How Much Does it Really Cost to File Your Taxes Online at H&R Block?

There are ways to file your taxes online for free. But let’s be real—many of us will end up paying something to get through tax season unscathed. To take the guessing out of the process, we’ve made a complete guide to exactly what you’ll end up paying to file with H&R Block this year.

From basic packages to necessary add-ons, we break down the costs so you don’t get a surprise bill right before you click "Submit." (You’re welcome!)

At a Glance: H&R Block Pricing Breakdown

H&R Block offers four main packages. Use this table to quickly find your total cost.

Package	Best For	Total Est. Cost*
Free Online	W-2 income, simple returns	$0
Deluxe	Homeowners, HSAs, Child Care expenses	~$72
Premium	Rental property, crypto, stocks	~$107
Self-Employed	Freelancers, Uber/DoorDash, contractors	~$122

*Total estimated costs include one federal return + one state return ($37). Prices subject to change during peak season.

📅 Key 2026 Tax Deadlines

• Late January 2026: The IRS usually begins accepting and processing returns.
• January 31, 2026: Deadline for employers to mail out W-2 and 1099 forms.
• April 15, 2026: TAX DAY. Federal and state returns (or extension requests) are due.
• October 15, 2026: Final deadline to file if you requested an extension.

Detailed Pricing & "Is It Worth It?"

Free Online

• Final Cost: $0
• Should You Use It? Yes, if you have a pretty simple return. You can claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit, Social Security Income, and Student Loan interest deduction using this package.
• Free Alternative: The IRS Free File program is free for about 70% of Americans (AGI of $79,000 or less). It’s the first place we recommend filers look for $0 options.

Deluxe

• Final Cost: $35 for federal + $37 for state ($72 total)
• Should You Use It? If you want to itemize your deductions, claim child care expenses, or have a Health Savings Account (HSA), the Deluxe option handles all that. Plus, H&R Block offers "Second Look Review" for free—they’ll review your old returns to see if you missed out on money.
• Free Alternative: Check out the IRS Free File options or prepare your taxes yourself with Free File Fillable Forms. You can also avoid the $37 fee for state filing by going directly through your state’s Department of Revenue website.

Premium

• Final Cost: $70 for federal + $37 for state ($107 total)
• Should You Use It? If you own rental properties, have significant investments (crypto/stocks), or have a side hustle with less than $5,000 in business expenses, it’s worth the upgrade. You also get access to live phone and chat tech support.
• Free Alternative: Prepare your taxes yourself with Free File Fillable Forms. You can try to avoid the state fee by filing via your state’s website. Note: There is no support with this option, so if you have questions, you have to find the answer on your own.

Self-Employed

• Final Cost: $85 for federal + $37 for state ($122 total)
• Should You Use It? Yes. Self-employed individuals—including rideshare and food delivery drivers—have far more tax liabilities than W-2 wage earners. Working with a professional preparer or high-end software is the best option unless you are very well-versed in tax rules. Bonus: If you receive a letter from the IRS, this tier includes free resolution help.
• Free Alternative: You can try to go it alone with IRS Free File forms, but you truly are on your own. One mistake on business expensing can cost you far more than the $122 price tag of this software.

Hidden Costs: Add-Ons to Watch For

The base price isn't always the final price. Keep an eye out for these optional extras during checkout:

File Online with Assistance

• Cost: Starting at $35 + $37 per state filed
• What You Get: Online help through AI Tax Assist or live on-demand chat/video with a human tax pro. Good if you get stuck on a specific form.

File with a Tax Professional

• Cost: Starting at $89 + additional state fee
• What You Get: You upload the docs; a pro does the work. You can meet them virtually or in person.

Refund Transfer

• Cost: ~$42 (Deducted from refund)
• What You Get: The ability to use your refund to pay for your tax preparation fees. Tip: If you have a credit card handy, pay the fee upfront to save this $42.

Tax Identity Shield

• Cost: $19.99
• What You Get: Monitoring services to protect your tax identity and refund from theft.

H&R Block Pricing FAQs

How much does H&R Block charge to file taxes?

H&R Block costs range from $0 for simple online returns to around $122 for self-employed filers. The final price depends on your tax situation, whether you file online or with help, and whether you need a state return.

Is H&R Block really free?

Yes — but only for simple returns. The Free Online option covers basic W-2 income and common credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit. If you need to itemize deductions or report investments or business income, you’ll need a paid plan.

Does H&R Block charge extra for state returns?

Yes. Most H&R Block plans charge an additional $37 per state return. In some cases, you can avoid this fee by filing your state return directly through your state’s Department of Revenue website.

How much does H&R Block charge for self-employed taxes?

The Self-Employed plan typically costs about $122 total for one federal and one state return. It’s designed for freelancers, contractors, and gig workers who need to report business income and expenses.

Why does my H&R Block total keep increasing?

Your total can increase if you add optional services like filing with professional assistance, paying fees out of your refund, or adding identity protection. These add-ons are optional, but they can significantly raise the final cost if you’re not paying attention during checkout.

Is H&R Block worth the cost?

H&R Block is a good value if you want guidance, support, or built-in checks for more complex returns. If your taxes are very simple, free filing options may be a better fit.

3 Tricks to Save at H&R Block

1. File with Desktop Software: Instead of filing online, you can buy the software download (starting at ~$39.95). It often includes one free federal and state filing, which can sometimes be cheaper than the online "Deluxe" + State fee combo.
2. The Amazon Bonus: In previous years, H&R Block has offered a refund bonus if you opt to receive your refund on an Amazon gift card. Check if this offer is active for 2026—it’s essentially free money if you shop there anyway.
3. Skip the "Refund Transfer": As mentioned above, paying your filing fee with a credit or debit card saves you the significant processing fee charged to take it out of your refund.