TurboTax vs. H&R Block 2023

Competition is fierce among the biggest tax-prep software providers. TurboTax is considered by many to be king, but it may not be the clear choice for everyone.

Here’s our point-by-point comparison to help sort out which is better for you: H&R Block or TurboTax.

Price

One note about prices: Providers frequently change them and may offer discounted services and packages toward the beginning of tax-filing season. These markdowns tend to get replaced with surge pricing the closer we get to April. We base our reviews on the list prices and not the discounts to reflect this. You can verify the latest price by clicking through to the provider's website.

» MORE: Try our federal tax calculator

Features and ease of use

Only one entity determines how the math works on a tax return, and that’s the IRS. So unless there’s a programming error, you should get the same numerical “answer” no matter which tax software you use. But you still have to feed the software all of your information, and there are a million ways to do that. This is why we look at features and ease of use — we want to know which offerings are least likely to make you want to lose your cool.

H&R Block

H&R Block’s interface is visually simple, straightforward and easy to use, and it steps up to explain concepts as you go. Skipping around to specific spots can be a little tricky, but a banner across the top keeps track of where you are in the filing process.

Embedded "learn more" links provide more information without having to wander around, the help menu is visible from all pages, and you can click to access the chat support portal throughout.

TurboTax

TurboTax’s interface is like a chat with a tax preparer, and you can skip around if you need to. A banner running along the side keeps track of where you stand in the process and flags areas you still need to complete.

Embedded links throughout the process offer tips, explainers and other resources. And help buttons can connect you to the searchable knowledge base, on-screen help and more.

Both H&R Block and TurboTax allow you to switch from a different software provider and import tax documents. And both have a mobile app, as well as tools to help you calculate the deduction value of donated items.

Support

H&R Block and TurboTax each offer inline help and searchable knowledge bases, and tech support is available as well.

H&R Block

The Online Assist version of H&R Block’s packages gets you unlimited, on-demand chat or screen-sharing sessions with a certified public accountant, enrolled agent or other tax expert at any point while preparing your return. (You can see them; they see only your screen.) The tax pro will not review, sign or e-file your return for you, though.

H&R Block’s Tax Pro Review offers a one-on-one review of your completed return with a human tax pro who will go over your documents and check for accuracy and possible missed deductions or credits; if you want, the tax pro will also sign and e-file your return for you. The cost generally runs from $25 to $50, and the review usually happens within three days

H&R Block also has another option: an enormous band of human tax preparers at the company’s 10,000 or so offices around the world. Full-service help is available both virtually and at brick-and-mortar stores. It isn’t free, of course (in-office and virtual appointments start at $80), but it helps to know you can go there if you get confused or stuck

TurboTax

TurboTax Live Assisted offers unlimited on-demand screen sharing, phone and chat access to tax pros, as well as a one-on-one review with a tax pro before you file. You can talk on the fly to a tax pro via one-way video (you see them, but they don’t see you; they just see your screen).

TurboTax also offers Live Full Service, which does away with tax software altogether. Instead, you upload your tax documents and a human puts together your tax return. You’ll be matched with a tax preparer, meet on a video call before they begin working, and then you’ll meet again when your return is ready for review. The preparer files the return for you. Prices range from  $209 to $399  for federal returns depending on complexity, plus $49-$59 per state return.

Refunds, audits and other considerations

H&R Block and TurboTax each let you receive a federal refund via direct deposit to a bank account. Other options include getting an old-fashioned paper check, applying the refund to next year’s taxes or directing the IRS to buy U.S. Savings Bonds with your refund.

Both providers let you use your refund to pay for your tax-prep fees (but there is a separate fee for that).

» MORE: See how to track the status of your tax refund

If you're audited, it’s important to know what kind of support you’re getting from your tax software. First, be sure you know the difference between “support” and “defense.” With most providers, audit support (or “assistance”) typically means guidance about what to expect and how to prepare — that’s it. Audit defense, on the other hand, gets you full representation before the IRS from a tax professional.

H&R Block offers free audit support, but you also can buy a product called Worry-Free Audit Support. This gets you contact with an enrolled agent to guide you through an audit. It includes IRS correspondence management, audit preparation and in-person audit representation from an enrolled agent; it costs $19.99. You could also add Tax Identity Shield for another $19.99, which provides personal assistance if it turns out criminals used your personal information to file a fake tax return.

TurboTax gives customers free audit support from a tax pro to help you understand what’s going on if you get that dreaded letter about a 2022, 2021 or 2020 tax return you filed through the program; if TurboTax can’t connect you with a pro, you’ll get a refund. If you want someone to represent you in front of the IRS, you’ll need TurboTax’s audit defense product, called MAX. It runs an extra $49 and includes features such as identity theft monitoring, loss insurance and restoration help.

TurboTax vs. H&R Block: Which one is right for you?

Despite its dominant market share in DIY tax prep, TurboTax may not be the clear choice for everyone.

Filers with simple returns who don’t need support from a tax pro might be able to get the job done for less with H&R Block, thanks to the expanded capabilities of its free version. On the other hand, filers who wouldn’t mind some additional feedback from a professional might lean toward TurboTax’s free package, which unlike H&R Block’s, offers no-cost access to tax pro support for simple returns through the end of March. 

While both providers offer robust human support options to supplement their higher-tier offerings, the level of help you get varies by costt and package type. Filers looking for unlimited, on-demand tax support, including a final review, may lean toward TurboTax Live Assited, which offers all of these features in one neat package despite a higher price point.

H&R Block, on the other hand, offers similar support in the form of two separate add-ons — Online Assist and Tax Pro Review — allowing confident filers to pick and pay for the level of support they need.

How do TurboTax and H&R Block compare with other providers?