Tax preparation firm H&R Block announced Tuesday (Jan. 16) that it would link up with megaretailer Walmart in what is being billed as an exclusive partnership, according to Globe Newswire reports. Under the terms of the deal, H&R Block will become the sole provider of tax software available at Walmart stores.
“At H&R Block, we give our clients the flexibility to prepare their taxes however they want, which includes offering them the products they want where they shop,” said Heather Watts, the tax software company’s senior vice president and general manager of digital. “Walmart shoppers expect to get the best value possible, and in this partnership with Walmart, H&R Block desktop software is committed to meeting customers’ tax prep needs.”
The tax company noted its services would provide Walmart customers with competitively priced products, free in-person audit representation, unlimited tax advice through live chat, up to five free federal returns and tax identity care, among other features. Its shares rose 1 percent intraday in the wake of the news, CNBC reported.
With the Walmart partnership in place, H&R Block will be the “new, exclusive do-it-yourself desktop tax software provider available at Walmart stores nationwide, and sold directly by Walmart on walmart.com,” according to the tax prep company. “This exclusive retail partnership brings the value, innovation and support of H&R Block do-it-yourself desktop software products to the world’s largest retailer, making the do-it-yourself products even more convenient for clients.”
In other recent company news, H&R Block announced earlier this month that chief marketing and strategy officer Kathy Collins was leaving the firm as of Jan. 17. The Kansas City Business Journal reported the executive was behind the “Get Your Billions Back, America” campaign, and also helped cement a sponsorship of the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Collins leaves as H&R Block has hired Jeff Jones, former Uber president, as its new CEO. The company has not yet named Collins’ replacement.
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