5 Reasons to File with H&R Block

Written By Beth Weber
Last updated December 17, 2021

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Personal Finance
December 17, 2021

Simple. Thrifty. Living.

The end of the year means lots of parties and family fun, but it also means preparing to file taxes. Although the deadline isn’t until April, you, like many others, may want to file as soon as possible, especially if you are expecting a refund. 

You may want to file on your own or have a professional take care of that task for you. Either way, you will need to have the support of a well-respected tax preparer like H&R Block. This company has become synonymous with tax season after being the choice of many people for decades. But are they good or just well known? The company’s reputation is still the gold standard in the industry.  Here are five reasons to file with H&R Block.

H&R Block offers you four ways to file your taxes. You can gather your materials and take them to one of 10,000 local offices. In most cities and towns, you will find one just around the corner. Other ways to file with the company are to use their online site to DIY your returns. This choice is an excellent one for people with uncomplicated finances. 

If you want to file online but need a little help, you can pay extra for a professional to guide you through your taxes. Finally, you can purchase H&R Block software from major retailers and use it to prepare and file your return. One of these options should work for your situation each year, and you can switch the method if your needs change.

The cost of filing with H&R Block depends on several factors. Online or with the software, you can file your simple 1040 for free. The cost rises for each form you need to complete your taxes. For instance, if you have investments, run your own business or are dealing with capital gains, your cost will rise. 

Less Expensive Than Competitors

H&R Block in general costs less to use than the online giant Turbotax, but it is more expensive than other companies such as TaxAct or CreditKarma. H&R Block charges more than some companies because of its reputation for expert advice and the extra services it provides.

As with every tax preparer, you will pay extra for your state filing(s) Most clients who do not qualify for free filing can expect to pay between $150 to $350 for complete tax prep and filing fees. Again, the complexity of your return dictates your final bill. 

You do not have to be a computer genius to use the online service, but if you do hit a snag, you can click on easily accessible explanations of tax issues or send an inquiry to their customer service representatives. If you need more help, you can switch to an assisted online return in the middle of the process. With H&R Block you are never stuck on a tax issue for long. 

Uploading Financial Documents

The company also lets you easily import and upload financial documents, which saves you significant time. You can either upload a PDF copy of a tax form located on your computer or import it directly from the bank or your employer. This feature means you don’t have to worry about inputting your W2, 1099 or interest statements information.  And you can switch your tax prep from your laptop to your tablet to your mobile phone, depending on what is easiest for you. 

Because H&R Block has been a respected name in tax preparation for so long, using them will give you confidence that your taxes have been done correctly. Tax anxiety is a real malady. Many people are so frightened of the IRS that they refuse to claim deductions that they deserve, fearing they may face an audit. Using a reputable tax preparer can help ease this anxiety and make tax filing a less stressful and unpleasant time in your life. You have a partner in the process who will support you if anything does go wrong. Buying confidence is well-worth it for many taxpayers. 

A letter from the IRS strikes fear into the hearts of most Americans, even though many are harmless. Sadly, some people will receive notices of more money due or of an impending audit. With H&R Block, you don’t need to panic when the IRS reaches out. You can add Peace of Mind Protection, which offers advice about any IRS notice you receive, in-person representation if your taxes are audited and reimbursement up to $6000 if you owe more due to an H&R Block mistake. 

Emerald Card

H&R Block also offers the Emerald Card, a debit card that allows the company to directly load your refund onto it, saving you time and check cashing fees. You can also use FDIC-insured Emerald Card as a regular financial account throughout the year. 

If you need money fast, you can apply for the H&R Refund Advance loan that allows you to get part or all of your refund in the form of a no-interest loan that does not affect your credit score.

You will be inundated with online ads and mail fliers from tax preparation companies in the winter and early spring. Choosing the right one for you can mean the difference between suffering through your tax prep and sailing through it with no fear. H&R Block is a trustworthy company with a solid reputation for accuracy and service. They allow you to prepare your taxes in four ways, so you can DIY completely or get the level of help that you need, quickly and affordably. 

Of course, you can choose from several excellent tax preparers, but H&R Block is still the most well-known in the US. You can choose them knowing that their services are affordable, their software is easy to use and their professionals are well-trained. 

About the Author

Beth Weber

I am an experienced freelance writer with a rich background in teaching, ad creation, and healthcare publications. I have served as an editor of the historic Monroe County Appeal newspaper, been a contributing editor to Maine St. Magazine, and written articles for numerous websites, including Doctor Wise and 50plus-lifestyle.com. My specialties include legal issues, health care, insurance, 50-plus lifestyle concerns, and cybersecurity. Humor is important to me, and I can write satirically as well as seriously. I earned my MFA in creative writing from Spalding University and my MA and BA in English from Truman University.

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