If you’re anything like me, if you can do something online, it’s not even a decision…you do it online. When it comes to filing your tax return, H&R Block has you covered with free online tax prep and their Max Refund Guarantee.
Of course, what’s nice about H&R Block is that you have options. If you prefer to make an appointment at a local office, you can do that, too.
Not that you’ll need to, most likely.
The H&R Block Online Help Center has expert advice on most common tax questions. You may, of course, run into personalized questions, such as:
- I earned freelance income last year but didn’t make estimated payments. Will I have to pay a penalty?
- I had a baby last year; how will that affect my tax return?
- I moved to take a new job; how much of my moving expenses can I deduct?
In this case, you can chat online with a certified tax expert 10am to 10pm CST, Monday through Friday, and 9am to 5pm CST Saturday and Sunday.
With H&R Block, you’re not alone. Even if you begin filing online, you have the option to get help online, by phone—or even in person.
What’s Ahead:
H&R Block makes online filing easy
Even if you’ve used other tax prep software in the past, it’s pretty easy to switch to H&R Block Online. You can upload a PDF of last year’s return from any other tax prep service, and H&R Block’s software will import pertinent data.
H&R Block’s PDF Import lets you quickly import last year’s tax return from another service so you can get start using H&R Block Online fast, even if it’s your first time.
The W2 Snap feature automatically imports data from a photo of your W-2 forms. It obviously saves some time, but it also reduces the possibility of a data entry error. Your tax return is one place you definitely do not want typos!
I tried it, and it worked perfectly. If you’re using H&R Block Online on your computer, you don’t need to download an app to upload your W2s—you simply provide your mobile number and open a link that H&R Block texts you. After you snap a photo of your W2, it will appear online.
H&R Block Online’s Refund Reveal shows your estimated refund or balance due as you go alone. (Fictional data shown for illustrative purposes.)
As you might expect from tax prep software, H&R Block Online guides you through your tax return to make sure you haven’t missed anything. All along, the Refund Reveal feature shows your estimated refund or balance due in the upper left corner.
Three popular free tools make it easy to plan, even if you don’t use H&R Block Online.
The tax calculator lets you see how life changes or different deductions could influence your refund or how much you owe.
If you have a copy of your Form W-4 and a recent paycheck, the W-4 calculator can more accurately estimate your refund.
Finally, the Affordable Care Act Calculator can show you how your taxes could be affected if you or someone in your household did NOT have qualified health insurance for a period of time.
How much does it cost to file with H&R Block Online?
The best part about H&R Block Online? It might not cost you anything.
Pay $0 to file your simple federal tax returns with H&R Block Free Edition. Pay just $29.99 per state filed. This is ideal for new filers with W-2 income. Free Edition won’t work if you need to itemize deductions or have income from rental properties, freelancing, a business or investments.
If you have a bit of freelancing income, own a home or otherwise need to take itemized deductions, H&R Block Online Deluxe is what you need.
For the most complex returns—those with business and/or investment income—you’ll need H&R Block Online Premium.
All H&R Block Online products include their Easy Import, W2 Snap and Refund Reveal features, as well as no additional cost for federal e-filing.
Why choose H&R Block Online?
When you want something done right, you go to a specialist. You wouldn’t take a Ferrari to a quick-change oil shop. You wouldn’t let your primary care doctor perform brain surgery. So why trust your taxes to a company that doesn’t specialize in taxes?
Among online tax prep services, I think H&R Block Online should stand out precisely because taxes are their thing. When it comes to taxes, H&R Block is the specialist you want.
And with that specialty come some very attractive guarantees.
With all H&R Block Online products:
The Maximum Refund Guarantee will refund your H&R Block tax prep fees if you find another tax prep method that results in a larger refund (or smaller liability). They’ll also let you amend your return at no cost.
The 100% Accuracy Guarantee will reimburse you up to a maximum of $10,000 if H&R Block makes an arithmetic error that results in you paying penalties and/or interest to the IRS.
Finally, H&R Block’s Audit Support Guarantee will help you understand and respond to any tax notice related to a return you filed with H&R Block Online. If you are not satisfied with the guidance you receive, H&R Block will refund the purchase price of your online product.
Ready to file your taxes?
H&R Block online gives you the freedom to file anytime, anywhere, on any device for free.