TurboTax vs H&R Block: Which One is Really Cheaper?
They both promise “Free Filing,” but we all know the drill: you get to the end, and suddenly it costs $120. We compared the hidden fees of the top tax software so you don’t get ripped off.
The “Real” Cost Comparison
Ignore the “Free” ads. Here is what you will actually pay if you are a homeowner or have a side hustle (Freelance).
| Software | Deluxe (Home) | Premium (Freelance) |
|---|---|---|
| TurboTax | $69 + $59 (State) | $129 + $64 |
| H&R Block | $55 + $49 (State) | $85 + $49 |
| FreeTaxUSA | $0 + $15 (State) | $0 + $15 |
| Cash App | $0 (Totally Free) | $0 |
| User Type | Winner |
|---|---|
| First Timer | TurboTax |
| Cost Saver | FreeTaxUSA |
Detailed Breakdown
TurboTax: The “Premium” Choice
If you have crypto investments or day trade stocks, TurboTax is the best. It connects directly to Coinbase and Robinhood to import thousands of trades instantly. It saves hours of typing.
Verdict: Pay the premium if your taxes are messy.
H&R Block: The “Hybrid” Choice
H&R Block is great if you are nervous. Why? Because if you get stuck online, you can pay extra to have a human in a local office finish it for you.
Verdict: Good middle ground.
FreeTaxUSA: The “Budget” King
It does the exact same math as TurboTax. It just doesn’t have the pretty animations or “Live Help.” If you know what a W-2 is, use this and save $100.
Verdict: Best for anyone confident with basic forms.