H&R Block is a leading tax preparation and financial services franchise, founded in 1955 in Kansas City, Missouri. Brothers Henry W. Bloch and Richard Bloch started the company after offering bookkeeping and tax services under United Business Company. Today, the company is headquartered at One H&R Block Way in downtown Kansas City.

The franchise began expanding in 1956 when H&R Block opened its first independently owned office. Since then, the franchise network has grown to include thousands of locations across the United States, serving millions of individuals and small businesses annually.

H&R Block specializes in tax return preparation, both in-person and online. It also provides payroll services, small business support, and financial tools such as prepaid cards and identity protection.

The brand sets itself apart with a hybrid service model that combines human expertise with advanced digital technology, giving clients convenience and confidence during tax season.

Training

H&R Block provides comprehensive training programs to its franchisees as part of its franchisor support obligations. The training is categorized into several structured programs:

1. Initial Training
   This training is mandatory for all new franchisees and is conducted quarterly. It begins with an in-person session in Kansas City, MO, followed by virtual sessions. Topics include office operations, H&R Block software, products and services, compliance, marketing, and client service. The program includes approximately 35 hours of virtual instruction and 16 hours of on-the-job training. It’s designed to establish foundational knowledge for new franchisees and their management-level staff.
2. Ongoing Tax Preparation Training
   Franchisees and their employees can attend the H&R Block Income Tax Course (ITC), offered virtually and across the U.S. This course covers tax return preparation. While most locations charge a materials fee, the course itself is free. Additional web-based and instructor-led tax training sessions are also available for a fee.
3. Annual Required Training
   Each year, H&R Block mandates approximately 16 hours of training on its latest products, services, and compliance matters. Although the training is free, franchisees must cover any associated costs, such as employee wages.

Territory Protection

H&R Block provides a degree of territory protection to its franchisees under the Franchise License Agreement (FLA). Franchisees are granted the right to operate their business from an “Approved Location” within a specific “Franchise Territory” approved in writing by H&R Block.

The scope of the Franchise Territory varies—urban areas often receive a mapped territory or specific address, while rural areas may be defined by the municipal boundaries of a town or city.

This territorial grant typically ensures that no other H&R Block franchisee or company-operated office using the H&R Block marks and systems can operate within the defined territory, except as specified in the agreement. However, franchisees are permitted to serve clients from outside their territory and advertise in media that may extend beyond it.