H&R Block Unveils Tax Identity Shield(SM) to Help Protect, Assist Consumers

KANSAS CITY, MO--(Marketwired - January 26, 2015) - At a time when tax identity theft is on the rise, H&R Block (NYSE: HRB), the world's largest consumer tax services provider, joins with Equifax Inc. (NYSE: EFX) to offer its clients the industry's first product specifically directed to helping protect against tax identity theft, the Tax Identity Shield℠. While there are other identity-monitoring services available, none is specifically directed to helping protect against the growing problem of tax identity theft. Yet, since 2010, approximately 3 million taxpayers have fallen victim to criminals using personal identity information to file a fraudulent tax return and steal refunds from the IRS. Tax Identity Shield℠ will offer tools, resources and assistance designed to help reduce risk, promote awareness, and mitigate fallout, including assistance with restoration of the consumer's tax identity.

"As a company we look at our clients' lives through taxes and find ways we can help," said Mark Ciaramitaro, vice president of innovation for H&R Block. "Tax identify theft is one of the top concerns this time of year. Through Tax Identity Shield, which is offered exclusively by H&R Block to consumers, we are able to address a serious and growing problem for our clients."

Promotes awareness during Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week and year round
At the start of tax season last week and Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week Jan. 26-30, tax identity theft is forefront in the news. However, taxpayers and their information are vulnerable year round. The Tax Identity Shield℠ will provide taxpayers a pre-tax-season scan to provide awareness of their potential risk of tax identity theft for the upcoming season. Clients also will receive customized tools and year-round information and education on how to reduce that risk.

"With the number of tax identity theft victims doubling in the last few years, individuals need to be highly vigilant going into tax season," says Trey Loughran, President of Equifax Personal Solutions. "The good news is Tax Identity Shield provides an added layer of monitoring and security to help safeguard your tax information."

Minimize risk and mitigate fallout with the Tax Identity Shield℠
For those who qualify based on IRS requirements, Tax Identity Shield will provide tools and information to help clients better protect themselves from tax identity theft. Establishing an IRS Identity Protection PIN will make it more difficult for thieves to file a fraudulent return using that individual's tax identity. To mitigate fallout from a theft, the Tax Identity Shield will provide early detection of any fraudulent returns submitted through H&R Block and expert guidance and support from H&R Block restoration specialists.