H&R Block Review 2024 (Tax Year 2023) (2024)

Our experts answer readers' tax questions and write unbiased product reviews (here's how we assess tax products). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners; however, our opinions are our own.

Who is H&R Block Best For?

If you're doing your own taxes and willing to pay for convenience, you'll find an option that suits your needs at H&R Block. Anyone who hasn't filed taxes solo before or recently experienced significant life changes can benefit from the guidance H&R Block provides.

The tax form import and upload capabilities are big time savers, but if you're OK with entering the numbers on your own and want to save some money, there are cheaper (or free) options out there.

See Personal Finance Insider's picks for the best tax software >>

H&R Block Details

• Cost of DIY filing: $0 - $85 (+$37 per state return)
• Four ways to file taxes: Includes a completely free option for simple tax situations at any income level
• Clear step-by-step guidance
• Upgradeable for instant access to a tax expert
• Free version covers: W-2 income; unemployment income; retirement distributions; interest and dividend income; tuition and fees deduction; student loan interest deduction; earned income tax credit; child tax credit

H&R Block Pros & Cons

How Much Does H&R Block Cost?

The cost of filing with H&R Block can be less than TurboTax, but more than other popular tax-prep services such as TaxSlayer, TaxAct, or Cash App Taxes.

H&R Block offers four main ways to prepare and file taxes: do-it-yourself online packages, the option to add Online Assist (i.e. extra help from an expert), full service from a tax preparer, and downloadable computer software.

Each of these categories offers different price points, which are determined by which tax forms you need. With all versions except the computer software, you can prepare your return for free. You only pay when it's time to file.

Cost of H&R Block DIY Options And What They Include

• Free Online: $0. Supports W-2 income, unemployment income, interest and dividend income, retirement distributions, the student loan interest deduction, the tuition and fees deduction, the child tax credit, and the earned income tax credit (EITC). You can't itemize deductions, but that's typical of any tax-prep sof ware provider's free version. Notably, H&R Block's free version includes student deductions, while other do not.
• Deluxe Online: $35. Everything the free version includes, plus the mortgage interest deduction and health savings accounts, and you can itemize.
• Premium Online:$65. Supports everything in the Deluxe version, plus rental property income and freelance/contractor income below $5,000. You can also import mileage and other expenses from common tracking apps.
• Self-Employed Online:$85. The highest-tier online package offered by H&R Block. It's ideal for self-employed people, including small business owners, partners, and contractors who earned more than $5,000.

  Extra Fees You Might Have to Pay With H&R Block

• You need state filing.If you live in one of the majority of states that require you to dostate income taxes as well, you'll have to pay an additional $37 per state. If you lived or worked in more than one state, you may have to pay for multiple state returns.
• You upgrade to Online Assist. Nearly identical to the online filing options mentioned above, but you can chat instantly and share your screen with a tax expert. The service starts at $70 and runs as high as $195.
• You upgrade to full-service preparation:Hand off your tax documents to a professional, either in a physical office or virtually, who will prepare and file your return. These services start at $89 for a federal return.
• You pay H&R Block from your refund. If you're expecting a tax refund, H&R Block will ask if you want to use part of it to pay for its tax prep services. It sounds more convenient than pulling out a debit or credit card on the spot, but beware: a $39 processing applies.

How Does H&R Block Work?

H&R Block may be most recognized for its offices scattered throughout the US. But the company offers online filing and downloadable computer software, too. If you choose an online package, you can work on your taxes with the mobile app for Android and iOS devices.

H&R Block caters to the vast majority of tax filers with a modern and easy-to-navigate interface. Like other tax-preparation services, the platform walks users through a series of questions about their household, income, and opportunities for deductions and tax credits.

In addition to answering these questions, you'll need to add information from your employer, other income sources, and 1099, 1098, W-2, and other tax forms that may show up in your mailbox or inbox.

If you're concerned about making mistakes, missing deductions, or getting lost amidst the tax forms, H&R Block can connect you with a professional in its network for an additional fee.

H&R Block Frequently Asked Questions

Compare H&R Block

H&R Block vs. TurboTax

TaxSlayer is a tax-prep software provider that is best for people who don't need a lot of assistance when filing their taxes. As such, it can be a much more budget-friendly option if you're comfortable with the process. It can be a particularly good choice for tax-savvy self-employed tax filers, with a package designed for that scenario priced at $62.95, compared with H&R Block's offering at $85. But remember, you'll be saving money at the cost of a more rudimentary user interface. So it's important to consider how complicated your individual tax situation is when deciding which service to use.

H&R Block vs. TaxAct

TaxAct is best for people who don't want to pay for high-end software like H&R Block, but are still willing to pay a premium for an efficient and streamlined interface to file their own taxes. It's not as inexpensive as TaxSlayer, but it does include features where TaxSlayer is lacking, such tax document uploading and importing. Prices range from $0 (based on qualifying income and deductions) to $99.99 for a self-employed return. State returns cost an additional $59.99 for paid packages and $39.99 if you qualify for a free federal return.

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Rated H&R Block

We rate tax software on a 1-5 scale. The overall rating is a weighted average that considers five different categories when reviewing each platform, some of which are judged more heavily than others. They are:

• Cost (30%):Is there a free filing package? How does the cost of the paid tax preparation software compare to similar offerings from competitors?
• Value (20%):Does the cost justify what you get? Can you get the same features elsewhere for a lower price?
• User experience (20%):Is the tax prep software easy to use? Can you seamlessly upload or import documents? Is the guidance clear and non-jargony?
• Expert help (20%):Can you chat, email, or call a tax professional when you have questions? Is this feature included with the standard packages or does it cost extra?
• Support (10%):Is there an accuracy guarantee or audit support? Is customer service reachable and helpful?

We also considered the breadth of tax forms included in the various packages offered by each tax software company, with an emphasis on what's available at no cost.