H&R Block’s Latest Brand Campaign Encourages Hardworking Americans to Switch to the Winning Team by Showing Why ‘It’s Better With Block’ 

Rhea-AI Summary

H&R Block (HRB) launches integrated brand campaign 'It's Better With Block' to highlight flexible filing options, transparent pricing, and expertise of 60,000 tax professionals. The campaign aims to showcase the reasons to file with H&R Block and join the 5 million tax filers who switched last year.

Insights

Market Research Analyst

Examining H&R Block's new integrated brand campaign from a market research perspective, it's evident that the company is leveraging its historical reputation and scale to differentiate itself in a competitive tax preparation market. With a strategy focused on flexibility, transparency and technological innovation, H&R Block is positioning itself to capture a larger market share, particularly among those seeking convenience and assurance in tax filing.

The inclusion of AI Tax Assist reflects a trend where companies are integrating artificial intelligence to improve customer service and operational efficiency. This technology adoption can potentially reduce costs and increase customer satisfaction, which may lead to higher customer retention rates and attract new clients who are seeking tech-forward tax solutions. Furthermore, the emphasis on transparent pricing and an array of guarantees could appeal to price-sensitive consumers who are wary of hidden fees.

However, the success of this campaign will largely depend on the execution and customer reception of the AI Tax Assist feature. If it proves to be effective and reliable, it could serve as a significant differentiator. On the other hand, any shortcomings in the technology could damage the brand's reputation for accuracy and reliability. The market will be closely watching customer feedback and adoption rates following this campaign launch.

Financial Analyst

The launch of H&R Block's campaign and its new features like AI Tax Assist could have a positive impact on the company's financial performance. By offering these enhanced services at no additional charge, they may increase the perceived value of their offerings, which could drive revenue growth through higher volumes of tax filings and potentially upsell opportunities for their other financial services.

Additionally, the Refund Advance Loan product could be financially lucrative, as it may attract customers who are in immediate need of their refunds. Although offered at 0% interest, the product could still generate revenue through cross-selling and customer loyalty. The financial implications of these initiatives, however, will need to be monitored over the tax season to assess their impact on the company's bottom line.

Investors should consider the costs associated with the campaign and new service offerings against the potential for increased revenue and market share. It will also be important to analyze how these initiatives affect the company's competitive positioning, especially against digital-first tax preparation services that have been gaining traction in recent years.

Legal Expert

From a legal standpoint, the guarantees offered by H&R Block, such as the Maximum Refund Guarantee and 100% Accuracy Guarantee, signify a strong commitment to compliance and customer assurance. These guarantees not only serve as a marketing tool but also impose a legal obligation on the company to meet certain standards of service. Failure to do so could result in legal challenges or damage to the company's reputation.

The transparent pricing model is also significant in the current regulatory environment where there is increased scrutiny on hidden fees and deceptive pricing practices. By committing to upfront pricing, H&R Block is aligning itself with consumer protection trends and potentially avoiding future regulatory pitfalls.

Moreover, the partnership with Pathward for the Refund Advance Loan product and the Spruce mobile banking platform indicates a strategic move to diversify services while navigating the regulatory requirements of financial products. These offerings must adhere to banking regulations and their successful deployment could provide H&R Block with a competitive edge in the financial services space, beyond traditional tax preparation.

The integrated campaign spotlights flexible filing options, transparent and competitive pricing, accuracy and max refund guarantees and the unrivaled expertise of its 60,000 tax pros 

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Jan. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With nearly 70 years of experience and more than 935 million returns filed worldwide, H&R Block (NYSE: HRB) has a long history of helping clients achieve the best possible outcomes at tax time. Today the company unveiled its latest integrated brand campaign, It’s Better With Block, to showcase the many reasons to file with H&R Block and join the 5 million tax filers who switched last year.  

From easy-to-use DIY software featuring AI Tax Assist with access to tax professionals included at no additional charge to full-service tax filing assistance at an H&R Block office located in every state and within five miles of the majority of the U.S. population, H&R Block can support clients wherever they are and however they prefer to file.  

At the heart of the campaign, It’s Better With Block shows that taxes don’t always have to be taxing. No matter the circumstance or how complicated the situation, clients can rely on the experience of H&R Block’s more than 60,000 tax professionals who are backed by its world-class The Tax Institute to ensure 100% accuracy and get their maximum refund, guaranteed.¹ 

“H&R Block helped 20+ million clients file their taxes last year with half of them in-person at one of our 10,000 offices. This provides us with a deep understanding of Americans’ unique tax situations and uniquely qualifies us to meet the needs of every client,” said Jill Cress, Chief Marketing and Experience Officer at H&R Block. “This campaign is perfectly suited to reflect how we have evolved our company to enable individuals to file how they want to file, with affordable and transparent pricing, and unmatched care and value.” 

Created and produced by Ogilvy New York, It’s Better with Block officially launched in the U.S. on Dec. 30, 2023, with a TV spot featuring Max, H&R Block’s mascot and champion of H&R Block clients. As the first TaxCot, Max celebrates those who make a switch to the winning team in taxes and showcases the many reasons why filing taxes is better with Block. 

“Tax season represents a big, personal moment each year – encapsulating a year’s worth of hard work and financial decision-making – and yet we never see it acknowledged that way in culture. Until now,” said Liz Taylor, Global Chief Creative Officer, Ogilvy. “It’s Better With Block shows how H&R Block champions its client's individual journeys and delivers a better tax experience and outcome through convenient, transparent, personalized services.” 

Why “It’s Better With Block”  

• Flexible Filing Options – File yourself online any time and on any device with expert help if you need it, or file with a tax pro virtually via chat, phone or video or in-person.  
• Upfront Transparent Pricing – Know before you start filing exactly what you will pay. No need to waste time preparing your return to find out the price.¹  
• No Upgrade Required – H&R Block AI Tax Assist and Live Tax Pro support are included at no extra charge when you file yourself with H&R Block Deluxe, Premium or Self-Employed Online Editions. AI Tax Assist provides online DIY tax filers instant, unlimited help with no extra fees or upgrade required for live tax pro assistance. The new capability combines nearly seven decades of trusted tax expertise with the latest advancements in artificial intelligence technology to streamline and simplify the tax preparation process.  
• Our Guarantees – We are committed to making tax prep less taxing, so we have a plethora of guarantees, including a Maximum Refund Guarantee, a 100% Accuracy Guarantee, a No Surprises Guarantee, an Audit Support Guarantee and a Satisfaction Guarantee.¹ 

H&R Block also offers a suite of services beyond tax preparation to meet the ever-changing needs of clients, including:  

• Block Advisors provides expertise and care at an affordable price for freelancers, contractors and small business owners who need help with taxes, bookkeeping, payroll and business formation.  
• H&R Block Financial Services  
  • Refund Advance Loan² – clients could get up to $3,500 the day they file at 0% interest with no loan fees and no impact on credit scores.  
  • Spruce³ – the mobile banking platform built by H&R Block that includes a robust lineup of tools to empower individuals to take control of their finances, including that clients who deposit their federal tax refund to Spruce can get it up to six days early.⁴ 
  • Emerald Card^®3 – a ready-to-use prepaid debit card that clients can walk out of an office with a card in hand.  
    

For more information on tax preparation services that will help you get your maximum refund, head to hrblock.com, and follow us on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook for helpful tips and information during tax season and beyond. 

¹ See hrblock.com/guarantees for complete details.   
² This is an optional tax refund-related loan from Pathward^®, N.A.; it is not your tax refund. Loans are offered in amounts of $250, $500, $750, $1,250 or $3,500. Approval and loan amount based on expected refund amount, eligibility criteria, and underwriting. If approved, funds will be disbursed as directed to a prepaid card or checking account at Pathward. The loan amount will be deducted from your tax refund, reducing the refund 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. HRB Maine License No. FRA2. OBTP#13696-BR. 
³ Bank products by Pathward, Member FDIC. 
⁴ Does not change IRS refund processing speed. Claim is based on making federal refunds available when payment instruction is received, which may be earlier than scheduled payment date. Depends on timing of the IRS's payment file. Available only for federal refunds. May be changed or discontinued at any time.   

About H&R Block 

H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE: HRB) provides help and inspires confidence in its clients and communities everywhere through global tax preparation services, financial products, and small-business solutions. The company blends digital innovation with human expertise and care as it helps people get the best outcome at tax time and also be better with money using its mobile banking app, Spruce. Through Block Advisors and Wave, the company helps small-business owners thrive with year-round bookkeeping, payroll, advisory, and payment processing solutions. For more information, visit H&R Block News or follow @HRBlockNews on X.

FAQ

What is the latest integrated brand campaign launched by H&R Block?

H&R Block has launched the 'It's Better With Block' campaign to highlight the benefits of filing with the company, such as flexible filing options, transparent pricing, and the expertise of its 60,000 tax professionals.

What are the key features of the 'It's Better With Block' campaign?

The campaign focuses on flexible filing options, transparent pricing, and the expertise of 60,000 tax professionals, aiming to showcase the reasons to file with H&R Block and join the 5 million tax filers who switched last year.

What guarantees does H&R Block offer to its clients?

H&R Block offers a range of guarantees, including a Maximum Refund Guarantee, 100% Accuracy Guarantee, No Surprises Guarantee, Audit Support Guarantee, and Satisfaction Guarantee.

What additional services does H&R Block offer besides tax preparation?

In addition to tax preparation, H&R Block offers services such as Block Advisors for freelancers and small business owners, H&R Block Financial Services Refund Advance Loan, Spruce mobile banking platform, and Emerald Card prepaid debit card.

Where can clients find more information on H&R Block's tax preparation services?

Clients can find more information on H&R Block's tax preparation services on the company's website at hrblock.com, as well as on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook for helpful tips and information during tax season and beyond.