Content about Hoffman Estates

A new agreement with Jackson Hewitt Tax Service will keep tax preparation in the Sears lineup.

For Sears stores, H&R Block is out, and Jackson Hewitt Tax Service is in. The Hoffman Estates, Ill.-based retailer announced the agreement with Jackson Hewitt that will enable tax preparation services both in-store and online.

The service will begin in January 2013.

According to an article in the Chicago Sun Times, Sears Holdings Corp. will lay off employees from a variety of departments at its Hoffman Estates, Ill., headquarters.

The layoffs will not affect the retailer's recently approved tax credit from the state of Illinios. The $150 million payroll tax credit take effect next year, and -- according to the article -- requires a minimum of 4,250 headquarters employees.

The Hoffman Estates, Ill.-based retail giant thanked lawmakers for passing a tax-incentive plan to keep business in the state.

After researching a possible move to Ohio or Texas, Sears yesterday applauded the Illinois General Assembly for its bipartisan support of legislation that Sears said would allow it to maintain its headquarters in Hoffman Estates, Ill.

Losses at Hoffman Estates, Ill.-based Sears Holdings Corp. widened in the second quarter ended July 30. The company's net loss was $146 million, compared with a loss of $39 million in the same quarter last year.

Total revenues decreased to $10.3 billion for the quarter, down slightly from $10.5 billion for the quarter ended July 31, 2010. Kmart's comparable-store sales were flat, and Sears Domestic comparable store sales declined 1.2%.

The Chicago Tribune reported Sears Holdings Corp. CEO Louis D'Ambrosio supplied a strong dose of optimism at the Hoffman Estates, Ill.-based retailer's annual meeting, the day after the company warned of falling sales.