H&R Block vs FreeTaxUSA
By Itai Varochik | Updated 2026
Quick Verdict
Overall Winner: FreeTaxUSA (4.3/5)
We tested H&R Block and FreeTaxUSA side-by-side. FreeTaxUSA comes out ahead overall, but H&R Block may be better for specific use cases.
Score Breakdown
| Criteria | H&R Block | FreeTaxUSA |
|---|---|---|
| Features | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Ease of Use | 8/10 | 7/10 |
| Value for Money | 8.5/10 | 10/10 |
| Customer Support | 9/10 | 6.5/10 |
| Overall | 8.2/10 | 8/10 |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | H&R Block | FreeTaxUSA |
|---|---|---|
| Online Filing | Yes | No |
| In-Person | Yes | No |
| Tax Pro Review | Yes | No |
| Import | Yes | No |
| Refund Advance | Yes | No |
| Free Federal | No | Yes |
| Prior Year Import | No | Yes |
| Audit Assist | No | Yes |
Pricing Comparison
H&R Block: Free – $110+
FreeTaxUSA: Free federal / $14.99 state
H&R Block Pros & Cons
Pros
- 9,000+ retail locations for in-person help
- Free tier for simple returns
- Tax Pro Review adds CPA oversight to DIY filing
- Accuracy and maximum refund guarantees
- 3 years of free audit support
- Import prior year returns from TurboTax
Cons
- Add-on fees increase total cost quickly
- Premium tiers more expensive than FreeTaxUSA
- Interface less polished than TurboTax
- Upselling during filing process
- State filing costs extra ($37+)
FreeTaxUSA Pros & Cons
Pros
- Free federal filing
- All forms included
- Very affordable state filing
- Audit support available
Cons
- Basic UI
- No mobile app
- Limited guidance
- Less brand recognition
Key Specifications
| Spec | H&R Block | FreeTaxUSA |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Pricing | Free – $110+ | Free federal / $14.99 state |
| Year Founded | 1955 | 2001 |
| Headquarters | Kansas City, MO | Salt Lake City, UT |
| Employees | 80,000+ (seasonal) | N/A |
| Best For Region | United States | N/A |
| In-Person Offices | 12,000+ | N/A |
| State Filing Cost | $37/state | N/A |
Our Verdict
FreeTaxUSA wins overall. Choose H&R Block if you value Filers wanting optional in-person help. Choose FreeTaxUSA if you prioritize Budget filers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is H&R Block better than FreeTaxUSA?
Based on our testing, FreeTaxUSA scores higher with a rating of 4.3/5 compared to H&R Block's 4/5. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs.
What is the main difference between H&R Block and FreeTaxUSA?
H&R Block is known for: Tax preparation software with the backing of 70+ years and physical office support.. FreeTaxUSA is known for: Free federal tax filing with optional paid state returns — best budget option..
Which is cheaper, H&R Block or FreeTaxUSA?
H&R Block pricing: Free – $110+. FreeTaxUSA pricing: Free federal / $14.99 state.
Can I use H&R Block and FreeTaxUSA together?
While both tools serve similar purposes in the Tax Software category, some users do use complementary features from both platforms.
What are the pros of H&R Block?
9,000+ retail locations for in-person help. Free tier for simple returns. Tax Pro Review adds CPA oversight to DIY filing
What are the pros of FreeTaxUSA?
Free federal filing. All forms included. Very affordable state filing
Which tax software should I choose?
Choose H&R Block if you value Filers wanting optional in-person help. Choose FreeTaxUSA if you prioritize Budget filers.