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H&R Block lets consumers track tax refund via mobile app

The financial service company partnered with Pageonce for the mobile initiative. H&R Block’s Tax Center is integrated into the Pageonce mobile application and provides consumers with updates of the status of their tax return and their federal and state tax refunds.

“Taxpayers are increasingly looking to have all of their financial information at their fingertips – all the time, anywhere,” said Jason Houseworth, senior vice president of digital solutions at H&R Block. “While tax information has been traditionally thought of in a seasonal and reactive sense, this is quickly changing as tax preparation and management becomes a proactive, real-time, year-round concern.

“Our strategy with Pageonce is an opportunity to extend H&R Block’s tax expertise and trust to the taxpayer wherever and whenever they need it,” he said.

H&R Block provides tax return preparation services in person, through H&R Block At Home online and desktop software products, as well as through other channels.

The Pageonce Money & Bills service offers clarity and control over all accounts in one single place, automatically organizing bank and credit card accounts, tracking transactions, managing bills, and sending real-time alerts.

Tax me
Users can enter their H&R Block At Home username and password within the Pageonce mobile application.

Then, their information is automatically populated into the Tax Center.

The Pageonce application is available for free download for iPhone, Android, BlackBerry and Windows Phone 7 devices.

“Pageonce provides mobile, integrated solutions that present a consumer’s full financial picture within the convenience of a mobile device,” Mr. Houseworth said. “Presenting H&R Block’s tax services and expertise is a natural extension of Pageonce’s growing capabilities.

“Over time, consumers have moved from traditional paper-based tax preparation to include desktop and online tax preparation options with H&R Block’s At Home tax preparation service,” he said.

“Now that mobile devices have increased in power and connectivity, it’s only natural that H&R Block’s tax services should be extended to the handheld, offering taxpayers the capability to manage their taxes from wherever they are.”

‘Tis the tax season
According to H&R Block, the partnership could not have come at a better time.

More consumers are anxious to get their tax refund and mobile is a perfect channel to keep them up-to-date on the status of it.

“Unfortunately there’s not a whole lot of tax season left, but we are continuing development of mobile solutions for our customers – both through partners and H&R Block-branded offerings, so stay tuned,” Mr. Houseworth said.

Final Take