WASHINGTON, Oct. 31, 2014 /PRNewswire- HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Hispanics, the nation’s fastest growing demographic, have a resource as they look to build long-term financial success for themselves and their families. The Hispanic Access Foundation (HAF), in partnership with H&R Block – the world’s largest consumer tax services provider – is educating and assisting thousands of Spanish-speaking taxpayers across the country.

“The Hispanic community is a powerful, growing force and its emphasis on our tax responsibility will strengthen our families and nation as a whole,” said Maite Arce, president and CEO of Hispanic Access Foundation. “Through education and access to bilingual, professional tax experts, we’re equipping our community with the tools it needs to prepare for the future.”

The campaign “Prepárate Para Un Futuro Mejor” (Prepare Yourself for a Better Future), provides nearly 200 free tax education workshops in 17 markets nationwide. These workshops emphasize the importance of building an accurate tax history, provide insight on how to protect against fraud and misinformation in the tax preparation process, outline how to meet some important health care requirements of the Affordable Care Act and highlight the impact of potential immigration rule changes.

“We’re changing the perception of the Hispanic community – Hispanics take great pride in being solid contributors, whether that’s through paying taxes or work in local communities,” said Arce. “Since the project began in 2010, we’ve helped tens of thousands of people better understand the tax process and its importance.”

The financial contributions of the Hispanic community have grown in pace with its population growth. Hispanic buying power is expected to reach $1.5 trillion in 2015, according to Nielsen. Additionally, the U.S. Census estimates that Hispanic business-owners contribute more than $70 billion to the nation’s economy.

“When it comes to tax education, H&R Block is out in the community and understands the unique set of circumstances that face Hispanics today,” said Pasha Hosseini, multicultural marketing manager for H&R Block. “Through bilingual tax professionals, information in their language, and years of experience, we guide members of the Hispanic community for long-term financial success.”

Since 2010, HAF has held over 900 workshops in more than 800 churches and community spaces nationwide. A complete list of upcoming workshop dates and locations is available at www.pormifuturo.org.

About Hispanic Access Foundation
Hispanic Access Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that improves the lives of Hispanics in the United States and promotes civic engagement by educating, motivating, and helping them to access trustworthy support systems. For more information visit www.hispanicaccess.org.

About H&R Block
H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE: HRB) is the world’s largest consumer tax services provider. More than 625 million tax returns have been prepared worldwide by and through H&R Block since 1955. In fiscal 2013, H&R Block had annual revenues of $2.9 billion with 25.4 million tax returns prepared worldwide. Tax return preparation services are provided in company-owned and franchise retail tax offices by over 80,000 professional tax preparers and associates worldwide, and through H&R Block digital products. H&R Block Bank provides affordable banking products and services. For more information, visit the H&R Block Newsroom.

Contact: Robert Fanger
P: 317-410-7668
E: Robert@hispanicaccess.org