We’ve compared TurboTax vs H&R Block in terms of features, customer service, ease of use, and other offerings to help you determine the best fit for your business. However, the choice between the two ultimately depends on individual needs, the complexity of the tax situation, preferred support options, and budget considerations.
TurboTax is a widely used tax preparation software known for its user-friendly interface and step-by-step guidance and is optimal for QuickBooks Self-Employed users and businesses needing cryptocurrency support. Meanwhile, H&R Block has both online and in-person tax preparation services and is ideal for small business owners who want to use desktop software and to meet with a tax advisor in person.
TurboTax vs H&R Block Quick Comparison
When To Use
TurboTax vs H&R Block: Pricing
When comparing H&R Block vs TurboTax in terms of pricing, H&R Block is much more affordable than TurboTax, which charges quite a bit more for both individual and business tax returns for both DIY desktop and online filing. However, both offer a free option for online filing if you just need to file a 1040 tax return.
H&R Block’s prices start at $85 for individual returns, $220 for self-employed, and $260 for business returns. If you sign up for H&R Block’s Assisted plan, you get live tax pro support with both personal and business plans. Also, the self-employed and business returns are prepared by Block Advisors, H&R Block’s online bookkeeping and tax service. For more information, check out our review of Block Advisors.
Meanwhile, TurboTax users can pay a fee for assisted tax support, but it is only available in 14 states
Only available in California, Texas, Florida, Washington, Nevada, Wyoming, South Dakota, Alaska, Colorado, Georgia, North Carolina, Illinois, Arizona, and Ohio
if you’re filing a business return. For Full Service support, TurboTax charges a flat fee of $219 to $409 for individual returns and $1,499 for business returns. State returns are an additional $54 to $64.
TurboTax vs H&R Block: Live Assistance
While both providers offer assisted and full-service tax filing options, one of the major differences between TurboTax vs H&R Block is that the former doesn’t offer an option to meet in person. However, it does offer one-way videoconferencing, something H&R Block does not, which can help streamline communications. TurboTax also offers tax pro assistance for business returns, although this is limited to California, Texas, Florida, Washington, Nevada, Wyoming, South Dakota, Alaska, Colorado, Georgia, North Carolina, Illinois, Arizona, and Ohio.
In that battle between H&R Block vs TurboTax in terms of helpful tools, TurboTax wins, with useful features like a deduction maximizer and cryptocurrency support. However, H&R Block stands out with its expat tax services, which offers United States citizens and green card holders both DIY and assisted tax filing. Note that both providers offer some type of audit support, the option to import data, and a tax calculator.
TurboTax vs H&R Block: Mobile App
While both TurboTax and H&R Block have mobile apps, H&R Block’s has more features. MyBlock, H&R Block’s app, lets you perform a couple more tasks than TurboTax, including IRS refund tracking and e-file return, and it supports the Free, Deluxe, and Premium versions.
TurboTax vs H&R Block: Customer Service & Ease of Use
TurboTax is designed with a user-friendly interface that simplifies the tax preparation experience. It offers a step-by-step process that guides users through entering their tax information, maximizing deductions, and ensuring accurate calculations. It provides clear explanations and instructions at each stage, making it accessible even for individuals without extensive tax knowledge.
The provider’s customer service options include live chat via a chatbot or an online form if you’re a free user—and paid users get access to TurboTax specialists. If you sign up for TurboTax Live, you’ll receive a one-on-one review with a tax expert prior to filing and unlimited advice as you work to prepare your taxes.
The TurboTax Live Full Service plan gives you access to a tax expert who will prepare and file your taxes, with the ability to meet with them before they begin work and again when your return is ready for review.
TurboTax input screen
Meanwhile, H&R Block’s UI may not be as clean as TurboTax’s, but it is still easy to navigate and easy to get started. Every page includes clear instructions, and it allows you to skip some sections to return to later. Once you log in, you can check the status of your refund and check your history. A tax calculator is also provided so that you can access your tax refund.
In terms of customer support, the provider offers comprehensive online support through its website, where users can access a knowledge base, frequently asked questions (FAQs), and articles that cover a wide range of tax topics. It also provides unlimited live chat and telephone support for paid users. What’s more, you can meet with an H&R Block agent in any of its almost 9,000 offices. Visit H&R Block’s local tax office page to find an office near you.
H&R Block input screen
H&R Block vs TurboTax: User Reviews
TurboTax users appreciate the option of online DIY tax filing or a desktop version. Reviewers also praised its useful features, such as the deduction maximizer, W-2 import, and capable mobile app. The software’s biggest drawback is that you need to purchase a separate program for corporations and partnerships.
TurboTax earned the following average scores on popular review sites:
- G21: 4.4 out of 5 based on nearly 100 reviews
- TrustRadius2: 8.8 out of 10 based on less than 20 reviews
- Software Advice3: 4.6 out of 5 based on nearly 250 reviews
Meanwhile, H&R Block users appreciate that there are options available for different budgets and the ability to work with a tax professional if desired. Reviewers also praised the fact that there are five federal e-files available with the desktop software. One of the solution’s drawbacks is live tax assistance isn’t available with the desktop software.
H&R Block has limited user reviews, with the following average scores on popular review sites:
- Consumer Affairs4: 3.7 out of 5 based on more than 700 reviews
- Software Advice5: 4.3 out of 5 based on more than 50 reviews
FAQs
If your business is audited, H&R Block will review, research, and respond on behalf of your business to any IRS letter or notice.
Yes, TurboTax offers a free mobile app for both iOS and Android users.
H&R Block uses proprietary software to prepare taxes for both individuals and businesses. For those wanting to prepare their own taxes, it offers both an online and desktop version of its software.
TurboTax offers two products for small business owners: TurboTax Home & Business and TurboTax Business. While TurboTax Home & Business is designed for sole proprietors and 1099 contractors, TurboTax Business assists with preparing taxes for corporations, partnerships, and LLCs.
Bottom Line
Based on our expert TurboTax vs H&R Block comparison, we found that TurboTax excels in its user-friendly interface and self-guided tax preparation process while H&R Block stands out with its in-person support and physical office locations, making it a preferred choice for those who value face-to-face assistance. We advise evaluating the specific features, pricing, and user reviews for both providers to determine the best fit for your tax filing requirements.
User review references:
1G2 | TurboTax
2TrustRadius | TurboTax
3Software Advice | TurboTax
4Consumer Affairs | H&R Block
5Software Advice | H&R Block
