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4.8

Overall Score

LAST UPDATED: September 16th, 2024

H&R Block has offered professional tax services since 1955, giving them over 60 years of experience. H&R Block has served over 550 million clients and have offices within five miles of most American households. It offers a wide variety of tax filing options at different prices and resources to clients. H&R Block also helps clients prepare taxes in one of their many offices or online.

With H&R Block, customers can do online tax filing with software on a computer or through a mobile phone (iOS and Android apps). 

H&R Block offers audit support through its Audit Risk Identification feature which boosts the overall value of the software and the Double Check function and ensures total accuracy. 

While filing, there are embedded links directly into forms to provide clients insights to learn more and find answers to questions. 

In addition, there is a "walk through" workflow and bookmark options for users. A big plus is that an Accuracy Guarantee is included with every product.

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The Good

  • Guarantees
  • Member Resources
  • Suggested Tax Deductions
  • Customer Support

Guarantees

Every tax return comes with the "H&R Block Guarantee," covering any interest or penalty fees from the IRS. The guarantee also encompasses auditing.

Member Resources

H&R Block provides free in-person audit support for clients, and clients receive a 5 percent bonus refund on top of their federal refund to be used at over 15 retailers. Also, live chat is available for clients to help them with any questions or concerns when filing.

Tax filers who use H&R Block can choose to receive their tax return as a direct deposit to their bank account, which makes it especially easy and convenient.

Suggested Tax Deductions

Standard Deductions The standard deduction is a fixed dollar amount that reduces the income you're taxed on. Your standard deduction varies according to your filing status. In 2014, the standard deduction was:

  • For single or married filing separately -- $6,200
  • For married filing jointly or qualifying widow(er) -- $12,400
  • For head of household -- $9,100

Itemized Deductions Itemized deductions also reduce your taxable income. Ex: If you're in the 15% tax bracket, every $1,000 in itemized deductions knocks $150 off of your tax bill. You might benefit from itemizing your deductions on Form 1040, Schedule A if you:

  • Have itemized deductions that total more than the standard deduction you'd receive
  • Had large, uninsured medical and dental expenses
  • Paid mortgage interest and real estate taxes on your home
  • Had large, unreimbursed expenses as an employee
  • Had a large, uninsured casualty (fire, flood, wind) or theft losses
  • Made large contributions to qualified charities
  • Had large, unreimbursed miscellaneous expenses

Customer Support

H&R Block offers a number of ways to get in touch with them:

  • By phone: 1-800-472-5625
  • Twitter: @HRBlockAnswers
  • Live Chat: Live support is offered in programs to paying customers.
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The Bad

  • Supported Forms
  • Most Popular Version Prices

Supported Forms

For basic tax preparation, H&R Block offers 1040, 1040a, 1040ez. These tax forms are standard for filing taxes if individuals are employed in full or part-time jobs. 

For those who are self-employed, H&R Block offers a Schedule C. The Schedule C is a form used for people to report how much money they earned or lost from their business during the fiscal year. 

To report on multiple owned properties, H&R Block offers a Schedule E. The Schedule E allows individuals to report how much money they earned or lost from renting their properties during the fiscal year.

Most Popular Version Prices

Federal

  • H&R Block Deluxe - The best way to go for homeowners or investors. This option has a fee of $34.99
  • H&R Block Premium - The best way to go for self-employed or rental property owners. This option's fee is $36.99

State

  • H&R Block Deluxe - The best way to go for homeowners or investors. The fee is $54.99
  • H&R Block Premium - The best way to go for self-employed or rental property owners. This option costs $36.99
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The Bottom Line

Tax season is when taxpayers receive the money they overpaid in taxes as a tax refund. Whether someone is filing a very simple set of tax returns or relatively complicated ones, this software is likely to provide the tools needed. Using an online tax filing software is cheaper than paying a tax preparer to do the work for you.

The filing process can be confusing, and getting it done correctly is important. Online tax filing software is a great resource for filers preparing their own taxes.

H&R Block puts direct links into online forms, giving clients insights into their questions during the application process. In addition, clients are walked through the online tax preparation filing process and are provided with several guarantees to provide peace of mind. 

However, the H&R Block tax prep software doesn't automatically offer suggested deductions, which can make a big difference in what your tax return looks like. 

H&R Block has expanded its free tax software include more complicated forms. If your tax situation isn't too complicated, you may be able to do a free file with H&R Block. Overall, H&R Block has several great features and is a good choice for tax prep.

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Star Rating

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3.8

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587 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

45%

4 grade

22%

3 grade

10%

2 grade

4%

1 grade

20%

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Chris

They made an error on my brother in laws tax return and all they said was sorry but now you owe $2,500.00. He told the preparer that he never expected a refund, if it was correct and he was assured it was. He had been doing business with them for 5 years.

2 months ago

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Paid Reviewer

i have a unique tax situation and after trying to explain and reach a specialist, I finally got my job done. I was really happy with the expertise and knowledge of the specialist. 4 stars because their filing is too expensive, in my opinion.

4 months ago Edited June 12, 2024

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Aaron

Have used H&R Block for over 15 years. Seems thorough, honest, but a little pricey.

1 month ago

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Deborah Dyer Hendersonville, TN

We have used multiple tax prep providers over 50 years. Some we liked, others never again. However, we always felt that H&R Block were the tax preparation company that actually took the time to make sure that everything we were to have, we had at time of doing our taxes. There has always been numerous locations within the cities we have lived in which made it very convenient to our home. We found that all of their tax preparers were very knowledgeable in their jobs, were able to answer all of the multitude of questions we had as each tax year approached, as our family grew, and then as we both aged in years. We have seen their prices like everyone else, fluctuate over these years, but my mother always said “ One gets what they pay for” and I have found that true in just about everything in life. We will continue to use H&R Block until the time we no longer are here to need their services☺️

1 year ago

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Life of Frog South Bend, IN

Every person in America will be audited between 1 and 3 times in their lifetime. If you do your own taxes at home or use some tax software, you could be in for trouble when the IRS audits you. You will not be prepared for their intense line of questioning and their tyrannical scrutiny- They are the government. They will assume you have cheated on your taxes. Even if you haven't. Making a simple, honest mistake is no excuse either because they will fine you huge amounts of money for the mistake. Enter H&R Block. Block agents are certified and trained in all current IRS laws (the laws that change every, single, year!) They act as your legal representative and tax attorney on your behalf, for free, just for being their customer! When we were audited, we were hassled by some IRS agent who thought he was a tough G-Man investigator. He bullied us and tried to meet us at our house and not at the H&R Block office. Our Block rep called him and explained that he had no right to bully or harass us, or to demand we have all our receipts in less than a week. She got us a audit interview date a month out, prepared everything and answered all the questions the IRS agent had on our behalf, because they are in fact your tax attorney! She even proved to the IRS how we didn't owe any money, but in fact, the IRS who had made a mistake, OWED US money! We would have been intimidated and unable to defend ourselves from the government's attack if we had not had our Block rep to defend us. Definitely worth the peace of mind!

2 years ago

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Linda Hogan San Diego, CA

I am a 73 year, which is not OLD, but if you combine that with my attention deficit disorder disorder (ADD) I do find it more difficult to do things like my taxes. This year my advisor Mari F called and set up a way for me to take picture of all my documents and send them to her. Then she completed my taxes she sent a notice for me to accept my taxes. Here is where the problem lies! In the process of setting up my account I had to put in an ID name and password. In reentering this information I put an extra dot in my user name a proceeded to change my password. As often as I looked at it I missed the extra dot.. Mary called H&R tech department where a tech rep. could see where I had made the mistake. Mari spent at least a couple of hours helping me figure out why I could not accept my taxes. I call this going above and beyond. Most important for me is that with her knowledge and integrity I trust that I am getting everything I am entitled too.

4 years ago

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Dan Brown

H&R Block filed my 2023 tax return & charged me $450. A few weeks later, I received a notice from the IRS that there was a "miscalculation" on my return. I showed the letter to Block and asked for a refund of my tax prep fee, in accordance with their guarantee, which states "If you discover an H&R Block error on your return that entitles you to a larger refund (or smaller tax liability), we'll refund the tax prep fee for that return and file an amended return at no additional cost". I was told that since "I" didn't discover the error, but the IRS did, I was not entitled to a refund of my fee. If I have to review the return for errors, why should I pay them? I'll never use H&R Block again and encourage others not to do so either!

4 months ago

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Hank Ricardo

I've used H&R block since the 1990s. Those cash back days were great. They made a mistake one time, but corrected it and paid my penalty. Friendly service. Very professiona and filled with lots of knowledge (loopholes)

4 months ago

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Phill Pomona, CA

I usually go between H&R Block and another tax company for ease of use and how "free" the free tax service is. H&R Block is really good about getting your taxes done quickly and simply using their online portals. Its very fast and very thorough and you also have the ability to talk to a tax preparer through their online messaging service.

7 months ago

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Yooper Colorado Colorado Springs, CO

So far I am happy with this product having just started using it for this tax year. We switched from Turbotax this year because they required you to file by February 15th and the State forms (which used to be free) now cost a lot extra. The import function and advertisement for the software need to be more forthcoming because in order to import the previous year's tax files you first need to export the file in the old software (hopefully you still have a copy of that software lying around) if you don't you are out of luck for the import, you will have to start from scratch.

2 years ago

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Jeanne Baker New Boston, TX

My husband and i tried Turbo Tax at the recommendation of a friend. This program determined that we owed 5k. We were skeptical and brought our taxes to H&R Block who determined that we actually were owed roughly the same amount. We have used H&R Block since that time. Our tax professional, Joann H in New Boston, TX is a consummate professional and has solved very unusual and difficult tax issues for us. She is a truly caring person who clearly takes pride in her work and easily navigates any research necessary to serve her clients. We have complete confidence in her.

5 years ago

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Crissann Irwin, PA

I have worked for H&R Block for 15 tax seasons and have held many hats over the years. The best thing that has happened is the company launching the Blockworks program this past tax season. It is the most user friendly program I have ever used. My TP's and I used the program 100% this tax season. Goodbye to TPS. A much needed change with the times.

9 years ago

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Darla McBride Gutshall Lexington, NC

I was a client starting in 2002 when I first moved to N.C. from F.L. & had never had to file a state tax return. I added a spouse in 2003 & a baby in 2004. My tax pro was vert informative & remembered me year after year. In 2008, I started working in a franchise office as a client service rep. Now, I'm still a client service rep but, I'm also tax preparer & an office coordinator. I love interacting w/ my clients & I couldn't ask for a better boss. To me, the value is phenomenal. Year round service, pros who know their tax laws & go above & beyond to make you feel like you're family; not just a number!

10 years ago

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Joe Ebbing Thonotosassa, FL

Enjoyed 21 years as a District Mansger on both the franchise side and company side of the business . Customer satisfaction was always the prime concern. Retired in 2012 and returned as a seasonal tax professional this past tax season. I am looking forward to working with many clients in the years to come as a seasonal associate with HRBlock. Block provides a high quality of continuing education and rewards associates as they earn higher levels of tax knowledge certification.

10 years ago

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Damaris Benton

I've been a customer for over 10 years! They are always thorough and walk me everything to make sure I understand the process.

3 months ago

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Mindy Clarke Tacoma, WA

I have been using H7R Block for almost 30 years. I have tried other Tax Prep here and there but, I always come back. Now I use the online filing method, it stores all my previous years tax's and it is easy to navigate. Hands down the best Tax business in the world!!

1 year ago

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Jeremy Summa Inverness, FL

I have used them every year for the past 20 years and I’m very satisfied with the knowledge and experience they provide they ask questions to help me get the best tax returns I can. The cost is very reasonable. They answer any questions you have to.

1 year ago

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Emma Morrill

I am extremely satisfied with H&R Block. They provide free tax services for military service members and their families through military one source. This was a great help come April! After completing my taxes on other sites I tried H&R Block and they saved me over $200 on various fees that they didn’t charge for!

1 year ago

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Don Thigpen Kansas City, MO

Very good but very expensive. High-ticket customers pay less than the low-ticket ones. Just be smart working with them, but they are good. I've used them the last three years and sort of know how to shop for their best products (and I'm low-ticket).

1 year ago Edited February 9, 2023

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Jewelleah Kempers Los Angeles, CA

I have to give H&R Block only 3 stars, even though they did a great job at saving me $22,000 in capital gains taxes one year because they have been recommending to me the wrong tax return forms for several years. According to the Paperwork reduction Act of 1984, I am not supposed to be filing a 1040. They seem to recommend this form to everyone, and that is not the correct form to be utilizing if I am an American National and not a U.S. CITIZEN. There is a significant difference between the two and it is disheartening to know that I could have saved a ton of money in income taxes had I been utilizing the correct IRS Forms. H&R Block did provide great service when they helped me save all that money on capital gains though, which I appreciated at the time very much, and so I give them 3 stars overall. They need to brush up the employees with the details of the paperwork reduction act of 1984 which UNIFIED all forms for an established single use and their agents are unaware of this important money saving detail!

2 years ago

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Doglover San Diego, CA

I have been very happy with my tax lady Silvia. They are fast efficient and helped me get back on track with my taxes. It's a little hard to get an appointment but over all good service and fast response when you do finally connect. They are a well known company so they are creditable. I always seem to come back to them after yay if another tax place. I believe it's because I like that they are knowledgeable and will do what's right. They give you great advice on filing and always return your calls.

2 years ago

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Trisha Ross DeWitt, MI

I have used H&R Both at a location and online off and on for 10-20 years now and they are very professional. I prefer going to a location, but since the pandemic I've used it online. I don't like that they make you pay for 2 different services online just to finish the federal even though it's "free federal" and to file the state you have to pay again. Otherwise it's a great company.

2 years ago

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Rae Martinez Peoria, AZ

I like that they usually run on time. Disappointed that from year to year you may have to use a different preparer. At the location close to us, there was turn-over and seemed we always picked someone that wasn't there the next year. What was done - was done accurately and preparer always knew latest laws, etc. Seemed to be a little expensive since the computer did the real work - especially once we got to the point where we were standard deductions. I just don't feel comfortable doing them myself. The convenience was worth it.

2 years ago

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Brittney Mac Gregor Louisville, KY

I have only used H&R twice, each year to do my taxes. One out of the two years, I had an itemized list because I was filing as a sole proprietor. H&R screwed that up big time. My taxes ended up being filed late that year because they were "held hostage" in the office for several months. I ended up getting them mailed back to me and filed them myself. I'm giving 3 stars, because after speaking with the company manager, it turns out it was just a rouge employee that had taken my personal taxes to her home to work on them and I'm guessing they got misplaced for some time. No excuses but I was made to believe that the employee was beyond reprimanded and that was not the general practice of the company.

3 years ago

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MindyV Lubbock, TX

I love H&R Block!!!! I have done my taxes with H&R Block for many years and it's always been great. It's really easy to do my taxes on their website and I feel that I can trust them. Plus they keep my information from the previous year, which helps as well.

3 years ago

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Tiffany Baines Akron, OH

Great service, but extensive! Went and our appointment took much longer than anticipated, but the computer was running slow due to being the first day the electronically filed taxes went through in the system. They were very apologetic and have us the best possible refund option and was helpful in answering questions we didn't understand, explained a lot and made the process easier and less stressful!

4 years ago

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Eddie Rios Ogden, UT

H&R Block is a solid foundation for tax prep assistance. It offers a wide variety of services, from simple to complex. They can handle all of your tax issues and can answer tons of questions. They are professional and accurate. They can be trusted to help with your taxes.

4 years ago

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Susan D Walled Lake, MI

I came in very nervous and was put at ease within literally minutes by my Master Tax Advisor, Chrysia. She was so professional and helpful; she was able to show me tools and goals that put me at ease. I made my appointment for next year with her! Thank you!

5 years ago

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Kay Conway, SC

The people who work there are very nice. I, like so many here, agree they are way too expensive. I paid $530 this year, the most I have ever paid to do my taxes and she gave me a $40 discount so it would have been $570! I was there an hour so who makes that kind of money for an hours worth of work for you, a doctor, a lawyer for an hours worth of time at a computer?! Go somewhere else if you can. I wish now that I had. They take advantage knowing that you have to do this. Nothing against the person filling out the forms, she is nice. I know that she doesn’t make the prices. I bet the profits for H and R Block are in the billions for their CEO and shareholders.

5 years ago

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Nandita Tonse

This is a very nice website to help new tax filers. They have helped me file my ITR. Also they give guidelines about how to do it and help me understand the term. Each person i given a tax expert, who is available throughout the time to help. Highly recommended

8 years ago

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tamara barnes Waterloo, IA

I have been with H&R for more than 10 years.. I have one very special preparer that does my taxes nearly every year. When she is not available we are confident in whomever we get. We get in and get out quickly and ALL staff members are friendly and helpful!!! We will continue to use H&R Block for years to come!!! Keep up the great work!!

10 years ago

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Linda New Lexington, OH

I have worked for H&R Block for almost 10 years and, although it's not always perfect, we have the best knowledge, training, software and people! It is a fun place to work and there are lots of opportunities for advancement. Being a seasonal company can cause problems, but at least our doors are open year round to serve our clients. I hope to continue to work for HRB for a very long time!

10 years ago

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Carol Goldsboro, NC

I have worked for H&R Block for 30 years. I look forward to training every year. We have to take advance tax classes every year to increase our tax knowledge and to be able to help our clients with their particular tax situation. I love working for H&R Block and I would never consider leaving.

10 years ago

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Susie TX

Been with company 20 plus years. One of the Best. I have worked for Fortune 500 companies and Block has them beat. You are always taking classes on tax theory and there is always someone to research questions. And WE Do Audit Assistance and Representation.

10 years ago

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Maxwell Williams Victorville, CA

My wife and I have been going to H&R Block for the past 5 years. They have been always been professional and courteous. They are always giving us tips to help us save a little money and now that my wife and I are empty nesters. We need all the breaks we can get. Our tax person has gotten to know us and even ask about our kids. Such a friendly and relax environment. We will continue to retain there services for as long as we can. Thank you H&R Block.

2 years ago

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Frank Herbert

As a former IRS Office Auditor I find the H&R software, intuitive, comprehensive and easy to navigate. The Federal/State package contains all the forms I need for investments and rentals and they provide numerous links with explanations and clarifications. I file multiple state returns easily and timely with electronic filing. I have recommended H&R to all my relatives as well.

2 years ago

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Sandra Little Eugene, OR

The Tax professionals at H&R Block were knowledgeable and professional. I was pleased with the ease of filing. Also, a couple of years later I had a letter from the IRS and Block checked my filing and found more money for me and the document in question was attached to my return originally. The letter was in error. The people at Block were quick to respond to my question regarding the letter.

2 years ago

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upnorthwi Bellevue, WA

I use and have used H&R Block tax software for over 20 years. I've never had a tax problem, it stores your previous information and return and you simply answer questions to produce a tax return. My only complaint is that they charge you for more than 1 state return filing while giving you 5 free federal filings. I feel it should be 5 of each so that a family or couple doesn't need to pay extra. Other than that it's great tax software.

2 years ago

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Kaye Columbia, MO

Tax season is never fun but H&R Block makes it quick and easy. My agent is always very knowledgeable about my taxes and tax policy, I'm never left with unanswered questions. The best part is the efficiency: you can drop off your taxes and come back when they're complete, or if you choose to stay like I sometimes do, it never takes me more than an hour and a half to be in and out and done for the year.

3 years ago

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Dave_ Layton, UT

I am happy with the software as it had accurate calculations of my taxes and is easy to use. I used this software several years in the past and only switched to a different one since my employer subsidized the other product. I was happy with the product and my father has been using it for the past 15 years after switching from the other product as he prefers H&R Block.

4 years ago Edited September 14, 2021

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Michelle Rios Ogden, UT

It has been a few years since we have used H&R Block, but I can tell you that the service that they provided was great. We were able to work with an agent that was knowledgeable and efficient, with our taxes completed in just a few days. The cost was reasonable for the piece of mind offered. We would probably still use them, except that my husband got his degree in accounting. We appreciate your service H&R Block!

4 years ago

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kristin Gneiting Pleasant Grove, UT

I have used H&R Block many times and every time they are very knowledgable and helpful in doing my taxes. They helped me through every step of the way, and it was good to be able to talk with someone instead of a computer. I felt like they gave me all the options I needed and made the best out of what isn't fun at all and that is taxes. In the end they gave me options to file on line or send it in myself and they also gave me the option of getting my refund sooner through them.

5 years ago

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Sarah Ava Salt Lake City, UT

We’ve used H&R Block’s online filing for the past two years and would definitely recommend it. The program takes you through your taxes step by step and has someone available if you have any questions or concerns. Simple and convenient, even when your taxes are complicated and not as straightforward. The price we paid is hundreds less than we paid a CPA to file for us in the past, so it’s well worth the savings.

6 years ago

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NANCY Malone San Antonio, TX

Judy W has been my tax pro for 3 years. However, I’ve used H&R Block for 20 years. They are efficient, prompt and professional. I never worry when they work for me v

9 months ago

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Jowara Morgande

They really did there best to make sure I received the most money possible and that everything was correct. They made me feel assured that everything was perfect. Great professional people.

1 year ago

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Ashlei Hudson Chesapeake, VA

H&R Block in person consultation: Loved the convenience and ease of obtaining an appointment. However, when working with the tax advisor I found myself suggesting ways to obtain tax breaks opposed to being properly advised. I.e I had to ask about childcare costs and repairs on our rental unit. Overall, it wasn't worth the $550 spent on the return. I've completed my tax return in the past for much less utilizing an online tax service.

1 year ago

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Lara Antonucci Pittsburgh, PA

H&R Block did an excellent job with my taxes and explained everything that changed from the previous year. I feel confident enough to do my taxes on my own next year using their online service.

1 year ago

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Joseph Faenza Washington, DC

I have been using H & R Block tax prep for years. The online service for preparing your taxes is easy to use and always provides online help if you have any questions. The pricing always seems reasonable as well.

1 year ago

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Lucy Wallingford, CT

In my experience, H&R block provides an excellent and easy to understand service. I'm able to provide the information necessary for a quick filing and they always have people ready to answer my questions.

1 year ago

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Kevin Ortiz

The most reliable service I have used in Puerto Rico for tax filing purposes. Year after year, I have had very good experiences both online and in store with H&R Block representatives.

1 year ago