H&R Block Launches Virtual Tax Experience in Second Life

H&R Block, the world's largest tax preparation company, has opened up shop in Second Life. "We look for ways to connect with our customers anytime, anywhere, and with that in mind, we chose to be the first to build a presence on another 'block' within the Second Life world," said Tom Allanson, senior vice president and general manager, H&R Block Digital Tax Solutions. "As we develop products to make tax preparation fun and engaging, such as our innovative new tax preparation experience called Tango, we also look to connect and communicate with clients in a new space -- Second Life. The inhabitants of Second Life are revolutionizing how people interact in a virtual world. As we engage these Second Lifers in a conversation in a new space, we believe our digital tax services will appeal to them."

From the press release

Visitors to H&R Block Island will experience a new virtual tax world as they arrive at a landing point dotted with welcome signs, maps and other navigational tools, including:
-- A virtual H&R Block tax experience where real life tax professionals will be available in avatar form to answer tax-related questions free of charge. H&R Block's virtual tax advisor avatars are named Hope Bechir and Rex Philbin. Hope and Rex will hold office hours in Second Life from 6-7 p.m. PDT on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting March 13 through April 17, 2007.
-- A main auditorium where visitors can watch a video describing the development of H&R Block's revolutionary innovative new tax preparation product, Tango ( www.hrblock.com/tango), as well as attend other in-world activities.
-- An exclusive H&R Block Tango product bundle that costs 100 Linden Dollars and includes:
-- A special code that provides access to the new Tango product, which retails in the real world for $70.
-- A variety of virtual scooters to tour H&R Block Island, virtual dancing shoes that allow users to do a tango-style dance when worn, and other Tango avatar apparel.
-- A program that will enable Second Life residents to earn Linden Dollars by helping to market H&R Block's Tango product bundle on their own virtual property.
H&R Block will plan events and new activities in Second Life on a regular basis throughout tax season and during the off-season as well. The company will continue to expand and refine its Second Life presence through active engagement with the community.