Ready, Set … Refund!

H&R Block, 7-Eleven Work Together To Speed up Americans' Access

(Monday, February 06, 2006) - H&R Block clients needing a convenient, low-cost option to cash their refund anticipation loan checks need look no further than their neighborhood 7-Eleven store.
For the second year, H&R Block clients can head to 7-Eleven® stores equipped with Vcom® kiosks as a quick alternative to receive cash from their refund anticipation loan check for clients who don't have conventional banking services, or those who prefer not to wait for the "check in the mail." The world's largest convenience retailing chain and America's largest tax preparation company have signed a three-year agreement whereby H&R Block clients can go to any 7-Eleven store with a Vcom® kiosk to cash their refund anticipation loan checks.

7-Eleven stores' expedited process enables the tax preparer's clients to cash loan checks up to $9,999 based upon the amount of individual's anticipated refund loan, usually in less than two minutes. More than 1,400 H&R Block offices are participating in the program, and clients can cash their refund loan checks at any 7-Eleven Vcom® kiosk day or night.

"H&R Block served 16 million clients in its retail offices in 2005," said Rick Updyke, vice president of corporate business development for 7-Eleven, "and many want immediate access to money for a reasonable fee without limitations on cashing their refund loan checks.

"7-Eleven has removed these obstacles with 24-hour check-cashing, convenient locations and low check-cashing fees. Based on recent market surveys, 7-Eleven check-cashing fees for H&R Block clients with refund anticipation loan checks are typically more than 20 percent below those charged by traditional check-cashing outlets. As a result, consumers get to keep more money in their pocket," Updyke added.

Vcom®, short for "virtual commerce," is the name of the proprietary financial services kiosks located in more than 1,100 7-Eleven stores. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the interactive, self-service machines allow customers to cash payroll, refund anticipation loan checks, tax refund checks, and government checks, as well as conduct ATM, money order, bill payment and money transfer transactions. The kiosks offer bi-lingual, touch-screen menus and multi-lingual, 24-hour customer service from a phone at the kiosk.

The program is available at participating 7-Eleven stores equipped with Vcom® kiosks in the states of Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Oregon and Washington as well as stores in eastern Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., Virginia, Texas, and Utah. 7-Eleven is the exclusive convenience store outlet to provide this check-cashing service for H&R Block clients.

"Nearly 22.2 million households in America don't have checking accounts," said Tim Gokey, president of U.S. Tax for H&R Block. "When it comes to cashing a check, they need to have choices to select a service that is trustworthy, convenient and offers a fair and competitive price. 7-Eleven is one of several convenient, low-cost refund loan check-cashing options we're providing our clients this year to help them keep as much money as possible."

How it Works
At the 7-Eleven Vcom® kiosk, H&R Block clients will be directed through a short series of touch-screen prompts to complete their quick check-cashing transaction. After selecting "Check-Cashing" from the main menu, the customer will select the H&R Block option and enter key information into the secure Vcom® electronic form. The customer will receive cash for the face amount of the check minus a check-cashing fee.

H&R Block associates will share information about the 7-Eleven Vcom® refund anticipation loan check-cashing service with their clients, and signs and printed information will be displayed and distributed at participating H&R Block tax offices. Window banners, Vcom® kiosk signs and light pole signs are posted at participating 7-Eleven stores to alert customers that the Vcom tax check-cashing service is available.

About 7-Eleven, Inc.
is the premier name and largest chain in the convenience retailing industry. Based in Dallas, Texas, 7-Eleven, Inc. operates or franchises more than 5,800 7-Eleven® stores in the United States and Canada and licenses more than 23,600 7-Eleven stores in 17 countries and U.S. territories. During 2005, 7-Eleven stores worldwide generated total sales of approximately $43 billion. Find out more online at www.7-Eleven.com.



About H&R Block
H&R Block is a leading provider of tax, financial, mortgage, accounting and business consulting services and products. H&R Block is the world's largest tax services provider, having prepared more than 400 million tax returns since 1955. The company and its subsidiaries generated revenues of $4.4 billion and net income of $636 million in fiscal year 2005 from operations in four principal business segments: tax preparation and advice via in-office, online and software solutions; investment and financial advisory services; retail and wholesale mortgage services; and tax/accounting/business consulting services for midsized companies. Headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., H&R Block markets its services and products under three leading brands: H&R Block, Option One and RSM McGladrey. For more information, visit our Online Press Center at www.hrblock.com.

Cynthia Baker
7-Eleven, Inc.
214.828.7345

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