Tax prep chain H&R Block opened a new flagship office in Times Square on Thursday, complete with a giant smart wall where clients can be guided through an interactive tax experience.
Through the offices smart wall, users can learn the answers to questions about their specific tax situations by touching a monitor. Based on their responses, a virtual host guides them through an interactive experience.
Clients also can print tax tips and a tax preparation check-off list through the touch-screen wall, as well as e-mail tax professionals year-round. Visitors can view photos, videos and bios of tax professionals at the new offices, and learn their areas of expertise. Touch-screen kiosks allow clients to give Block instant feedback on their experiences in the new high-tech offices.
Were blending our more than 55 years of tax preparation expertise with high-tech tools to provide a state-of-the-art experience, said Block CEO Russ Smyth in a statement.
A media center, coffee bar and laptop station are available in the waiting area. Historical company photos decorate the walls. As the official tax preparer of the New York Yankees, there is also an autographed baseball bat from team captain and shortstop Derek Jeter. In addition, tax preparer work stations throughout the office have been designed to provide better client privacy.
H&R Block plans to open nine other new offices in New York in 2010. In addition, 300 of the companys offices across the country will be remodeled to share some of the contemporary features of the New York flagship.
