H&R Block vs FreeTaxUSA
H&R Block vs FreeTaxUSA: free tier comparison — H&R Block Free Online covers ~52-55% of filers with good guidance, FreeTaxUSA offers genuinely free federal for all return types. Which is the best free option for you?
Quick Answer
FreeTaxUSA is the better choice if you want genuinely free federal filing regardless of complexity — it handles Schedule C (self-employment), Schedule D (capital gains), and Schedule A (itemized deductions) at no federal cost, with a flat $14.99 state fee. H&R Block Free Online is the better choice if you want a guided, polished interface and qualify for its free tier (~52-55% of filers) — it covers more forms than TurboTax Free Edition but has income and form limitations. The trade-off: FreeTaxUSA saves you money but has a bare-bones web-only interface with no mobile app. H&R Block costs more (state $37, or paid tiers for complex returns) but provides a better user experience and in-person filing option. Both are US-only platforms.
H&R Block
Online tax filing software with the most robust free tier of any major paid provider, plus the option for in-person filing at thousands of physical offices nationwide.
Pricing
$35/yr
Key Features
- ✓Free Online tier covering more forms than TurboTax Free Edition — ~52-55% of filers qualify
- ✓Step-by-step navigation with clear progress tracking
- ✓Tax Pro Review — have a tax professional review your return before filing
- ✓In-person filing at thousands of physical H&R Block offices nationwide
- ✓Online Assist packages with tax pro support at various price points ($70–$195)
- ✓Maximum Refund Guarantee and accuracy guarantee
Pros
- +Most robust free tier of all major paid tax software — covers more forms than TurboTax Free Edition, including education credits and child tax credits
- +Lower state filing fees than TurboTax ($37 vs $59 per state) across all tiers
- +Option for in-person help at thousands of physical branches nationwide — unique among major competitors
- +Tax Pro Review option lets you self-prepare and have a professional check your work
- +More transparent pricing with fewer upsell prompts compared to TurboTax
Cons
- −Interface slightly less polished than TurboTax — the guided experience is less conversational
- −Chatbot in Free Edition answers limited questions only — full support requires upgrading
- −Help features require more navigation to find compared to TurboTax's AI Tax Assist
- −Online Assist packages add $70–$195 on top of software tier costs
- −In-person filing starts at $89 — significantly more expensive than DIY online filing
Platforms
Web, iOS, Android
Learn more →FreeTaxUSA
Genuinely free federal tax filing for nearly all return types — including freelance income, investments, and itemized deductions — at no federal cost.
Pricing
$7.99/yr
Key Features
- ✓Genuinely free federal filing for all return types — including Schedule C, D, E, and itemized deductions
- ✓$100,000 accuracy guarantee
- ✓Maximum Refund Guarantee
- ✓Flat $14.99 state filing fee regardless of complexity
- ✓Deluxe tier ($7.99) adds priority support and audit assistance
- ✓Prior-year return import (free federal)
Pros
- +Genuinely free federal filing for nearly all filers regardless of complexity — handles freelance income, investments, and itemized deductions at no federal cost
- +Significantly cheaper than TurboTax/H&R Block at every tier — Deluxe federal at $7.99 vs $59 and $35 respectively
- +$100,000 accuracy guarantee — same protection as much more expensive competitors
- +No upsell prompts — straightforward filing experience without being pushed to upgrade
- +Flat $14.99 state filing fee — no price increase based on complexity
Cons
- −Web-only — no iOS or Android app available
- −Interface less polished and more bare-bones than TurboTax or H&R Block
- −Less guidance and educational explanation throughout the filing process
- −State filing fee of $14.99 applies even on free federal tier
- −Less brand recognition may reduce trust for first-time filers — fewer third-party reviews and less community presence
Platforms
Web
Learn more →Real-World Scenarios
You want genuinely free federal filing regardless of complexity
You are self-employed, have investment income, or itemize deductions — and you don't want to pay for federal filing.
You want a guided experience with a polished interface
You prefer step-by-step guidance and a more polished interface, and you qualify for a free tier or are willing to pay for a better experience.
You want the absolute lowest cost for basic filing
You have a simple tax situation (W-2 income, standard deduction) and want the cheapest possible option.