H&R Block 2025 Review (Is This Tax Software Good Enough?)

H&R Block is one of the best tax software companies out there, making tax filing less scary and more accessible. With years of experience and a big online and in-person presence, it’s a favorite of millions for tax solutions.

As certified business owners, we wanted to see if H&R Block lives up to the hype so we dove in to see what they offer.

Here’s the breakdown of costs, benefits, and drawbacks.

What is H&R Block?

H&R Block is a tax preparation company that helps individuals and businesses with tax filing.

Since 1955, H&R Block has filed over 800 million tax returns globally making it the largest tax service provider in the world [1]. With an average of 20 years of experience, their tax professionals are equipped to manage all types of tax situations.

They offer online tax filing tools and in-person consultations with certified tax professionals and enrolled agents. H&R Block has built a reputation for its easy-to-use platforms and expert help, with thousands of 5-star reviews from clients across the U.S.

H&R Block Review Ratings

In our H&R Block review, we looked at various aspects of their tax preparation services based on our personal experience and research. Our ratings are based on overall effectiveness, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

Support - 5.0/5

H&R Block gets an A+ for support.

We found their support team to be super accessible and knowledgeable available through phone, email, and live chat.

Whether you’re filing for the first time or have a more complex situation, they’re there to help every step of the way.

This is especially nice for taxpayers who aren’t familiar with tax laws.

Price - 4.7/5

While their services are more expensive, the value they bring in terms of accuracy and support is worth it.

The online DIY options are competitively priced but some of the additional services (like one-on-one consultations with tax pros) can add to the overall cost.

We like that they have an upfront transparent pricing structure with no hidden fees.

User Ratings - 4.8/5

H&R Block has a 4.8 out of 5 user rating, from customers who are very satisfied.

Most customers like the easy-to-use online tools, the clear instructions, and the reliability of the filing process.

Ease of Use - 4.9/5

One of the best parts of H&R Block is their easy-to-use platform even for first-timers.

The step-by-step process guides you through tax filing and the online tools are intuitive so it’s a smooth process from start to finish.

Whether you do DIY or work with a tax pro, using the H&R Block tax software is easy.

Features - 4.8/5

H&R Block has a lot of features to accommodate different tax filing needs.

From basic tax filings to more complex situations with investments or homeownership, the platform has tools to help you maximize your refund and minimize errors.

We also like the extra features like complete tax identity theft protection, spruce cash back rewards, and the ability to upload tax documents and access audit support.

Security and Privacy- 4.7/5

H&R Block takes your security and privacy seriously.

They use strong encryption to protect your data while it’s being transmitted and offer multi-factor authentication to keep your account secure.

Their privacy policies are clear, and they don't sell your personal information to third parties.

During our trial, the process felt secure and straightforward, and we’ve never had issues with protecting our data during the tax filing process.

H&R Block Services and Prices

Here are the features H&R Block offers:

• Free Online Tax Filing ($0+ $0 per state): This is for individuals with simple returns, students, W-2 employees, and those claiming unemployment. It includes the Child Tax Credit so you can claim eligible credits. $0 federal and $0 per state filed. Easy to use, upload documents from any device, step-by-step guidance, and automatic error checking.
• Deluxe ($55 + $37 per state): Includes everything from the Free package plus additional features to maximize your refund. It also comes with credits and deductions, HSA tracking, and Marketplace insurance so you get the most out of your tax return. You also get Live Expert Help for personalized advice and AI Tax Assist to help you file and catch errors.
• Premium ($85 + $37 per state): Includes everything from the Deluxe package plus rental income deductions to help you save more on property income, and tax filing for stocks, bonds, and cryptocurrency transactions.
• Self-Employed ($115 federal and $37 state): Includes everything from the Premium package plus additional tools like ride-share, food delivery, and marketplace sellers, perfect for gig economy workers and 1099 income with expenses to help you deduct business-related expenses.

Additional Features

In addition to their tax filing services, H&R Block offers a range of extra services to help individuals and small businesses:

• Audit Defense: $19.99/month
• Refund Advance Loan: Up to $3,500 (fees apply)
• Tax Pro Review: $89 + state fees
• Virtual Tax Preparation: Prices vary based on the return
• Bookkeeping: $39/month
• Payroll: Prices vary (small business $29.99/month)
• Tax Identity Shield: $24.99/month
• Emerald Prepaid Mastercard: $0 monthly fee, various reload options
• Taxpayer Protection Plan: Prices vary based on services
• H&R Block Emerald Advance Loan: Available during tax season, up to $1,300 (terms and fees apply)
• Small Business Tax Filing: $195 (prices vary based on business complexity)

Benefits

Here are five things we liked:

• Easy Online Tools: H&R Block’s online platform is easy to use, whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned filer. We found it to be very streamlined, especially with the ability to upload documents from our phone or computer.
• Live Expert Help: One of the best features of H&R Block is the Live Expert Help. Whenever we had questions about complex deductions or tax situations we were able to talk to a tax preparer or Block Advisor via chat or video call.
• Maximize Deductions and Credits: H&R Block’s software will scan for deductions and credits so you don’t miss any savings. This feature will help you get the most refund possible by finding all eligible tax breaks like the Child Tax Credit and other common deductions.
• Affordable Pricing: H&R Block is competitively priced especially for complex tax situations. Compared to other tax preparation services they offer more value with included features like Worry-Free Audit Support.
• Extra Financial Services: H&R Block also offers financial services products like the Emerald Advance loan for customers who need cash before they get their tax return.

Downsides

Here are three things to consider:

• More Expensive for Complex Returns: One of the downsides of H&R Block is the higher cost for complex tax situations. While the free and basic packages are cheap, the fees add up fast when you need extra services like live expert help, small business filing, or tax preparation for multiple states.
• Limited Features on Lower Tier Plans: Another con is that lower tier plans like the Free and Deluxe don’t have as many features as the premium plans. For example, the Free plan covers basic returns but doesn’t include access to tax pros for personalized advice or complex deductions.
• In-Person Support is Expensive: While H&R Block offers in-person consultations at their Block offices, in-person support can be costly especially if you want a tax pro to prepare your return from scratch.

Who Should Use H&R Block?

Individuals and small businesses looking for tax help should use H&R Block.

• Individuals: For those who want an easy-to-use platform to file taxes and get the most refund.
• Self-Employed and Freelancers: Good for gig workers who need tools to manage 1099 income, expenses, and deductions.
• Small Businesses: Offers services for business tax filings including payroll and LLC preparation.
• Need Cash Fast: If you need cash before your refund you can get a loan through H&R Block’s Emerald Advance feature.

H&R Block Customer Testimonials

H&R Block Alternatives

When choosing a tax preparation service you should consider other options to find the best for you. Below we compare H&R Block with three other popular options; TurboTax, TaxSlayer and TaxAct to highlight the differences and advantages of each.

1. TurboTax

TurboTax is a well-known tax software with a user-friendly interface and lots of guidance, it’s a popular choice for individuals and small businesses. It offers live expert help, step-by-step filing, and customized solutions for simple and complex returns.

While TurboTax is great for ease of use, H&R Block has Worry-Free Audit Support and lower fees for similar services so it’s a more affordable option for some.

2. TaxSlayer

TaxSlayer is a more affordable option for individuals and small businesses looking for a quick and easy tax filing process. It offers multiple plans including basic and premium services with tools for simple and self-employed filers.

While TaxSlayer is good for a low-cost option H&R Block has more in terms of expert support like access to Block Advisors.

3. TaxAct

TaxAct has an easy-to-use platform for tax preparation, focused on providing value with more budget-friendly pricing. It has a solid set of features including tools for deductions, credits and simple business tax filings.

TaxAct also stands out for its low pricing so it’s a popular choice for those looking for a no-frills experience.

TaxAct’s lower price makes it a good option for basic filers but H&R Block tax has more to offer, like more support options including Emerald Advance loans for those who need cash fast.

FAQs

Our Verdict on H&R Block

H&R Block is good for individuals, freelancers, and small business owners. With Worry-Free Audit Support, Max Refund Guarantee, and Emerald Advance loans it’s a great value and gives you peace of mind. The platform is easy to use and also has expert advice when you need it.

Whether you’re filing for the first time or have more complicated tax needs we highly recommend H&R Block for a hassle-free, expert-guided tax filing process that maximizes your refund and simplifies your life.

Reference

https://www.hrblock.com/corporate/pdfs/hrb-factsheet.pdf