H&R Block Online Review 2025: How It Stacks Up With Other Filing Services

There’s a whole industry built around helping you file your tax return. If you don’t want to visit a tax office, you’ll have to search DIY online filing platforms — and you’ve got a lot of tax software options to choose from. 

Here, we’ll walk you through what you need to know about H&R Block tax preparation services and the company’s free filing options.

H&R Block Review: How Does H&R Block Online Tax Filing Work?

H&R Block is a full-service tax prep company — one of the best and most well-known long before taxes went digital. Along with its all-digital options, it also has brick-and-mortar branches where you can walk in and consult with a live person.

But if your tax situation is fairly straightforward, you can probably file without leaving the comfort of your home. 

H&R Block offers four tiers of products to file your tax returns: free, deluxe, premium and a self-employment option.

H&R Block Pricing

Here are the tiers for H&R Block’s online tax filing products. Prices are current as of January 2025 and subject to change.

Free Online

H&R Block’s most basic online version covers earners whose wages come entirely from W-2 income and includes deductions and credits for kids and student loan costs.  

Cost: It’s free to file both your state and federal tax returns if you’re eligible. You can purchase the basic software for as little as $15 to store your taxes on your own computer.

Deluxe Online

The Deluxe online service includes everything you get in the free version, as well as capability to account for additional deductions for things like home ownership expenses, childcare expenses, charitable donations and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).

Cost: H&R Block Deluxe Online is $35, and you’ll pay an additional $37 for each state return filed. You can purchase the Deluxe+State software for $43 from Amazon.

Premium Online

Premium Online includes everything from the first two tiers, as well as tools to help you if you’re a freelancer, independent contractor and have income from investments or real estate (anyone who files a Schedule C form). This service now also offers tax assistance for cryptocurrency investment. If your sole or primary source of income is self-employment, the next tier might be better suited to your needs.

Cost: H&R Block Premium Online costs $65, plus $37 per state return. You can download the Premium software for approximately $75 from numerous vendors, including Walmart and Office Depot. 

Self-Employed Online

If you’re a small business owner or a full-time freelancer with self-employment income, H&R Block’s Self-Employed Online edition has the widest range of features to meet your needs. For instance, an interview-style process walks you through industry-specific expenses and deductions you might miss on your own, and you’ll have access to tools covering asset depreciation.

Cost: H&R Block’s Online Self-Employed program costs $85 plus $37 per state filed. You can download the Premium & Business software for $75.

Online Assist

H&R Block offers expert help (both AI and human) with the Deluxe, Premium and Self-Employed tiers.

File With a Tax Pro

H&R Block also gives you the option to have the company do your taxes for you, with prices starting at $89 and scaling with the complexity of your tax situation. Your options are:

• Upload your documents online.
• Drop off your documents at a tax office.
• Meet one-on-one with a tax pro in the office.

Features

No matter which online product you choose, you gain access to several standard services H&R Block offers filers. Higher tiers include premium features.

Easy Tax Document Import

H&R Block technology lets you populate your tax information simply by snapping a picture of your documents. It also works to make importing your information as easy as possible whenever possible — for example, Uber drivers can add their 1099 information directly from their Uber account.

Audit Support

If you’re audited after filing your taxes with H&R Block, you’ll be covered by its Peace of Mind Extended Service Plan.

That means you’ll be able to bring in any IRS notification to get clarity on what it means. If it’s bad news, you’ll have representation by an H&R Block enrolled agent, a value of up to approximately $1,000. (This is not, however, a replacement for hiring legal advice.)

Plus, if there’s an error in your tax return, H&R Block will reimburse you for up to $6,000 in additional taxes owed due to its mistake.

Transparency

You’ll know exactly how much you owe in taxes before you start filing, and you’ll get real-time insight into your expected refund or tax liability as you go through each tax form.

Free Mid-Year Tax Check-In

H&R Block customers get a free mid-year tax check-in, which will remind you to review (and potentially adjust) your W-4 withholdings, as well as an optional consultation with an expert just to make sure everything’s in good shape.

Mobile Apps for Apple and Android

If you want to file from the palm of your hand, H&R Block has you covered with the highly rated My Block app for iOS and Android.

Refund Advance

H&R Block offers an Emerald Advance line of credit to put $350 to $1,300 of your tax refund in your pocket well before you file.

If you’re eligible, the funds will be loaded onto a prepaid Emerald Card, which works like a Mastercard debit card — but with a 35.9% interest rate. You have to pay the balance down by March 31, 2025 to keep your account in good standing.

Refund Transfer

You can use your tax refund to pay for H&R Block tax filing services, so you never see an out-of-pocket cost for your tax preparation. You’ll pay a $42 additional fee for this option.

Business Returns

If you’re self-employed or own a small business, you can work with an H&R Block adviser in person or online for small business tax prep and filing services. You’ll be paired with an expert who knows the details of your state and local taxes, and receive year-round support to create a tax plan based on your business finances.

Fees

To prepare and file your tax returns through H&R Block, you’ll pay a fee for the filing program, plus additional fees for add-on services. In total, H&R Block fees include:

• Product fee: Free to $85, depending on tier.
• State filing fees: $0 extra for free filing, $37 per state for paid services.
• Have a pro file for you: Starting at $89.

If you owe taxes, you can pay through H&R Block’s payment provider via credit card or debit card for a 2.49% transaction fee. (You always have the option to pay directly to the IRS via bank transfer or by check or money order for no additional fee.)

H&R Block: Pros and Cons

Every tax filing service has its drawbacks and benefits. Here’s what stands out about H&R Block.

Who Is H&R Block Best For?

H&R Block is an easy online option for tax filing that offers tons of support and versatility for a variety of tax situations without forcing you to sift through overwhelming options on your own. It’s an attractive option for filers who want to maximize their tax refunds (or minimize tax liabilities) but don’t have a tax situation complicated enough to justify pricy personalized CPA service.

It might be especially attractive to rideshare drivers and gig workers, because you can auto-import your information from expense tracking apps at the Self-Employed tier.

Remember, you can always file your taxes for free: If you earned $84,000 or less for 2024, you’re eligible to file federal tax returns for free through the IRS Free File portal. The IRS also offers forms for free for all filers, regardless of filing status or income level.

Still comparison shopping? Check out our comparison of the best tax software.

Kent McDill is a veteran journalist who has specialized in personal finance topics since 2013. 

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