Fresno, CA (February 10, 2006) On Friday, February 10th, Henry T. Perea announced a partnership between H&R Block and the City of Fresno to help low and moderate income residents file their taxes. The program is designed to make people aware of the benefits of filing their taxes, particularly the Earned Income Tax Credit.

The partnership is based on a similar program that H&R Block successfully launched with the City of San Francisco and is broken into two phases. The first will consist of an advertising campaign designed to educate people on the benefits and importance of filing tax returns. In the second phase H&R Block will hold a series of workshops at the District 7 Manchester Center office. These workshops will provide an opportunity for qualified residents to receive low cost assistance in completing their tax returns from H&R Block professionals.

Councilmember Perea encourages the residents of Fresno to take advantage of this opportunity. Millions of dollars are lost every year in unclaimed Earned Income Tax Credit money that could help low income residents in Fresno achieve a greater level of financial stability.