Quick Summary
H&R Block combines the convenience of online tax software with the credibility of 70+ years as America's largest tax preparation company. With 12,000+ physical offices as a backup, H&R Block is the only online tax service that lets you start your return online and finish it in person if you get stuck. The software offers strong guidance, competitive pricing, and the confidence of a brand that has prepared over 800 million tax returns.
Score Breakdown
What We Like
- ✓ 70+ years of tax expertise
- ✓ Start online, finish in person at 12,000+ offices
- ✓ More generous free tier than TurboTax
- ✓ Competitive pricing across all tiers
- ✓ In-person backup unavailable from any competitor
What Could Improve
- ✗ Interface not quite as polished as TurboTax
- ✗ Upselling can be persistent
- ✗ Some features require higher tiers
Features
H&R Block offers guided tax preparation with step-by-step interview format. Free tier includes W-2 income, unemployment, retirement, and child tax credit. Auto-import from W-2s and financial institutions. Tax Pro Review lets an expert check your return. The unique Drop Off feature lets you upload documents and have a pro prepare your return. Five years of return storage.
Pricing
Free Online covers W-2 income, child tax credit, earned income credit, and student loan interest. Deluxe at $55 adds deductions, HSA, and dependents. Premium at $85 adds freelance income and investments. Self-Employed at $110 covers business income. State filing adds $37-$44 per state depending on tier.
Usability
H&R Block's interface is clean and navigable, with a logical flow through income, deductions, and credits. The tax estimator shows your refund or balance due in real time. Document upload is smooth, and the import feature works well with major employers. The option to switch to in-person help mid-return is a unique safety net.
Key Specifications
| Starting Price | Free / $55+ |
| Free Filing | W-2 + more |
| State Filing | $37-$44/state |
| Expert Help | Available (extra cost) |
| Accuracy Guarantee | Yes |
| Audit Support | Yes |
| Import | W-2, 1099 auto-import |
Final Verdict
H&R Block offers the best combination of online convenience and in-person backup. Its free tier is more generous than TurboTax, and the paid tiers are more affordable. The 70-year track record and 12,000+ offices provide unmatched confidence. If you want solid tax software with a human backup option, H&R Block is the smart choice.