H&R Block cutting 400 jobs — 165 in KC

H&R Block calls it “strategic realignment.” But it’s really just good old fashioned layoffs. The Kansas City-based tax prep company is slashing 400 jobs — 165 of which are in Kansas City, according to the Star.

“Changes like these are never easy and we appreciate the hard work and

loyalty of the affected associates,” Russ Smyth, president and chief

executive officer of H&R Block, said in a statement. “However, these

steps are necessary to improve our business performance and better

serve our clients.”

The nation’s largest tax preparer is also shuttering 400 “under-performing” tax offices.

H&R Block expects to save about $150 million per year by the end of the 2012 fiscal year, assuming the Mayans aren’t right.