H&R Block Review
Taxpayers who want a strong balance of features and value, particularly those who appreciate the option to visit a physical office for in-person help when needed.
H&R Block is the second-largest tax preparation company in the United States, with a unique hybrid model that combines online software with over 12,000 physical retail locations. This gives H&R Block a significant advantage for taxpayers who want the convenience of self-preparation but the safety net of in-person help if they run into trouble. You can start your return online and seamlessly transfer it to a local office at any point.
The online software itself is well-designed and follows an interview-based approach similar to TurboTax, guiding you through your tax situation with plain-language questions. H&R Block has invested heavily in improving its digital experience in recent years, and the gap between it and TurboTax has narrowed considerably. The knowledge base and in-context help are thorough and easy to understand.
Pricing is meaningfully lower than TurboTax at every tier. The Free Online edition is notably more inclusive, covering student loan interest and unemployment income that TurboTax charges for. State returns with paid tiers cost $37 each, nearly half of TurboTax pricing. The Self-Employed tier at $115 is $54 less than the equivalent TurboTax product.
H&R Block also offers Tax Pro Review (a professional reviews your self-prepared return) and Full Service (a professional prepares your return using information you upload) for additional fees. These options leverage their network of over 60,000 tax professionals, giving them scale and availability advantages for human-assisted preparation.
Pricing
Free Online
- W-2 income
- Unemployment income
- Social Security income
- Interest and dividend income (1099-INT, 1099-DIV)
- Standard deduction
- Earned Income Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Student loan interest deduction
Deluxe
- Everything in Free
- Itemized deductions (Schedule A)
- HSA contributions and distributions
- Child and dependent care credit
- Mortgage interest and property taxes
- Charitable donations
Premium
- Everything in Deluxe
- Freelance and gig income (Schedule C)
- Investment income and capital gains
- Rental property income (Schedule E)
- Cryptocurrency reporting
- Estimated tax payment calculations
Self-Employed
- Everything in Premium
- Priority support from business tax specialists
- Business expense categorization with DeductionPro
- Depreciation and vehicle deduction calculators
- Quarterly tax payment reminders
- Year-round tax planning tools
Pros
- More generous free tier than TurboTax, including student loan interest deduction and unemployment income at no cost
- Lower pricing across all tiers compared to TurboTax, with state returns at $37 each versus $64
- Unique ability to start online and finish in person at any of 12,000+ retail locations if you get stuck
- Strong interview-based guidance comparable to TurboTax in quality and comprehensiveness
- Free state filing included with the Free Online tier
- Includes unlimited phone and chat support with tax professionals at no extra charge for Deluxe and above
- Import previous year return from TurboTax, TaxAct, or prior H&R Block filing
Cons
- User interface, while good, is not quite as polished or intuitive as TurboTax
- Fewer direct import partnerships with employers and financial institutions compared to TurboTax
- The line between Premium and Self-Employed tiers can be confusing since both cover Schedule C
- Upselling for in-person review and Tax Pro Review add-ons can be persistent
Features
| Feature | Included | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Federal e-filing | ||
| State e-filing | Free with Free tier; $37/state for paid tiers | |
| W-2 photo import | ||
| Direct import from financial institutions | Fewer partners than TurboTax | |
| Itemized deductions (Schedule A) | Deluxe tier and above | |
| Investment income (Schedule D) | Premium tier and above | |
| Self-employment income (Schedule C) | Premium tier and above | |
| Cryptocurrency tax reporting | Premium tier and above | |
| In-person office support | Transfer return to any of 12,000+ locations | |
| Tax Pro Review add-on | CPA or EA reviews your return for additional fee | |
| Prior year data import | ||
| Mobile app filing |
Our Verdict
H&R Block offers the best combination of software quality and value among the major tax brands, with the added peace of mind of nationwide physical offices. It is an excellent choice for taxpayers who want near-TurboTax quality at a lower price, and it is the top pick if you value having in-person support available.
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