisors serving clients at approximately 270 branch offices, H&R Block Financial Advisors Inc. is a member NYSE, SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and investment advisor. H&R Block Inc. is not a registered broker-dealer and is not a registered investment advisor. H&R Block Mortgage Corp. offers a full range of retail mortgage services. Option One Mortgage Corp. provides mortgage services and offers wholesale mortgages through large financial institutions and a network of 24,000 independent mortgage brokers. RSM McGladrey Business Services Inc. and its subsidiaries serve mid-sized businesses and their owners with tax, accounting and business consulting services, as well as personal wealth management services.

CONTACT: H&R Block
Janine Smiley, 816-932-4871
jsmiley@hrblock.com
SOURCE: H&R Block