In the Beginning...

Over 50 years ago, brothers Henry and Richard Bloch founded the company known today as H&R Block. The pair began working together in the late 1940s, operating the United Business Company, which provided bookkeeping services to small businesses in Kansas City, Missouri.

As an added courtesy, the brothers offered individual income tax return preparation to the executives of their client companies. Word of this particular service spread, and before long, they were preparing individual tax returns by the score. Henry and Richard saw that concentrating on tax preparation services would be both an innovative and sound business venture. Thus, H&R Block Inc. was formed in 1955, with Henry as president and chief executive officer and Richard as chairman of the board.

Serving Millions of Canadians

In 1964, H&R Block opened its first franchised operation in Canada. The next year, it opened its first company-owned operation. Today, H&R Block Canada Inc. prepares approximately two million returns annually, making it Canada's leading tax preparation firm. Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, the company serves the taxpaying public in more than 900 offices across the country. Tax professionals use the latest in computerized processing and up-to-date electronic filing technology to prepare all types of returns, including personal, small business, corporate, farm, trucker, fishing, U.S., rental and estate.

In addition to operating throughout the U.S and Canada, H&R Block has offices in 13 foreign countries. The company prepares tax returns for Canadians not just here at home, but in its overseas offices as well - though it may take a little longer!

Training the Best

H&R Block trains its tax preparers through its own highly regarded Income Tax School. In Canada, more than 10,000 students enroll in the school annually. The Level One course provides training not only to potential H&R Block employees, but to employees of some of the top financial institutions in the country, including major banks, mutual fund companies and brokerage firms. Senior preparers with H&R Block go on to complete five more course levels.

The training given to the company's tax professionals is so thorough that each H&R Block client receives a written guarantee - the strongest in the industry. This commitment to quality is a key element of the company's success.

Beyond Tax Returns

H&R Block's business activities go beyond income tax preparation. The company also provides electronic filing, monthly bookkeeping support, and small business accounting.

Our vision for the future is to be the preferred tax and financial partner of each of our customers, in every market we serve.