Bob Bly Direct Response Copywriter Official Banner

H&R Block’s PR Nightmare

February 24th, 2006 by Bob Bly

Union Carbide’s Bhophal and Tylenol are classic cases of PR crisis management. And now we can add H&R Block to the list.

It was announced on the radio this morning that H&R Block screwed up its own tax returns, and owes the IRS $32 million in back taxes.

Already, according to the radio report, H&R Block has lost 250,000 clients as a result.

If you were the CEO, marketing manager, or PR firm for H&R Block, what steps would you take to manage this PR crisis?

Share

This entry was posted on Friday, February 24th, 2006 at 8:59 am and is filed under PR. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

71 responses about “H&R Block’s PR Nightmare”

  1. Mike Tinling said:

    I don’t know about the United States but here in Canada. There motto is “If we make a mistake on your tax returns we will pay”
    There only way out of this dilemma, is, to do just that.
    I would think that by the time their accountants get done with the taxes, it will more likely end up at 2 or 3 million and then their PR people will have their work cut out for them.
    As for what kind of a spin would I put on it? I will have to see.
    Mike Tinling
    Toronto, Canada

  2. Jim said:

    This is a challenge: My first idea is to switch it by stating, “At H&R Block we are so focused on doing the best tax returns possible for our clients by applying the best brains we have. We spend most of our time doing the best job we can for our customers, that we took our eye off our own ball. And this is just a temporary setback that will be fixed quickly as we continue to provide excellent tax services to our clients. Last year alone our client save over $xxx on their HR Block prepared returns and just think how much more money we can save our clients with our newly acquired appreciation for the IRS!!”

  3. Pam said:

    Other than putting a gun to my head? I guess I’d point out that, like most corporations, the executive division doesn’t know 1/10th as much about what the company does as the folks on the front line do.

    Beyond that only half-joking suggestion, I can’t offer too many ideas.

  4. Kim Stacey said:

    I truly wish I had a better idea – blaming someone else appears to be the way politicians handle it. Blame someone, and then fire them. “Clean House” of the miscreants (I know, that’s a bit harsh, isn’t it?) and then proclaim to everyone that “it won’t happen again”.

    Validate the training of the current staff through test scores, or some other criteria.
    Offer significant promotional savings to new or returning clients.

    I’d love to hear what you think!

  5. Yancey said:

    One way to manage this crisis is by using this slant:

    “The tax code is so complex…changing year to year…even the professionals have a challenge keeping up with it. And we live, eat, and breath tax law.”

    Then put in place, and advertise the bejeezus out of, an iron clad, kick-butt guarantee.

  6. Perry Marshall said:

    I think some people go into certain professions to make up for a deficiency. Kind of like when a guy calls you up to do a business deal and he’s gushing about how important “Integrity” is it’s usually a sign that he’s lacking in that area. Watch out, cuz he’s probably got his hand in the cookie jar.

    Maybe people could buy H&R Block Stock instead of paying their taxes this year?

    Oh yeah, and thanks for the other articles ya sent, Bob!

    Perry

  7. Irwin Greenstein said:

    I would launch an intenste testimonial-driven marketing campaign.

  8. douglas bowyer said:

    Has anyone else been re-charged for last years taxes on there debit or credit cards by h&r block. I was told it was a glich in there system by my local branch. It has been a month know and still not resolved. I am trying to find out if this is a isolated incident or if is a national issue. Thanx

  9. John Sinclair said:

    That’s a good one 🙂

    “The tax code is so complex…changing year to year…even the professionals have a challenge keeping up with it. And we live, eat, and breath tax law.”

    But did you know that it is absolutely true. Even the FBI is scared of the IRS.

    John
    http://www.taxesandattorney.com

  10. Zmajrkz said:

    http://10.forsedsex.info x

  11. Zmajrwj said:

    http://gerlxxxssexy.info x

  12. adams tax advice said:

    The tax code is not too complicated. All you have to do is read it slowly. All you have to do is understand the deductions. Righteous or what! That is not too complicated. They are basically simple. I know I have studies 100’s of hours of tax law and did tons of research.

  13. charles wright said:

    Lets simplifly tax, everyone and every business pay 10%,Get rid of the democrats and republicans,Vote one man or woman in for each state, and lets become the UNITED STATES of AMERICA again.Stop trying to control the world,and take care of our owen first. 9.5 tril in debt, 1mil a miniut its out of control. Take care of our world, and go GREEN.Whats wrong with being the good guys,the goverment has damaged our good names long enough.Oh yea H&R block would have to get a real job.

  14. Should I hire an accountant or do my taxes on my own? - My Investing Blog said:

    […] of the people I’ve talked to (including the one I interviewed) said that the person they used from H&R Block was a 23 year old fresh out of school that had book smart, but not so much tax smart; […]

  15. Matthew Woodard said:

    I believe i would come up with a very creative campaign…something along the lines of “no one’s perfect” something to draw in the public’s attention to detail, and getting the point accross that we PAY attention to detail…

    of course we would have to do something very creative, probably divert attention from the negatives…i did some design and web work for H&R Block back in 2006.

  16. Morgan said:

    Get online and do as much damage control via the blogs as you possibly can.

  17. web design cornwall said:

    web design cornwall…

    […]H&R Block’s PR Nightmare – bly.com blog – bly.com direct marketing blog[…]…

  18. linkedin said:

    I believe i would come up with a very creative campaign…something along the lines of “no one’s perfect” something to draw in the public’s attention to detail, and getting the point accross that we PAY attention to detail…

    of course we would have to do something very creative, probably divert attention from the negatives…i did some design and web work for H&R Block back in 2006.

  19. Kesha Chenault said:

    I really am impressed with how much you have worked to make this website so enjoyable. Thanks a lot for your effort. Many thanks to the person who made this post, this was very informative for me. Please continue this awesome work.

  20. bf 3 d3dx11_43.dll said:

    Good post. I learn something totally new and challenging on websites I stumbleupon on a daily basis. It’s always helpful to read through articles from other authors and use a little something from other web sites.

  21. Arthur Rodriguez said:

    https://hpprintercustomerservice.us/page/hp-printer-customer-service
    https://sites.google.com/view/printer-drivers-for-hp/
    https://aol-customer-support.us

  22. Sam Miller said:

    http://allinonexpert.com/printers/canon-com-ijsetup-some-brief/
    http://solutions-brother-com-windows.installprint.com/setup/
    http://thehelpingguide.com/printers/solutions-brother-com-windows/
    http://solutions-brother-windows.com/

  23. Rajesh said:

    Nice post office ???? you can ?

  24. Nilam said:

    Hehe I love you too

  25. Freefire said:

    Hi, a good day and time

  26. Nilesh roy said:

    No I don’t think

  27. holdenkil said:

    If you are willing to take the Foodtown Customer Survey to win a reward, then you need to check this post. Here, in this post, I am providing a solution on how to take a Foodtown feedback survey.Superior Grocers Customer Satisfaction Survey

  28. germax pharm said:

    Germax Pharm Chemicals Co., Ltd is a leading supplier of fine chemical in China, is located in hubei. The unique geographical conditions of hebei are favorable for transportation.

  29. gemmililly said:

    Please share a review or answer to such type of question cause Sobeys wants to know your visit experience to give you better satisfaction on the next visit. Sobeys

  30. kripto haber said:

    KoinSaati, deneyimli ekibi, güncel haberleri ile sizinle. Hedefimiz güncel bir kripto-finans haber sitesi yaratmakla birlikte; deneyimli-deneyimsiz herkesin bilgi edinece?i aktif bir kripto toplulu?u olu?turmak. Kripto haber

  31. jacob said:

    https://ijsetupcanon.us/
    https://seofreelancerus.com/canon-com-ijsetup/
    http://geeksready.com/http-canon-com-ijsetup/
    https://installprint.com/canon-com-ijsetup/

  32. sam miller said:

    http://allinonexpert.com/printers/canon-com-ijsetup-some-brief/
    http://thehelpingguide.com/printers/canon-com-ijsetup-install-canon-printer/
    http://asinghblog.com/www-canon-com-ijsetup/
    http://canon-com-ijsetup.com/

  33. Aaamante said:

    Adidas Yeezy V2 sneakers come in a sturdy, unprinted retail box, featuring a large fake yeezy boost 350 v2 for sale and Boost logo on the top and side. There should be no cracking or flaking of the material along the edges or folds of the box. Remember real shoe boxes can accompany fake shoes.

  34. CD Shanahan's Heating & Cooling said:

    nice posy
    Heater Installation Services in North Springfield VA

  35. Golden’s Keys said:

    nice post
    Master Keying Services in Rowlett TX

  36. Corwin said:

    in the USA who produced these valuable Pug puppies. All our Pug puppy for sale are transferred according to the law with documentation and all our Pug puppy and puppies are with registration AKC. As a family, we have loved, cared, breed, and lived with different kinds of puppies for over 10 years, quite an experience. We do not consider ourselves concerned with earning money. All our Pug puppies are raised at home in a family/friendly environment making our Pug puppies completely at ease with other pets.pugs for sale,pugs for sale near me,cheap pugs for sale,pug puppies for sale,pug puppies for sale near me.
    https://pugslandbreeder.company.com

  37. ps3r said:

    Very nice and informative post

  38. robert said:

    https://savannahbengal.company.com/

  39. Alex Cooper said:

    Charcoal sale

    This is my first visit to your web journal! We are a group of volunteers and new activities in the same specialty. Website gave us helpful data to work.

  40. fake Travis Scott Jordan said:

    As far as fakes go, these are a pretty poor attempt. The most notable tell-tale signs appear at the embroidered heel branding, where the ‘Cactus Jack’ appears more like ‘Cactus Jick’ (fake Travis Scott Jordan). Meanwhile, the traditional Air Jordan wings logo, or should we say ‘Iordan’, also has some clear imperfections. Look to the lateral side, and you’ll find more questionable details.

  41. vivek sharma said:

    check this babe https://www.updatedcelebrities.com/niece-waidhofer-wiki/

  42. Mohan sharma said:

    thank you for sharing https://www.updatedcelebrities.com/adriana-fenice-wiki/

  43. lsm99 ??????? said:

    omg This is heaven on earth. really wanted to be in this town. 918kiss pc age Look forward to living in the best of this city.

  44. ABHI said:

    Nice content writing…thanks for sharing….

    Visit : https://www.technovichar.com/

  45. Saba Khan said:

    I love your article about micro finance and technology thanks for sharing Hi! We are 5 Stages Cabinet RO Water Purifier dubai company…thanks

  46. Borjan Shoes said:

    Borjan offers its customers the outstanding qulity lace up shoes for men in Pakistan. We have the best quality lace up shoes in Pakistan for the most affordable prices. Get Borjan’s amazing collection of lace up shoes for men online. Get your favorite shoes for men from Borjan to keep yourself in style and comfort at the same time.

    Borjan offers its customers the best slip on shoes for men in Pakistan. We have the highest quality slip ons for men in Pakistan for the most affordable prices. Get Borjan’s amazing collection of men’s slip ons shoes online. Get your favorite shoes for men from Borjan to keep yourself in style and comfort at the same time.

  47. sunetrameyecare said:

    Nice article

  48. sanjeev said:

    Hello,
    This blog is very nice and knowledgeable. Thanks for sharing your Knowledge. we Provide the Best online Magazine Subscription In India.
    If you are interesting in our service so you may visit: Magazine Subscription

  49. Deepak said:

    Thanks for sharing this Wonderful post. I am very pleased to read this article.

    Also visit my website – http://www.dogmamart.com

    Thank you

  50. Saba Khan said:

    Here I am for the first time, and I found beneficial information. Very nice and well-explained article. Thanks for sharing!
    Anti Hair Fall Shower Filter Head
    and water Treatment company in Dubai UAE

  51. Chinyere said:

    Chinyere is offering fancy dress design for womens. Check out new ladies dresses online at chinyere.

  52. Metro Shoes said:

    Metro shoes offers their customers the highest quality ladies sandals and sandal designs Get the best available Women Sandals in Pakistan, today So, buy the best sandals for girls online from Metro shoes We bring you only the highest quality sandals for women

  53. Flormar said:

    Shop flormar lipsticks shades for girls & ladies online in Pakistan from Flormar.pk. Online branded Lipsticks shades and colors in Pakistan at reasonable prices with fast delivery.

  54. Rivaj UK said:

    Grab amazing cosmetics and related products like primer makeup and the best primer, only from Rivaj. So, grab their best primers today and enjoy. Their primer makeup sets are truly unbeatable and offer a high degree of satisfaction. Rivaj offers the best primer makeup to their customers all the time.

  55. Servis Shoes said:

    Servis.pk is a leading online store that provides sale on brands for men, women, and kid shoes. You can also get bags and other accessories on sale from Servis PK. So, don’t waste your time, and make sure to get your favorite shoes on sale at affordable prices.

  56. jane donna said:

    I think this is an useful blog post and also it is well-informed and really useful. For that reason, I want to thank you for the retro bowl ventures that you have actually made in writing this post. All the material is definitely well-researched. Many thanks …

  57. Dr Gilles said:

    With the qualities such as chiropodist, renowned educator, professional speaker, and accomplished author with books like the art of being healthy, Dr. Gilles lamarche is a pure diamond and charm for those who are fed up with the casual activities and regular routine of this busy life and looking for something to change, and along with that for executive coaching questionnaire. Inspiring coaching and education techniques make his effort renowned in the community forever. Get connected with Dr. Gilles and enjoy your stressed life and feel easy and comfortable.

  58. word wipe said:

    Word Wipe is an app to practice daily vocabulary through themed quizzes or guessing words according to available suggestions. word wipe

  59. Oxeltech said:

    The process of consumer electronics design consumer electronics design typically involves multiple stages, including concept development, design and prototyping, testing and evaluation, and final production. Designers must consider factors such as usability, aesthetics, and affordability, as well as technical considerations such as power consumption, signal integrity, and thermal management.

  60. iHost VPS said:

    Dedicated web hosting refers to hosting your website or online presence on a dedicated server. It provides complete control, enhanced security, and improved performance, ensuring a seamless experience for your visitors.

  61. Ca VPS host said:

    Looking for affordable Windows VPS servers? Our platform offers a range of cost-effective options tailored to meet your hosting needs. With our cheap Windows VPS servers , you can enjoy the benefits of a virtual private server at a fraction of the cost. Benefit from the power of Windows operating system, dedicated resources, scalability, and robust performance—all while maintaining your budget.

  62. krishu94 said:

    Excellent article and I think the post that touchs readers’s concerns always rock.
    jamabandi bihar
    bhulkh odisha

  63. BabyBoxShop said:

    A baby shower gift basket is a delightful present that combines a variety of baby essentials and treats in one beautifully presented package. These baskets often include baby clothing, diapers, baby lotion, toys, and other baby care items. They make for a thoughtful and convenient gift for expectant parents.

  64. BabyBoxShop said:

    Our collection of neutral baby gifts is designed to cater to all babies, regardless of gender. Discover an array of cute and practical items that are sure to bring smiles to both the baby and parents. With a focus on gender-neutral colours and designs, these gifts are ideal for baby showers and other joyous occasions.

  65. BSNS Consulting said:

    BSNS Consulting offers comprehensive Digital Marketing Services in Pakistan, tailored to your business needs. From SEO and content marketing to social media management and paid advertising, our team crafts data-driven strategies to amplify your online presence. Experience measurable growth and a strong return on investment with our dynamic digital marketing solutions.

  66. TipTop Enrichtung said:

    An Elektrische Kosmetikliege is an electric cosmetic bed or treatment table used in beauty salons and spas. The electric functionality allows for easy adjustment of the bed’s height and incline, making it suitable for various beauty and cosmetic procedures.

  67. TipTop Enrichtung said:

    A friseureinrichtung outlet is a store that offers discounted furniture and equipment for hair salons. Here, hairstylists can acquire high-quality furnishings at more affordable rates.Discover fantastic deals and discounts on hair salon furnishings at our Hair Salon Furnishings Outlet. Whether you’re a salon owner looking to revamp your space or a hairstylist in need of high-quality equipment, our outlet is your one-stop destination for affordable and stylish salon furnishings.

  68. Pink Salt said:

    Himalayan pink salt is used in many different culinary creations than merely as a spice. Its applications in the kitchen are numerous, ranging from bringing out the taste of chocolate to giving grilled salmon a distinctive twist.

  69. jack thompson said:

    Public Relations (PR) serves as the cornerstone of effective communication, fostering trust, credibility, and goodwill between organizations and their stakeholders. In today’s fast-paced and interconnected world, a well-executed PR strategy visit:- https://www.phpelephant.com/2024/02/01/how-to-measure-the-success-of-your-pr-outreach-efforts/

  70. We Sell Stocks said:

    Welcome to We Sell Stocks, your premier destination for top-notch Industrial Automation Products. Explore our extensive inventory featuring cutting-edge solutions designed to elevate your industrial processes. From advanced robotics to state-of-the-art control systems, we offer a diverse range of products sourced from industry-leading manufacturers. At “We Sell Stocks,” we pride ourselves on delivering excellence, ensuring that each product meets the highest standards of quality and innovation. Choose us as your trusted partner in industrial automation, and experience the efficiency and precision that our products bring to your operations. Revolutionize your business with the best in industrial automation, available at “We Sell Stocks.”

  71. Zak Andrews said:

    I absolutely love getting ready for the new tax season! It’s like a fun puzzle trying to gather all my documents and receipts to maximize my tax returns. The feeling of satisfaction when everything is organized and ready to go is so rewarding, explore more on tax returns. I actually look forward to sitting down and going through all the numbers, knowing that I’m taking control of my finances. It’s a great feeling knowing that I’m setting myself up for success in the upcoming year.

Leave a Reply