TurboTax vs H&R Block 2025 Review

TurboTax offers an accuracy guarantee for seven years from the filing date and says it will pay IRS and/or state penalties and interest charges related to underpayment of taxes due to calculation errors. If it’s determined that you entered information improperly, the guarantee does not apply. Both H&R Block and TurboTax offer free tax filing with no income limits for qualified taxpayers. Both providers also offer a great user experience, helping users to upload, import, and add their information efficiently and with guidance. However, we found that the experience of working within the TurboTax interface was more streamlined than that of H&R Block’s.

How refunds work

TurboTax stands out for its high level of automation, real-time expert assistance, and ease of use, making it a solid choice for those willing to pay a little extra for premium tax filing features. Much like TurboTax was, H&R Block was similarly found to have been intentionally misleading potential tax filers into purchasing paid services. A ProPublica investigation found that H&R Block (along with TurboTax) had even taken specific measures to hide its free filing services from Google and other search engines.

H&R Block vs. TurboTax: Pricing Comparison

TurboTax also has a generally higher price point for its paid tiers and add-ons than its competitors (namely, H&R Block). TurboTax offers three paid tiers (Basic, Deluxe, Premium), with the option of adding live assistance from a tax professional for an added price. The Basic includes the free tax filing version plus live tax pro assistance. The Deluxe tier is for those who require itemized deductions and credits — this tier is great for business income but doesn’t allow for expenses.

• Intuit also makes software called Quickbooks, which millions of companies use to manage their accounting.
• It runs an extra $49 and includes features such as identity theft monitoring, loss insurance and restoration help.
• This allows H&R Block’s tax pros to potentially find missed deductions, credits, or even inaccuracies (plus, your tax pro can sign and e-file your returns for you).
• Understanding the specifics of what each platform offers can help taxpayers make better-informed decisions for their financial well-being.
• Both Deluxe options include deduction-finding software, help with charitable donations and access to tax financial experts through online chat.
• H&R Block offers free audit support, but you also can buy a product called Worry-Free Audit Support.

Customer Support Options and Resources

If you want to itemize your deductions with Schedule A or if you need to use any other forms, you will need to upgrade turbotax and h&r block fix irs error delaying stimulus checks to some customers to a paid plan. In 2018, the company began allowing customers to upload documents and answer questions about their tax situations online, then have a tax professional prepare and file returns on their behalf. H&R Block has long been known for providing in-person tax preparation services and has roughly 9,000 brick-and-mortar locations throughout the U.S. Today, both offer online tax software, downloadable software, and two levels of tax assistance. The stimulus checks are actually a tax rebate that can be applied to your annual tax returns — but that means people may be waiting weeks or even months for their stimulus money to show up through their tax refund. When choosing tax software, ease of use plays a crucial role, especially for beginners or those unfamiliar with tax filing processes.

What if I receive Social Security through the Direct Express debit card?

Newsweek.com is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation through featured partners. Newsweek.com does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. The choice between TurboTax and H&R Block boils down to your tax situation and personal preferences. H&R Block offers the convenience of desktop software and digital technology with personalized in-person support.

• Both TurboTax and H&R Block offer full-service and in-person filing.
• For longer-term coverage, you can purchase H&R Block’s Peace of Mind extended service plan.
• How do we enter the amount of payment that we received in the stimulus section for this year return?
• The content on this site is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as professional financial advice.

The IRS said that it might not be able to issue a second stimulus payment if it is still processing your most recent tax return. As with the first round, you will need to enter a few pieces of personally identifiable information, such as your Social Security number, date of birth and address. The site will then provide you with the status of both your first and second stimulus payments.

Which Service is Right for You?

This article was expert reviewed by Lisa Niser, EA, an enrolled agent and tax advisor. All paid packages come with access to Tax Pro Chat and AI Tax Assist. However, at a “rate that is hundreds of times faster than our own Milky Way,” ID2299 is still quickly forming stars, the report noted. I did not expect my taxes to jump the way they did, I owed a small amount and now I owe almost $1500+ more than what I was before entering in the amounts.

Founded by the Bloch brothers in Kansas City, Missouri in 1955, H&R Block has been a hugely familiar name in tax preparation services for decades. Traditionally a brick-and-mortar operation, with locations in strip malls and pop-up locations throughout the country, H&R Block has evolved over the years and now offers many e-filing products. TurboTax can work for just about any taxpayer, from a simple, free tax filing to a business owner with extensive investment income. While TurboTax doesn’t offer phone or in-person support, it does offer chat support with a real tax expert.

H&R Block’s free version allows for more complicated tax filing. For those looking for extra help or needing different options, H&R Block offers four different paid tiers depending on your tax needs. Their Basic Online Assistant gives you access to tax professionals for advice. Deluxe allows you to itemize and claim deductions and credits (this level allows business income reporting but not expenses). Premium is suited to investors and rental property owners who need to use Schedules D or E as well as K-1s.

However, H&R Block can offer in-person help, which TurboTax does not. TurboTax’s interview-style approach will guide you through the filing process with simple questions. H&R Block is also user-friendly, but its questions and explanations are not always as clear as you would hope.