H&R Block Review for 2024: Features and Pricing | The Motley Fool (2024)

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.

Alternatives to consider

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.

Full H&R Block review

Top features

Online Assist

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.

Online security

Like any good software, H&R Block's tax preparation software keeps information secure by employing data encryption and requiring multi-factor authentication.

Ability to import

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.

Experienced tax professionals

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.

Free version is loaded with features

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.

HR Block Guarantees

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.

Easy access to software

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:

• Go to the H&R Block website. A series of boxes are neatly displayed across the screen. Simply click on any box that applies to you. For example, if you're a parent, you'll click the box that reads, "I have kids." Once you've clicked all the boxes that pertain to your life, H&R Block suggests which tax software best matches your situation.
• Select a product. Once you learn which software is right for you, click the "Start for free" button just below the picture of the product.
• Create an account. If you don't already have an account with H&R Block, you'll need to answer a few questions to create one.
• Follow the prompts. From beginning to end, H&R Block software guides you through your tax return, literally going over every line on the return. At your own pace, work through each question that pops up on your computer screen.

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H&R Block tax software pricing

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:

H&R Block support

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.

H&R Block is right for you if:

• You want access to a tax professional on-demand.
• You prefer to work with a tax preparation company you're familiar with.
• You're eligible to use the free version of the software.
• You want the option to work with the same tax professional every year, either in person or online.