Even for those who are familiar with taxes, the process can be confusing and overwhelming. H&R Block simplifies the process without dumbing down.
You’ll get clear instructions, complete explanations, and tax forms for each step. Save your progress and return to the same page at any time. It is very easy to use. H&R Block has been my go-to for years as a financial planner. I’ve never had a bad experience.
How does H&R Block work, what is the cost, and who’s it best for?
H&R Block Details
Software Rating4.5/5
Review SummaryH&R Block offers products that are cheaper than TurboTax. In every version, the user interface is simple and cutting-edge. The free version of the service is more comprehensive than other free plans.
Cost$0 – $110Plus $37 per state
- DetailsFour ways to file your taxes
- Simple tax situations can be handled with a completely free option at any income level
- Step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow
- Upgrade for instant access to an expert in taxation
Download Free VersionDownload Free VersionW-2 Income, Unemployment Income, Retirement Distributions, Interest and Dividend income; Tuition and Fees Tax Deduction; Student loan interest tax deduction; Earned Income Credit; Child Tax credit
Who Can Use H&R Block?
H&R Block offers a solution for those who are willing to pay a little extra for the ease of using their software. H&R Block is a great option for people who are new to doing their taxes or have experienced a lot of changes recently.
For a few short years, my life was relatively easy. I had a steady W-2 income and a health savings account. In addition, I received interest from a high-yield savings account. I did not own a house, had no dependents, or invested in anything other than my retirement accounts. I used Deluxe Online to file my federal and state returns.
It is convenient to be able to upload and import tax forms, but other options can save you money if you’re willing to enter the numbers manually.
H&R Block Software Price
H&R Block’s tax software is cheaper than TurboTax but more expensive than Cash App Taxes, TaxAct, and TaxSlayer.
H&R Block offers four ways to prepare your taxes and file them: online packages that you can do yourself, Online Assist, which provides extra help from a professional, full-service from a tax preparation expert, and computer software.
Each of these categories has different prices depending on the tax forms that you require. All versions, except for the computer software, allow you to prepare your return free of charge. You pay only when you file.
DIY Online FillingEasy DIY Expert AccessFull Service ExpertComputer Software
Federal Return Cost$0 – $110$70 – $195$80 +$29.95 – $89.95
State Return Cost$0 – $37$0 – $37$17 Per StateFile for $0 to $39.95 plus $19.95 for e-filing
Federal + State Return$0 – $147$70 – $232$117 +$54.95 Deluxe + State – $89.95 plus $19.95 for e-file
The Costs of DIY and What They Cover
Online Free: $0. Supports W-2, unemployment, dividends, interest, and retirement income. Also supports student loan interest, tuition and fees, child tax credit, and earned income tax credit. It’s not possible to break down deductions into categories, but this is typical of a free version. Note that the free version of H&R Block offers student deductions, while TurboTax’s free version does not.
Deluxe Online: $55. Deluxe Online: $55. You can use itemize to add mortgage interest deductions and health savings accounts and you can also add the feature of adding the health savings account and the mortgage interest deductions.
Premium Online: $75. Premium Online: $75. Supports all features of the Deluxe version as well as income from rental property and freelance work or contractors less than $5,000. You can import your mileage and costs using common tracking apps.
Self-Employed Online: $110. H&R Block’s best online package. This package is perfect for those who are self-employed, such as small business owners, contractors, and partners who make over $5,000.
Extra Fees Apply, If…
You must file a state tax return
You’ll need to pay an additional $37 per state if you live in a state that requires state income tax. You may have to pay more than one return if you worked or lived in more than one place.
Upgrade to Online Assistance:
It is similar to the other options for online filing, except that you can show your screen and chat with an expert tax advisor. The total cost for a federal tax return is between $70 to $195.
Upgrade to full-service preparation
Your tax documents can be given to a professional in person or via the Internet. They will then prepare and submit your tax return. A federal return costs as little as $80.
H&R Block is paid for your refund.
H&R Block may ask you if you would like to use a portion of your tax refund to pay for their tax preparation services. This may seem easier than using a credit or debit card right away, but you will have to pay $39 for the processing fee.
H&R Block Software – Is it Free?
If you file a simple federal or state tax return then the service is both free and available. This includes unemployment benefits, retirement money, interest, and dividends, as well as money earned from a W-2. You can also take advantage of the Earned-Income Tax Credit (EITC), child tax credits, and deductions such as tuition and student loan interest.
Easy DIY Tax Options for Abroad Residents
H&R Block offers a package to US citizens living outside of the country.
A federal return that only includes income earned from a job is $99; a return that includes self-employment and investment income costs $149. State returns cost an additional $99. Reporting bank and financial accounts outside the US costs $49 extra.
Tax advisors can be hired for as little as $199 to file a federal return.
How does H&R Block work?
H&R Block is known for its offices in the US but also offers computer software and online filing. You can work on your tax returns using the mobile app for Android or iOS if you select an online package.
H&R Block Software has an easy-to-use interface and is used by most tax filers. The platform, like other tax preparation services, asks users a series of questions about their household income and any possible credits and deductions.
Add any information you receive from your employer or other sources of income. This includes 1099, W-2s, 1098s, etc.
H&R Block will connect you to a tax professional within its network if you are worried about making mistakes or missing deductions.
H&R Block offers you the following benefits:
- Import and upload tax forms easily
- Mobile Version
- Step-by-Step Guide
- Live Support
- Tax Return Storage
- Accuracy guarantee
Is H&R Block safe?
Using data encryption, H&R Block keeps your information safe. You must use multi-factor verification to verify your identity every time you log on.
You can get accurate tax returns if you follow the instructions and input the numbers correctly on your income forms.
ProPublica’s 2019 investigation revealed that both H&R Block & TurboTax have used deceptive tactics in the past to convince taxpayers to upgrade their software when it wasn’t necessary. H&R Block has advertised its free file options as of this writing. However, this is an important reminder to be cautious.
