H&R Block Tax Software Review 2024: Is Pricing Worth It? (2024)

Keeping your business afloat and legitimate requires doing your taxes right. However, calculations can get tricky, and you might find yourself in need of tax help. Our H&R Block Tax software review examines a tax prep solution that can help with that.

We’ll dive deep into the system's most important features, as well as the major pros and cons. You can rest assured that by the end of this review, you'll know enough about the software to decide if it's the right fit for your business or organization. Let's get started!

H&R Block Review 2024: Is H&R Block Any Good?

Absolutely yes, it is! H&R Block is a simple and intuitive tax filing software that serves to help individuals and corporate entities with taxes. And it does a great job at it, as we are about to find out in this H&R Block review.

The system provides online and in-person tax preparation services as well as a DIY system. Not only that, users also have the option of visiting an H&R office and talking to a tax professional about their tax problems.

With several decades of experience and millions of tax issues handled, H$R Block is one of the most reliable accounting software options out there.

H&R Block Pricing Plans

Before we get into the features properly, let's have a breakdown of H&R Block plans, shall we?

How Much Does H&R Block Cost For Non-Profits?

H&R Block currently offers no special pricing plans for non-profit organizations. And that's no matter because non-profits are generally exempted from paying federal taxes anyway as long as they meet certain criteria.

Are There Any H&R Block Promo Codes or Discount Vouchers?

There are plenty of H&R Block coupons available online through third-party websites, including Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and Forbes. These coupons can help you save anywhere between $25-$50. You can take advantage of this by visiting these websites and using the code.

H&R Block also offers discounts to users who choose to file their taxes early. The prices often notoriously go up when the deadline is close, so it's always better to file as early as you can during the tax season.

H&R Block Free Vs Premium: What's The Difference?

H&R Block's free version is available for both federal and state filing. It supports Form 1040 and is only available for tax conditions like W-2 income, student expenses, retirement income, unemployment income, earned income tax credit (EITC), and child tax credit (CTC).

If these are all you need help filing, then the free version will be just fine, even if it includes a state return.

The Deluxe Plan starts at $55 and $49 for state return. Users get everything from the free version PLUS child and dependent care expenses, home mortgage interest, and real estate tax deductions.

The package also allows you to digitally organize all your tax documents for up to six years. Not to mention access to live phone or chat tech support.

For the Premium package, users get all of the above PLUS rental income, investments, stocks, and sold cryptocurrency. This package starts at $75 plus $49 per state filed.

Meanwhile, the Self-employed package goes for $115 plus $49 per state filed. It covers everything in the premium plan plus the chance to claim small business expenses and report all business deductions and asset preparation.

While the free plan can handle simple returns, you'd need to upgrade to paid packages for more filing options.

We must mention that H&R Block also offers online assist packages starting at $70 for Basic Plan, $115 for Deluxe, $165 for Premium, and $195 for self-employed. The online assist packages offer pro-tax support across all the pricing tiers.

H&R Block Tax Software Overview: What is H&R Block Software, And What Is It Used For?

The H&R Block Tax software is a system designed to help individuals and businesses prepare returns for both federal and state taxes. It is the brainchild of H&R Block, a tax company founded in 1955. The system covers the reporting of rental income, retirement income, investment income, self-employment income, education credit, etc.

H&R Block Features List

The main features of H&R Block are:

• Tax Filing Services

• In-Office Tax Preparation

• Tax Planning

• Deduction Management

• Audit Support

• Refund Options

• Mobile Apps

• Prepaid Mastercard

• Tax Identity Protection

• ITIN Services deductions,

1. Tax Filing Services

H&R Block offers online tax filing by allowing seamless imports from a range of tax forms, including 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ, W-2, W-7, etc. Users with a physical copy of the form can also snap it and upload it directly to the software.

The system will help you submit tax returns electronically to the IRS and the state tax departments. The software will also guide you through the process and ensure properness and accuracy.

2. In-Office Tax Preparation

Users who do not want to do their taxes online can also opt for physical appointments with human tax advisors at H&R Block offices worldwide. The company can also bring professional help from a tax expert right to your doorstep through virtual means.

3. Tax Planning

H&R Block's tax software can be used to plan ahead of future income taxes. It comes with a tax calculator that can estimate tax refund estimate and look out for any tax credits or deductions that can impact your refund. This will help a great deal with financial planning, especially for small businesses and companies.

4. Deduction Management

The system can also help manage and maximize all your deductions, including those that are not linked to your business income. It automatically categorizes your business expenses as you enter and places them on the IRS Schedule C, which is filed with the form 1040.

H&R will also guide you on how to best enter a home office deduction and asset or vehicle depreciation.

5. Audit Support

H&R Block online software offers audit support to users who subscribe to paid packages. This feature gives you access to professional guidance on how best to handle notifications from the IRS or state tax agencies.

And where your return is audited, you will be able to request an H&R Block agent for representation before the tax authority.

6. Mobile Apps

You also get to file taxes and handle other tax activities on the go, thanks to the H&R mobile app. The app is available as My Block on Google Play for Android users and the App Store for iOS users.

With the My Block app, you can track your tax returns and work with options including messaging, screen sharing, and video chat.

7. Prepaid MasterCard

The software offers a prepaid card known as the H&R Block Emerald Prepaid Mastercard that lets you make electronic payments and get any refunds owed to you. The card is reloadable and even allows you to make purchases anywhere a Debit Mastercard is accepted.

9. Data Security

The software prioritizes data security and offers multiple layers of protection. This includes web browsing encryption, multi-layer authentication, industry-standard protection, and a security protection team. This is all in a bid to ensure your data and financial information remain safe and secure.

H&R Block also provides a Tax Identity Shield aimed at forestalling identity theft and helping out victims of the same. The shield includes features such as a dark web identity watch, SSN alerts, and illegal tax return notifications, among others.

10. Customer Guarantees

If, for any reason, you are unhappy with the software before filing, the system guarantees a full refund of the purchase price. The system also promises free tax preps if you find a bigger refund somewhere else.

And, in the event of an unfortunate filing error, you'll be reimbursed for any interests and penalties. Although, the maximum refund guarantee is $10,000.

11. Data Import

HR Block online tax software also allows you to import data from previous tax returns with ease. This means you can import last year's return without having to do it manually.

H&R Block Pros And Cons

Below are the advantages and disadvantages of H&R Block:

H&R Block Advantages

1. Simple User Interface

H&R Block's online software has a simple and intuitive interface that users will find pretty easy to use and navigate. Hence, one does not need to be a tax erudite to use the H&R Block software successfully.

2. Step–by-Step Guidance

The system also provides its users with much-needed guidance every step of the way. It ensures that users, especially ones with limited tax knowledge, do not get lost or confused while trying to prepare their taxes.

3. Guarantees

The system offers a bunch of guarantees, including an accuracy guarantee that ensures users are reimbursed for any penalties incurred as a result of the software's errors. You can also apply for a refund if, for any reason, you find the software underwhelming before filing.

4. Data Import

One of H&R Block's most advantageous features is the ability to store six years' worth of tax returns. It also allows you to import data and information whenever you need it.

That is much easier than having to re-enter the information manually. To further sweeten the pot, the system also allows you to import data from major competitors like TaxAct and TurboTax.

5. Audit Support

H&R Block is known for ensuring that users and customers have all the support that they need throughout the tax preparation process.

The system offers audit support, which guarantees support and assistance in dealing with tax authorities. The audit support goes as far as having an H&R Block agent represent you before a tax authority if it comes to that.

6. Deductions And Credits

Not only is software simple and intuitive, but it is also very intelligent. It can identify and point out opportunities for deductions and credits which can help you potentially reduce your tax liabilities.

H&R Block Disadvantages

1. Not Very Affordable

Truth is, the H&R Block software is many things, but affordable is not exactly one of them. Its prices are a lot more expensive than many other tax software options on the market. Users may also have to pay some additional fees along the line for features like live assistance and/or expert reviews.

2. Limited Customer Support

While the system offers a number of customer support channels, users might find it hard to get a swift response. This is especially the case for users who are not paid subscribers.

H&R Block Complaints And Praise (H&R Block Reviews From Real Customers)

Given its immense popularity, there were many reviews of H&R Block littered across the internet. Many of these reviews were sterling and approbative while a few others were rather scathing.

Many users take an issue with the software's overly pricey packages, with some going as far as calling them exorbitant. Some users also bemoaned the rather expensive cost of getting in-person support and guidance.

Some others had not-so-kind words for the software's many errors, which have sometimes resulted in inaccurate entries and delayed tax filings. This same subset also criticized the abysmally late responses from the customer support agents, with some saying they didn't get a response for weeks.

On the whole, most of the negative H&R Block reviews were regarding poor customer service, costly software errors, and gross over-calculation.

We found a ton of positive user reviews as well. Several users praised the software's simple user interface and all the guides, questionnaires, and resources that make it so easy to use.

Many users also fancy the software's accuracy checks and its ability to detect any errors made while filing your return. Some of the users even claimed they haven't had to deal with any major errors from H&R Block for years on end.

Some other reviewers praised the system's data import capabilities, transparent pricing plans, variety of options, and overall efficiency.

Even with the considerable amount of negative reviews, most users found the H&R Block software simple, stellar, and satisfactory.

Review Of H&R Block Support

One of the greatest features of the system is the impressive level of support it puts in place for users and customers. For one, there is the audit support, which ensures customers get all the assistance they need in the event of an IRS audit.

H&R Block also offers a wide range of customer support service channels, including email, phone number, and even live chat.So you can talk with a tax expert about any problems you might have with the filing process.

You should know that the response times are not very impressive, as it could take days or even weeks to get a response in some cases. In lieu of that, there is a vast knowledge base on the H&R Block blog covering an incredibly diverse range of questions and complaints.

These resources are very explicit and can very well help with any questions or concerns you might have. The system allows you to filter the topics and search for relevant articles/guides using a specific keyword.

The H&R Block support is great overall but could be better, especially when it comes to customer support.

Is H&R Block Worth It? Our Conclusion

In conclusion, H&R Block stands out as an excellent tax preparation software capable of handling tax matters, whether simple or complex. It features tax planning tools, data security, and guarantees, all of which serve to boost customer satisfaction.

Some might say its software packages are expensive, and indeed it is. However, these packages offer exquisite features that are arguably commensurate with the price tag. Not to mention the availability of a free version for basic tax situations.

Hence, our answer to the question "Is H&R Block with it?" is a firm yes. However, we do advise considering other H&R alternatives to broaden your options and make an optimal choice for your specific tax needs.

Our Final H&R Block Rating

After careful consideration, we score H&R Block a solid 3.8 out of 5.0