H&R Block To Hire More Than 5,000 Bilingual Spanish-Speaking Tax Professionals.

H&R Block, the nation’s leading tax services provider, has announced plans to hire more than 5,000 bilingual, Spanish-speaking tax professionals nationwide for the 2006 tax season in response to the company’s 10 percent growth in Latino clientele. With a population of more than 40 million, Hispanics are the nation’s largest minority group. According to the most recent U.S. Census Bureau estimates, the Hispanic population increased at a rate of 3.6 percent–more than three times the national average — over the last 12-month period that was measured.

“At H&R Block we recognize the need to continue training and hiring tax professionals that can serve the growing Hispanic population in their language of preference and at the standard of quality that our company is recognized for,” said Jennifer Breedlove, H&R Block Marketing Manager. “As we expand our presence in the Latino community, we have moved beyond the traditional large markets and now offer these services in smaller markets such as Phoenix, Atlanta and Sacramento.”

“In addition to the entry-level courses that we offer, H&R Block’s tax professionals continually upgrade their skills through required training courses that help them stay up-to-speed on all changes and updates to the tax legislation,” added Breedlove. “Participating in the income tax course can be the first step for Hispanics who are interested in learning a marketable skill or potentially starting a new career with our company.**”

“H&R Block’s Tax Training School has provided me with valuable financial skills that have helped strengthen both my personal and professional life,” said Lauren Taylor, H&R Block senior tax advisor. “The higher-level tax courses are great tools for continuing my education and advancing my professional development.”