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6.3

Overall Score

LAST UPDATED: March 8th, 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.

View Best Tax Prep Companies

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Star Rating

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4.4

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581 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

45%

4 grade

22%

3 grade

9%

2 grade

4%

1 grade

20%

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Donna St Louis, MO

This service is not worth paying for. you do all the work by bringing them everything and they put it in a computer. they offered no help on how to save money or advise for next tax year. you are better off buying turbo tax.

4 months ago Edited November 14, 2023

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Jimmy Kemp, TX

I went to H&R Block to get my taxes done. They say transparency they are supposed to give you a estimate as what it's going to cost so you can file or not. Tax preparation started it $59 up For a 1040 short form with my social security and Navy retired pay and some interest from savings account. One schedule one form for filing alimony. One letter and stamp to send a cashier's check to IRS I was charged $194.00 with $25.00 Dollar off coupon which would make it $169.00 After I got back to my apartment I thought about it. That is ridiculous to get charged that much for a1040 form ect. But who do you complain to?

5 years ago

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Rebecca Terre Haute, IN

My initial experience was wonderful. Got a good return and it didn't take very much time. However, this tax return was messed up making my state return to be rejected. I made many calls that were missed, dropped, or not returned. After finally getting it taken care of it had been a month since my initial appointment. When it was finished the second time nobody contacted me to let me know it was completed. I had to call again, many times. I then had to mail part of my tax information instead of having it sent digitally or mailed by them. I never heard back about my state until yesterday (5 months later) by a letter from the state saying it was being denied. I am not getting money back I was told I would and in return owe money I wasn't told I would. If my federal hadn't gone through I would have given as few stars as possible. I will not be returning.

5 years ago

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Rebecca Menashe The Bronx, NY

The software is very user friendly. I was able to do the taxes on my own, yet I signed up for tax pro review and paid an extra 49.00 for someone to review them. It was through a message center and basically in a few messages he wrote all was fine and nothing changed. I saw that the tax was finalized and still not filed, yet I had a few more questions. I kept writing messages in the message center but never heard back from the tax pro, and am still waiting to get them cleared up before I file. It seems this tax pro review is very limited, impersonal, and we dont even really know who was actually writing the messages since it could have been anybody typing behind the profile. It didnt leave a confident feeling in me that anything was really reviewed or that I had genuine access to the person and I am still waiting for a response as of now.

5 years ago

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Cheryl Broussard, LA

Went into local office and watched the so called pro enter numbers in online form. Same thing i could have done myself. Then charged 3 times the amount of the online product. Abdolutely a rip off for people going in to an office. Reason for going into local office was wanting explanation as to why TurboTax and H&R was giving me different result when putting in identical numbers in forms. Instead of answering my question goes ahead and reenters figures all over again.

5 years ago

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Otis Long Marion, KY

I had my taxes done in Marion H&R Block cost me 411 dollars for them to screw them up. Had to turn a round and file amended taxes so got to wait a extra 3 to 4 month for the rest of my refund. And to beat it all their just open on Wednesdays now so can't get the paper work till Wednesday . I will never ever use H&R Block again. Been using them for about 10 years.

5 years ago

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Elyse Bradley Provo, UT

have mixed feelings about H&R Block. The first 2 years I went to them, I had decent service for a fairly decent price. The person who helped me was always courteous, but often failed to explain things clearly. They did help me maximize my tax return both times. This year, however, they quoted my price over $300 for a return that wasn't that complex. Because I had 2 forms different this year, they were going to charge me 2x the amount of previous years. I said no thanks and ended up filing online for free by myself and the estimated return was WAY higher than what H&R quoted. I probably won't ever go back.

5 years ago Edited September 14, 2021

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Tina Athens, ME

I've been with hr block for years and out of them years I've always got between 3,400 to 7,400. Back in taxes every year I apply for the emerald loan around Xmas time only twice have I gotten it and they been paid back in full every year after I got declined! This year I will be taken my taxes else where!

9 years ago

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Frances Harmatuk Baltimore, MD

While the software is easy to use. This year I paid more for the software than I received a refund. I was very disappointed. This was the first year where my refund didn't cover the cost of the software. Also, this year, the direct deposit didn't work so I was forced to have a paper refund of $10 which isn't even worth the hassle and risk of going into the bank to deposit. Definitely not happy with this software this year.

3 years ago Edited September 14, 2021

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Lindsey B Orem, UT

Overpriced, under serviced! They are the exact reason that I switched Tax Prep services to another provider. I paid way to much for the service that I got for pennies on the dollar from another service. I could see using H&R block if you have very complicated tax needs but if you are a basic income earner from one or two different incomes DO NOT use them!

5 years ago

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Amanda Purpura Gibsonia, PA

They charge a TON of money to do taxes. My husband and I were paying hundreds and hundreds of dollars each year until we found a small family-owned firm that charged a fraction of the cost. We also had a year where our taxes were done incorrectly and we needed to quickly address the issue.

4 years ago

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Samantha Grabert Salt Lake City, UT

Getting taxes done with H&R Block is like having a robot do them for you. They did not answer questions that I needed answered but was herded in like cattle and then they wanted their pay. It was so impersonal

2 years ago

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T

Extremely expensive especially considering they aren’t truly out to help clients. Just want you in and out as soon as possible.

4 years ago

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Celia Waipahu, HI

Used them once & I paid a pretty hefty price in filing my taxes. Found someone cheaper but what works for some may not work for others.

5 years ago

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Robert Mott Bellevue, MI

Youre lured in with no cost then end up having to pay in the end. I stopped right there

1 year ago

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Travis Mosley Columbia, MO

They use to be a good company to file taxes through until 2010! They made several mistakes and refused to fix them!

3 years ago

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Dean Lodi, CA

Horrible service and fees are to high I would never use them again

6 years ago

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Karina Aguilar Managua, MN

h&r block charges way more than other taxes companies and provided me the same service

4 years ago

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Jesse Garcia

Good product but AWFUL customer support!

4 years ago

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Avis Gregory

The Cost very high, not for people in need.

6 years ago

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W smallwood Port Richey, FL

Quick easy and hassle free. Strong recommendation.

6 years ago

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Joe Chipman Pearland, TX

Complication and duration of time taken to complete return.

6 years ago