HRB Block, ADA Violations, Massachusetts 2013
H&R Block, one of the largest tax return preparers in the US, has been found guilty of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The company has entered into a consent decree with the US government, agreeing to make its website and mobile apps accessible to individuals with disabilities.
The decree, filed in the US District Court for the District of Massachusetts, resolves allegations that H&R Block's website and mobile apps denied individuals with disabilities full and equal enjoyment of tax-preparation services.
According to the complaint, H&R Block failed to code its website in a manner that would make it accessible to individuals with vision, hearing, and physical disabilities.
The company will be required to conform to the Level AA Success Criteria of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0, and will be subject to regular automated and user group testing.
H&R Block's website will be accessible for the start of the next tax filing term on January 1, 2015, with additional accessibility deadlines over the following years of the decree.
The company has also agreed to appoint a skilled web accessibility coordinator, adopt a web accessibility policy, and initiate training on accessible design for its web content personnel.
Defendant: HRB Digital LLC and HRB Tax Group Inc.
Criminal Charges: Violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
City and State: Boston, Massachusetts
Exact Date: December 11, 2013
Sentence or Outcome: Consent Decree
Dollar Amounts: None
Key Facts
- State: Massachusetts
- Category: Public Corruption|Cybercrime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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