Campaign Launches to Educate Hispanics on Tax Preparation

USA - English

• Latin America - español

Spanish-speaking taxpayers can face barriers of language, fraud and misinformation

WASHINGTON, Jan. 18, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --  When it comes to taxes, many Hispanics face an uphill battle wrought with barriers such as language, fraud and misinformation. To help address Spanish-speaking taxpayers' needs for trustful and credible help, the Hispanic Access Foundation has launched an eight-city outreach and educational campaign in partnership with H&R Block, the world's largest tax services provider.

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The campaign "Preparate Para Un Futuro Mejor" (Prepare Yourself for a Better Future) is designed to emphasize the importance of building an accurate tax history and to give Hispanics tools to protect against fraud and misinformation in the tax preparation process.

"HAF's helpline has been flooded with calls from Hispanics with questions, confusion, and concerns about their taxes," said Maite Arce, executive director of HAF. "Past calls included fears about immigration status, situations of fraud or that they've trusted unskilled tax preparers. It's evident that there is a critical need for tax preparation education."

The importance of this education is underscored by the fact that Hispanic buying power is expected to reach $1.5 trillion in 2015, according to the Selig Center for Economic Growth, and that several million Hispanics are estimated to have never filed a tax return.

"Hispanics need access to quality information in their language and to bilingual tax experts to build their understanding about taxes," said Arce. "With over 2,100 bilingual offices nationwide, H&R Block is an ideal partner to help this population."

Throughout the campaign, HAF and H&R Block will work with faith-based and community leaders in select communities to discuss tax topics, participate in community events and promote informational tax seminars called "Tax Talks."

About Hispanic Access Foundation

Hispanic Access Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that works to promote responsible citizenship, educational attainment, and active engagement in the improvement of the health, environment, and financial well-being of Hispanic families throughout the United States. Working with and through our strategic partnerships with faith and community organizations, we are dedicated to providing greater access to vital information and community resources to the U.S. Hispanic population to improve their health and quality of life. For more information visit www.hispanicaccess.org.

About H&R Block

H&R Block Inc. (NYSE: HRB) has prepared more than 575 million tax returns worldwide since 1955, making it the country's largest tax services provider. In fiscal 2011, H&R Block had annual revenues of $3.8 billion and prepared more than 24.5 million tax returns worldwide, including Canada and Australia. Tax return preparation services are provided in company-owned and franchise retail tax offices by approximately 100,000 professional tax preparers, and through H&R Block At Home™ digital products. H&R Block Bank provides affordable banking products and services. For more information, visit the H&R Block Online Press Center.

CONTACT: Robert Fanger, +1-317-410-7668, [email protected]

SOURCE Hispanic Access Foundation