H&R Block launches app for the shared economy

An H&R Block tax prep office
H&R Block outlet in New York

H&R Block has unveiled the mobile app TaxEdge that is billed as combining tax prep with cloud computing to help workers in the “shared economy.”

TaxEdge will be offered this season to users of Everlance and Hurdlr, technologies for tracking and reporting income and expenses for freelancers. Block said that the product could be released more widely next year.

The service is integrated into Everlance and Hurdlr to collect clients’ mileage and business-expense data throughout the year. That information then integrates into TaxEdge  and clients work with a Block professional “chosen for their unique situation to complete and file the return – all at a fraction of the cost of going to other assisted tax-preparation brands,” Block said in a statement.

Block estimates that one-third of today’s workforce  are freelancers, ride-share drivers or others who take part in the new shared economy or are otherwise self-employed, such as real estate agents.

“This is about extending our tax expertise beyond the office environment,” said Block chief innovation officer Jason Houseworth.

According to Houseworth, consumers with a typical Schedule C tax return pay a tax preparer an average of about $500. TaxEdge price point is $199 to file both a federal and state return.

To download, visit the Apple Store or visit www.taxedge.com.

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