H&R Block Review: An In-Depth Analysis of Tax Filing Services and Features

What is H&R Block?

H&R Block is a company that provides tax preparation and related financial services to individuals and small businesses. The company was founded in 1955 by brothers Henry W. Bloch and Richard Bloch, hence the name “H&R Block”. The company operates through a network of retail tax offices, as well as online and mobile applications.

H&R Block’s services include tax preparation, tax advice, and online tax filing. The company also offers bookkeeping and payroll services for small businesses, as well as personal finance tools and resources. H&R Block is one of the largest tax preparation companies in the United States, with over 10,000 retail locations and more than 60,000 tax professionals.

H&R Block Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Expertise: H&R Block has a team of tax professionals who are trained to handle complex tax situations and help clients maximize their tax deductions and credits.
• Convenience: H&R Block has many retail locations, as well as online and mobile applications, making it easy for clients to access their services.
• Accuracy Guarantee: H&R Block offers an accuracy guarantee, which means that if there is an error on your tax return that is their fault, they will reimburse any penalties and interest incurred as a result.
• Audit support: H&R Block provides audit support to its clients, including help with preparing for the audit, communicating with the IRS, and representing clients in front of the tax authorities.

Cons:

• Cost: H&R Block’s services can be more expensive than some other tax preparation options, particularly for more complex tax situations.
• Inconsistent quality: The quality of H&R Block’s tax professionals can vary, and some clients have reported receiving inaccurate advice or incorrect tax returns.
• Limited scope: H&R Block’s services are primarily focused on tax preparation and related financial services, which may not meet all the financial needs of some clients.
• Lengthy wait times: During peak tax season, clients may experience long wait times to see an H&R Block tax professional or to get assistance from customer service.

H&R Block Services

H&R Block provides a range of tax preparation and related financial services for individuals and small businesses. Here are some of the services offered by H&R Block:

1. Tax preparation: H&R Block’s core service is tax preparation, which includes filing federal, state, and local tax returns for individuals and small businesses.
2. Tax advice: H&R Block’s tax professionals can provide tax advice and planning to help clients minimize their tax liabilities and maximize their deductions and credits.
3. Online tax filing: H&R Block offers online tax filing options, including a free online tax filing service for simple tax returns.
4. Bookkeeping and payroll services: H&R Block offers bookkeeping and payroll services for small businesses, including assistance with payroll tax filings.
5. Tax audit support: H&R Block provides support to clients who are being audited by the IRS, including assistance with preparing for the audit and representing clients in front of the tax authorities.
6. ITIN application assistance: H&R Block provides assistance with applying for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for individuals who are not eligible for a Social Security number.

Personal finance tools and resources: H&R Block offers a range of personal finance tools and resources, including tax calculators, budgeting tools, and retirement planning resources.

H&R Block Pricing

The cost of H&R Block’s services can vary depending on the complexity of your tax situation and the specific services you require. Here are some of the pricing options offered by H&R Block:

1. Basic Tax Preparation: The cost for basic tax preparation with H&R Block starts at around $69 for federal tax returns and additional fees may apply for state tax filings.
2. Deluxe Tax Preparation: H&R Block’s Deluxe Tax Preparation service includes additional support for investment and retirement income, and costs around $109 for federal tax returns with additional fees for state tax filings.
3. Premium Tax Preparation: H&R Block’s Premium Tax Preparation service includes support for rental property income, self-employment income, and small business tax deductions, and costs around $169 for federal tax returns with additional fees for state tax filings.
4. Online Tax Filing: H&R Block offers a free online tax filing service for simple tax returns, and other options starting at around $14.99 for federal tax returns and additional fees for state tax filings.
5. Additional Services: H&R Block also offers a range of additional services, such as tax audit support, bookkeeping, and payroll services, which can be priced separately.

It’s important to note that these prices are estimates and may vary depending on the specific services you require and the complexity of your tax situation. It’s recommended to consult with an H&R Block tax professional for a personalized quote.

H&R Block Online

H&R Block offers a range of online tax preparation and filing services, making it easy for clients to prepare and file their taxes from the comfort of their own home. Here are some of the online services offered by H&R Block:

1. Online Tax Filing: H&R Block offers online tax filing options for individuals, including a free online tax filing service for simple tax returns.
2. Online Tax Advice: H&R Block’s online tax advice service allows clients to connect with a tax professional online or by phone to get answers to their tax questions and help with tax planning.
3. Online Tax Preparation: H&R Block’s online tax preparation service includes step-by-step guidance through the tax preparation process, as well as access to a tax professional for support and advice.
4. Mobile Apps: H&R Block offers mobile apps for iOS and Android devices, which allow clients to file their taxes, track their refund status, and access other tax tools and resources on their mobile devices.
5. Virtual Tax Preparation: H&R Block offers virtual tax preparation services, which allow clients to connect with a tax professional online and have their taxes prepared remotely.

Overall, H&R Block’s online services provide a convenient and flexible option for clients who prefer to handle their taxes online or remotely, without the need to visit a physical office.

H&R Block Tax Pro Go

H&R Block Tax Pro Go is an online tax preparation and filing service that offers a convenient and flexible way for clients to have their taxes prepared by a professional, without needing to visit a physical H&R Block office. Here are some key features of H&R Block Tax Pro Go:

1. Professional Tax Preparation: H&R Block Tax Pro Go offers professional tax preparation services, with tax professionals who are trained to handle a range of tax situations and help clients maximize their deductions and credits.
2. Online Service: H&R Block Tax Pro Go is an entirely online service, which means clients can have their taxes prepared and filed without needing to visit a physical office.
3. Flexible Options: H&R Block Tax Pro Go offers flexible options to fit clients’ needs and budgets, including options for simple tax returns, more complex tax situations, and small business tax preparation.
4. Personalized Service: Clients who use H&R Block Tax Pro Go are matched with a tax professional who will work with them throughout the tax preparation process and provide personalized advice and support.
5. Transparent Pricing: H&R Block Tax Pro Go offers transparent pricing, with upfront pricing quotes based on the complexity of the client’s tax situation.

Overall, H&R Block Tax Pro Go provides a convenient and flexible option for clients who prefer to have their taxes prepared by a professional online, without the need to visit a physical office.

H&R Block Customer Service

H&R Block provides customer service to assist clients with their tax preparation and related financial needs. Here are some ways to access H&R Block customer service:

1. Phone Support: H&R Block provides phone support for clients who have questions or need help with their tax preparation. The phone number to contact H&R Block customer service can be found on their website.
2. Online Support: H&R Block offers online support through their website, where clients can access a range of tax tools and resources, as well as live chat with a tax professional.
3. In-Person Support: H&R Block has physical offices located throughout the United States where clients can visit in person to get help with their tax preparation.
4. H&R Block Guarantee: H&R Block also provides a guarantee to ensure clients are satisfied with their tax preparation services. If a client is not satisfied, H&R Block will refund the fees for that service or work with the client to resolve the issue.
5. Social Media: H&R Block also provides customer support through their social media channels, such as Facebook and Twitter.

Overall, H&R Block provides multiple channels for customer service to ensure clients receive the support they need with their tax preparation and related financial needs.

H&R Block Refund Advance

H&R Block Refund Advance is a loan offered by H&R Block to eligible clients who are expecting a tax refund. Here are some key features of H&R Block Refund Advance:

1. Loan Amount: H&R Block Refund Advance allows eligible clients to borrow up to $3,500 of their expected tax refund.
2. No Interest or Fees: H&R Block Refund Advance has no interest or fees, which means clients will not be charged any additional fees or interest on their loan.
3. Quick Access: H&R Block Refund Advance provides clients with quick access to their funds, with loans typically available within hours of completing their tax preparation.
4. Repayment Options: H&R Block Refund Advance has flexible repayment options, with clients able to repay their loan through their tax refund or through other means, such as a debit card or bank account.
5. Eligibility Requirements: H&R Block Refund Advance is available to eligible clients who meet certain criteria, such as having a qualifying tax return and meeting certain credit and income requirements.

Overall, H&R Block Refund Advance provides eligible clients with a convenient option to access their expected tax refund quickly and without additional fees or interest. It’s important to note that eligibility requirements and loan amounts may vary depending on the specific program and state.

H&R Block Competitors

H&R Block’s competitors include other tax preparation companies that offer similar services. Here are some of H&R Block’s main competitors:

1. TurboTax: TurboTax is a popular tax preparation software offered by Intuit. It offers a range of tax preparation and filing options, including online tax preparation and filing, as well as professional tax preparation services.
2. Jackson Hewitt: Jackson Hewitt is a tax preparation company that provides online tax preparation and filing, as well as in-person tax preparation services through their physical offices located throughout the United States.
3. TaxAct: TaxAct is a tax preparation software that offers online tax preparation and filing services for individuals, small businesses, and tax professionals.
4. Liberty Tax: Liberty Tax is a tax preparation company that offers online tax preparation and filing services, as well as in-person tax preparation services through their physical offices located throughout the United States.
5. Credit Karma Tax: Credit Karma Tax is a free tax preparation software that offers online tax preparation and filing services for individuals.

Overall, these competitors offer similar services to H&R Block, with varying pricing structures, features, and levels of support. It’s important for clients to compare these options and choose the one that best fits their specific tax preparation needs.

FAQs

What is H&R Block?

H&R Block is a tax preparation company that offers a range of tax preparation and related financial services to individuals and small businesses. Services include tax preparation, tax planning, audit support, bookkeeping, and more.

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 the tax situation. Prices for tax preparation services can range from free for simple tax returns to several hundred dollars for more complex tax situations or small business tax preparation.

Does H&R Block offer online tax preparation services?

Yes, H&R Block offers online tax preparation and filing services for individuals and small businesses through their website and mobile app.

Does H&R Block offer professional tax preparation services?

Yes, H&R Block offers professional tax preparation services through their physical offices located throughout the United States and through their online service, H&R Block Tax Pro Go.

What is H&R Block’s refund advance program?

H&R Block’s refund advance program is a loan offered to eligible clients who are expecting a tax refund. The loan amount is based on the client’s expected tax refund and is typically available within hours of completing their tax preparation.

Does H&R Block offer audit support?

Yes, H&R Block offers audit support services for clients who are audited by the IRS. This service provides clients with guidance and support throughout the audit process.

How can I contact H&R Block customer service?

H&R Block provides customer service through phone support, online support, in-person support, and social media channels. The phone number and other contact information can be found on their website.