H&R Block is one of the most popular tax preparation services in the United States. It has been around for over 50 years and is known for its reliable and easy-to-use tax filing software. In this article, we’ll take a look at H&R Block’s features, pricing, and ease of use.
Features
H&R Block offers a wide range of features to help you file your taxes. It has a comprehensive tax calculator that can help you estimate your taxes and determine your refund or balance due. It also has a tax audit support feature that can help you if you’re audited by the IRS. Additionally, H&R Block offers a free tax filing option for those with simple tax returns.
Pricing
H&R Block offers a variety of pricing plans to suit different needs. Its basic plan starts at $29.99 and includes federal and state filing. Its deluxe plan is $49.99 and includes additional features such as audit support and a tax calculator. Its premium plan is $79.99 and includes all the features of the deluxe plan plus additional features such as a tax expert review and a tax identity protection service.
Ease of Use
H&R Block is known for its easy-to-use software. Its user interface is intuitive and straightforward, making it easy to navigate and use. Additionally, its tax filing process is simple and straightforward, allowing you to quickly and easily file your taxes.
Overall, H&R Block is a great option for those looking for a reliable and easy-to-use tax filing service. Its features, pricing, and ease of use make it a great choice for those looking to file their taxes quickly and easily.
It’s no wonder H&R Block is the leader in tax software.
Even for people who know a lot about taxes, they can be overwhelming and hard to understand. H&R Block makes the process easier without dumbing it down.
In each step, you’ll find clear instructions and full explanations of tax ideas and forms. You can save your progress at any time and come back to the same page later. The interface is easy to use. I’m a financial planner, and I’ve used H&R Block for many years. I’ve never been disappointed.
Here’s how H&R Block works, how much it costs, and who it’s best for.
Details of H&R Block
| Software Rating | 4.5/5 |
|---|---|
| Review Summary | In comparison to TurboTax, H&R Block sells goods that are less costly. The user interface is cutting-edge and simple to use in every iteration. In comparison to other services’ free plans, the free version is more comprehensive. |
| Cost | $0 – $110
+$37 per state return |
| Details |
|
| Free Version | Free Version
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 |
Who Could Use H&R Block?
If you’re doing your own taxes this year and, like me, you’re willing to pay for ease of use, H&R Block has something for you. H&R Block can help people who have never done their taxes on their own or who have had big changes in their lives recently.
My life was pretty easy for a few years because I had a W-2 income, a health savings account, and interest income from a high-yield savings account. I didn’t own a home, have any dependents, or invest in anything besides my retirement accounts. I used the Deluxe Online package to fill out and file both my federal and state tax returns.
The capacity to import and upload tax forms saves a lot of time, but there are cheaper (or free) options out there if you don’t mind entering the numbers yourself and want to save some money.
H&R Block Software Cost
H&R Block is less expensive than TurboTax, but more expensive than TaxSlayer, TaxAct, and Cash App Taxes.
H&R Block has four main ways to prepare and file taxes: do-it-yourself online packages, the option to add Online Assist (extra help from an expert), full service from a tax preparer, and downloadable computer software.
Depending on which tax forms you need, each of these categories has different prices. You can prepare your tax return for free with all versions except the computer software. You only pay when it’s time to file.
| DIY Online Filling | DIY+ Expert Access | Full Service Expert | Computer Software | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Return Cost | $0 – $110 | $70 – $195 | $80 + | $29.95 – $89.95 |
| State Return Cost | $0 – $37 | $0 – $37 | $37 Per State | $0 – $39.95, plus $19.95 to e-file |
| Federal + State Return | $0 – $147 | $70 – $232 | $117 + | $54.95 (for Deluxe + State) – $89.95, plus $19.95 to e-file |
DIY Cost and What They Cover
Free Online: $0. Supports W-2 income, unemployment income, interest and dividend income, retirement income, the student loan interest deduction, the tuition and fees deduction, the child tax credit, and the earned income tax credit (EITC). You can’t break down your deductions by category, but that’s typical for a free version. Notably, the free version of H&R Block includes student deductions while the free version of TurboTax does not.
Deluxe Online: $55. You can add the mortgage interest deduction and health savings accounts to the free version and use the itemise feature.
Premium Online: $75. Supports everything in the Deluxe version, as well as income from rental properties and income from freelance work or contractors that is less than $5,000. Common tracking apps can also be used to import mileage and other costs.
Self-Employed Online: $110. The best online package that H&R Block has to offer. It’s perfect for people who work for themselves, like small business owners, partners, and contractors who made over $5,000.
Extra Fees Apply, If…
You need state filing:
If you live in one of the majority of states that also requires you to do state income taxes, you’ll have to pay an extra $37 per state. If you lived or worked in more than one state, you might have to pay for more than one state return.
You Upgrade to Online Assist:
This is almost the same as the other online filing options, but you can chat with a tax expert right away and show them your screen. For a federal return, the total cost is between $70 and $195.
You upgrade to full-service preparation:
Give your tax documents to a professional, either in person or online, and they will prepare and send in your tax return. The price for a federal return starts at $80.
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 some of it to pay for its tax preparation services. It sounds easier than pulling out a debit or credit card on the spot, but there’s a catch: you’ll have to pay a $39 processing fee.
Is H&R Block Software Really Free?
Yes, if you are filing a simple federal and state tax return, the service is free for both. It includes money from unemployment, money from retirement, money from a W-2, and money from interest and dividends. You can also use the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the child tax credit, and deductions like tuition and student loan interest.
DIY Tax Options for People Abroad
H&R Block has a package for US citizens who live outside the country.
A federal return that only includes income from a job costs $99, and a federal return that also includes income from investments and self-employment costs $149. Each state return costs an extra $99. It costs an extra $49 to report bank and financial accounts from outside the US.
You can also file with a tax advisor, which costs as little as $199 per federal return.
How H&R Block Work?
H&R Block may be best known for its many offices across the US, but the company also offers online filing and computer software that can be downloaded. If you choose an online package, you can use the mobile app on your Android or iOS device to work on your taxes.
H&R Block Software is used by the vast majority of tax filers because it has a modern interface that is easy to use. Like other tax preparation services, the platform walks users through a series of questions about their household, income, and possible deductions and credits.
You’ll also need to add information from your employer, other sources of income, and any 1099, 1098, W-2, or other tax forms that may show up in your mailbox or email inbox.
If you’re worried about making mistakes, missing deductions, or getting lost in the tax forms, H&R Block can connect you with a professional in its network for an extra fee.
H&R Block will give you the following:
- Easy tax form import and upload
- Mobile Version
- Step-By-Step Guide
- Live Support
- Tax Return Storage
- Accuracy guarantee
Is H&R Block Safe?
Using data encryption, H&R Block keeps your information safe. Every time you log in, you have to use multi-factor authentication to prove who you are.
If you follow the directions and enter the numbers on your income forms correctly, you should end up with accurate taxes, just like if you went to a more expensive professional tax preparer.
A 2019 ProPublica investigation found that, in the past, both H&R Block and TurboTax used intentionally deceptive methods to get taxpayers to pay for upgrades when they didn’t need to. As of this writing, H&R Block’s free file options are clearly advertised, but this is a good reminder to be careful.
