Is TurboTax or H&R Block Better for Tax Filing?

It’s tax time, and consumers are searching for the best tax filing service. Many taxpayers have used TurboTax or H&R Block in the past and wonder if those are still the best options. Or, perhaps there is a better H&R Block or TurboTax alternative? 

As the new tax season kicks off, we dig into the H&R Block vs TurboTax debate to determine what each service provides and which customers recommend. We turn to trustworthy reviews from real customers to decide. 

Key Insights

• Tax scams are as abundant as ever, and working with a reputable tax filer can avoid issues with fraud. 
• H&R Block vs TurboTax cost: H&R Block has a lower price at all levels but does not have the same calculators and support at the more advanced tax filing levels. 
• Both TurboTax and H&R Block have free tax filing for the simplest tax filing situations using only the standard deduction and child credits. 

TurboTax vs H&R Block: Pros and Cons Based on User Reviews

Company Rating*	1.6 ⭐⭐	2.2 ⭐⭐
Number of reviews	1.6k	2.2k
Issues Resolved	8	46
User Recommendations	13%	37%
Pros	Tax advisors History of good service	Easy to use Online software
Cons	Customer service Reliability High prices	Customer service High prices Misleading information

When it comes to TurboTax vs H&R Block, both companies have a long history of assisting taxpayers when it’s time to file their income taxes. TurboTax was the first tax software for consumers looking to file taxes with digital assistance. The software progressed from assisting with printable forms to full online filing. 

H&R Block has a long history of assisting customers with in-person tax filing using their own proprietary software. H&R Block still has its in-person storefronts for those looking for someone to help file taxes, but it also has released software to help individuals file their own taxes online. 

Currently, both companies offer:

• Online tax filing options.
• Tax software versions for different needs.
• Downloadable and online tax.
• Various stages of assistance with tax preparation.

However, many of the negative TurboTax reviews are centered on customers who felt the software would be free based on TurboTax ads, but then realized filing their own individual taxes would cost more than they expected. Some reviewers also share frustrations with the company’s customer service. 

H&R Block reviews on PissedConsumer tell a similar story, with many customers being surprised by the price. 

Some customers also complained about errors in the software or incorrect tax obligations using the service. Many of the complaints centered on customer service as well. Despite many H&R Block complaints and a 1.6 rating, H&R Block is among the top alternatives to TurboTax, but the pros and cons of both tax systems speak for themselves. 

Features Comparison of H&R Block and TurboTax

H&R Block and TurboTax both will help you file taxes, but the software isn’t identical. 

Tax filing options

Both TurboTax and H&R Block offer a range of tax filing options to meet the needs of a wide customer base. 

• Simple tax returns: Both TurboTax and H&R Block can be used to file simple tax returns using Form 1040. Is H&R Block free at this level? Is TurboTax? In both cases, yes. If you’re filing a simple return using a standard deduction and possibly a child tax credit, the option is free.

• Itemizing Deductions: If you are a homeowner or prefer to itemize your deductions, including charitable donations, TurboTax Deluxe and H&R Deluxe will both accommodate your needs. TurboTax Deluxe also includes a charitable donations calculator. 
• Investors and Rental Property: If you have investments and/or rental property, TurboTax Premier and H&R Block Premium will meet these needs, including Schedules C, D, E, and K-1. 
• Business Owners: H&R Block Self-Employed or TurboTax Home & Business accommodates the needs of the self-employed. TurboTax Home & Business has additional tools to maximize business deductions for contractors, freelancers, consultants, and small business owners. H&R Block includes only Schedule C without the extra support or features. 

While both H&R Block and TurboTax advertise their products as meeting the news for all customers at various levels, online reviews tell a different story. One reviewer claims that mistakes happened on their tax return and were not caught by the preparer or the H&R Block review he requested. 

They calculated a major refund on the taxes that I should not have had that if they had done it correctly…They lied and said they were not responsible for any error on either 2021 or 2022 taxes that were DONE by HR Block and/or reviewed and approved by HR Block…

Integration with financial products

Both TurboTax and H&R Block have some features to streamline tax time if you already use certain financial products. H&R Block tax software works smoothly with the CoinTracker platform. If you use CoinTracker for cryptocurrency, the two systems work together seamlessly with just a few clicks.

TurboTax, on the other hand, is an Intuit product, which makes it a natural addition to QuickBooks or Credit Karma. If you use QuickBooks or Credit Karma to create a budget or track expenses, you can easily file your taxes in TurboTax without having to do much more than login since all personal and small business financial data is transferred easily between the various software options. 

Source: ttlc.intuit.com

Importing financial data

Both TurboTax and H&R Block allow users to import and upload documents like W-2s, 1099s, previous tax returns, and some direct data transfers. Both also offer options to input the information manually. 

For small business owners and others who use QuickBooks financial software, the upload and import process is smoother and simpler with TurboTax because the two systems are fully integrated. 

Of course, technology doesn’t work perfectly all the time. In TurboTax review #5943992, a customer complained: 

I am trying to reaccess my 2019 tax return for download through the website I downloaded once before, but now I can not download again…

H&R Block vs Turbo Tax: Support and Assistance

Customers cite issues with customer support for both H&R Block and TurboTax. 

Support Options at H&R Block

H&R Block customer service has only 1.5 stars out of 5 and only 8% of issues are resolved when 1.5K customers contact the company. If you need support with H&R Block, you have several options, including an AI chatbot for every version of the software beyond the free version and live tax professionals for every version of the software beyond free as well. You can also contact H&R Block customer service directly.

Also, H&R Block has storefront locations where you can sit with an individual to file taxes together in person if you prefer full support. The company also offers Audit Support at an additional charge. With the software, you will have live representation if your H&R Block-prepared tax return is flagged for audit. 

In review #5602043, one customer noted that live customer service support is only available for H&R Block customers who are not using the free version of the software. A customer recently ran into trouble with their taxes and “called [H&R Block’s] customer service line and it said since I am using your free app I cannot get any help.” 

Support Options at TurboTax

By comparison, TurboTax has 2 out of a possible 5 stars for customer service and 9% of the 61.2K phone calls resolved issues. TurboTax also has an AI chatbot for general tax questions as well as, a very large collection of tax resources, and a forum called TurboTax Support. Customers can contact TurboTax, or they may work directly with a tax expert if they purchase a more expensive Live Assisted tax package. 

TurboTax offers an Audit Support Center with two levels of protection. If you file any tax return below the Business level, audit support is included. You also have the option to pay for full audit representation if you purchase MAX Defend or PLUS, both Audit Defense options from TurboTax. 

Of course, claiming to have support available doesn’t mean it is there when you need it. In review #6414624, a customer shared their experience with TurboTax customer service:

They were rude and hung up on me twice. All I asked for was help or advice on taxes for my 2024 yearly tax return.

Pricing and Plans: Which Tax-Filing Software Has the Best Deals

Both TurboTax and H&R Block offer a range of tax-filing software at a range of prices.

Free versions

Both TurboTax and H&R Block offer free tax filing for the simplest tax forms. The free version of both companies’ software only works for filers who meet the following criteria:

• W-2 Income
• Qualified (limited) retirement distributions
• Limited 1099 interest or dividend income

Both free plans also include:

• Earned Income Tax Credit
• Child Tax Credit
• Student loan interest deduction

The H&R Block free version also allows education credits where TurboTax’s software does not.

While both companies do offer free versions and advertise that filing taxes might be free or start at $0, many tax filers do not qualify for the free version. If they failed to read the fine print, they may get caught by surprise as one tax filer did when they started TurboTax for free but then

When it was time to push the file button, I was hit with a bill of over $200!.. TurboTax advertising was not accurate and misleading…

Paid versions

There are several paid versions of both H&R Block and TurboTax software. As one would expect, the price of the paid versions of tax filing goes up as services and features increase.

Currently, the prices are the following:

H&R Block Deluxe vs TurboTax Deluxe

At the level right above free or basic filing options, both TurboTax and H&R Block offer deluxe packages. Both packages address the needs of homeowners and those who prefer to itemize their taxes. TurboTax also includes a charitable donations calculator and audit protection. 

H&R Block Premium vs TurboTax Premier 

For more complex tax situations, such as investment income or rental properties, both H&R Block and TurboTax offer premium services. H&R Block includes an accurate cost basis, schedules C-EZ, Schedule D, Schedule E, and Schedule K-1, while TurboTax includes those plus refinancing deductions and includes audit defense. H&R Block includes audit defense for an additional charge. 

H&R Block Self-Employed vs Turbo Tax Home & Business

For tax filers who are self-employed, both companies have software that handles business needs. H&R Block includes Schedule C, while TurboTax has more complex calculators for business deductions and streamlined integration with QuickBooks. TurboTax also includes audit support at no extra charge. 

Deciding at Tax Time

So, is TurboTax or H&R Block better? Both have positives and both have drawbacks. If you’re trying to decide is H&R Block better than TurboTax for your tax situation, it may be worthwhile starting your taxes in both to see which is streamlined and which has the lower cost for what you need. After all, the best tax service for you ultimately needs to meet your unique needs. 

Have consumer insights into TurboTax or H&R Block? Why not share your experiences and write a review? 

*Disclaimer: Ranking and statistics are based on our users’ review texts and Pissed Consumer posters’ reviews. Also, a company’s rating is calculated using a mathematical algorithm that evaluates the information in the profile, including users’ rating, the number of resolved issues, the number of company’s responses, etc. The algorithm is subject to change in the future.