Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more
Current Deals & Offers
Free federal and state filing for simple returns
Save 20% on online tax prep — early bird discount
Expires March 31, 2026
Free in-person consultation at 12,000+ locations
H&R Block Review 2026
File online or visit one of 60,000 tax offices nationwide.
H&R Block Pricing
Free Online
$0
More generous free tier than most competitors — covers W-2s, interest, and more.
- W-2 income
- Interest income (1099-INT)
- Child and dependent care credit
- Earned Income Tax Credit
- Free federal + free state filing
Deluxe
$55
For homeowners and those with itemized deductions.
- Everything in Free
- Mortgage interest and property taxes
- Charitable contributions
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Student loan interest
- State filing: $37/state
Premium
$85
For investors and those with rental income.
- Everything in Deluxe
- Stock and investment sales
- Rental property income
- Cryptocurrency transactions
- Foreign income
- State filing: $37/state
Self-Employed
$110
For freelancers, contractors, and small business owners.
- Everything in Premium
- Self-employment income (Schedule C)
- Home office deduction
- Vehicle and asset depreciation
- Small business deductions
- State filing: $37/state
Pros & Cons
Pros
- In-person office option at 60,000+ locations if you get stuck
- Competitive pricing — notably cheaper than TurboTax
- More generous free tier that covers more common situations
- Good for complex returns including rental property and investments
- AI Tax Assist feature for quick Q&A during filing
- File online then continue in-office seamlessly
Cons
- Interface feels less polished than TurboTax
- Navigation between sections can be slower
- Upselling is present, though less aggressive than TurboTax
- Mobile app is functional but not as smooth as TurboTax
- In-person filing costs significantly more than the online version
Key Features
- W-2 and 1099 import
- Photo capture of tax documents
- In-person filing at 60,000+ offices
- AI Tax Assist Q&A tool
- Online to in-office handoff
- Prior-year import from TurboTax and other software
- IRS audit support
- Cryptocurrency and NFT tax reporting
- Rental income and Schedule E
- Schedule C for self-employment
Our Verdict
H&R Block occupies a strong middle ground: better pricing than TurboTax, a more generous free tier, and the unique ability to start online and finish in an office if you hit a wall. The interface is slightly less polished, but the core filing experience is solid and capable. The in-person network is a genuine differentiator for taxpayers who want human backup available. A strong choice for anyone frustrated by TurboTax's pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does H&R Block Free Online cover?
H&R Block's free tier is more generous than TurboTax's. It covers W-2 income, interest income (1099-INT), dividends, the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child and Dependent Care Credit, and includes a free state return. You do not need a paid upgrade unless you have itemized deductions, investment sales, rental income, or self-employment income.
Can I start filing online and finish in an H&R Block office?
Yes. H&R Block's platform is designed to support this handoff. You can begin your return online, save your progress, and then bring it to a local office where a tax professional will complete it. In-office completion is priced separately and is typically more expensive than the online product.
Does H&R Block handle cryptocurrency taxes?
Yes. Cryptocurrency transactions are supported on the Premium and Self-Employed tiers. You can import transaction data from major exchanges or upload a CSV file. H&R Block calculates your capital gains and losses and includes them on Schedule D.
How much does state filing cost with H&R Block?
State filing costs $37 per state on all paid tiers (Deluxe, Premium, and Self-Employed). The Free Online tier includes one free state return. This is meaningfully cheaper than TurboTax's $64 per state fee.
Compare Other Tax Software
Get weekly tax tips
Join thousands of taxpayers getting practical advice delivered every week.