H&R Block launches personal tax preparation as employee benefit

Tax preparation company H&R Block Inc. is tapping into the burgeoning employee benefits market by launching H&R Block Employer Solutions, an employee tax preparation benefit for employers throughout the United States.

The H&R Block Employer Solutions program debuts at a time when standards for benefits packages are rising and employers seek unique enhancements to compensate employees. H&R Block developed the new program to provide a turnkey solution for companies while their employees enjoy a contemporary addition to traditional benefits packages.

Employers will receive program-specific promotional and employee enrollment materials, supported by consultants who will facilitate employer and employee enrollments. During tax season, H&R Block representatives will provide individual income tax preparation to participating employees.

Following their tax preparation, program participants may elect additional services available through H&R Block's financial and mortgage service lines. This full-service approach has potential to add increased value to the employee's tax preparation benefit. Initial target companies for the program are expected to be Fortune 50 Companies and Fortune's 100 Best Places to Work.

"Lingering concern over attracting quality labor has produced a variety of non-traditional employee benefits such as concierge services, on-site banking, subsidized child and pet care, on-premises massages and financial planning programs," says David Byers, senior vice president and chief marketing officer for H&R Block.

"We expect the H&R Block Employer Solutions program to be particularly attractive to employers because it provides a highly desirable tax preparation service with options for a variety of financial services."

Edited by Steve Tarnoff