H&R Block Publishes Fifth Annual ESG Report

Rhea-AI Summary

H&R Block has released its fifth Annual Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report for fiscal year 2024, highlighting its commitment to responsible business practices. Key achievements include:

• A 36% reduction in printed pages across retail locations through the 'Path to Print Less' initiative
• Introduction of an associate-led composting program at corporate headquarters
• Expansion of GHG emissions inventory
• Progress in the Spruce mobile banking platform, nearing $1B in customer deposits
• Launch of AI Tax Assist tool for DIY Online users
• Introduction of 'Fund Her Future' small business grant program
• Implementation of quarterly Block Party events for employee engagement

The report emphasizes H&R Block's dedication to transparency, sustainability, and social responsibility, aligning with its purpose to provide help and inspire confidence in clients and communities.

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE: HRB) today published its fifth Annual Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report for fiscal year 2024 (July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024). The Annual ESG Report reflects H&R Block’s ongoing commitment to transparency, sustainability, and responsible business practices in key areas such as environmental impact, social responsibility, corporate governance, stakeholder engagement, and more.

“At H&R Block, our Purpose is to provide help and inspire confidence in our clients and communities everywhere. As part of this Purpose, we believe in doing our part to be a responsible corporate citizen - which has been a part of our culture and aspirations from the very beginning,” said Jeff Jones, president, and CEO of H&R Block. “Together, we can continue to deliver on our Purpose and make a positive impact.”

Notable highlights from the 2024 Annual ESG Report include:

• On the Environmental front, H&R Block’s ‘Path to Print Less’ initiative reduced the number of total pages printed across its retail footprint by 36%. The company also introduced a new associate-led composting program at its corporate headquarters’ public cafeteria and sharpened its GHG emissions inventory by adding additional categories to its Scope 3 calculation.
• Within the Social category, the company furthered its commitment to easing the financial burdens of clients, continued to honor co-founders Henry and Richard Bloch’s legacy of service, and gave back to local communities through its Make Every Block Better impact platform.
  • Spruce¹, H&R Block’s mobile banking platform, is delivering on its mission to help people be better with money
    • Since launch through June 30, 2024, Spruce had 476K sign ups and is nearing a milestone of $1B in customer deposits. The company saw positive deposit trends, indicating Spruce is empowering clients to grow their financial health, and build financial literacy.
  • The launch of H&R Block’s AI Tax Assist tool in all DIY Online paid SKUs
    • The genAI powered experience was designed to streamline the tax preparation process for clients to file and manage their taxes confidently. The technology performed well as feedback indicated that the tool was easy to use, helpful in the tax prep process, and clients found value in it.
  • The inaugural year of ‘Fund Her Future’, H&R Block’s small business grant program
    • H&R Block provided $100K in funds and services to empower select women-owned businesses—particularly those focused on making a difference in their communities—to reach their full potential.
  • Supporting Connected Culture and more in-person engagement through Block Party events
    • Centered around bringing local associates and teams together, H&R Block introduced quarterly Block Party events at their corporate headquarters in Kansas City. Attendees had the opportunity to attend several Belonging events, networking sessions, professional panels, and other various engagement activities.
• Regarding Governance, H&R Block strives to maintain a culture of integrity, transparency, and accountability throughout all levels of the organization. The company is committed to strong ethical practices, responsible decision-making, and effective governance structures.
  

For more information and to read H&R Block’s FY24 Annual ESG Report, click here.

¹ Spruce fintech platform is built by H&R Block, which is not a bank. Spruce℠ Spending and Savings Accounts established at, and debit card issued by, Pathward^®, N.A., Member FDIC.

About H&R Block

H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE: HRB) provides help and inspires confidence in its clients and communities everywhere through global tax preparation services, financial products, and small-business solutions. The company blends digital innovation with human expertise and care as it helps people get the best outcome at tax time, and be better with money using its mobile banking app, Spruce. Through Block Advisors and Wave, the company helps small-business owners thrive with year-round bookkeeping, payroll, advisory, and payment processing solutions. For more information, visit H&R Block News.

For Further Information
Investor Relations:	Michaella Gallina, (816) 854-3022, michaella.gallina@hrblock.com
	Jordyn Eskijian, (816) 854-5674, jordyn.eskijian@hrblock.com
Media Relations:	Teri Daley, (816) 854-3787, teri.daley@hrblock.com
	Media Desk, mediadesk@hrblock.com

FAQ

What were the key environmental initiatives in H&R Block's 2024 ESG Report?

H&R Block's 2024 ESG Report highlighted two main environmental initiatives: the 'Path to Print Less' program, which reduced printed pages by 36% across retail locations, and the introduction of an associate-led composting program at the corporate headquarters' public cafeteria. The company also expanded its GHG emissions inventory by adding more categories to its Scope 3 calculation.

How did H&R Block (HRB) support women-owned businesses in 2024?

H&R Block launched the 'Fund Her Future' small business grant program in 2024. Through this initiative, the company provided $100,000 in funds and services to empower select women-owned businesses, particularly those focused on making a difference in their communities, to reach their full potential.

What progress did H&R Block's Spruce mobile banking platform make in FY 2024?

By June 30, 2024, H&R Block's Spruce mobile banking platform had achieved 476,000 sign-ups and was approaching $1 billion in customer deposits. The company reported positive deposit trends, indicating that Spruce is helping clients improve their financial health and build financial literacy.

How did H&R Block (HRB) incorporate AI into its tax services in 2024?

H&R Block launched the AI Tax Assist tool in all DIY Online paid SKUs in 2024. This genAI-powered experience was designed to streamline the tax preparation process for clients. Feedback indicated that users found the tool easy to use, helpful in the tax prep process, and valuable overall.

What employee engagement initiatives did H&R Block introduce in its 2024 ESG Report?

H&R Block introduced quarterly Block Party events at their corporate headquarters in Kansas City to support Connected Culture and increase in-person engagement. These events offered opportunities for local associates and teams to participate in Belonging events, networking sessions, professional panels, and various engagement activities.