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H&R Block tax preparation software combines the long, storied reputation of a well-known tax prep company with easy-to-use technology. H&R Block offers transparent pricing, on-demand assistance, and a free version that's highly capable. Read our full H&R Block review to learn more about what it has to offer and whether it's the right choice for you.
Best for: Online and in-person tax prep
Federal: $0-$54.99 | State: $0-$44.99
HR Block has 70,000 tax professionals working in 12,000 locations worldwide. Tax filers can file their taxes online, in person, or using their easy-to-use software program. While H&R Block's online tax software isn't the cheapest around, its free version still provides plenty of forms to help you get the job done right. Plus, even if you need a little extra help, the straightforward interface makes it easy to navigate, and you can always upgrade to get unlimited support from a tax expert, enrolled agent, or CPA.
H&R Block is a good fit for: The taxpayer who likes knowing there's professional tax advice available when needed and wants to use an online or software platform from a big name in the tax prep business.
If you're looking for cheaper tax prep software: TaxAct ranges from free to $74.95 for federal returns and from $54.95 for each state filing. The company also offers free live tax advice. In terms of prices and services, TaxAct is among the best tax software.
If you're looking for the easiest-to-use tax prep software: TurboTax is the next best thing to having a CPA and tax preparer sitting next to you. From the TurboTax free edition to its software designed to handle complex returns, it's tough to beat this Intuit company. TurboTax also includes cute cartoons and step-by-step on-screen guidance.
Federal: $0-$34.95 | State: $34.95-$44.95
Federal: $0-$409 | State: $0-$64
Federal: $0-$54.99 | State: $0-$44.99
The Online Assist feature of H&R Block's tax software gives you the opportunity to get on-demand help from a tax professional. It can be by phone or through Block's chat feature with screen-share capability. The company offers step-up services, depending on how complex your tax questions are.
For example, its "Basic Online Assist" is good for questions regarding relatively simple returns. It's ideal for the person who would feel more comfortable with someone walking them through to make sure they're doing everything right. Basic Online Assist starts at $70 plus an additional $40 per state filed.
Block also offers "Deluxe" and "Premium" Online Assist, with prices up to $165 (when not on sale). Deluxe offers support for things like home interest, charitable donations, what is (and what isn't) a tax deduction, and real estate taxes. Premium is designed for those with more complex tax issues, such as investment income.
Like any good software, H&R Block's tax preparation software keeps information secure by employing data encryption and requiring multi-factor authentication.
The software gives you the ability to import last year's return, even if you prepared taxes with TurboTax in 2023. And if you filed with another company but have the PDF, you can use it to import last year's information. You can also import tax documents such as your W2s, 1099s, and others, saving you time.
According to H&R Block, it has 70,000 tax professionals worldwide with an average of 10 years of experience, meaning you are likely to have access to a tax professional who understands your tax situation. It also has 12,000 office locations worldwide, so you can meet with a tax professional in person.
H&R Block's free software allows you to do everything, from accounting for retirement distributions to claiming the Child Tax Credit. There's nothing barebones about the free version.
H&R Block offers many guarantees for tax filers filing their taxes in person, online, or with its tax software. With its maximum refund guarantee, H&R Block will refund the plan fees you paid if you discover an error in the H&R Block tax preparation software that entitles you to a larger refund (or smaller liability).
Other guarantees are the Audit Support Guarantee, which provides free assistance if you get an IRS or other tax notice; 100% Accuracy Guarantee, where H&R Block will reimburse you for any penalties or interest up to $10,000; 100% Satisfaction Guarantee; and the No Surprise Guarantee, where you can receive 20% off next year's tax preparation if HR Block fails to provide any of the four benefits: Upfront Transparent Pricing, Transparent Process, Free Audit Assistance, and Free Mid-Year Care Check-In.
Block's tax preparation software is available through retailers nationwide. However, the company makes it even easier by allowing you to make the purchase from the comfort of your home. Here's how to buy the software and immediately begin your 2021 income tax return:
LEARN MORE: H&R Block Self-Employed review
The cost of the software depends on the complexity of your tax return. H&R Block offers everything from free software for taxpayers with basic filing needs, to software with all the bells and whistles for taxpayers with more complex tax situations.
Here's a rundown of H&R Block tax software costs in 2023:
Product | Price | Additional State Fees |
---|---|---|
Free | Free | Free |
Deluxe | $55 | $49 per state |
Premium | $75 | $49 per state |
Self-Employed | $115 | $49 per state |
H&R Block offers tax filers online expert tax support via phone, online chat, or live assistance. With Online Assist, tax filers can share their screen with a tax pro, get support on any device, get on-demand chat and video support, and get unlimited help from a tax expert, enrolled agent, or CPA. Here is the updated pricing for those interested in adding Online Assist.
Online Assist | Price |
---|---|
Basic | $70 |
Deluxe | $115 |
Premium | $165 |
Self-Employed | $195 |
If you would rather let a tax pro do the work for you, you can have the option to work with the same tax professional every year. Prices to sit with a tax pro or talk via video or secure message start at $85, plus an additional amount for each state. You can also drop off your tax documents at an H&R Block office.
Support Option | Availability |
---|---|
Phone support | Yes |
Email support | No |
Help forums | No |
Online chat | Yes |
In-person branches | Yes |
Access to licensed tax pros | Yes |
Our Taxes Expert
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