As one of the most recognized names in the tax industry, H&R Block provides one of the best tax software products in Canada on top of its in-branch services. With accuracy guarantees, one-on-one attention available from tax professionals at physical offices or online, and options for each price bracket (including free!), H&R Block seems to have thought of everything.
Still, there's always room for improvement, and H&R Block users will tell you that the free software isn't all it's cracked up to be. While these concerns are legitimate, it still seems obvious that this company is dedicated to offering quality products and service.
H&R Block features
You can see all the convenient and valuable features that H&R Block offers right here:
Why You Want It
Save 25% on your tax filing through moneyGenius.
Special Features
- File online or in-person
- Accuracy guarantee
- Self-employed tax package
Provinces
ALL
Features
Fee Per Basic Return
$0
Free Version Available?
Requirements For Free Version
See Issuer for Details
Import Prior Year Data?
Import Prior Year Data From Another App?
Free Support Available?
Accuracy Guarantee
Mobile App?
Access To Tax Expert
H&R Block product rating: 5.0 stars
As a trusted name that's recognizable nationwide, H&R Block earns points for being available to Canadians in all provinces. Even if you don't live near one of its many physical branches, you can easily access its tax software. It also earns praise for paying attention to the needs of the self-employed community – not many other tax software options have such a well-designed package available specifically for this group of taxpayers.
While H&R Block is fairly easy to access via an internet browser, it is also offered in a Canadian mobile app for your convenience. It's disappointing, though, that the free software option is as basic as it is.
Rating methodology
To calculate our Genius Ratings, we compare the features of the account or product in question with other similar products in Canada. We give each feature a score out of 5 based on that comparison. Once we’ve rated all the features, we run them through our proprietary algorithm to produce a final rating out of 5.
Learn more about our rating methodology.
The pros of H&R Block
Here are a few of H&R Block's features and details that are particularly attractive:
Pros
Well-established and trusted industry name
The majority of Canadians have heard of H&R Block. It's been one of the top tax preparation firms for the last 60 years, with more than 1,000 offices scattered across the country and one of the most popular tax software options available.
In-person, online, and drop-off filing options
You can choose to visit an H&R Block location, sit down with a tax professional, and have them file your return, or simply drop off your tax documents and someone will file for you, calling you to answer questions if need be. You can also use the H&R Block tax software to do it yourself, or upload your docs and have a remote tax expert do it all for you.
Clear, step-by-step instructions
H&R Block's tax software offers a very simple, step-by-step method for entering all your information. It's well organized, easy to understand, and provides detailed explanations as you progress through your return.
Ability to save your progress and return later.
If you get overwhelmed or simply run out of time, H&R Block allows you to finish your return over multiple sessions. You just save your progress and come back to finish filing later – easy peasy. And there are no limits on how many times you can do this.
Access to seasoned tax professionals
You can always contact your local H&R Block by phone and ask questions, but using H&R Block's tax software provides you the option of booking online and having a tax expert call you to talk through your issue. For a fee, you can also have a tax expert go over your completed return to ensure everything is correct and complete.
Free and paid services available
There are several tax software packages to choose from, including the Premier option at $39.99, Deluxe at $19.99, and Simple for $0. Not only is a simple return free, but anyone under the age of 25 can file for free too, no matter how complicated your tax situation may be.
Specific package designed for self-employed individuals
Self-employed individuals are in luck because H&R Block offers a special tax software option for self-employed taxes, with a simplified workflow curated for the needs of this group. Costing $49.99, it includes all the same features as other software packages, plus a specific tax calculator and toolkit for the self-employed.
The cons of H&R Block
While still an excellent choice, H&R Block isn't perfect. These are the details we think it still needs to work on:
Cons
Limited free support
Actually speaking with an H&R Block employee is nearly impossible unless you pay for the expert advice – and getting in touch with someone can take quite a while during the height of tax season. Luckily, there are plenty of FAQs and blogs for you to consult and other "Top Topics" with written answers.
Free version is quite basic
Unfortunately, the free H&R Block software option only works for very simple tax returns. It doesn't let you claim donations, medical expenses, or employment expenses, nor does it allow for self-employment income, rental properties, or anything remotely complex.
H&R Block alternatives
Take a look at this side-by-side comparison of H&R Block and the top alternatives:
 |  |  |  | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Account | H&R Block | TurboTax | Wealthsimple Tax | UFile |
| Genius Rating | ||||
| Why You Want It | Save 25% on your tax filing through moneyGenius. | Fast, easy tax filing + 100% accuracy guarantee + 20% off your purchase. | Easily file your taxes for free + Get a 100% accuracy guarantee. | Autofill your return with an accuracy guarantee + Certain groups can file for free. |
| Fee Per Basic Return | $0 | $20.99 | $0 | $20.95 |
| Free Version Available? | | | | |
| Requirements For Free Version | See Issuer for Details |
|
|
|
| Import Prior Year Data? | | | | |
| Import Prior Year Data From Another App? | | |  | |
Show More | ||||
| Apply Now See more H&R Block products Compare | Apply Now See more Turbotax products Compare | Apply Now See more Wealthsimple products Compare | Learn More See more UFile products Compare |
FAQ
How accurate is H&R Block?
H&R Block has a 100% accuracy guarantee – you'll be reimbursed if any errors are made and penalties incurred. Any errors that entitle you to a larger refund will result in your fee being reimbursed and amendments made at no charge.
Do I have to pay to use H&R Block?
There are both free and paid packages available with H&R Block. The paid tax software options include Deluxe, Premier, and Self-Employed, or the Simple package for free. You can also visit a branch for professional tax filing.
How do I contact H&R Block Canada?
You can call or make an appointment online to visit an H&R Block location or use their toll-free client support phone number. Tax Experts are also available for a fee and will answer questions or review your return.
Does H&R Block do instant refunds?
Yes, H&R Block provides instant refunds, but only for clients who work with tax professionals at an H&R Block office. If filing via its tax software, you'll have to wait the usual time to receive your return.
Editorial Disclaimer: The content here reflects the author's opinion alone, and is not endorsed or sponsored by a bank, credit card issuer, rewards program or other entity. For complete and updated product information please visit the product issuer's website.
Hot Money Deals This Month
- Get even more cash back with exclusive offers only available on the GeniusCash app
- Explore bigger GeniusCash offers that you won't find anywhere else.
- Connect your credit cards and unlock bonus cash.
- Explore customized recommendations to level up your rewards.
- Refer your friends and family to earn bonus levels and extra cash back.
- Take control of your money with a full-featured chequing account + $50 GeniusCash
- Get up to $500 in cash when you open a new account, complete specified actions, and open 2 registered investment accounts.
- Unlimited free transactions – including debit and Interac e-Transfers®.
- Earn Scene+ points on every debit transaction.
- $50 GeniusCash on approval – ends Oct 31, 2025.*.
- Unlimited transactions + Free identity theft protection + $125 GeniusCash
- Unlimited transactions and Interac e-Transfers.
- Free identity theft protection and access to Coursera online learning.
- $125 GeniusCash on approval – ends Oct 31, 2025.*.
- Trade over 200 cryptocurrencies with the best crypto exchange in Canada + $75 GeniusCash
- Trader fee discounts for active traders.
- No fees to fund your account with Interac e-Transfers.
- Access to plenty of educational resources for free.
- $75 GeniusCash on approval – ends Oct 31, 2025.*.
- Bonus: Get one of the lowest brokerage rates from an online broker from a Big 5 Bank →
