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H&R Block is one of the most popular tax filing software options today. But is it right for you?
H&R block allows self employed with individuals business owner Submit your tax returns online.
Additionally, it provides options for filers tax expert reviews Returns before submission.
H&R Block’s interface is simple and easy to use. One of its distinguishing features is what it gives you. Step-by-step guidance when filing taxes.
Access the software from any device and even visit one of 12,000 H&R Block offices to have your files reviewed by a tax expert.
H&R blocks are a great optionBut Depending on your needs, other tax software may be more advantageous! This is what you should look for in H&R block alternatives.
Read on to see how H&R Block competes with other top tax software.
How H&R Block compares to other tax software products
Despite its great features, H&R Block may not suit certain needs.
Luckily, there are many alternative software options you can try. They include:
- turbo tax
- tax law
- tax slayer
- Free Tax USA
- cash up tax
Before diving into the details of what each of these software options offer, let’s take a quick overview.
Strong free tiers for W2, Social Security, unemployment, etc. |
Free for W2 and Social Security income only. |
The free tier includes W2 income and education credits only. |
Federal filing is free this year, limited to W2, Social Security, and unemployment income. |
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Analysis of H&R Block Tax Software
H&R Block offers four pricing options for filing federal tax returns:
- Free version – $0
- deluxe – $54.99
- premium – $74.99
- self employed – $114.99
You will also be required to pay $44.99 for each state tax return you are required to file.
The main difference between H&R Block’s plans is the tax situation that is taken into account when filing tax returns.
Here are some of the features you get with the H&R Block:
- W-2 import
- Unlimited tax advice
- Access to historical returns for up to 6 years
- Stride integration to allow form import
This software supports the following tax situations, depending on which package you use:
- child credit costs
- income deduction
- retirement income
- child tax credit
- social security income
Compared to all alternatives, H&R Block has the most powerful free online tax filing option.
File your taxes with H&R Block >>
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H&R Block vs. TurboTax
Both H&R Block and TurboTax offer free packages that cover simple returns. This package also allows you to submit additional forms and schedules.
However, with H&R Block’s free package, you can file more forms and schedules, such as unemployment income and child tax credits.
Also, while the TurboTax free package only allows you to file one free state return, you can file more state returns without paying a dime.
For both providers, the Deluxe package includes deduction research tools, charitable donation assistance, and access to tax experts via online chat.
TurboTax’s deluxe package allows you to submit Schedule SE, Schedule C, and Schedule C-EZ if you want to report business income but don’t have the expense to report it.
Overall, TurboTax has the following price ranges:
- $0 free tier
- $59 Deluxe Tier
- $89 Premier Tier
- $119 Self-Employed Tier
You can also expect to pay $49 per state tax return.
TurboTax generally beats H&R Block in ease of use on both mobile apps and desktop platforms, but only slightly. TurboTax’s interview-style tax preparation walks you through every step of the filing process with easy-to-understand questions aimed at avoiding tax jargon.
The H&R Block is also easy to use, but the questions and instructions can be confusing.
If you want software that’s easier to use than H&R Block, consider TurboTax.But H&R Block has better pricing in most cases.
The only real exception is cryptography. TurboTax has the most cryptocurrency integrations and is the easiest to use when it comes to cryptos and NFTs.
File your taxes with TurboTax >>
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H&R Block vs TaxAct
H&R Block is slightly more expensive than TaxAct over the free version for federal tax returns, but TaxAct is more expensive for state tax returns. Combining the two gets you pretty close to the price.
Nevertheless, if you have to choose between free versions, the free version of H&R Block may prove to be a better choice. Simply because it includes more options and free state tax filing.
It supports 1040 and Schedule A, while the free version of TaxAct only supports simple tax returns.
Related: Best Free Tax Software
This year’s TaxAct pricing includes:
- free basic version
- $46.95 Deluxe version
- $69.95 premium version and
- $94.95 self-employed version
They charge $54.95 per state, which is one of the highest among online tax software.
Both TaxAct and H&R Block are great options with intuitive interfaces that do everything right so you can minimize the amount of time you spend on taxes.
From a customer support perspective, H&R Block is a better option with over 12,000 physical offices nationwide.
This is useful if you run into a problem and want face-to-face customer support to resolve the issue.
Note, however, that you must upgrade to H&R Block Deluxe or Premium to access in-person advice.
TaxAct does not have a physical office to provide face-to-face support, but we do have a comprehensive knowledge base for finding information on a variety of tax issues. TaxAct also provides free phone and email technical and tax support on business days.
Overall, TaxAct appears to offer the better deal. Especially if that support option seems appropriate for your needs.
However, before settling on TaxAct, we need to take a closer look at H&R Block.
Thanks to the extra features, the free version of H&R Block allows you to accomplish more tasks while saving some money.
You can also pay extra to use H&R Block if you need more support.
File your taxes with TaxAct >>
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H&R Block vs. Tux Slayer
TaxSlayer provides access to all tax forms in the first price tier, Classic, so when it comes to filing tax returns, TaxSlayer may fit within your budget.
However, to access features other providers offer in their basic plans, such as audit support and advice, you need to sign up for TaxSlayer Premium.
Still, TaxSlayer can get the job done. If you are self-employed or own a small business, TaxSlayer can help you with deductions and common problems you may encounter.
Affordable, TaxSlayer offers basic services at a lower cost than its competitors.
TaxSlayer has the following price ranges:
- free version
- $29.95 classic version
- $49.95 Premium version
- $59.95 self-employed version
You can also expect to pay $39.95 per state.
This discounted service also comes with fewer accoutrements, but if savings are your goal and you’re savvy with tax returns, this software might do the trick.
And if you spend more and opt for the premium version, you get access to features like audit support, identity theft recovery, and broader customer support.
The differentiator here is the small business owner. Get access to all TaxSlayer forms with the Classic plan. This can be a significant savings compared to H&R Block’s premium or self-employed plans.
File your taxes with TaxSlayer >>
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H&R Block vs. FreeTaxUSA
FreeTaxUSA is a solid alternative to H&R Block as it is competitively priced and slightly lags behind H&R Block in features.
FreeTaxUSA offers a simple flat rate fee. Filing to the federal government is free and costs a flat $14.99 per state.
We also offer a deluxe version for $7.99 that includes audit support.
The biggest drawback of FreeTaxUSA and H&R Block Online is ease of use. H&R Block is very easy to use and navigate, while FreeTaxUSA is “close but not quite the same”. But does the difference justify the $40 to $100+ price difference? However, FreeTaxUSA is a competitive alternative to H&R Block.
File your taxes with FreeTaxUSA >>
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Taxes on H&R Block and Cash App
Cash App Taxes is one of the newest tax software options out there, but it’s also the only option that offers true free access to both federal and state tax returns.
Cash App Taxes is the lowest priced tax software as it offers truly free federal and state tax returns. However, you may be disappointed with what you get for free.
Cash App Taxes does not allow you to file tax returns in multiple states. Also, income earned outside the country is not supported. There may be other tax situations it does not support as well.
Compared to H&R Block, Cash App Taxes also doesn’t support importing from banks and brokerages. You can import W2 only if your company supports it. The support you get from Cash App Taxes is also very limited.
If your tax forms are complex, H&R Block is probably a better choice. But for simple tax forms, Cash App Taxes is an attractive alternative.
File your taxes with Cash App Tax >>
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Which alternative to H&R blocks is right for you?
H&R Block is solid tax filing software that gives you the opportunity to review your tax returns with a real human in your physical office.
This will give you more confidence, especially if you’re nervous about filing your tax returns.
H&R Block prices start at $0 thanks to the free version. Nevertheless, you may want to check what other tax software options offer.
TaxSlayer and FreeTaxUSA offer the best value for your needs. Especially if you run a charity, own a small business, and file your own taxes.
TurboTax is another solid option, especially for investors who trade cryptocurrencies. However, it is a little more expensive than other services in its class.
Cash App Taxes is perfect for anyone with a simple tax return.
If you run a small business and have a mix of business and personal spending, this is a great option.
Additionally, self-employed people who are serious about paying their taxes will find useful tools at TurboTax Self-Employed.