• Internet Cookies. A "cookie" is a term for alphanumeric identifiers that a Web server transfers to your computer via your Internet browser. When your Internet browser visits a Web page, a cookie is set with a unique, anonymous number. This number is recorded in a small text file that is transmitted to your computer and stored in the cookie directory of your hard drive. Then, when you visit each Web page on which the cookie technology is enabled, the Site can recognize your browser as a unique, anonymous user. Some common purposes of cookies are to enhance the usability of our Site, to ensure that your browser does not see the same ad or message over and over again, and to measure the number of unique visitors that have viewed a particular ad or visited a particular Web page. Cookies are also used for ad reporting functions such as to learn which ads are bringing users to our Site. This can help us tailor our ads and enhance our Site for your needs. Unless you consent, we do not collect personally identifiable information from you through the use of cookies. We do permit cookies to interface with GUID's (discussed below).



• Clear GIFS. We also employ a software technology called a clear GIF (Graphics Interchange Format), also known as a pixel tag or Web beacon. A clear GIF is a line of code that we place on our Site or in e-mails which allows us to analyze our advertising and the general usage patterns of visitors to our websites. These help us better manage content on our Site by informing us what content or promotions are effective. Unless you consent, we do not collect personally identifiable information from you through the use of clear GIFS. We do permit clear GIFS to interface with GUIDs (discussed below).



• Log Files. Like most standard Web site servers, H&R Block uses log files. Log files track Internet protocol (IP) addresses, browser type, Internet service provider (ISP), referring/exit pages, platform type, date/time stamp, and number of clicks. We utilize this information to analyze trends, administer the Site, prevent fraud, track Site navigation in the aggregate and gather broad demographic information for aggregate use.



• Client Identifiers (GUIDs). We assign a global unique identifier (GUID) when you use our web-based tax preparation products, software (if you electronically file your tax return) and when you use software that interfaces with our website or our servers through your Internet browser. The GUID is a unique alphanumeric combination. In some cases we may assign a GUID when you connect to our server to install the software, receive Software updates, print and mail, switch among various H&R Block tax preparation methods, or when you choose to give us feedback via one of our in-product surveys. While the GUID does not itself contain any data, in some cases it does allow us to match your information, which may include personal information, with data collected by our software or through your use of our web-based tax preparation products or the website. Generally, we look at the results of such data matching on an aggregated basis and use the results to help us better understand your use of our products and services.