On this page
TurboTax and H&R Block are the two names most people think of first, and both are good products. The practical question is not which one files a valid return, because both do, but which one costs less for your situation and gives you the kind of help you want. This comparison covers price, the free plans, tiers, state fees, support and who should pick which.
The short verdict
Choose H&R Block if price matters, if you want a free plan that includes a state return, or if you might want to walk into an office. Choose TurboTax if you value the most guided interview and wide document import, and you accept paying more. If you only want the lowest cost, see TurboTax vs FreeTaxUSA.
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 type | TurboTax current quote | H&R Block current quote |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | $0, simple Form 1040 only | $0, simple returns, state included |
| Itemizers and homeowners | Check current tier quote | Check current tier quote |
| Investments, rentals | 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 |
Price alone does not establish a winner: the total depends on which forms are supported, the paid tier, state fees and current offer. Compare both providers’ final checkout totals for the same return on the same day.
Free plans compared
Both free plans cover simple Form 1040 returns, such as W-2 income, the standard deduction and common credits. TurboTax says roughly 37% of taxpayers qualify for its Free Edition, which means a majority do not, and the upgrade prompt can come after you have already entered information. H&R Block’s free plan covers W-2 income, unemployment income, the Earned Income Tax Credit, the child tax credit and student loan interest, and it includes a free state return. Neither free plan includes expert help.
Paid tiers and what triggers an upgrade
You move up a tier when your return includes something the free plan cannot handle. Itemized deductions and homeownership usually mean the first paid tier. Stock sales, crypto, rental income or side-business income usually mean the second or third. TurboTax has merged its old Self-Employed plan into Premium, while H&R Block keeps a separate Self-Employed plan, which matters if you file a Schedule C. Before you buy, check which tier lists the exact forms you need.
State returns
State filing is where small price differences add up. Paid plans at both companies charge per state, so a move or a second-state job adds a fee each time. State fees can differ by state and offer; compare the current checkout totals. If you file in more than one state, add each fee to the comparison.
Ease of use
TurboTax is known for a friendly interview and strong prompts that explain deductions in everyday language. It also leans on automated checks and imports from many payroll and financial sources. H&R Block’s interview is also clear, with the added benefit of offering help from the same company if you decide you would rather hand the return to someone. Neither is hard to use for a standard return. The difference shows when your situation has unusual details, where TurboTax tends to ask more questions and H&R Block tends to be a little more compact.
Help and support
Paid H&R Block online plans include access to expert help, and there are add-ons such as having a tax pro review, sign and file your return, and audit support. The company’s offices are the main differentiator. TurboTax sells live and full-service tiers online, where a credentialed professional answers questions or prepares the return, at a noticeably higher price. If your priority is a human option with the lowest friction, H&R Block is the more flexible choice.
Importing last year’s return
Both tools can pull in prior-year data when you stay with the same product, which saves time on personal details and carryovers. If you are switching, both generally accept imports from other major products, so you do not have to start over. Look for the import prompt at the very start.
Self-employed filers
If you file a Schedule C, compare the tiers carefully. Both companies price this as one of their higher tiers, and the total with a state return can pass $150 at either. Cheaper options exist; our freelancer guide compares them.
Who should pick which
- Pick H&R Block if you want a lower price at the same tier, a free plan with state included, or an easy path to in-person help.
- Pick TurboTax if you want the most guided interview, broad imports and live expert options, and you are fine paying for them.
- Skip both if your return is simple and you only care about cost. A free option will often do.
Three example filers
Maya, single, one W-2, standard deduction. Her return is simple, so she can use either free plan. H&R Block’s includes a state return and may be the easier fit; TurboTax’s Free Edition works too if she qualifies. She should not need to pay.
Dan and Priya, homeowners with a mortgage and charitable gifts. They need the first paid tier at either company. H&R Block’s Deluxe is typically cheaper and its state fee lower, so the total is lower unless they value TurboTax’s extra prompts. If they want an office visit later, H&R Block has it.
Leo, freelance designer with some stock sales. He needs a higher tier, and the total can pass $150 with a state return at both. He should compare these with free-federal options before paying; our freelancer guide shows the numbers.
A note on guarantees and accuracy
Both companies advertise accuracy and refund guarantees, and the terms differ by plan and year. Read the current terms rather than relying on an advertisement, and keep in mind that no software can correct information you did not enter. Download a copy of your finished return and keep it with your records.
Final take
For guided filing, compare the specific forms supported, free-plan eligibility, current paid tier and final state-inclusive price. H&R Block also offers physical offices; TurboTax emphasizes its interview and import experience.
Frequently asked questions
Is H&R Block cheaper than TurboTax?
Not always. Paid-tier prices, state fees and promotions vary, so compare the complete checkout totals for the same return. H&R Block’s free plan may include a state return for eligible simple filers.
Which one has better free filing?
H&R Block Free Online includes a state return for eligible simple filers. TurboTax Free Edition also covers simple Form 1040 returns, but more people get moved to a paid plan.
Can I switch from TurboTax to H&R Block?
Yes. H&R Block can import a prior-year return from many other products, which saves retyping. Check the import step when you start.
Which is better if I want to talk to a tax pro?
H&R Block, because you can move to an in-person office. TurboTax also sells live expert help online.
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.