In a Nutshell
pros
- Robust and feature-rich free version available
- Tax filing software is intuitive and user-friendly
- Offers unlimited live, on-demand help for a nominal fee
cons
- Blog and tax help resources somewhat difficult to find
- Add-on state tax return filings are expensive
H&R Block Online at a Glance
Pricing
Expert Help
Mobile app
Customer Support
Filing Fees
H&R Block Plans
H&R Block offers 4 different tax filing plans. Its Free Online version is designed for simple tax returns and is primarily geared towards students and W-2 employees.
The Deluxe option costs $29.99 (state filings are an additional $36.99) and is designed for taxpayers with slightly more complex returns who need to itemize deductions or claim certain health- and dependent-related expenses.
The Premium version is $49.99 (additional state filings are $36.99) and is right for landlords or investors who need to report capital gain or rental income. Finally, H&R Block’s Self-Employed option, priced at $84.99 (state filings +$36.99), is good for soloprenuers, freelancers, and independent contractors who have business-related expenses to claim.
Free Online
(Best for students and W-2 employees)
Deluxe
(Best for itemizing deductions)
Premium
(Best for landlords and investors)
Self-Employed
(Best for freelancers and gig workers)
Optional Add-Ons
Taxpayers opting for any plan can purchase the following add-ons:
- State tax return filing: $0 for Free Online version, $36.99 per state for every other plan
- Live, on-demand help from a tax expert for $39.99 (state filings are extra)
- Peace of Mind® guarantee starting at $39.95, which provides clients with assistance and defense in the case of an IRS audit
How much does H&R Block cost? (Plan Pricing, Service Fees)
H&R Block’s online federal tax filing plans cost between $0 and $84.99, while state filings range from an additional $0 to $36.99. This is roughly on par with most other leading tax software brands on the market, which all offer a basic free version in addition to their paid plans. Below is a plan and add-on pricing table that compares H&R Block to its competitors.
$0, $24.95, $34.95, or $64.95
$0
How does H&R Block work?
H&R Block’s online tax filing software is simple, intuitive, and easy to understand. The software features a question and answer format, where users are prompted to answer a series of yes/no questions in order to gauge what deductions they might qualify for. For example, H&R Block’s tax software might ask, “Were you married in 2024?” and “Did you have any dependents living in your home in 2024?” as a way to determine a taxpayer’s filing status for the 2024 tax year.
H&R Block’s tax prep software also allows taxpayers to import data from previous tax years, even if they filed their taxes with a different software suite, making it easy to switch from another provider. The software also offers real-time updates, enabling users to track the status of their federal, state, and local filings from preparation through submission.
Is H&R Block reliable and safe?
As one of the largest tax preparation companies in America, H&R Block is reputable and reliable. Its online tax software is well acclaimed by customers and boasts an average 4.4-star rating from nearly 350,000 reviews. Clients are particularly satisfied with the firm’s full-featured Free Online Edition, noting that it is both “straightforward” and “comprehensive.”
Help and Support
H&R Block’s customer support team can be reached via phone—by dialing (800) 472-5625—or in person at one of its 10,000 offices worldwide. The company also offers live chat to its paying customers, which can be accessed once users launch the tax software.
The tax preparation firm also maintains a brief FAQ page as well as a more in-depth Tax Center for common tax questions. Finally, the company operates the Tax Institute, a center for expert advice and research on complex tax-related issues.
What about the H&R Block app?
The company features 2 mobile apps, available on iOS and Android. The
MyBlock app is for year-round tax planning and advice, allowing clients to access a tax professional via live text and video chat on-demand. The H&R Block Tax Prep and File app is used exclusively to prepare and file taxes during tax season and is the mobile version of the company’s online tax software.
Bottom Line
H&R Block is a leading tax preparation company that offers competitive pricing, a highly rated free plan for simple tax returns, and good customer support. With its online tax software available on both web and mobile, clients can choose to file their taxes whenever and however they want. And with over 10,000 offices around the globe, each with a team of tax experts, customers can get easy access to tax advice year-round.
FAQs
How much does H&R Block cost?
H&R Block’s online tax prep and filing software costs $0, $29.99, $49.99, or $84.99, depending on the complexity of your tax return.
Is it worth getting my taxes done at H&R Block?
H&R Block is a good choice for taxpayers with both simple and complex tax returns. Clients with simple returns can benefit from the company’s $0 plan, while those with more demanding tax returns can opt for one of the firm’s paid options.
Is HR Block actually free?
Yes, the $0 Free Online version is free for both federal and state tax returns.