H&R Block is the world’s largest consumer tax services provider. Based in Kansas City, MO, the company offers in-person and online tax preparation services through around 12,000 owned and franchised retail locations in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories, including U.S. military bases around the world. It also provides digital solutions for those who want to do their own tax returns on their own. H&R Block prices are reasonable when compared with the hourly rates that professional CPAs regularly charge for similar services.
The following H and R Block prices are estimates only.
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
W2 Form |
|
| Single W2 (0 dependent) | $125.00 |
| Joint W2 (0 dependent) | $125.00 |
1099 Form |
|
| Self Employed 1099 (0 dependent) | $350.00 |
Business Tax Returns |
|
| Incorporated, Corporated, LLC (Starting Price) | $350.00 |
H&R Block Do-It Yourself Software |
|
H & R Block More Zero |
|
| Free Online Tax Filing (Plus $36.99 per state filed) | $0.00 |
Deluxe Online Tax Filing |
|
| Best for homeowners and deductions (Plus $36.99 per state filed) | $34.99 |
Premium Online Tax Filing |
|
| Best for investors and rental property owners (Plus $36.99 per state filed) | $54.99 |
Self Employed Online Tax Filing |
|
| Best for small business owners (Plus $36.99 per state filed) | $74.99 |
H&R Block prices provided by PriceListo.H&R Block Tax Solutions and Other Financial Services
The company offers help with nearly any possible tax situation, from the simplest to the most complex returns involving several itemized deductions that may require judgment calls based on extensive tax experience. Even if you don’t have a Social Security Number, so long as you earn money in the United States, H&R Block can also help you apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and file any and all pending tax returns, thus allowing you to, among others, open a bank account or apply for a mortgage loan. It has also developed a proprietary Tax Identity Shield to protect you from tax identity theft.
At H&R Block, you can have your taxes electonically filed. Remember that it is important to pay by the April 15 deadline to avoid interest and penalties. In addition to sending a check or money order, there are other ways to pay. When you have your taxes prepared by H&R Block, you can immediately pay your federal tax due at the H&R Block office with any MasterCard, Visa, American Express or Discover credit or debit card.
The company guarantees 100 % error-free service. If you discover an H&R Block error on your return that entitles you to a larger refund or a smaller tax liability, it will refund the tax preparation fee for that return and file an amended return at no additional charge. It will also pay any resulting penalties and interest. For an additional fee, customers can also opt to avail of the H&R Block’s “Peace of Mind Extended Service Plan,” a package which entitles a holder to audit assistance and audit representation for three years.
If you find yourself under audit by the IRS, the company will assign a qualified enrolled agent to accompany, assist and represent you. If you are found owing additional taxes due to the error in the preparation of your return by the company, it will pay up to $6,000 of the additional amount due.
Aside from tax preparation services, H&R Block also offers other financial products like its prepaid “Emerald Card” where you can deposit your tax refund or Refund Anticipation Check (RAC) directly with no setup fee, monthly activity fee, overdraft fee, fees on purchases, or customer service calls. You can use the Emerald Card like a regular Mastercard Debit Card to pay bills, make purchases and earn reward points. The company also offers the “H&R Block Emerald Advance,” a year-round credit line of up to $1,000 pre-loaded on your Emerald Card. For those with mobile smart devices, they can also opt to download the “Emerald Card Mobile Banking App.”
H and R Block Prices
According to the latest survey by the National Society of Accountants (NSA), the average tax preparation fee for an itemized Form 1040 with Schedule A and a state tax return is $229, and $129 if non-itemized. In comparison, if you use the H&R Block Free software, all you need to pay is the $36.99 state filing fee. For more complex tax returns, the company has other product offerings with prices on their official online taxing website.
Beginning January 7, 2016, the company will be offering its “Best of Both” package that contains all the forms and features of its top-of-the-line Premium product, plus professional review and correction by an in-house tax expert.
Pros and Cons
H&R Block’s single biggest advantage over its competitors in the industry is its unmatched personalized customer support. To serve you 24/7, the company employs over 80,000 highly-trained tax professionals nationwide, most of whom are CPAs, Enrolled Agents, tax attorneys and former IRS agents, who have all passed the 14-level certification program for a “master tax” status.
Even if you are using the H&R Block Free product, you can avail of customer support anytime you want to, whether in-person at any of their retail outlets, or by phone, or online via live chat. If you find yourself being audited, you can even ask for a company representative to help you make your defense.
On the downside, it charges fees for state filings, unlike its two closest competitors – TurboTax and TaxAct – which are offering this service freely.
For more information about H&R Block , visit their official website.
