Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2011

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of Operations

NATURE OF OPERATIONS – Our operating subsidiaries provide a variety of services to the general public, principally in the United States (U.S.). Specifically, we offer: tax return preparation; tax and consulting services to business clients; certain retail banking services and tax preparation and related software. Tax preparation services are also provided in Canada and Australia. Our Tax Services segment comprised 77.2% of our consolidated revenues from continuing operations for fiscal year 2011.

Principles of Consolidation

PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION – The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and our wholly-owned subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.

Some of our subsidiaries operate in regulated industries and their underlying accounting records reflect the policies and requirements of these industries.

Management Estimates

MANAGEMENT ESTIMATES – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Significant estimates, assumptions and judgments are applied in the determination of our allowance for loan losses, potential losses from loan repurchase and indemnity obligations associated with our discontinued mortgage business, contingent losses associated with pending litigation, fair value of reporting units, valuation allowances based on future taxable income, reserves for uncertain tax positions, credit losses on receivable balances and related matters. Estimates have been prepared on the basis of the most current and best information available as of each balance sheet date. As such, actual results could differ materially from those estimates.

Concentrations of Risk

CONCENTRATIONS OF RISK – The overall credit quality of our mortgage loans held for investment is impacted by the strength of the U.S. economy and local economies. Our mortgage loans held for investment include concentrations of loans to borrowers in certain states, which may result in increased exposure to loss as a result of changes in real estate values and underlying economic or market conditions related to a particular geographical location. Approximately 59% of our mortgage loan portfolio consists of loans to borrowers located in the states of Florida, California, New York and Wisconsin.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS – Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, cash due from banks and federal funds sold. For purposes of the consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of cash flows, all non-restricted highly liquid instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents. We present cash flow activities utilizing the indirect method. Book overdrafts included in accounts payable totaled $38.8 million and $35.9 million at April 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Cash and Cash Equivalents - Restricted

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS – RESTRICTED – Cash and cash equivalents — restricted consists primarily of cash held by H&R Block Bank (HRB Bank) required for regulatory compliance and cash held by our captive insurance subsidiary that will be used to pay claims.

Receivables and Related Allowances

RECEIVABLES AND RELATED ALLOWANCES – Receivables consist primarily of accounts receivable from customers of our Business Services segment and receivables from tax clients for tax return preparation. The allowance for doubtful accounts for these receivables requires management's judgment regarding collectibility and current economic conditions to establish an amount considered by management to be adequate to cover estimated losses as of the balance sheet date. Business Services accounts receivable are charged-off primarily when we determine that the specific customer does not have the ability to repay the balance in full. Receivables from tax clients for tax return preparation are not specifically identified and charged off, but are evaluated on a pooled basis. At the end of each tax season the outstanding balances on these receivables are evaluated based on collections received and expected collections over subsequent tax seasons.

Our financing receivables consist primarily of mortgage loans held for investment, Emerald Advance lines of Credit (EAs), tax client receivables related to refund anticipation loans (RALs) and loans made to franchisees.

Emerald Advance lines of credit. EAs are offered to clients in tax offices from late November through mid-January, currently in an amount not to exceed $1,000. If the borrower meets certain criteria as agreed in the loan terms, the line of credit can be increased and utilized year-round. These lines of credit are offered by HRB Bank.

Interest income on EAs is calculated using the average daily balance method and is recognized based on the principal amount outstanding until the outstanding balance is paid or becomes delinquent. Loan commitment fees on EAs, net of related expenses, are initially deferred and recognized as revenue over the commitment period, which is typically two months. EAs balances are due on February 15th, and any amounts unpaid by that date are placed on non-accrual status. Payments on past due amounts are recorded as a reduction in the receivable balance.

We review the credit quality of these receivables based on pools, which are segregated by the year of origination. Specific bad debt rates are applied to each pool, as well as to those who maintain their loan year-round.

We determine our allowance for these receivables collectively, based on a review of receipts taking into consideration historical experience. These receivables are not specifically identified and charged-off, but are evaluated on a pooled basis. Initial bad debt rates also consider whether the loan was made to a new or repeat client. At the end of each tax season the outstanding balances on these receivables are evaluated based on collections received and expected collections over subsequent tax seasons. We adjust our allowance accordingly, with these adjustments reflected as bad debt expense.

Tax client receivables related to RALs. Historically, RALs were offered in our US retail tax offices through a contractual relationship with HSBC Holdings plc (HSBC). We purchased a 49.9% participation interest in all RALs obtained through our retail offices. In December 2010, HSBC terminated its contract with us based on restrictions placed on HSBC by its regulator and RALs were not offered in our tax offices this tax season. In connection with the contract termination, we obtained the remaining rights to collect on the outstanding balances of RALs originated in years 2006 and later. All tax client receivables related to RALs outstanding at April 30, 2011 were originated prior to fiscal year 2011 and are past due. We do not accrue interest on these receivables. Payments on past due amounts are recorded as a reduction in the receivable balance.

We review the credit quality of these receivables based on pools, which are segregated by the year of origination, with specific bad debt rates applied to each pool.

These receivables are not specifically identified and charged-off, but are evaluated on a pooled basis. At the end of each tax season the outstanding balances on these receivables are evaluated based on collections received and expected collections over subsequent tax seasons. We adjust our allowance accordingly, with these adjustments reflected as bad debt expense.

Loans made to franchisees. Interest income on loans made to franchisees is calculated using the average daily balance method and is recognized based on the principal amount outstanding until the outstanding balance is paid or written off. Loans made to franchisees totaled $172.6 million at April 30, 2011, and consisted of $125.1 million in term loans made to finance the purchase of franchises and $47.5 million in revolving lines of credit made to existing franchisees primarily for the purpose of funding their off-season needs. The credit quality of these receivables is determined on a specific franchisee basis, taking into account the franchisee's credit score, their payment history on existing loans and operational amounts due to us, the loan-to-value ratio and debt-to-income ratio. Credit scores, loan-to-value and debt-to-income ratios are obtained at the time of underwriting. Payment history is monitored on a regular basis. We believe all loans to franchisees are of similar credit quality. Loans are evaluated for impairment when they become delinquent. Amounts deemed to be uncollectible are written off to bad debt expense and bad debt related to these loans has typically been insignificant. Additionally, the franchise office serves as collateral for the loan. In the event the franchisee is unable to repay the loans, we revoke their franchise rights, write off the remaining balance of the loans and assume control of the office. As of April 30, 2011, loans totaling $0.1 million were past due, however we had no loans to franchisees on non-accrual status.

Mortgage Loans Held for Investment

MORTGAGE LOANS HELD FOR INVESTMENT – Mortgage loans held for investment represent loans originated or acquired with the ability and current intent to hold to maturity. Loans held for investment are carried at amortized cost adjusted for charge-offs, net of allowance for loan losses, deferred fees or costs on originated loans and unamortized premiums or discounts on purchased loans. Loan fees and certain direct loan origination costs are deferred and the net fee or cost is recognized in interest income over the life of the related loan. Unearned income, premiums and discounts on purchased loans are amortized or accreted into income over the estimated life of the loan using methods that approximate the interest method based on assumptions regarding the loan portfolio, including prepayments adjusted to reflect actual experience.

We record an allowance representing our estimate of credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio at the balance sheet date. Loan recoveries and the provision for credit losses increase the allowance, while loan charge-offs decrease the allowance. A current assessment of the value of the loan's underlying collateral is made when the loan is no later than 60 days past due and any loan balance in excess of the value less costs to sell the property is included in the provision for credit losses.

We evaluate mortgage loans less than 60 days past due on a pooled basis and record a loan loss allowance for those loans in the aggregate. We stratify these loans based on our view of risk associated with various elements of the pool and assign estimated loss rates based on those risks. Loss rates consider both the rate at which loans will become delinquent (frequency) and the amount of loss that will ultimately be realized upon occurrence of a liquidation of collateral (severity), and are primarily based on historical experience and our assessment of economic and market conditions.

Loans are considered impaired when we believe it is probable we will be unable to collect all principal and interest due according to the contractual terms of the note, or when the loan is 60 days past due. Impaired loans are reviewed individually and a specific loan loss allowance is recorded based on the fair value of the underlying collateral.

We classify loans as non-accrual when full and timely collection of interest or principal becomes uncertain, or when they are 90 days past due. Interest previously accrued, but not collected, is reversed against current interest income when a loan is placed on non-accrual status. Accretion of deferred fees is discontinued for non-accrual loans. Payments received on non-accrual loans are recognized as interest income when the loan is considered collectible and applied to principal when it is doubtful that all contractual payments will be collected. Loans are not placed back on accrual status until collection of principal and interest is reasonably assured as a result of the borrower bringing the loan into compliance with the contractual terms of the loan. Prior to restoring a loan to accrual status, management considers a borrower's prospects for continuing future contractual payments.

From time to time, as part of our loss mitigation process, we may agree to modify the contractual terms of a borrower's loan. We have developed loan modification programs designed to help borrowers refinance adjustable-rate mortgage loans prior to rate reset or who may otherwise have difficulty making their payments. In cases where we modify a loan and in so doing grant a concession to a borrower experiencing financial difficulty, the modification is considered a troubled debt restructuring (TDR). We may consider the borrower's payment status and history, the borrower's ability to pay upon a rate reset on an adjustable-rate mortgage, the size of the payment increase upon a rate reset, the period of time remaining prior to the rate reset and other relevant factors in determining whether a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. A borrower who is current may be deemed to be experiencing financial difficulty in instances where the evidence suggests an inability to pay based on the original terms of the loan after the interest rate reset and, in the absence of a modification, may default on the loan. We evaluate whether the modification represents a concession we would not otherwise consider, such as a lower interest rate than what a new borrower of similar credit risk would be offered. A loan modified in a troubled debt restructuring, including a loan that was current at the time of modification, is placed on non-accrual status until we determine future collection of principal and interest is reasonably assured, which generally requires the borrower to demonstrate a period of performance according to the restructured terms. At the time of the modification, we record impairment for TDR loans equal to the difference between the principal balance of the loan and the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate. However, if we later assess that foreclosure of a modified loan is probable, we record impairment based on the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral.

Real Estate Owned

REAL ESTATE OWNED – Real estate owned (REO) includes foreclosed properties securing mortgage loans. Foreclosed assets are adjusted to fair value less costs to sell upon transfer of the loans to REO. Subsequently, REO is carried at the lower of carrying value or fair value less costs to sell. Fair value is generally based on independent market prices or appraised values of the collateral. Subsequent holding period losses and losses arising from the sale of REO are expensed as incurred. REO is included in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the consolidated balance sheets.

Investments

INVESTMENTS – Investments include both available-for-sale marketable securities and investments held-to-maturity. These investments are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets.

Available-for-Sale. Marketable securities we hold are classified as available-for-sale (AFS) and are reported at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses are calculated using the specific identification method and reported, net of applicable taxes, as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Realized gains and losses on the sale of these securities are determined using the specific identification method.

We monitor our AFS investment portfolio for impairment and consider many factors in determining whether the impairment is deemed to be other-than-temporary. These factors include, but are not limited to, the length of time the security has had a market value less than the cost basis, the severity of loss, our intent to sell, including regulatory or contractual requirements to sell, recent events specific to the issuer or industry, external credit ratings and recent downgrades in such ratings.

For investments in mortgage-backed securities, amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts are recognized in interest income using the interest method, adjusted for anticipated prepayments where applicable. We update our estimates of expected cash flows periodically and recognize changes in calculated effective yields as appropriate.

Held-to-Maturity. Our investment in the stock of the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) is carried at cost, as it is a restricted security, which is required to be maintained by HRB Bank for borrowing availability. The cost of the stock represents its redemption value, as there is no ready market value.

Property and Equipment

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT – Buildings and equipment are initially recorded at cost and are depreciated over the estimated useful life of the assets using the straight-line method. Leasehold improvements are initially recorded at cost and are amortized over the lesser of the term of the respective lease or the estimated useful life, using the straight-line method. Estimated useful lives are 15 to 40 years for buildings, 3 to 5 years for computers and other equipment and up to 8 years for leasehold improvements.

We capitalize certain allowable costs associated with software developed or purchased for internal use. These costs are typically amortized over 36 months using the straight-line method.

Substantially all of the operations of our subsidiaries are conducted in leased premises. For all lease agreements, including those with escalating rent payments or rent holidays, we recognize rent expense on a straight-line basis.

Intangible Assets and Goodwill

INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND GOODWILL – We test goodwill and other indefinite-life intangible assets for impairment annually or more frequently, whenever events occur or circumstances change which would, more likely than not, reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. The first step of the impairment test is to compare the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value. If the carrying value is less than fair value, no impairment exists. If the carrying value is greater than fair value, a second step is performed to determine the fair value of goodwill and the amount of impairment loss, if any.

In addition, long-lived assets, including intangible assets with finite lives, are assessed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be fully recoverable by comparing the carrying value to future undiscounted cash flows. Impairment is recorded for long-lived assets determined not to be fully recoverable equal to the excess of the carrying amount of the asset over its estimated fair value.

We recorded a $22.7 million goodwill impairment related to our RedGear reporting unit within our Tax Services segment in fiscal year 2011. We recorded a $15.0 million goodwill impairment related to our RSM EquiCo, Inc. (RSM EquiCo) reporting unit within our Business Services segment in fiscal year 2010 and a $2.2 million goodwill impairment for a reporting unit within our Tax Services segment in fiscal year 2009. No material impairment adjustments to other intangible assets or other long-lived assets of continuing operations were made during the three-year period ended April 30, 2011.

The weighted-average life of intangible assets with finite lives is 26 years. Intangible assets are typically amortized over the estimated useful life of the assets using the straight-line method.

Commercial Paper

COMMERCIAL PAPER – During the year we issued commercial paper to finance temporary liquidity needs and various financial activities. There was no commercial paper outstanding at April 30, 2011 or 2010.

Mortgage Loan Repurchase Liability

MORTGAGE LOAN REPURCHASE LIABILITY – In connection with the securitization and sale of loans, Sand Canyon Corporation (SCC) made certain representations and warranties, including, but not limited to, representations relating to matters such as ownership of the loan, validity of lien securing the loan, and the loan's compliance with SCC's underwriting criteria. Representations and warranties in whole loan sale transactions to institutional investors included a "knowledge qualifier" which limits SCC liability for borrower fraud to those instances where SCC had knowledge of the fraud at the time the loans were sold. In the event that there is a breach of a representation and warranty and such breach materially and adversely affects the value of a mortgage loan, SCC may be obligated to repurchase a loan or otherwise indemnify certain parties for losses incurred as a result of loan liquidation. Generally, these representations and warranties are not subject to a stated term, but would be subject to statutes of limitation applicable to the contractual provisions.

SCC estimates losses relating to representation and warranty claims by estimating loan repurchase and indemnification obligations on both known claims and projections of future claims. Projections of future claims are based on an analysis that includes a combination of reviewing repurchase demands and actual defaults and loss severities, inquiries from various third-parties, the terms and provisions of related agreements and the historical rate of repurchase and indemnification obligations related to breaches of representations and warranties. SCC's methodology for calculating this liability considers the likelihood that individual counterparties will assert future claims. The repurchase liability is included in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets.

Litigation

LITIGATION – It is our policy to routinely assess the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes related to legal matters, as well as ranges of probable losses. A determination of the amount of the reserves required, if any, for these contingencies is made after analysis of each known issue and an analysis of historical experience. We record reserves related to certain legal matters for which we believe it is probable that a loss will be incurred and the range of such loss can be estimated. With respect to other matters, management has concluded that a loss is only reasonably possible or remote, or not estimable and, therefore, no liability is recorded. Management discloses the facts regarding material matters, and potential exposure if determinable, for losses assessed as reasonably possible to occur. Costs incurred with defending claims are expensed as incurred. Any receivable for insurance recoveries is recorded separately from the corresponding litigation reserve, and only if recovery is determined to be probable.

Income Taxes

INCOME TAXES – We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires us to record deferred income tax assets and liabilities for future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying value of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred taxes are determined separately for each tax-paying component within each tax jurisdiction based on provisions of enacted tax law. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Our deferred tax assets include capital loss and state and foreign tax loss carry-forwards and are reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Our current deferred tax assets are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the consolidated balance sheets. Noncurrent deferred tax assets are included in other assets on our consolidated balance sheets. Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities are included in other noncurrent liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets.

We evaluate the sustainability of each uncertain tax position based on its technical merits. If we determine it is more likely than not a tax position will be sustained based on its technical merits, we record the impact of the position in our consolidated financial statements at the largest amount that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. We record no tax benefit for tax positions where we have concluded it is not more likely than not to be sustained. Differences between a tax position taken or expected to be taken in our tax returns and the amount of benefit recognized and measured in the financial statements result in unrecognized tax benefits, which are recorded in the balance sheet as either a liability for unrecognized tax benefits or reductions to recorded tax assets, as applicable.

We file a consolidated federal tax return on a calendar year basis and state tax returns on a consolidated or combined basis, as permitted by authorities. We report interest and penalties as a component of income tax expense.

Treasury Shares

TREASURY SHARES – Shares of common stock repurchased by us are recorded, at cost, as treasury shares and result in a reduction of stockholders' equity. We reissue treasury shares as part of our stock-based compensation programs or for acquisitions. When shares are reissued, we determine the cost using the average cost method. Periodically, we may permanently retire shares held in treasury as determined by our Board of Directors.

Revenue Recognition

REVENUE RECOGNITION – Service revenues consist primarily of fees for preparation and filing of tax returns, both in offices and through our online programs, fees associated with our Peace of Mind (POM) guarantee program and fees for consulting services. Service revenues are recognized in the period in which the service is performed as follows:

§	Retail and online tax preparation revenues are recorded when a completed return is filed or accepted by the customer.
§	POM revenues are deferred and recognized over the term of the guarantee, based on historical and actual payment of claims.
§	Revenues for services rendered in connection with the Business Services segment include fees based on time and materials, which are recognized as the services are performed and amounts are earned.
§	Revenues associated with our H&R Block Prepaid Emerald MasterCard® program consist of interchange income from the use of debit cards and fees from the use of ATM networks. Interchange income is a fee paid by a merchant bank to the card-issuing bank through the interchange network, and is based on cardholder purchase volumes. Interchange income is recognized as earned.

Product and other revenues in the current year include royalties from franchisees and sales of software products, and are recognized as follows:

§	Upon granting of a franchise, franchisees pay a refundable deposit generally in the amount of $2,500, but pay no initial franchise fee. We record the payment as a deposit liability and recognize no revenue in connection with the initial granting of a franchise. Franchise royalties, which are based on contractual percentages of franchise revenues, are recorded in the period in which the franchise provides the service.
§	Software revenues consist mainly of tax preparation software. Revenue from the sale of software such as H&R Block At Hometm is recognized when the product is sold to the end user, either through retail, online or other channels. Rebates, slotting fees and other incentives paid in connection with these sales are recorded as a reduction of revenue. Revenue from the sale of TaxWorks® software is deferred and recognized over the period for which upgrades and support are provided to the customer.
§	In fiscal years 2010 and 2009, loan participation revenue was recognized over the life of the loan.

Interest income consists primarily of interest earned on mortgage loans held for investment and EAs and is recognized as follows:

§ Interest income on mortgage loans held for investment includes deferred origination fees and costs and purchase discounts and premiums, which are amortized to income over the life of the loan using the interest method.

§	Interest income on EAs is calculated using the average daily balance method and is recognized based on the principal amount outstanding until the outstanding balance is paid or written-off.
§	Loan commitment fees, net of related expenses, are initially deferred and recognized as revenue over the commitment period.

Revenue recognition is evaluated separately for each unit in multiple-deliverable arrangements. Sales tax we collect and remit to taxing authorities is recorded net in our consolidated income statements.

Advertising Expense

ADVERTISING EXPENSE – Advertising costs for radio and television ads are expensed the first time the advertisement takes place, with print and mailing advertising expensed as incurred. Total advertising costs of continuing operations for fiscal years 2011, 2010 and 2009 totaled $264.2 million, $254.8 million and $249.2 million, respectively.

Gains on Sales of Tax Offices

GAINS ON SALES OF TAX OFFICES – We periodically sell company-owned tax offices to franchisees. These sales can be financed by franchisees through loans offered by an affiliated company, which we consolidate. Gains are recorded upon determination that collection of the sales proceeds is reasonably assured. Gains are initially deferred when they are financed with these loans and are recognized after minimum payments and equity thresholds are met. Gains are reported in operating income due to their recurring nature, and are included as a reduction of selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated income statements.

Employee Benefit Plans

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS – We have 401(k) defined contribution plans covering all full-time and seasonal employees following the completion of an eligibility period. Contributions of our continuing operations to these plans are discretionary and totaled $22.3 million, $24.0 million and $26.7 million for fiscal years 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

We have a severance policy covering all regular full-time or part-time active employees for involuntary separation from the company. In May 2010 we announced plans to realign field and support organizations. The realignment included approximately 400 staff reductions. Associated severance benefits were recorded primarily during the first fiscal quarter of 2011 and totaled $29.6 million.

Foreign Currency Translation

FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION – Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates prevailing at the end of the year. Revenues and expenses of our foreign operations are translated at the average exchanges rates in effect during the fiscal year. Translation adjustments are recorded as a separate component of other comprehensive income in stockholders' equity.

Comprehensive Income

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME – Our comprehensive income is comprised of net income, foreign currency translation adjustments and the change in net unrealized gains or losses on AFS marketable securities. Included in stockholders' equity at April 30, 2011 and 2010, the net unrealized holding gain on AFS securities was $0.5 million and $0.3 million, respectively, and the foreign currency translation adjustment was $10.8 million and $1.3 million, respectively.