H&R Block

H&R Block Reviews

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About H&R Block

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H&R Block is a tax preparation and financial services company that has been providing its clients with tax advice and assistance for over 60 years. With a network of over 10,000 retail tax offices in the U.S. and around the world, as well as an online tax filing platform, it offers both in-person and do-it-yourself tax preparation services.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Free basic file
  • In-person services
  • Max Refund Guarantee
Cons
  • In-person help can be pricey
  • Limited time for Refund Advance loans

Featured Reviews

Verified
Ooltewah, TN

I have used H&R Block for the past five years and I am very satisfied with the service. I opt to pay the extra $29.95 and have access to my last seven years’ tax filings. I always...

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Verified
Bronx, NY

Have used them for many years. Excellent service, stand by accuracy, provide assistance. Friendly, pleasant and courteous. Some of their software needs improvement, though I have ...

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What is H&R Block?

H&R Block is a well-known tax preparation company that provides tax prep services to individuals and small businesses. Whether you want to do your taxes completely yourself, hand them off to a pro or get a mix of the two, there is an option for you. On average, H&R Block’s tax professionals have 10 years of experience and over 73 hours of training.

H&R Block uses several layers of security measures to ensure your data is protected when you file online or in person. In addition to web browsing encryption, the company has a security protection team that monitors data 24/7, regularly performing security audits.

H&R Block offers a wide range of resources and tools to help you make sense of your taxes. Its website features a wealth of helpful guides to help you understand the ins and outs of the tax code. You will also find calculators to help you estimate your tax refund and calculate your tax liability.

How does H&R Block work?

H&R Block provides in-person and electronic tax filing services. Customers can choose to file themselves through the guided software or use a dedicated tax professional. You can also use H&R Block for audit support. Just schedule a free consultation, and you will receive upfront pricing before starting.

To start using H&R Block, create an account on the website or visit your local office. The company offers walk-in services as well as an option to drop off your tax paperwork. It is best to schedule an appointment time, though — especially as the tax deadline draws near.

H&R Block services

H&R Block offers both DIY tax services and professional services. The following is available for taxpayers who prefer to file on their own:

  • Free online: For those with simple returns and standard IRS deductions, you might qualify for a free state and federal file.
  • Deluxe: This plan allows you to do itemized deductions and store your tax returns for six years.
  • Premium: With the premium plan, you can do everything the free and Deluxe plans can, plus file for rental income and investment income.
  • Self-employed: This is the highest level of DIY tax services available and includes every form you need for investment income and side business income and claiming business deductions.

Unlimited expert help can be added on to any of these levels for an additional fee. You can also have a tax professional file your taxes for you virtually or in person.

H&R Block pricing

Filing your taxes early can allow you to access discounts off H&R Block’s services.

The following prices are the retail prices of services at the time of publication, but you might be able to receive a discount.

  • Free online: $0 for qualifying taxpayers for federal and state files
  • Deluxe: $55 plus $37 for state
  • Premium: $75 plus $37 for state
  • Self-employed: $110 plus $37 for state
  • Add-on tax support for DIY filing: $70 plus additional state fees
  • Filing with a tax pro: Prices start at $85 plus additional state fees

H&R Block FAQ

Does H&R Block offer advanced refunds?

Yes, you can receive your refund as an advanced loan with a 0% annual percentage rate (APR) and no loan fees. However, these loans are usually only available several weeks before the April tax deadline, so if you wait to file, you can miss the chance to qualify.

What refund options does H&R Block offer?

Alongside the Refund Advance loan, customers can choose to have their refunds deposited on the H&R Block Emerald Prepaid Mastercard. Additionally, you can receive your refund as a direct deposit or check.

Does H&R Block offer a money-back guarantee?

H&R Block offers several guarantees to its customers, including a Maximum Refund Guarantee that ensures you'll get the biggest refund possible or your money back. It also offers a 100% Accuracy Guarantee, which means if it makes an error on your tax return that results in penalties or interest, H&R Block will pay those fees for you. Its satisfaction guarantee will refund you if you are not happy with the in-person services or the tax software.

Do I have to pay H&R Block upfront?

No, you can choose to have your payment for the service taken out of your tax refund. However, there is an extra $39 refund transfer fee to pay with your refund.

Do we recommend H&R Block?

H&R Block is a solid financial institution that's been around for over 60 years. It has helped file over 800 million returns worldwide since it first opened its doors. Its multiple guarantees make it a trustworthy tax company to try because if you do not get the best return or have an inaccurate return, H&R Block will make it right.

H&R Block Reviews

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    Page 1 Reviews 0 - 10
    Customer ServiceSales & MarketingPriceStaff

    Reviewed Sept. 11, 2024

    I came to H&R because my previous accountant had retired. After seeing HIGHER PAYMENT than previous years that I had to pay I started questioning the process. I realized he is not familiar with S Corp and blamed me for not having told him. Then he misguided me that I have to work with two different agents WHICH IS NOT TRUE, ANY ONE PROF CAN DO BOTH BUSINESS (WHICH MAY USES S CORP AND PERSONAL) and that it was my responsibility to provide him with Sch. K or S corp. This all became evident because I had worked with a professional and took the time to bring him my earlier year taxes to show my payment was so high. Even after seeing my S corp on those he did not recognize the distinction in his work until I probed and started to compare and asked if he did use S corp. WHICH HE HAD NOT. And then I asked why would he not advise me of that option even if I had not brought my previous years.

    It was embarrassing to have to question him in the cubic setting of their office and I should have asked for a manager but did not want to embarrass him. No reasonable answer was given and further bad info was given. I should have never had to bring in past evidence, and his answers and lack of knowledge/competency would have cost me lots of money if I had just trusted H&R. In addition H&R broken system of access to a real supervisor/manager or any real contact besides bogus 800 numbers and phone service co. is so disappointing and harmful in actual help for an already overwhelming tax filing system. The advertisement of HELP and peace of mind in doing taxes are completely a lie.

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    Customer ServiceStaff

    Reviewed Sept. 5, 2024

    I had a terrible experience. The tax preparer never called me back, or answered emails (save one days later to say they got the document I sent to them). Over three weeks I've called, emailed, asking for progress, nothing. Goes to voicemail, no one at the office even picks up the phone. I'm on a deadline and it is very stressful. I finally called the main H&R Block line and the only thing they can do is to make yet another appointment for me to go in. So I have to go and chase down this person to even talk to them. I cannot believe how H&R stay in business this way. Terrible experience. I will be going in to retrieve my paper returns that I left with them, and do my taxes on a super short deadline, which is another pain point finding a new tax service this close to the deadline.

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      Reviewed Sept. 3, 2024

      During the past few years my tax returns were prepared using the H&R Block tax program. In 2022 and 2023 my tax returns were flagged by the IRS, and I was assessed a penalty. As a result, I informed the H&R Block customer service team and requested that they correct the deficiency in their tax program. They responded by telling me that the problem was mine and refused to correct the errors in their tax program or apply the “money back guarantee” promise on their website. As a result, 2023 will be the last year I purchase and use the H&R block tax program.

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      Customer ServiceStaff

      Reviewed Aug. 30, 2024

      So I had a last-minute issue where I had to file several years of back taxes and I needed them done fairly quickly. I walked in no appointment to the office in Shillington PA and my tax specialist ended being Lisa **, not only was she super helpful/efficient/friendly/supportive & just generally a wonderful person but she also RETURNED TO THE OFFICE ON A HOLIDAY FRIDAY AFTERNOON!!!! because I left me phone in the office. I would like this compliment to reach her manager because she deserves some kudos for that one! THANK YOU LISA!!! I look forward to enjoying that lobster!

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      Sales & MarketingPunctuality & SpeedStaff

      Reviewed Aug. 28, 2024

      Absolute ripoff. We paid HR Block more than we received in a tax return. It was the lowest tax return my wife and I have ever gotten. They asked us zero questions, just emailed us to send them our W2s then when we showed up for our "appointment" we just sat there silently while some lady typed into her computer. She told us nothing, when we asked questions she just kept saying no, she DID NOT seem at all knowledgeable or qualified. It was a complete scam, DO NOT USE HR BLOCK.

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      Sales & Marketing

      Reviewed Aug. 21, 2024

      After spending hours on my federal and state returns, H.R. Block online, refused to file my return unless I spent $95 to have one of their "experts" review my returns. There was never any indication that an expert review would be required before I completed my return. This is nothing but a scam to wait until customers finish their returns but then hold their returns hostage unless they are paid an ADDITIONAL $95!

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      Price

      Reviewed Aug. 3, 2024

      Worse service I've gotten ever. They charge you twice as much when you are self employed but do NOT deliver what they say they will. They do a crap work (mispellings, not filing properly). They did not file my GST/HST and I got a notice of unfilled by the CRA. Tried calling them for 2 weeks and they keep saying someone will reach out in 3-5 business but it's been 14 days and nothing from them!!!! If you want to avoid trouble then avoid them at all cost!!!

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      Reviewed July 28, 2024

      Horrible experience. They didn't adhere to the "peace of mind" guarantee. It's basically worthless. They made a mistake on a previous return, which resulted in a letter from the department of revenue and a tax lien. It's been over a year and they still haven't resolved the issue.

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      Staff

      Reviewed July 24, 2024

      I'm an actual CPA, and I have NEVER seen an accurate tax return prepared and filed by H&R Block. They have no oversite or review process to verify the returns they file are accurate. They hire whoever, and just let them file returns willy nilly! Every single time we get a client who previously went to H&R Block, it is a gigantic headache filled with federal and state tax notices, amendments, confusion over how they even got their software to calculate so wrong, etc. I am literally begging everyone to stop going there. You are WAY better off trying to do your taxes using any online software, or if you have anything semi-complex, just pay a tiny bit more to go to a CPA Firm to make sure it's done correctly.

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      Customer Service

      Reviewed July 17, 2024

      I had my 2023 income tax prepared for the first time with HR Block. On Memorial Day I got a notice on my phone HRBLOCK: Your one-time verification code is.... to log in to my account. I wasn't trying to log into my account. Someone accessed my account and changed my email address. I contacted Hr Block. They sent me an email with the department that handles this. I called multiple times to see what they were doing about the breach and never got a return call. After multiple calls I kept getting the same response from them, "We will escalate your claim and call you in 3-5 business days". Still no call, so at this point I am deleting my account. I am writing this because I wonder who else this happened to. Was I an isolated issue or has their whole system been hacked? This is very irresponsible in my opinion and should be addressed.

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      H&R Block Company Information

      Company Name:
      H&R Block
      Website:
      www.hrblock.com