Unbiased H&R Block Review: What You Need to Know Before Filing

What Is H&R Block?

H&R Block is a company that provides tax preparation and financial services. It was founded in 1955 by brothers Henry and Richard Bloch, hence the name “H&R Block.” The company operates in North America, Australia, and India, and has over 12,000 retail tax offices worldwide.

H&R Block offers a range of services, including tax preparation for individuals and businesses, bookkeeping, payroll, and consulting. They also provide software and online tax preparation options for customers who prefer to file their taxes themselves. In addition to its tax services, H&R Block also offers financial products such as refund advances, prepaid debit cards, and personal loans.

H&R Block is a publicly traded company listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol “HRB.”

Who Is H&R Block Good For?

H&R Block is a good option for individuals and small businesses who need help with tax preparation and related financial services. Some specific groups who may benefit from H&R Block’s services include:

• Individuals who have complex tax situations: If you have a lot of deductions, credits, or investments, or if you’ve experienced a major life change such as getting married or buying a home, H&R Block’s tax professionals can help ensure that you’re taking advantage of all available tax breaks and avoiding costly mistakes.
• Small business owners: H&R Block offers a range of services specifically tailored to small business owners, including bookkeeping, payroll, and tax preparation. Their expertise in this area can help ensure that your business is in compliance with tax laws and regulations, and can help you minimize your tax liability.
• Individuals who prefer a hands-off approach to tax preparation: If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of preparing your own taxes, H&R Block can take care of everything for you. You can simply drop off your documents and let their tax professionals do the rest.

H&R Block Features

H&R Block offers a variety of features and services to help individuals and businesses with their tax preparation and financial needs. Some of the key features of H&R Block include:

• Tax Preparation: H&R Block offers tax preparation services for individuals, including those with complex tax situations, as well as small businesses. Their tax professionals can help you identify all available tax breaks and credits to minimize your tax liability.
• Software: H&R Block provides software for individuals who prefer to prepare their own taxes. They offer a range of options, including Basic, Deluxe, Premium, and Self-Employed, depending on your needs.
• Mobile App: H&R Block’s mobile app allows you to file your taxes on the go. You can take a picture of your W-2 using your phone’s camera and import your tax information directly into the app.
• Refund Advances: H&R Block offers refund advances, which allow you to get an advance on your tax refund before it’s even processed. This can be a helpful option if you need cash quickly.
• Audit Support: If you’re audited by the IRS, H&R Block will provide free audit support and representation. They’ll help you navigate the audit process and defend your tax return.
• Bookkeeping and Payroll: H&R Block also offers bookkeeping and payroll services for small businesses. They can help you manage your financial records and ensure that you’re in compliance with tax laws and regulations.
• Online Learning: H&R Block offers online learning resources, including articles and videos, to help you understand tax laws and regulations and prepare your own taxes.

H&R Block Plans and Pricing

H&R Block offers a variety of plans and pricing options to meet the needs of different customers. The cost of tax preparation services can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of your tax situation, where you live, and whether you need to file federal and state returns. Here’s a breakdown of H&R Block’s plans and pricing:

• Online Software: H&R Block’s online software options range in price from around $25 for the Basic plan to around $80 for the Self-Employed plan. The Basic plan is designed for simple tax returns, while the Self-Employed plan is tailored to individuals with more complex tax situations, such as freelancers and business owners. These prices do not include state filing fees, which can vary by state.
• In-Person Tax Preparation: H&R Block’s in-person tax preparation services start at around $70 for a federal tax return, and can increase based on the complexity of your tax situation and other factors. State tax returns are typically an additional fee. H&R Block also offers add-on services such as audit support, which can cost extra.
• Virtual Tax Preparation: H&R Block’s virtual tax preparation service allows you to connect with a tax professional remotely. Prices for this service start at around $100 for a federal tax return and can increase depending on the complexity of your tax situation.
• Small Business Services: H&R Block offers a range of services for small businesses, including bookkeeping, payroll, and tax preparation. Prices for these services can vary depending on the specific services you need and the complexity of your business.

How To Choose a Product

Choosing the right H&R Block product depends on your personal tax situation and preferences. Here are some factors to consider when choosing an H&R Block product:

• Complexity of your tax situation: If you have a simple tax situation, such as a single W-2 and no itemized deductions, you may be able to use H&R Block’s Basic software or in-person tax preparation services. If you have a more complex tax situation, such as investments or self-employment income, you may need to use a more advanced product such as H&R Block’s Deluxe or Self-Employed software or in-person tax preparation services.
• Type of product you prefer: H&R Block offers a range of products, including online software, in-person tax preparation services, and virtual tax preparation. Consider which type of product you prefer based on your own preferences and comfort level with technology.
• Price: H&R Block’s products vary in price, so consider your budget and which product fits within your price range. Keep in mind that more complex tax situations may require more expensive products or services.
• Additional features and services: H&R Block offers a range of additional features and services, such as audit support, bookkeeping, and payroll services. Consider whether you need any of these additional features or services when choosing an H&R Block product.
• Customer support: H&R Block offers customer support for all of their products, but the level and type of support may vary. Consider how much support you may need and which type of support you prefer when choosing an H&R Block product.

Guarantees

H&R Block offers several guarantees to ensure customer satisfaction and accuracy in tax preparation. Here are some of their guarantees:

• Maximum Refund Guarantee: H&R Block guarantees that customers will receive the maximum refund possible or their tax preparation fee will be refunded. This guarantee applies to all of their tax preparation products and services.
• 100% Accuracy Guarantee: H&R Block guarantees that their tax preparation software and tax professionals will provide 100% accurate calculations on your tax return. If there is an error, H&R Block will pay any resulting penalties and interest.
• Free Audit Support Guarantee: H&R Block provides free audit support and representation if you are audited by the IRS. Their tax professionals will help you navigate the audit process and defend your tax return.
• Satisfaction Guarantee: H&R Block guarantees customer satisfaction with their products and services. If you are not satisfied with their services, they will refund the applicable fee or try to resolve the issue to your satisfaction.

How to Sign Up

Signing up for H&R Block’s tax preparation services can be done in a few different ways, depending on which product or service you choose. Here are the general steps to sign up:

• Choose a product: Decide which H&R Block product or service is right for you based on your tax situation and preferences. You can visit their website or speak with a representative to learn more about their products.
• Create an account: To use H&R Block’s online software or virtual tax preparation services, you’ll need to create an account on their website. You’ll need to provide some basic personal information, such as your name and address, to create an account.
• Provide tax information: Once you have an account, you’ll need to provide information about your tax situation. This may include details about your income, deductions, and credits. H&R Block’s software or tax professionals will guide you through this process.
• Review and file your return: After providing all of your tax information, you’ll need to review your return for accuracy and completeness. If everything looks good, you can file your return electronically through H&R Block’s software or have a tax professional file it for you.

If you prefer in-person tax preparation services, you can simply visit an H&R Block office and speak with a tax professional. They will help you provide your tax information and file your return for you.

Overall, the process of signing up for H&R Block’s tax preparation services is straightforward and can be completed in a few simple steps.

Synchronization

H&R Block’s tax preparation software and online services are designed to sync your tax information across devices and platforms, making it easy to access and work on your return from anywhere. Here’s how it works:

• Account creation: When you create an account on H&R Block’s website or software, your information is stored in the cloud, which allows for synchronization across devices.
• Automatic saving: As you work on your tax return, H&R Block’s software automatically saves your progress. This means that you can start working on your return on one device and pick up where you left off on another device without losing any progress.
• Data synchronization: H&R Block’s software and online services synchronize your tax data across devices in real-time. This means that any changes you make on one device will be reflected on all other devices where you are logged in.
• Secure data transfer: H&R Block’s synchronization process is secure and encrypted, ensuring that your personal and financial information is protected.

Mobile Accessibility

H&R Block’s tax preparation software and services are mobile-friendly, which means you can use their products on your mobile device. Here’s what you need to know about H&R Block’s mobile accessibility:

• Mobile app: H&R Block has a mobile app available for both iOS and Android devices. The app allows you to complete and file your tax return from your mobile device. You can download the app for free from the App Store or Google Play.
• Mobile website: H&R Block’s website is mobile-friendly, which means you can access it from your mobile browser. You can log in to your account, access your tax return, and complete your tax filing from your mobile device.
• Mobile support: If you need help with your tax return, H&R Block offers mobile support through their app and mobile website. You can chat with a tax professional, get answers to frequently asked questions, and access other resources to help you with your tax filing.
• Syncing across devices: As mentioned earlier, H&R Block’s tax preparation software and services synchronize your data across devices. This means you can start your tax return on your computer and finish it on your mobile device.

Customer Service

H&R Block offers several customer service options to help you with your tax preparation needs. Here are some of the ways you can get in touch with their customer service team:

• Phone support: H&R Block offers phone support for their customers. You can call their toll-free number, which is available on their website, to speak with a representative. They offer support for a wide range of issues, including technical support, tax advice, and general questions.
• Chat support: If you prefer to chat with a representative, H&R Block also offers a live chat option. You can access the chat feature from their website or mobile app to get assistance.
• Email support: H&R Block also offers email support. You can send them an email through their website or mobile app and they will respond as soon as possible.
• In-person support: H&R Block has offices located throughout the United States where you can get in-person tax preparation assistance. You can schedule an appointment to meet with a tax professional at one of their offices.

H&R Block Pros & Cons

Here are some of the pros and cons of using H&R Block for your tax preparation needs:

Pros:

• User-friendly: H&R Block’s tax preparation software and online services are easy to use, even if you have no prior tax preparation experience.
• Affordable: H&R Block offers a range of pricing plans to fit your budget, including free options for simple tax returns.
• Synchronization: H&R Block’s tax preparation software and services sync your data across devices, making it easy to access and work on your tax return from anywhere.
• Customer support: H&R Block offers a variety of customer support options, including phone, chat, and email support, as well as in-person assistance at their offices.
• Accuracy: H&R Block’s software and tax professionals are known for their accuracy in preparing tax returns.

Cons:

• Limited free options: While H&R Block does offer free options for simple tax returns, they are more limited compared to other tax preparation services.
• Additional fees: Some H&R Block plans may have additional fees for certain features or services, which can add up if you need additional assistance or have a more complex tax return.
• Mobile app limitations: H&R Block’s mobile app may not offer all the same features and functionality as their desktop software or online services.
• Time-consuming: Depending on the complexity of your tax return, preparing your taxes with H&R Block’s software or services can be time-consuming.
• Limited international support: H&R Block may not be the best option for individuals with international tax needs, as their services are primarily geared towards U.S. tax preparation.

Bottom line

H&R Block is a well-established tax preparation company that offers a range of tax preparation services and software to fit different budgets and tax needs. Their software is user-friendly and offers accurate tax preparation assistance, and they offer various customer support options to assist with any issues or questions. While their free options are limited, their paid plans offer more features and flexibility. However, additional fees may apply, and their mobile app may not have all the same features as their desktop software or online services. Overall, H&R Block is a solid choice for individuals and small businesses looking for affordable and reliable tax preparation assistance.