Tax season is basically the adult version of waiting for a dentist appointment. You know it's coming, you know it might hurt your wallet, and you just want to get it over with. If you're looking at H&R Block, the big question is always the same: what's this actually going to cost me?
Honestly, the answer is "it depends," which I know is the most annoying answer ever. But there's a huge difference between clicking through a DIY app and sitting across from a human who’s been doing this for thirty years.
H&R Block is huge. They have over 10,000 offices. Because of that scale, they have a pricing menu that looks like a cheesecake factory—massive and kind of overwhelming. Let's break down the actual numbers for 2026.
The DIY Route: Filing Online Yourself
If you’re comfortable handling your own data entry, the online software is your cheapest bet.
H&R Block’s Free Online version is surprisingly robust. While competitors often wall off things like unemployment income or student loan interest behind a paywall, Block actually lets about 52% of filers use the free version. It covers the basic Form 1040, the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), and even some child tax credits.
But once your life gets a little more "interesting," you start paying.
The Deluxe Online version usually starts around $35 to $55 for federal filing. You’ll need this if you’re a homeowner or want to itemize deductions. Then you’ve got the Premium tier, often priced at $70 to $105, which is for people with investments or rental property. Finally, the Self-Employed version hits the $85 to $130 range.
Don't forget the "state tax." Unless you live in a state with no income tax, adding a state return usually costs an extra $37 to $49 per state. That’s how a "cheap" $35 filing quickly turns into a $80 bill at checkout.
How Much Does H & R Block Charge for a Human Tax Pro?
This is where the pricing gets real. If you walk into a brick-and-mortar office, you aren't just paying for software; you're paying for a professional's time and the "No Surprise Guarantee."
For 2026, assisted filing starts at $89 plus state fees.
That $89 is the "floor." It’s for a very simple return—think one W-2 and the standard deduction. As soon as you add complexity, the price climbs. Based on H&R Block's digitized price sheets, here is how those "add-ons" typically look:
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- Complex Income: If you have more than three W-2s, expect the base to jump to around $150.
- Families: Having dependents and claiming the Child Tax Credit can push the base to $200.
- Itemizing: If you're doing Schedule A for mortgage interest or charity, you're looking at $250+.
- The "Forms" Fee: This is what catches people off guard. H&R Block often charges per schedule. Adding a Schedule C for your side hustle? That could be an extra $80 to $220 depending on your business expenses. Sold some crypto? That’s another line item.
I’ve seen people walk out of an H&R Block office paying $500 or $600 because their situation involved a house, a small business, and some stock sales. It sounds steep, but for some, the "100% Accuracy Guarantee" is worth the peace of mind.
The Hybrid Option: Tax Pro Review
Maybe you want to do the work yourself but you're terrified of the IRS.
There’s a middle ground. You can use the DIY online software and then pay for a Tax Pro Review. A real human looks at your digital return, signs it, and files it.
Pro tip for early birds: In early 2026 (usually through February 15), H&R Block often offers Tax Pro Review for free to new clients who buy a paid DIY product. Normally, this service can add $50 to $100 to your bill, so if you're going to use it, do it early in the season.
Hidden Costs and Extra Perks
There are always extras.
- Refund Transfers: If you want H&R Block to deduct their fees from your refund instead of paying upfront, they usually charge a "Refund Transfer" fee around $39 to $45. It’s a convenience fee, but technically, it’s one of the most expensive ways to pay for tax prep.
- Audit Support: Basic audit assistance (where they tell you what to do) is often included. But if you want Audit Identity Protections—where they actually represent you in front of the IRS—that’s an extra cost, often around $40.
- Spruce Banking: Block is pushing their mobile banking app, Spruce. Sometimes you can get a "Refund Advance" loan through this, which has no interest but requires you to receive your refund on their card.
Is It Actually Worth the Price?
If your taxes are just one W-2 and you don't own a home, honestly, you should probably use the Free Online version or a site like FreeTaxUSA. Spending $200 at an office for a 15-minute appointment doesn't make much sense.
However, if you own a small business, have complicated K-1s from investments, or you’re dealing with a messy divorce/dependency situation, the human expertise is vital. The "No Surprise Pricing" means they’re supposed to tell you the cost upfront after you answer a few questions. Make sure you hold them to that. Ask for the price before they start typing.
Actionable Next Steps
- Gather your docs first. Don't go to an office or start the software until you have every 1099 and W-2. Stopping and starting often leads to missed credits.
- Check the "Free" eligibility. Go to the H&R Block website and look for the "Free Online" list of forms. If your forms are on it, don't let the software upsell you to Deluxe.
- Ask for the Price Sheet. If you go in person, ask to see the "Digitized Price Sheet." It lists the exact cost for every form (like Schedule C or E).
- File before February 15. You’ll likely get the best "Tax Pro Review" deals and avoid the "peak season" price hikes that some franchises implement.