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- H&R Block offers four pricing packages starting at $0.
- DIY online filing is the cheapest option for most filers. Expect to pay the most for full-service help for complex tax situations.
- Personal Finance Insider named H&R Block the best value tax software of 2021.
- See Personal Finance Insider's picks for best tax software »
H&R Block is one of the most popular tax software providers in the US, and Personal Finance Insider named it the best value tax software of 2021 .
H&R Block's easy-to-use online interface and expert support may be more convenient than going into a physical office during the pandemic. Its rates vary widely depending on your tax situation.
Here's a quick breakdown of H&R Block's pricing, not including any current discounts. Below, you'll find additional details on each option.
|
$0 - $109.99 |
$69.99 - $194.99 |
$69.99 + |
$29.95 - $89.95 |
|
$0 - $36.99 |
$0 - $36.99 |
$65 per state |
$0 - $39.95, plus $19.95 to e-file |
|
$0 - $146.98 |
$69.99 - $231.98 |
$134.99 + |
$54.95 (for Deluxe + State) - $89.95, plus $19.95 to e-file |
How much does it cost to file your taxes with H&R Block?
You can pay as little as $0 or as much as $231.98 to prepare and file your own federal and state returns online. The more options you need to add on, including multiple streams of income and/or deductions and credits you qualify for, the more expensive it will be to prepare your return with H&R Block. Similarly, the more expert help you enlist, the more you'll pay.
H&R Block offers four main ways to prepare and file taxes: do-it-yourself online packages, the option to add Online Assist (i.e. extra help from an expert), downloadable computer software, and full service from a tax preparer. Each of these categories offers different price points, which are determined by which tax forms you need and how much help you want.
The DIY packages without expert help are the cheapest, since you're filling out every form yourself. If you don't qualify for the free version, these cost either $49.99, $69.99, or $109.99, plus $36.99 for a state return, not including discounts.
You can expect to pay more if you have any of the following:
- Real estate taxes or home mortgage interest deductions
- Small business expenses that may qualify for deductions
- Rental income and expenses that may qualify for deductions
- Investment income on stocks, bonds, or cryptocurrency
Choosing the Online Assist option adds unlimited, on-demand help from a tax professional throughout your DIY filing process. The service grants you unlimited help from an expert and allows you to screen share, or get help via chat or video. Support can be provided on any device, including a tablet or phone. This service costs anywhere from $69.99 to $194.99, plus $36.99 for a state return, not considering discounts.
If you want to use downloadable computer software, those packages are priced based on the number of income streams and credits/deductions you have, and can range from $29.95 for the basic version up to $89.95 for the Premium and Business options, plus state return and e-file fees, not considering discounts.
Finally, you can choose to have a tax expert prepare your return. On H&R Block's website, you'll select your location then see a range of experts available in your area. You can view available tax professionals and pick the one you'd like to work with (either in office, virtually, or by dropping off your tax information). The starting price for this option is $69.99, plus $65 per state.
Is H&R Block really free?
Yes, the service is free for both federal and state if you are filing a simple tax return. It covers unemployment income, retirement income, W-2 income, and interest and dividend income. You can also take the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), child tax credit, and deductions like tuition and student loan interest.
Is H&R Block or TurboTax better?
When it comes to costs, H&R Block 's pricing is slightly lower than TurboTax 's. Both offer solid customer service, an easy-to-use interface, and clear instructions and guidance, though there are some variations between packages.
Beyond the free version, here's how they stack up on cost for the DIY online filing option, not considering discounts:
| $49.99 | $59 |
| $69.99 | $89 |
| $109.99 | $119 |
| $36.99 | $44.99 |
Are there other H&R Block fees I should know about?
Like most companies, H&R Block allows you to pay for tax prep and other related fees right from your federal or state refund payment, but you'll be charged a $39 Refund Transfer fee.
That means that H&R Block won't charge you when you file, but will take the amount you owe from your refund plus the additional fee. So, for example, if you went with the Deluxe option for $49.99 and added on the additional $39 Refund Transfer fee, H&R Block won't charge you on the spot but will deduct the added charges ($49.99 +$39 = $88.99) from your final refund. If you don't have the cash available to pay now and you expect to get a large refund, it might be worth the extra fee.
Read our full H&R Block review »
Via PakApNews