Best Online Tax Preparation Services 2018: Turbo Tax vs. H&R Block vs. Tax Act (Bonus Review)

H&R Block

H&R Block is another great option and you are probably familiar with their local branches located across the country. They also have a very sleek interface, but, is arguably slightly less user-friendly than TurboTax. But, you can file an itemized return for free & your state return and save $95 compared to using TurboTax!

H&R Block is the cheapest way to file your itemized federal and state tax return of the “Big 3” tax prep programs.

A new addition for 2018 is the option have an H&R Block tax professional review your return for any errors or deductions you might have overlooked. This Tax Pro Review add-on costs $49.99 for the “More Zero” plan and up to $89.99 if you’re self-employed.

How Much Does H&R Block Cost?

H&R Block has three different pricing plans. If you have W-2 income & can itemize, you will most likely be able to file for free using the More Zero plan!

• H&R Block More Zero: $0 Federal & $0 State
  • Can “itemize” (Schedule A) & claim Earned Income Credit for free
• Deluxe: $34.99 Federal & $36.99 State
  • Submit HSA tax information, unreported tips, and access additional perks like storing your return for 6 years & the advanced deduction finder
• Premium: $54.99 Federal & $36.99 State
  • Use to file Schedules C-EZ (Self-Employment Income Less Than $5,000), Schedule D (Investment Income), or Schedule E (Rental Property Income)
• Self-Employed: $74.99 Federal & $36.99 State
  • Schedule C (Self-Employed) to file self-employed income greater than $5,000 or to record asset depreciation

Pros

• File an Itemized Return for Free
• Can file basic 1099 Freelance & Contractor income and expenses for reduced rate
• Can take a photo of your W-2 to upload information
• Free prior-year data import for every filing option from any tax prep program you used last year

Cons

• Not as user-friendly as TurboTax, but, still very good.
• Still cheaper to file Schedules C, D, or E with TaxAct