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H&R Block and TaxAct sit in the middle of the tax software market. Both are cheaper than TurboTax at many tiers, both guide you through an interview and both offer paid expert help. The surprise is that the cheaper-looking one on the federal price list is not always cheaper once you add a state return. This comparison focuses on that total.
The short verdict
H&R Block is the better all-rounder for most people: a free plan that includes a state return, lower state fees and a path to in-person help. TaxAct is worth a look when its federal price at your tier is clearly lower, you file in a low-fee situation or you qualify for a special offer such as military filing. For the lowest total of all, see free filing options.
Price snapshot
The former fixed paid-tier prices could not be re-confirmed from a stable official price list on October 20, 2026. Paid quotes can change by tier, state, form and offer, so this comparison now directs readers to each provider’s live checkout rather than retaining unverified historical numbers.
| Plan | H&R Block current quote | TaxAct current quote |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | $0 for eligible simple returns; verify state eligibility | $0 federal for eligible simple returns; state fee at checkout |
| Deluxe | Check current tier quote | Check current tier quote |
| Premium or Premier | Check current tier quote | Check current tier quote |
| Self-Employed | Check current tier quote | Check current tier quote |
| State return (paid plans) | Varies by state; check checkout | Varies by state; check checkout |
Paid-tier rows intentionally point to each provider’s current checkout because no stable current price list could be re-confirmed for October 20, 2026. Promotions and bundle eligibility can change; compare the full total for the same forms and state.
What the numbers mean together
For an itemized return with one state, compare each provider’s current tier price plus the state fee at checkout. The total varies by state, supported forms and promotion; an old fixed-price snapshot is not reliable enough to identify a winner.
The free plans
Both free plans are for simple returns. H&R Block’s covers W-2 income, unemployment income, the child tax credit, the Earned Income Tax Credit and student loan interest, and it includes a state return. TaxAct says roughly 40% to 44% of its filers qualified for its free federal edition last year, and it requires a plain Form 1040 with no schedules attached. Because TaxAct charges for the state return even on the free plan, a “free” TaxAct return is not free if you live in a state with an income tax.
Expert help
This is the biggest practical difference. H&R Block’s paid online plans include access to expert help while you work, and you can add a tax pro who reviews, signs and files your return. It also has offices across the country, so you can move from software to a person without changing company. TaxAct sells expert help through its Xpert Assist options and a full-service option, with professionals such as CPAs, enrolled agents or attorneys. Both can cost significantly more than the software alone, so decide whether you really want a human involved before you start.
Interface and ease of use
Both products use a question-and-answer interview. H&R Block’s is friendly and detailed, with explanations written for first-time filers. TaxAct’s is straightforward and fast, which some experienced filers prefer. If you filed with TaxAct before, your data carries over automatically, which saves time. Either can import a prior-year return from another service, so switching costs you little.
Self-employed and investors
Both companies place Schedule C and investment forms in higher tiers. Their current prices depend on the selected tier and any expert-help add-ons. Compare the same forms and state fee on both checkout flows before choosing. If you are a freelancer weighing these two, also check free-federal options in our freelancer guide, because they can undercut both.
Add-ons to watch
- Audit support: sold separately at both, with different coverage terms.
- Tax pro review: an extra fee that varies by plan.
- Refund-based payment: paying fees out of your refund often adds a processing charge.
- Prior-year returns: pricing and availability differ, so check if you need to file late.
Who should pick which
- Pick H&R Block if you want a free plan with a state return included, expect to need human help, or live in a state with income tax.
- Pick TaxAct if its federal price at your tier is meaningfully lower, you file in a state with no income tax or you qualify for a special offer.
- Skip both if you only want the lowest cost. A free option may do the job.
Three example filers
A simple W-2 filer in a state with income tax. Check each provider’s current free-plan eligibility and state coverage. H&R Block may include state filing for eligible simple returns; TaxAct’s state price depends on the current offer and checkout terms.
A homeowner in a state with no income tax. With no state return, TaxAct’s lower federal Deluxe price can make it a few dollars cheaper. The saving is small, so pick on interface and help options.
A freelancer with one state return. TaxAct’s Self-Employed plan is cheaper on federal and pricier on state, so the total is similar to H&R Block’s. The tiebreaker is help: H&R Block’s expert access and offices versus TaxAct’s Xpert Assist.
How to compare any two tax products
- Pick the tier that lists every form you need.
- Add the state fee for every state you file.
- Add any add-on you actually plan to use, such as audit support or a pro review.
- Check whether a promotion applies, and read its dates and conditions.
- Compare the final total, not the advertised starting price.
Final take
Compare the full cost of federal plus state at your tier, because that is where these two diverge. For most people with a state return, H&R Block comes out equal or ahead and offers stronger help. TaxAct can win when the numbers line up in your favor.
Frequently asked questions
Is TaxAct cheaper than H&R Block?
Its federal prices can be lower at some tiers, but its state returns cost more, so the total is often close. Compare federal plus state before you decide.
Does TaxAct’s free plan include a state return?
No. TaxAct’s free federal plan charges for a state return, while H&R Block’s free online plan has included one for eligible simple filers.
Which one has better expert help?
H&R Block has in-person offices and expert help in its paid online plans. TaxAct sells expert help through its Xpert Assist options, staffed by tax professionals such as CPAs and enrolled agents.
Is there free filing for military members?
TaxAct has offered free federal and state filing for eligible active-duty military. Check eligibility and the current offer on its site.
Official sources and references
Use these first-party pages to verify current plans, prices, features and eligibility. Offers and terms can change by country, billing period and date; confirm the details that apply to you before buying. Links below are provider documentation, not independent endorsements.