TurboTax vs H&R Block
TurboTax vs H&R Block: pricing ($0–$129 vs $0–$85), free tier coverage (37% vs 52-55%), state fees ($59 vs $37), and features compared. Find the right tax software for your situation.
Quick Answer
H&R Block is the better choice if you want the most affordable option with the broadest free tier — Free Online covers ~52-55% of filers (vs TurboTax's ~37%) and state filing costs $37 (vs $59). TurboTax is the better choice if you want the best guided filing experience with AI Tax Assist, handle complex investments (RSU, AMT, crypto), or need direct QuickBooks integration. TurboTax costs more at every tier but surfaces deductions that H&R Block may miss. Both are US-only platforms for federal and state tax filing under IRS jurisdiction.
TurboTax
Industry-leading online tax filing software with guided interview-style preparation, AI Tax Assist, and support for the most complex individual and business tax returns.
Pricing
$59/yr
Key Features
- ✓Guided interview-style tax preparation with step-by-step navigation
- ✓AI Tax Assist — conversational tax Q&A across all tiers
- ✓Maximum Refund Guarantee and accuracy review
- ✓Direct import of W-2, 1099, and investment data from employers and financial institutions
- ✓QuickBooks and Intuit product integration for business filers
- ✓Audit risk assessment and support
Pros
- +Best-in-class interview-style UX that surfaces deductions competitors miss — the guided question flow catches edge cases
- +AI Tax Assist included across all tiers provides conversational answers to tax questions without navigating help docs
- +Handles complex situations including RSU vesting, AMT, business expenses, and multi-state returns better than any competitor
- +Direct import from QuickBooks, QuickBooks Payroll, and other Intuit products — seamless for Intuit ecosystem users
- +Strong mobile apps for iOS and Android let you photograph W-2s and continue filing across devices
Cons
- −Most expensive option in the category — Free Edition limited to approximately 37% of filers with simple Form 1040 only
- −Pricing is tiered aggressively to push users toward upgrades, with upsell prompts throughout the filing experience
- −State filing costs $59 per state — an additional cost that adds up for multi-state filers
- −Add-on fees for live expert help rather than included in higher tiers
- −Pricing surges closer to the April deadline — early filers pay less than last-minute filers
Platforms
Web, iOS, Android
Learn more →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 →Real-World Scenarios
You want the cheapest option with the broadest free tier
You have a relatively simple tax situation with some deductions or credits, and you want to minimize filing costs.
You have complex investments, RSUs, or crypto
You have investment income, RSU vesting, AMT exposure, or cryptocurrency transactions that need careful handling.
You are self-employed and need deduction help
You run a freelance business and want to maximize business deductions without missing anything.