Saving & Spending Taxes

H&R Block Tax Software Review [2026]: A Free Version Many Filers Can Use

H&R Block is one of the most affordable tax-prep software programs, and its free version will work for many tax filers.

By Christy Rakoczy

Edited by Lauren Graves

Updated Jan. 26, 2026

H&R Block

OUR VIEW

We recommend H&R Block's free and paid tax filing software for many filers, especially those who value maximum refund guarantees or in-person support. This company's prices are comparable to TurboTax and other popular platforms, with the added benefit of better tech support when you need it and a more comprehensive free filing option with more deductions you can claim than you'll find elsewhere.

Pros

File easily from your computer or smartphone

Get help from our experts if you need it

No hidden fees

Cons

Tax pros not always CPAs or enrolled agents

Interface can be more difficult to use than other platforms

Filing and paying taxes is never fun. From figuring out your income tax bracket to ensuring you don't miss any IRS deadlines, there's a lot involved in the process. But filing your taxes is just part of the process of learning how to manage your money. The good news is that there are tons of software programs designed to make completing your tax forms easier.

H&R Block tax software is a popular option, and it's a very affordable one compared to many competitors. Still, there are some downsides to think about, too. This H&R Block review will help you weigh the pros and cons so you can decide which online tax software program is best.

H&R Block overview

H&R Block dates back to 1955, when it was formed with the goal of providing high-quality online tax services. In the decades since, H&R Block has helped taxpayers file more than 935 million returns.

The company not only offers online software tools but also helps people do taxes at brick-and-mortar branches across all 50 states. This means that in-office tax filing support is available along with phone support, although many tax filers prefer to stick with the web and mobile options the company offers.

H&R Block online tax filing plans

H&R Block offers four different plans to file your taxes online:

A free tax filing version called Free Online
Deluxe Online
Premium Online
Self-Employed Online

H&R Block Free Online

Price: Free

H&R Block Free Online is free tax filing software ideal for simple returns. You can use the free version if all your income comes from W-2s. While it won't allow you to claim certain deductions or credits, the free version does let you claim the child tax credit and dependent care expenses (which isn't the case for all free tax software). You can also use this plan if you claim the student loan interest deduction, while some competitors, including TurboTax, require you to use a paid program to score these tax savings.

There are also three different filing options that come with a fee, with costlier add-ons providing access to more tax forms.

H&R Block Deluxe Online

Price: $35 for federal, $37 per state

The Deluxe Online version tax filing plan opens up the door to itemizing and claiming deductions for mortgage interest, donations to charities, or contributions to a health savings account. If you're not planning to take the standard deduction, you should consider this plan.

H&R Block Premium Online

Price: $70 for federal, $37 per state

If you have investment income or do freelance work, you will likely need to upgrade to H&R Block's Premium Online filing service. This filing tier supports reporting rental and investment income and crypto sales, and it offers numerous extra tax forms that aren't supported by Deluxe Online.

H&R Block Self-Employed Online

Price: $85 for federal, $37 per state

Self-employed workers and small business owners have a software program all their own at a higher cost. It's the only plan that lets you file a 1099. You can also report business income and deduct small-business expenses.

H&R Block prices by plan

H&R Block's paid programs charge a fee for each state return you file, which is a common feature of tax prep software. But this fee is a bit less than what TurboTax charges, so you can cut your costs by opting for H&R Block's software instead.

You can also get help from a tax expert as you go through the filing process through H&R Block's online assist feature, or you can get personalized advice via phone for an additional fee.

Product	Cost	Best for...
Free Online	$0 for federal and state tax returns	Tax filers with simple returns
Deluxe Online	$35 for federal $37 per state	Tax filers who need to claim deductions for mortgage interest, charitable donations, capital gains, or HSA contributions
Premium Online	$70 for federal $37 per state	Freelancers, independent contractors, and filers with investment income (including cryptocurrency) or rental property
Self-Employed Online	$85 for federal $37 per state	For self-employed filers and small business owners
File with a pro	Starting at $89, plus an additional fee per state	People who want an expert to do most of the work for them

Editor's note

H&R Block's prices have gone up since 2025, as is the case for many tax filing platforms. But you can often score discounts a little closer, but not too close, to the April 15, 2026, filing deadline.

How does H&R Block tax software work?

H&R Block makes e-filing taxes simple thanks to its user-friendly interface. While not quite as intuitive as the TurboTax software, you'll still get step-by-step guidance through each part of the process, so filling out your forms and identifying deductions and credits won't require any tax knowledge on your part.

And features such as the ability to drag and drop last year's returns or import W-2s by taking a picture make completing your return much faster. You can even import returns from other programs such as TurboTax or Quicken.

For those needing extra help, you can talk with a tax expert via phone for personalized advice, although there is an additional fee. And because you can share your screen as you ask questions, you can ensure you'll get the answers you need quickly.

Because taxes can be confusing even with the help H&R Block provides, tax filers also get a free accuracy review to identify potential issues and assess the risk of an audit. And if the worst happens and an audit does occur, H&R Block will stand behind you with free in-person audit support.

Finally, the company is so confident it can help you file your taxes that it even offers a money-back guarantee. If you're dissatisfied with any aspect of the software or you don't get the maximum refund you're entitled to, your return will be filed for free and you'll be refunded the price you paid for the software.

H&R Block pros and cons

Pros	Cons
You can file more forms for free than with some competitors. For example, you can claim the student loan interest deduction. TurboTax requires you to pay for this option.	The user interface isn't quite as intuitive as some competitors (like TurboTax). While both ask questions in plain language, TurboTax explains more. And while both have progress bars, TurboTax makes it a little easier to jump around.
You get ample technical support. You can chat with an expert via live chat and work with a virtual assistant during the filing process.	Not all tax pros are trained CPAs or enrolled agents. Some are trained by H&R Block but don't have professional credentials.
H&R Block stands behind its product. You'll get in-person help if an audit happens and your money back if you aren't satisfied
You get accuracy and refund guarantees. If H&R Block makes mistakes, you'll be reimbursed for IRS penalties. If you don't get the maximum refund, you can file a free return.

Since H&R Block has several competitors within the tax preparation software field, such as TurboTax and TaxAct, a side-by-side comparison of TaxAct vs. TurboTax vs. H&R Block can be very helpful. You can weigh the benefits against the drawbacks of each and see which best fits your needs.

How to contact H&R Block

You can contact H&R Block for help at 1-800-472-5625 (or 1-800-HRBLOCK). You also have the option to connect via live chat while using the software. Screen-sharing is available as well, making it easy to get your questions answered.

If you decide you don't want to handle your filing online, you can also visit a local H&R Block office at one of around 11,000 locations across the United States — but you will have to pay a fee for in-person tax filing.

FAQs

How many tax returns can I file with HR Block software?

You can file up to five federal returns for free. It's possible to file more than five federal tax returns, but you will incur additional fees.

Can I do my taxes online with H&R Block?

H&R Block tax filing software makes it easy to complete your taxes online if you don't want to go to a local office. You can opt to use H&R Block's software and complete your forms yourself or get tax help from a professional. The latter guarantees your maximum refund.

If you choose to file your taxes with a pro, you'll have the option to either connect with your expert remotely from your home, visit an office in person, or drop off your tax forms at an office and finalize your return through the MyBlock app. Filing with a pro starts at $89, with an added fee for state returns starting at $75 each.

Is TurboTax better than H&R Block?

H&R Block and TurboTax both have their own pros and cons. While TurboTax's software is slightly easier to use, H&R Block has slightly lower prices and provides more forms for free filing. You can't go wrong with either program, so you'll have to decide if you want to pay a bit more to get a more intuitive tax filing program.

Is H&R Block really free?

H&R Block online allows you to file simple returns for free, but you will pay more if you have a more complex tax situation or if you want support from a tax professional. If you don't want to claim the standard deduction but would prefer to itemize, you have income from investments, or you have business income or self-employment income, you'll probably need to pay to use H&R Block software.

What is the best tax preparation software?

While H&R Block is a great tax filing option, there are several good alternatives out there including FreeTaxUSA, TaxSlayer, TurboTax, Jackson Hewitt, TaxAct, and Credit Karma. To find the best one for you, shop around and compare prices and features.

Is H&R Block tax software right for you?

If you want to file for free and claim the student loan interest deduction, H&R Block's software will let you do that when most competitor programs won't. In other situations, you'll need to compare what features are most important to you and consider how much you're willing to pay to find the best tax software. H&R Block is a good choice, though, and you can't go wrong when using it to file this tax season.

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