H&R Block Announces Two New Offers: Refund Advance of Up to $1,250 and Free Federal 1040EZ

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Jan. 09, 2017 -- Starting today, H&R Block (NYSE:HRB) will make available a Refund Advance of up to $1,250* from MetaBank® to current and new clients. The Refund Advance, a no-interest loan offered for a limited time at participating locations, is repaid with the client’s federal or state income tax refunds. In most cases, clients will have access to money the same day they apply.

“We help Americans win every day when it comes to their income tax return,” said Bill Cobb, H&R Block president and CEO. “The no-interest Refund Advance and Free 1040EZ are just two examples of providing clients an exceptional value above and beyond tax preparation.”

The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act, which was passed to help combat tax refund fraud, requires the IRS to hold refunds of taxpayers claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) who file early. While roughly 30 million taxpayers claim the EITC or ACTC, approximately half file early and could be waiting until the week of Feb. 27 to get their refund from the IRS.

“For these clients and millions of others who desire access to money faster than the IRS can provide tax refunds, this loan can provide a valuable life line to cover unforeseen expenses,” Cobb said. “To be clear, this loan has no interest. There are no additional fees to apply. Current and new clients can visit an H&R Block location, let their tax professional know they are interested, and have their taxes e-filed. Those who apply will receive notification of approval or denial from the loan originator, and almost all who are approved will receive the loan proceeds the same day.”

 Millions can file for free at H&R Block offices

Another offer from H&R Block will allow approximately 23 million taxpayers to file a Federal 1040EZ for free through Feb. 28 at participating offices. This gives those taxpayers access to expert assistance in completing their returns, and guarantees they get their maximum refund.

“Filing a simple tax return may not be as easy as many taxpayers believe,” Cobb said. “Having assistance from a qualified tax professional provides taxpayers confidence that they aren’t leaving any money on the table.”

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

For more information on Refund Advance taxpayers can visit www.hrblock.com/refundadvance. To learn more about filing a Free 1040EZ and all other offers, find a nearby location or make an appointment, visit www.hrblock.com or call 1-800-HRBLOCK.

*This is an optional tax refund-related loan from MetaBank®, not your tax refund. Loans offered in amounts of $500, $750, or $1,250. Approval and loan amount based on estimated refund, ID verification, eligibility criteria, and underwriting. If approved, funds will be loaded on a prepaid card and the loan amount will be deducted from your refund reducing the amount paid directly to you. Tax returns may be e-filed without applying for this loan. Fees for other optional products or product features may apply. Limited time offer, at participating locations. Not offered in PR. HRB Maine License Number FRA2. See hrblock.com/loan for details.

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 2016, H&R Block had annual revenues of over $3 billion with 23.2 million tax returns prepared worldwide. For more information, visit the H&R Block Newsroom at http://newsroom.hrblock.com/.

About Meta Financial Group
Meta Financial Group, Inc. (MFG) is the holding company for MetaBank®, a federally chartered savings bank. MFG shares are traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market® under the symbol CASH. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, SD, MetaBank operates in both the Banking and Payments industries through: MetaBank, its traditional retail banking operation; Meta Payment Systems, its electronic payments division; AFS/IBEX, its insurance premium financing division; and Refund Advantage, its tax refund-transfer software division.

For Further Information
Gene King, 816-854-4287, [email protected]