H&R Block Overview
H&R Block is a tax preparation company that provides tax filing services and financial advice to individuals and businesses. The company was founded in 1955 by Henry W. Bloch and Richard Bloch in Kansas City, Missouri, and has grown to become one of the largest tax preparation firms in the world.
H&R Block offers a range of tax services, including in-person tax preparation at its retail locations, online tax preparation through its website, and software for do-it-yourself tax filers. The company also provides tax planning and consulting services, as well as bookkeeping and payroll services for small businesses.
H&R Block has a presence in the United States, Canada, Australia, and India, and serves millions of clients each year. The company is known for its expertise in tax law and its commitment to providing accurate and reliable tax advice and services.
H&R Block Pros And Cons
Here are some pros and cons of using H&R Block for tax preparation:
Pros:
- Expertise: H&R Block has been in the tax preparation business for over 65 years and has a team of experienced tax professionals who are knowledgeable about tax laws and regulations.
- Convenient: H&R Block has over 10,000 retail locations throughout the United States, making it easy for customers to find a local office for in-person tax preparation.
- Online Tax Preparation: H&R Block offers a user-friendly online platform for DIY tax preparation. It is easy to use, and the software guides users through the process of filing their taxes.
- Customer Support: H&R Block offers year-round support, including phone and chat support, to help customers with any questions or issues they may have.
- Audit Assistance: H&R Block offers audit assistance and representation to customers who have received an IRS notice or audit.
Cons:
- Cost: H&R Block’s tax preparation services can be more expensive than some other online tax preparation options.
- Limited Services: H&R Block’s bookkeeping and payroll services are only available to small business owners and not individuals.
- Location: H&R Block may not have a physical location in all areas, which could be inconvenient for those who prefer in-person tax preparation.
- Customer Reviews: While many customers have positive experiences with H&R Block, some have reported issues with customer service and accuracy of their tax returns.
- Additional Fees: H&R Block charges additional fees for certain services, such as refund advances and tax refund transfer services.
Who Should Use H&R Block?
H&R Block can be a good fit for a variety of taxpayers, including:
- Individuals who prefer in-person tax preparation: H&R Block has over 10,000 retail locations throughout the United States, making it easy for customers to find a local office for in-person tax preparation.
- DIY tax filers: H&R Block’s online tax preparation software is user-friendly and offers step-by-step guidance to help individuals prepare their taxes on their own.
- Small business owners: H&R Block offers bookkeeping and payroll services for small business owners, as well as tax planning and consulting services.
- Those who need year-round support: H&R Block offers year-round support to help customers manage their finances and plan for the future.
- Those who want audit assistance: H&R Block offers audit assistance and representation to customers who have received an IRS notice or audit.
H&R Block Pricing
H&R Block offers different pricing options depending on the type of service and level of support you need. Here is an overview of H&R Block’s pricing for tax preparation services:
- In-person tax preparation: Prices for in-person tax preparation services vary depending on the complexity of your tax return and the location of the office you visit. The average cost for a basic tax return is around $150, but the cost can go up significantly if you have complex tax situations.
- Online tax preparation: H&R Block’s online tax preparation software is available in four different versions, ranging from free to $104.99. Here are the prices for each version:
- Free Online: $0 for federal and state filing for simple tax returns.
- Deluxe Online: $49.99 for federal and state filing, with additional support for homeowners, investors, and charitable donations.
- Premium Online: $69.99 for federal and state filing, with additional support for self-employed individuals, rental property owners, and investment income.
- Self-Employed Online: $104.99 for federal and state filing, with advanced tax guidance and support for self-employed individuals.
- Additional services: H&R Block also offers a range of additional services, such as refund advances, tax refund transfer services, and tax identity shield. Prices for these services vary and may incur additional fees.
H&R Block Ease of Use
H&R Block offers several different options for tax preparation, including in-person assistance, online tax software, and DIY software. Here is an overview of H&R Block’s ease of use for each of these options:
- In-person assistance: H&R Block’s in-person tax preparation service is generally considered to be user-friendly. A tax professional will walk you through the process and ask you questions to help ensure that you claim all relevant deductions and credits. However, wait times at physical locations can vary, and you may need to schedule an appointment ahead of time.
- Online tax software: H&R Block’s online tax software is easy to use, even for those with little to no tax experience. The software guides you through each step of the process and prompts you to answer questions to ensure you claim all available deductions and credits. The interface is user-friendly, and the software saves your progress, so you can complete your taxes at your own pace.
- DIY software: H&R Block’s DIY software is also user-friendly and includes step-by-step guidance to help you prepare your taxes on your own. The software is designed to be easy to navigate, and you can save your progress as you go along.
How H&R Block Stacks Up Against the Competition
H&R Block is one of the largest tax preparation companies in the United States and is known for its user-friendly software and in-person tax preparation services. Here’s how H&R Block stacks up against some of its major competitors:
- TurboTax: TurboTax is another popular tax preparation company that offers online tax software and in-person tax preparation services. TurboTax is known for its ease of use and comprehensive tax guidance, but it can be more expensive than H&R Block, especially for those with complex tax situations.
- TaxAct: TaxAct is a budget-friendly tax preparation company that offers online tax software and in-person tax preparation services. TaxAct is known for its low prices, but its software can be more difficult to navigate than H&R Block or TurboTax.
- Jackson Hewitt: Jackson Hewitt is another tax preparation company that offers online tax software and in-person tax preparation services. Jackson Hewitt is known for its affordable prices and in-person assistance, but its online software can be more limited in features than H&R Block or TurboTax.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about H&R Block:
- What is H&R Block?
H&R Block is a tax preparation company that offers a range of tax services, including in-person tax preparation, online tax software, and DIY software.
- How much does H&R Block cost?
The cost of H&R Block’s services varies depending on the type of service and the complexity of your tax return. In-person tax preparation can cost around $150 for a basic return, while online tax software prices range from free to $104.99 depending on the version.
- Is H&R Block’s software easy to use?
Yes, H&R Block’s software is generally considered to be easy to use, and the company offers both online tax software and DIY software to cater to different user preferences.
- Does H&R Block offer in-person tax preparation?
Yes, H&R Block offers in-person tax preparation services at its physical locations. You can make an appointment to meet with a tax professional and receive one-on-one assistance.
- What types of tax returns can H&R Block handle?
H&R Block can handle a range of tax returns, including personal tax returns, small business tax returns, and more complex tax returns for self-employed individuals, rental property owners, and investors.
- Can H&R Block help with tax problems?
Yes, H&R Block offers tax problem resolution services for those who have received tax notices, owe back taxes, or are facing other tax-related issues.
- How can I contact H&R Block?
You can contact H&R Block by visiting one of its physical locations, calling its customer service line, or using the live chat feature on its website.
