H&R Block 2026 Alternatives: 5 Other Smart Options

H&R Block is one of the most popular tax filing software options today. But is this right for you?

The tax preparation company allows self-employed individuals and business owners to file their tax returns online.

Moreover, it offers bloggers the option to have a Tax expert review Return them before serving.

H&R Block’s interface is clear and easy to use; One of its great features is that it provides you with step-by-step guidance while filing your taxes.

You can access H&R Block from most devices, and you can even visit one of H&R Block’s 12,000+ offices to have your returns reviewed by a tax professional.

H&R Block is a great optionbut other tax preparation companies may be more helpful depending on your needs. This is what to look for in H&R Block alternatives.

Read on to see how H&R Block stacks up against other best tax software to make the call for yourself.

Compare H&R Block with other tax software products

Despite its great features, H&R Block may not suit your specific needs.

Fortunately, there are many alternative tax preparation options you can try. They include:

1. TurboTax
2. TaxSlayer
3. FreeTaxUSA
4. CashApp Taxes

Before we dive deeper into what each of these software options offers, here’s a quick overview:

* TurboTax Free Edition. ~37% of taxpayers qualify. Returns Simple Form 1040 only (no schedules, except for EITC, CTC, Student Loan Interest, and Schedule 1-A)

**Approximately 52% of applicants qualify for the free version of H&R Block Online. Minor tax situations only (Form 1040 and no schedules except for the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Student Loan Interest, and Retirement Plan Distributions).

Breaking Block H&R Tax Software

H&R Block offers four pricing options for filing federal tax returns via its online platform:

• Free version – $0
• Deluxe – $60
• beloved – 100 dollars
• self employed – $125

The free online version allows you to file federal and state returns at no charge. For paid versions, each state return costs $49 in addition to the federal returns fee mentioned above.

The main differences between H&R Block plans are the tax positions supported while filing a tax return.

Here’s a look at some of the features you’ll get with all versions of H&R Block:

• Import W-2
• Claim the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit.
• Retirement Income and Unemployment Report.
• Deduct student tuition fees, payments, and loan interest.

The paid online versions also offer the following features, depending on the package you purchase:

• Store and access past returns for up to six years (all paid versions).
• Access live support via phone and chat (all paid versions).
• Self-Employed and Self-Employed Income Report (all paid versions).
• Report capital gains via Schedule D (premium and superior).
• Report rental income and claim deductions via Schedule E (premium and superior).
• Claiming small business expenses (self-employed version only).

If you prefer to download H&R Block’s tax preparation software instead of using H&R Block’s online platform, the pricing structure will be slightly different.

• The basic version costs $20 and includes five federal electronic files.
• Deluxe + State costs $39.20 and includes the features of the Basic Edition, plus one state return and itemized discounts.
• Premium costs $65. It includes all the features of Deluxe+ State, and also allows you to report income for independent and rental properties.
• Premium & Business costs $71.20. It includes all the features found in the premium version, and supports expense tracking for businesses.

File your taxes with H&R Block >>

H&R Block vs. TurboTax

Both H&R Block and TurboTax offer free tax preparation packages for simple returns. These packages allow you to file a limited set of forms and take advantage of common tax credits.

But the free H&R Block package comes with a better set of features than the free TurboTax package. For example, with the free version of H&R Block, you can report unemployment income via Form 1099-G, which the free version of TurboTax does not support. You can also report college tuition payments using the free H&R Block version, unlike TurboTax.

TurboTax paid versions are priced as follows for federal returns:

• DIY – $0* to $99
• Expert Help – $39 to $159
• Full Expert Service – Starts at $89. (Price includes w-2 and additional state 1040. Final price may vary based on your actual tax situation and the forms used or included with your return.)

The price of each of these versions varies depending on the complexity of your tax situation. Those who need to report capital gains, rental income, or freelance income will pay at the higher ends of the ranges.

In addition to the fees listed above, you can expect to pay up to $69 for each state tax return you file. However, those who file a free federal return with TurboTax are eligible to file a free state return as well.

The two companies offer different live support options. H&R Block’s affordable paid package (its deluxe edition) comes with access to live service representatives via phone and chat. TurboTax offers support via chat or video call, but these options are only available through its Live Assisted version. Those who want someone else to file their returns on their behalf can use TurboTax’s Live Full Service, which entails sharing your tax forms with TurboTax and one of its tax experts filing for you.

TurboTax generally outperforms H&R Block in terms of ease of use for both the mobile app and desktop platform. The guided, interview-style preparation that TurboTax uses for its DIY version will guide you through every step of the filing process with easy-to-understand questions, with the goal of avoiding tax jargon. On the other hand, H&R Block’s questions and explanations can sometimes be confusing.

However, H&R Block has better prices in most cases.

* TurboTax Free Edition. ~37% of taxpayers qualify. Returns Simple Form 1040 only (no schedules, except for EITC, CTC, Student Loan Interest, and Schedule 1-A)

File your taxes with TurboTax >>

H&R Block vs. TaxSlayer

TaxSlayer may be within your budget when it comes to filing your tax returns because TaxSlayer provides access to all tax forms via its least expensive version (“Classic”).

But you’ll have to sign up for TaxSlayer Premium to access features that other providers offer in their basic plans, such as audit support and advice.

However, TaxSlayer can still get the job done. If you’re self-employed or own a small business, TaxSlayer can help you solve common deductions and issues you may encounter.

With its low price, TaxSlayer offers basic services at a cheaper cost than many of its competitors.

TaxSlayer has the following pricing tiers:

• free version
• $22.99 Classic version
• $42.99 Premium version
• $52.99 Self-employed version

With the free version, you can file a federal and state return for free. If you choose the paid version, you’ll pay $39.99 per government return.

TaxSlayer’s low-cost services come with relatively few bells and whistles. But if you’re primarily interested in covering your basic tax bases at a low price, and you already have some prior experience filing taxes independently, you can do well with the Classic version of TaxSlayer.

And if you spend more and choose the premium version, you’ll get access to features like audit support and priority customer support.

The difference here is that small business owners can use the lower-cost version of TaxSlayer. You can access all of TaxSlayer’s forms via its Classic plan, which can offer significant savings compared to H&R Block’s Premium or Self-Employed plans.

File your taxes with TaxSlayer >>

H&R Block vs. FreeTaxUSA

FreeTaxUSA is a solid alternative to H&R Block because its rates are competitive, and its features lag slightly behind H&R Block.

FreeTaxUSA offers simple pricing: free federal filing and a flat $15.99 per state.

But, despite its name, FreeTaxUSA charges extra for certain features that some bloggers may find indispensable. Live chat support costs $7.99; Personal tax consultation costs $44.99; Audit and defense assistance costs $19.99.

Although FreeTaxUSA is less expensive than H&R Block for the average filer, some may find H&R Block easier to use. Navigating H&R Block is simpler and a little more intuitive than FreeTaxUSA in my experience. But H&R Block’s better user experience may be a less important factor next to FreeTaxUSA’s lower rates, especially for those trying to trim their budgets.

File your taxes with FreeTaxUSA >>

H&R Block vs. Cash App Taxes

Cash App Taxes is a fairly new tax filing platform, and it stands out from its competitors because of its pricing structure: it’s truly free for both federal and state tax returns. However, as a free service, it also has its share of drawbacks, and some may not find it suitable for their needs.

You can only use Cash App taxes to file returns for one state. If you live in two or more states during the tax year you are filing, you will need to go with a different tax preparation company. Furthermore, those who have worked in another country may not be suitable for cash app taxes, as they do not allow you to report income earned abroad. By contrast, H&R Block allows you to file up to three government tax returns electronically, and it supports Form 2555, which is used to report foreign-earned income.

However, for most filers, Cash App Taxes is an economical tax preparation solution, and can handle the vast majority of tax circumstances. For example, those who are self-employed can use Cash App Taxes to upload 1099-NECs from their clients. Schedule A is supported if you plan to itemize deductions instead of taking the standard deduction. And Cash App Taxes allows you to submit a Schedule D form to report capital gains and losses if you sell stocks.

File your taxes with Cash App Taxes >>

What is the right alternative for you to H&R Block?

H&R Block is powerful tax filing software that gives you the opportunity to have your tax return reviewed by a real human in a physical office.

This can help you feel more confident, especially if you’re nervous about filing your tax returns.

H&R Block starts at $0, thanks to its free version. However, you may still want to take a look at what other tax filing software options have to offer.

TaxSlayer and FreeTaxUSA offer great value for those who run a charitable organization or own a small business.

TaxAct is a little more expensive than some of its competitors, but it has very experienced customer service representatives whose experience may make up for this price difference.

TurboTax is another solid option, especially for investors who trade cryptocurrencies. However, like TaxAct, it is a bit more expensive compared to other services in its category.

Finally, Cash App Taxes is a great option for people with a simple tax return who live and work in one state.