What H&R Block offers and how to use it

H&R Block is a tax preparation company that prepares and files federal and state tax returns for individuals and small business owners. You can work with H&R Block in three ways: online through their website, by phone or video call with a tax professional, or in person at one of their offices. The company charges different fees depending on which method you choose and how complex your return is.

H&R Block does not prepare your taxes for free unless you meet income limits through their Free File program, which is part of a government partnership. If you do not meet those limits, you pay H&R Block directly — either a flat fee, an hourly rate, or a percentage of your refund, depending on the service level you select.

The company files your return electronically with the IRS and your state tax agency. H&R Block also offers add-on services like audit defense, where they help you respond if the IRS questions your return, and refund advance loans, where you can borrow against your expected refund before it arrives.

Key Takeaways

  • H&R Block offers three ways to file: online self-service, assisted preparation by phone or video, or in-person meetings at their offices.
  • Pricing ranges from free (if you meet income limits) to several hundred dollars depending on return complexity and the service level you choose.
  • You can add audit defense coverage or take a refund advance loan, both of which cost extra and are optional.
  • H&R Block files your return electronically with the IRS and state agencies, and you can track your refund status through their website.

H&R Block's three filing methods and their costs

H&R Block's online self-service option is called H&R Block Tax Software. You answer questions about your income, deductions, and credits on your computer or phone, and the software calculates your tax liability and prepares your return. The cost varies by edition: the Basic edition costs less than the Premium or Business editions. Prices change each tax year and vary by state.

The second option is assisted preparation, where a tax professional helps you prepare your return by phone, video call, or in-person appointment. H&R Block calls this "H&R Block Premium" or "H&R Block Live" depending on the service level. A tax professional reviews your information, asks clarifying questions, and prepares your return while you watch. This costs more than self-service software but less than full-service preparation.

The third option is full-service preparation at an H&R Block office. A tax professional meets with you in person, gathers all your documents, prepares your complete return, and handles the filing. This is the most expensive option. H&R Block charges either a flat fee or an hourly rate for this service, and the amount depends on how complex your return is — for example, whether you have business income, rental property, investment income, or multiple states to file in.

H&R Block's Free File program is available to people whose modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is below a certain threshold, which changes each year. In 2024, that threshold was $79,000 for most filers. If you meet the income limit, you can use H&R Block's online software at no cost to prepare and file your federal return. State returns may still have a fee.

What documents and information you need to bring

Before you start, gather your W-2 forms from your employer, your 1099 forms for any other income (freelance work, interest, dividends, rental income), and records of any deductions you plan to claim. If you are filing jointly with a spouse, you will need both Social Security numbers and both people's income documents.

If you own a business or have rental property, bring profit-and-loss statements, expense records, and depreciation schedules. If you made estimated tax payments during the year, bring the payment confirmations. If you paid state or local taxes, property taxes, or mortgage interest, bring those records too — they may be deductible.

If you are meeting with an H&R Block tax professional in person or by video, you can bring physical documents or upload them to your H&R Block account before your appointment. The tax professional will ask you questions about your situation and may request additional documents if something is unclear.

How H&R Block's refund advance loan works

H&R Block offers a Refund Advance, which is a short-term loan against your expected tax refund. You can borrow up to the amount H&R Block estimates your refund will be. The loan is funded quickly — sometimes the same day — and the borrowed amount is repaid directly from your refund when it arrives from the IRS.

H&R Block charges a fee for this loan, which varies depending on the amount borrowed and the lender involved (H&R Block partners with third-party lenders). The fee is deducted from your refund along with the loan amount. This means if you borrow $2,000 and the fee is $150, your actual refund will be reduced by $2,150.

A refund advance is optional and not required to file with H&R Block. It is useful only if you need cash before the IRS processes your return, which typically takes 21 days for electronic returns. If you can wait for your refund, you avoid the loan fee entirely.

Audit defense and other add-on services

H&R Block offers Audit Defense, which provides representation if the IRS examines your return. If you purchase this service and the IRS contacts you, H&R Block's tax professionals will respond on your behalf, gather the documents the IRS requests, and represent you in correspondence with the agency. You do not have to handle the IRS contact yourself.

Audit Defense costs extra — the price depends on the complexity of your return and whether you want coverage for one year or multiple years. This service does not prevent an audit or may provide a particular outcome; it covers the cost of professional representation if an audit occurs.

H&R Block also offers tax planning consultations, where a tax professional reviews your situation and suggests strategies to reduce your tax liability in future years. This is a separate paid service and is not included in basic tax preparation.

How to file with H&R Block and track your refund

If you choose online self-service, you create an account on H&R Block's website, answer the interview questions, review your prepared return, and authorize H&R Block to file it electronically with the IRS. You can file from your computer or mobile app. The IRS typically processes electronic returns within 21 days.

If you choose assisted or in-person preparation, you schedule an appointment (online or by phone), meet with a tax professional, and they handle the filing for you. You will receive a copy of your return and confirmation that it was filed.

Once your return is filed, you can track your refund status through H&R Block's website or by using the IRS's "Where's My Refund?" tool on IRS.gov. H&R Block will also send you email updates as your return moves through the IRS system. If you took a refund advance loan, the loan amount will be deducted from your refund before it reaches your bank account.

H&R Block versus other tax preparation options

H&R Block is one of several national tax preparation companies. TurboTax and TaxAct also offer online self-service software and assisted preparation. The IRS Free File program includes other software providers as well, all of which are free to people below the income threshold.

If you have a straightforward return — W-2 income only, standard deduction, no dependents — any of these options will work and cost roughly the same. If your return is more complex, the cost difference between companies may be small compared to the difference between self-service and professional preparation.

You can also prepare your return yourself using IRS forms and instructions, or hire a CPA or enrolled agent (a tax professional certified by the IRS) instead of using a tax preparation company. CPAs and enrolled agents typically charge hourly rates and may cost more than H&R Block for straightforward returns but may cost less for very complex situations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does H&R Block may provide I will get the biggest refund?

No. H&R Block's software and tax professionals prepare your return based on the information you provide and the tax law that applies to your situation. The refund amount is determined by your income, deductions, and credits — not by which company prepares your return. Different preparers may find different deductions you may have access to for, so the refund can vary, but H&R Block does not promise a specific result.

Can I amend my return after H&R Block files it?

Yes. If you discover an error or forgot to report income after your return is filed, you can file an amended return using Form 1040-X. H&R Block can prepare an amended return for you, though this may involve an additional fee. You must file the amended return within three years of the original filing date to claim a refund.

What happens if I owe taxes instead of getting a refund?

H&R Block will calculate the amount you owe and show it to you before filing. You can pay the IRS directly, set up a payment plan with the IRS, or use H&R Block's payment service to pay through their website. If you owe, you do not have to use a refund advance loan.

Is my information safe with H&R Block?

H&R Block uses encryption and security measures to protect your personal and financial information. Your data is stored on their find servers. However, no online system is completely risk-free. You should use a strong password, enable two-factor authentication if available, and avoid using public Wi-Fi when accessing your account.

Can I switch to H&R Block if I filed with another company last year?

Yes. You can file with any tax preparation company each year. If you used a different company last year, you can use H&R Block this year. You will need to gather your documents again, but there is no penalty or restriction on switching.