In 2020, H&R Block is once again coming out as a strong contender for the company with the biggest value in tax software.
It’s free version covers a variety of “normal” tax filing situations, and the prices for all tiers are lower than TurboTax equivalents.
Does the value play make H&R Block a worthwhile software for your taxes? Here's what we think in our H&R Block review below. Check out our list of the best tax software to see how H&R Block compares, and see this list of H&R Block alternatives if you want something different.
Bonus: Amazon is offering a great deal on H&R Block, as well as a 4% refund bonus if you get an Amazon giftcard. Check out the H&R Block deal on Amazon here.
Quick Summary
- Best option for free filing due to inclusion of EITC and more!
- Easy navigation, great import and connections
- One of the lowest priced top-tier options
H&R Block Online Details | |
|---|---|
Product Name | H&R Block Online |
Federal Price | Starts at $0 |
State Price | $36.99 per State |
Preparation Type | Self-Prepared & Assistance |
Promotions | 25% Off |
H&R Block Review Video
H&R Block Online - Is It Really Free?
H&R Block offers free Federal and State tax filing for people in the following situations: W-2 income, Social Security Income, People with Student Loan Interest, People with Childcare Expenses. If you’re likely to qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit, or the Child Tax Credit, H&R Block offers an amazing free service for you.
In terms of truly free filing, H&R Block online offers one of the broadest programs available, and it’s an easy to use software.
H&R Block 2020 Prices And Plans
H&R Block’s pricing tiers closely match TurboTax’s, although H&R Block prices itself about $15-$20 lower for each tier. However, H&R Block’s Premium pricing tier is $35 less expensive than TurboTax’s, and it offers more options (especially filing options for self-employed people with less than $5,000 in expenses).
The real value tiers here are the Free and Premium editions.
If you want on-demand help from a CPA or an Enrolled Agent, you’ll have to pay for the “online assist upgrade”. The cost of the online help is quite a bit less expensive than a similar offering from TurboTax.
Bonus: Right now, you can get 25% off H&R Block online if you sign up and start through this link >>
Plan | Free Online | Deluxe | Premium | Self-Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Best For | Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Social Security Income, Student Loan Interest Deduction | Itemizers, HSA Accounts | Landlords, investors, Self-employed or side-hustlers (less than $5,000 in business expenses) | Landlords, people who sold a home, investors |
Federal Pricing | $0 | $29.99 | $49.99 | $79.99 |
State Pricing | $0 | $36.99 | $36.99 | $36.99 |
Total Cost | $0 | $66.98 | $86.98 | $116.98 |
Federal Assist | $39.99 | $69.99 | $109.99 | $139.99 |
State Assist | $36.99 | $36.99 | $36.99 | $36.99 |
Note: Prices are subject to change, especially as it get's closer to the tax deadline. The earlier you start, the higher likelihood you have of locking in better prices.
H&R Block Navigation
H&R Block prices itself as a premium tax software, but the Navigation doesn’t quite match the pricing. The software also has short “questionnaires” at the beginning of each section. These “questionnaires” help the software cut out irrelevant sections of the software, and guide you to the important parts of the software.
The questionnaire worked well, but the guided navigation felt a bit clunky after that. The software moved me through W-2 forms, then asked more information about where I earned money, followed by prompting me to enter 1099-INT information. It seemed to jump around too much in my opinion.
Where H&R Block’s navigation makes a lot of sense is in form entry. The software guides users on how to enter information quickly and accurately. When necessary, the software breaks up forms into a few screens (to prevent entry mistakes), but you don’t need to do unnecessary clicking.
The software also allows users to navigate through the software themselves (once they’ve gone through the guided option). This can be helpful if you missed something or didn’t have all the forms you needed. It also includes helpful summaries at the end of each section.
H&R Block Ease Of Use
H&R Block is one of the easiest online filing software packages. It allows users to upload tons of forms including 1099-MISC, 1099-INT, W-2 forms and much more. If the form is standard, you can upload it in H&R Block.
The other thing that makes H&R Block an easy to use software package is the language used throughout the software. The software does not assume users have robust tax knowledge. They use language that makes sense to normal people, and they link to helpful articles throughout the software.
Additionally, all users can get free LiveChat support if they struggle with the software.
H&R Block Knowledge Articles
In addition to the articles sprinkled throughout the software, H&R Block has a forum for users to ask questions, and a library of more in depth articles. A simple search will bring up a curated assortment of relevant articles for most users.
It’s also important to note that H&R Block’s paying customers do not have to rely on the articles alone. Paying customers can get access to the following help:
- Ask a tax pro (inside the product) is available during tax season weekdays from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. CT, and on weekends from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT.
- Technical support chat (inside the product) is available 24/7.
- Technical support via phone is available weekdays from 7 a.m. to midnight CT, and on weekends from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. CT.
Finally, for an additional fee you can get a Tax Pro Review, where an H&R Block employee reviews your return once you’re done with it (remotely—you don’t have to go to an office! Win!)
Note: Tax Pro Review isn't live until January, so stay tuned.
H&R Block Online Extras
If you file your taxes through H&R Block online, you can opt to put some or all of your return on an Amazon gift card. When you do that, H&R Block will add 4% to your refund.
Check out the H&R Block deal on Amazon here.
H&R Block also offers free Tax Identity Theft monitoring and restoration help if someone steals your identity.
Can H&R Block Help Me With My Crypto Investments?
H&R Block Online has instructions that carefully explain how users can file taxes on their cryptocurrency trades. H&R Block also does ask the question "Have you ever bought, sold, or transacted in cryptocurrency?" as required by the IRS.
However, the software treats it like other capital gains activities.
H&R Block Tax Pro Go Virtual Tax Service
H&R Block also has a virtual tax prep service called Tax Pro Go. If you want pro to do your taxes, but still want to do them online or at home, this is a great hybrid.
With this service, you can book at tax pro online, see the price, upload your documents, and have your return filed all from the comfort of your own home.
As of writing this, they expect to have your taxes prepared and filed within 5 days of submitting all your information online. However, as it gets busier and closer to tax season, that could change.
This service is a premium service, with prices from $49 to $329 for the service. However, that still is better than many CPAs will charge.
This service is very similar to those offered by Picnic Tax, Visor Tax or Circle CPA.
H&R Block In-Store And Tax Refund Advance
H&R Block is most well-known for their large network of stores that have tax preparers and tax professionals able to assist. Plus, H&R Block is also known for having some of the best tax refund advance products available.
In store, customers can expect to have an expert tax professional prepare and file their taxes. This does cost much more than the online products offered here.
The Tax Refund Advance is available up to $3,500, and is available starting January 4, 2020 in stores.
If you want to go in-store, or you want a tax refund advance, new clients can save $25 on in-store tax preparation by showing this coupon special to College Investor readers. Download here >>
Terms and Conditions: Void if sold purchased or transferred, and where prohibited. Valid only at participating U.S. offices. Coupon must be presented prior to completion of initial tax office interview and may not be combined with any other offer, or special promotion or pricing program. Discount valid only for tax prep fees for an original 2019 personal income tax return. Expires 7/10/20. ** A new client is an individual who did not prepare or file their prior-year tax return with H&R Block.
Who Should Use H&R Block 2020?
In 2020, H&R Block Online deserves to be on your short list for tax filing software. The free offering is particularly impressive (including student loan interest and HSA forms). Additionally, the Premium edition of the software could offer a good value for self-employed people, landlords, and side-hustlers who want to simplify their tax life.
However, H&R Block is a premium tax software with a premium price. If you’re looking for a bargain consider either TaxSlayer Classic or TaxHawk for lower costs with acceptable performance.
H&R Block 2020 Online Review
- Navigation - 100
- Ease of Use - 100
- Features and Options - 90
- Customer Service - 80
- Plans And Pricing - 85
Overall
Summary
H&R Block is the best tax software for people who qualify for free file.
Robert Farrington is America’s Millennial Money Expert® and America’s Student Loan Debt Expert™, and the founder of The College Investor, a personal finance site dedicated to helping millennials escape student loan debt to start investing and building wealth for the future. You can learn more about him here and here.
He regularly writes about investing, student loan debt, and general personal finance topics geared towards anyone wanting to earn more, get out of debt, and start building wealth for the future.
He has been quoted in major publications including the New York Times, Washington Post, Fox, ABC, NBC, and more. He is also a regular contributor to Forbes.
Nick Wonder says
Nice review. However, I just made it part of the way through the free file until the site told me I needed to pay $29.99 because of an HSA.
Robert Farrington says
That’s a bummer. From my understanding, if you only contributed to an HSA via your employer (i.e. reported on your W2), then the free version works.
If you contributed outside your W2, or made withdrawals, then the free version won’t work.
In that case, consider Credit Karma Tax.
Denise says
Even when you contribute through your employer and the HSA dollars are contributed from your paycheck, it IS NOT FREE. Been there, done that… today. Credit Karma tax is the only site I have found that doesn’t slam you with a fee for the free version when you have a HSA.
Susan says
I don’t think the chat function is available with the free version. I’m trying to figure out how to print before filing.
Robert Farrington says
You can’t print before filing… otherwise people would cheat, print and mail their returns, and avoid paying H&R Block if required.
Karen says
This is a serious deficit. I want to be able to review my actual forms for accuracy before filing. Several years ago, H&R Block allowed you to toggle between the interview format and seeing actual forms. Today, it seems dumbed down too much to give me the confidence to use it.
An inherited IRA was also a big stumbling block apparently, which makes little sense to me. So after entering all of our information — and often not finding the their help helpful — I will be starting over today with another software.
Michele Roles says
Does the free offer multiple states and amended returns?
Robert Farrington says
No and no. If you need to do multiple states and amended returns, you might consider working with a tax professional, as that can get complicated.
Michele Roles says
Does H&R Block free go back to 2008?
Robert Farrington says
No, and if you’re trying to file taxes that far back, speak to a tax professional.
daniel halfmann says
we filed on 02/01/2019, it is still not at the irs site. What can we do to fix this or if you can find out something and fix it. we would really like our refund back as soon as possible and if it is nor showing at the irs there is a problem. Thank for you time on this matter. Daniel and Donna Halfmann
Robert Farrington says
Did you call H&R Block?
daniel halfmann says
no that is why i am messaging , i do not want to be on hold for 45 minutes can you help me or not
Robert Farrington says
How can we help you? We’re just a blog/review site.
Cheryl says
Turbo Tax wanted to charge me $40 for Schedule 5. Is that included in H&R Block’s free version for 2018?
Robert Farrington says
No, you’ll likely pay at every company for that. What did you have? That’s not a common form – did you have estimated taxes applied from 2017 or some other type of credit?
Roy says
In using H&R Block Deluxe (Fed + State) tax software (Mac+PC CD Disc Version)) for e-filing 2018 Fed +NYS Taxes, I note that NYS Law now mandates free NYS Tax e-filing when e-filing Fed + NYS Tax and prohibits any extra charges when you purchase the software.
Does this mean the cost for NYS e-filing is included with the H&R Block Deluxe “Fed + State” software(CD) purchase?
I purchased this H&R Block Deluxe software CD today on sale (“Deal of the Day”) from Amazon for $18-seems almost too good to be true if thats the total cost for Fed +(NY) State e-filing.
Is this the case?
Thanks for your help!
Robert Farrington says
That’s a great deal – but we’re not aware of it so we couldn’t tell you what’s included.
Willard says
I filed my taxes Jan 24, 2019 and haven’t received refund yet is there a problem . I checked on my refund status and it keeps saying info does not match.
Robert Farrington says
Are you sure it was accepted? Just because you filed doesn’t even mean that H&R Block has transmitted it to the IRS yet. Depending on your forms, they may still be waiting on the IRS to finish programming everything.
What did you have on your return? Anything business, real estate or trust?
Adrien says
I’ve used H & R Block’s online platform to file taxes for the last several years. My notes from 2017 show I paid $29.99 for the fed return and $0 for the CA return. This year, I got partway through and had to upgrade to the premium version. The only difference was that my husband did a small side job from a friend’s business and was issued a 1099-MISC in addition to his regular W-2. It was at the point of entering the 1099 that I was prompted to upgrade with no other option. Does this sound right? I don’t know how i managed to do it all for 30 bucks last year and had to pay $72 this year INCLUDING a $15 “loyalty discount.”
Robert Farrington says
Yes, having a 1099-MISC means you’re self employed. Check out our guide to the best tax software and look at the side hustler section. H&R Block is good, but pricier than other options.
Rick says
Does the free version allow one to have 1099 income? I used Turbo Tax, noted up front had W-2 and 1099 income, entered all the W-2 info, and then went to enter the 1099 income and was told I had to upgrade to pay version.
Robert Farrington says
No, you are considered self-employed with that 1099 income and will need to upgrade on H&R Block as well. H&R Block is one of the best for self employed and side hustlers, but you might check out your other options here: https://thecollegeinvestor.com/21156/the-best-tax-software/
Rick says
Thank you for such a prompt reply.
Rena Levo says
Can I print out a copy of my return with the free version
Robert Farrington says
No, the free version is eFile only.
Don says
Does your software support K-1 report codes on line 20?
Robert Farrington says
Yes, H&R Block supports K-1s.
Bill Moran says
Does the free version apply for capital loss from a previous year?
Total income less than $50,000
No home
No dependents
No investment income or any other income other than W2
Robert Farrington says
The capital loss carryover will make you upgrade.
S. Dorski says
I have some 1099-Bs to file. Which version is the least expensive which includes the ability to file this type if information which also includes a Schedule D and a Form 8949?
Robert Farrington says
Since you’re an investor, you’re going to need the Premium edition to file.
Sami says
What does it mean when it says, your taxes have been accepted and are now complete?
Robert Farrington says
Just like it sounds! The IRS accepted your tax return and it’s in process. You’re done – just waiting for your refund and/or payment to be debited.
Donna says
Hi. I’m doing my college son’s taxes and input all his info into both Taxact and Turbo Intuit, only to be told it’s $30-40 to upgrade just for schedule 1. He has a whopping $100 in 1099-DIV and his taxes only to need to be done to get back the federal taxes he shouldn’t have paid from his minimal income. Do you know if H&RB also does not support sch 1 on their free version, and if not, do you know who does? I’m surprised how hard it is to find out this information. I’d really appreciate your input asap. Thank you so much in advance!
Robert Farrington says
The 1099-DIV is considered investing, so you’ll need to upgrade to that here as well. Check out our guide to free tax software to see your other options.
Kiki says
Hi Robert,
I will need to file in two states this year. My return should be fairly simple, but I am trying to figure out the best way to file. Through H&R Block Free Online, seems like I would have to pay $59.98 to file for two states ($29.99 per state)? I also started contributing to an HSA in October, so I believe I would have an extra fee for this… trying to figure out the best option for me. I’ve been hearing that H&R Block should be cheaper than TurboTax, but I’m not sure if that’s the case, and I’m definitely looking for a user-friendly interface. Thanks!
Robert Farrington says
You’re going to be paying no matter what with two states and that HSA. H&R Block and TurboTax are the easiest to use, H&R Block is slightly cheaper, and both will make you be Deluxe with that HSA contribution plus the state filing fees.
No free software handles multiple states. You might look into FreeTaxUSA but it’s definitely a bit harder to use than H&R Block.
Ali says
Hello Robert –
We own a home, but our mortgage interest paid is only $5800 and real estate taxes are $3300 for the year, which is well below the standard deduction. I also have $14 on a 1099 for interest to my savings account. Will I be able to use the H&R Block online free file program?
Thanks!
Robert Farrington says
Start for free, but I couldn’t tell you just from that.
Char says
Is there an income limit for H&R Block. Turbo Tax says the limit is 34,000 to qualify free e-file? I just have a W-2 income $36,108 and student loan interest paid
Robert Farrington says
No income limit, but it’s based on the forms you need to file. Student loan interest is part of their free tier on H&R Block.
Tiffany says
I have used TurboTax for nine years before I realized they were making me pay even though it should have been free for me because all I had each year was a W2. They made it impossible to find the free tab and I’d always get pop ups saying I need to pay a certain amount for federal and state before I could get to the next page. Once again all I had was a W2 to input. I’m single with no dependents, it should have been free. Only last year was it more straight forward and that’s only because TurboTax got in trouble for being sneaky. I wish I could get a refund for all prior years but anyway I went to file with them this year again until they wanted to charge me because this year I had a 1098 (to show what I paid to my college) along with my W2. Also it was shady that by the end they were talking about sending my money to Green Dot before depositing it to my account. I deleted everything before almost finishing the entire process and EASILY did the free H&R Block application and they did not try and charge me extra just because I had a 1098. I will never go back to TurboTax. TurboTax also now keeps your prior years returns hostage unless you pay $30. I’ve never had to pay to look at them before but I think this might be a practice all the online services are doing. Good thing I always printed them out!
Mike says
Sorry, Is filing with one state free or $39.00? Married couple, no children, W2 only, household income under $65,000.
Robert Farrington says
Without more detail, it sounds like you do qualify for free file. And yes, the state is free as well.
Thomas says
I thinking of trying H&R Block this year instead of my usual Turbo Tax. My wife and I have been retired for several years. We sold our home in Florida ( $260k in August) and moved back to Ohio. With SSI, pension and interest income under $700 and no other deductions can I still use a online version and would it be free or deluxe? Or do I need to seek a preparer?
Robert Farrington says
Start for free. I don’t know how the home sale will impact you, but my guess would be you’re going to need to upgrade to deluxe (on any platform). You likely don’t need a preparer unless you don’t feel comfortable.