United Way of Lake County Announces Enhanced Security Features to Free Online Tax Filing Tool
Lake County, Illinois (February 09, 2017) - United Way of Lake County announced enhanced security features to MyFreeTaxes designed to further safeguard taxpayer information. MyFreeTaxes is a free, safe and easy way for anyone earning $64,000 or less to file state and federal taxes.
For the past eight years, United Way has partnered with H&R Block to provide free tax filing services for federal and state taxes in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Since that time, the partnership has helped more than 750,000 taxpayers claim every deduction and credit they deserve. These tax breaks that lead to refunds provide important opportunities for individuals and families in Lake County to build their financial stability.
"MyFreeTaxes helps put refund money back in the taxpayers' pockets so that they can pay bills, cover their costs of living, and put money aside to build a more stable financial future," said President and CEO, Kristi Long.
When it comes to security and protecting client data, H&R Block is among the industry leaders. Its online filing platform contains:
• Encryption technology that helps safeguard sensitive information
• Several layers of authentication for H&R Block account access which further protects from unauthorized access
• Secure connection established between client's browser and H&R Block servers, encrypting any data that is passed between them to protect the privacy of that data
Eligibility and features
Taxpayers earning less than $64,000 can enter their data through MyFreeTaxes.com, which links to a secure H&R Block website, making it easy to complete their taxes from home, at work or on mobile devices.
The key features of MyFreeTaxes include:
• Free, unlimited, personalized real-time chat and phone support from IRS-certified operators at 1-855-MY-TX-HELP. The helpline, with operators who speak both English and Spanish, operates from January 13 through April 18 from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm EST Monday through Friday and noon to 9:00 pm EST on Saturday
• Refund RevealTM will show filers how and why their refund amount is changing
• MyFreeTaxes is promoted by United Way, and users can contact their local United Way for other local resources, or find ways to volunteer and further support their community
• Advanced functionality for those working in the gig economy or need to include information regarding real estate investments, stock options or inheritance taxes
MyFreeTaxes comes with the same brand promise as all H&R Block's products: those consumers are guaranteed a maximum refund, 100 percent accuracy and 100 percent satisfaction. H&R Block's DIY products are based on 60-plus years of preparing income tax returns.
About United Way of Lake County:
United Way of Lake County (UWLC) is preparing our children to succeed in a changing world by focusing on education and building safe and stable families. Working with nonprofit agencies and community partners, we have identified four key programs to prepare children to succeed: Success By 6 Program - prepare for kindergarten; Reading Success Program - read at grade level; Stay in School Program - graduate high school; Safe and Stable Families Program - empowering families. UWLC is overcoming reading and educational barriers by reaching children, from preschool through high school, through these key programs. The overall effect and benefits are multiplied by the strong collaboration with agencies and our community partners. For more information, visit www.LIVEUNITEDlakecounty.org.
About H&R Block
H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE: HRB) is a global consumer tax services provider. Tax return preparation services are provided by professional tax preparers in approximately 12,000 company-owned and franchise retail tax offices worldwide, and through H&R Block tax software products for the DIY consumer. H&R Block also offers adjacent Tax Plus products and services. In fiscal 2016, H&R Block had annual revenues of over $3 billion with 23.2 million tax returns prepared worldwide. For more information, visit the H&R Block Newsroom at http://newsroom.hrblock.com/.