eFile vs. H&R Block Online (2026): Which Tax Software Is Worth It?
Last updated 03/24/2026 by
Ante Mazalin
Edited by
Andrew Latham
Summary:
H&R Block Online offers free federal filing for basic and standard returns — eFile charges $19.49 for the same tier. But if your return is more complex, eFile’s premium plan costs $34.49 versus H&R Block’s $84.99, a $50 gap. SuperMoney users also rate eFile significantly higher (+91 vs -11). The choice comes down to one question: how complex is your return?
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eFile vs. H&R Block Online at a Glance
For filers with a complex return, eFile is the more cost-effective choice — its premium plan costs $34.49 versus H&R Block Online’s $84.99; for simple W-2 returns, H&R Block’s free basic and standard tiers make it the cheaper option.
Here’s how the two compare on the features that matter most:
| Feature | eFile | H&R Block Online |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Basic Price | $0 | $0 |
| Federal Standard Price | $19.49 | $0 |
| Federal Premium Price | $34.49 | $84.99 |
| Federal Basic + State Price | $21 | $0 |
| State Return Price | $21 | $36.99 |
| State Return Availability | $21 | $0 - $36.99 |
| Filing Options | File Online, Mobile App | File Online, In Store, Mobile App |
| Software Offerings | Desktop Software | Desktop Software |
| Key Differentiator | Ultra-low-cost premium returns; flat state fee; IRS Free File partner | Free basic and standard federal filing; in-person office backup nationwide |
| SuperMoney User Score | strongly recommended | mostly not recommended |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose eFile if…
- Your return is complex enough to require the premium tier — eFile’s premium costs $34.49 versus H&R Block’s $84.99, a significant difference if you have investment income, rental income, or self-employment income.
- You want a flat, predictable state return fee — eFile charges $21 regardless of which federal plan you’re on.
- User satisfaction matters to you — eFile’s SuperMoney score of strongly recommended reflects a meaningfully different user experience than H&R Block Online’s mostly not recommended.
- You file entirely online and don’t need in-person backup — eFile is optimized for straightforward digital filing without upsells.
Choose H&R Block Online if…
- Your return is simple — W-2 income, standard deduction, no major life events — H&R Block’s basic and standard federal tiers are both free at $0.
- You want the option to walk into a physical office if something goes wrong — H&R Block has thousands of in-store locations as a fallback, which eFile does not offer.
- You prefer a brand with a 70-year track record and a mobile app experience backed by a large support infrastructure.
- You qualify for free state filing — H&R Block’s state pricing starts at $36.99, which can mean $0 depending on your plan.
About eFile
eFile is a web-based tax preparation service founded in 2011 that competes primarily on price, particularly for filers who need more than a basic return.
- Low-Cost Premium Tier: At $34.49, eFile’s premium plan significantly undercuts most competitors for complex returns.
- Flat State Filing Fee: eFile charges a consistent $21 for state returns across all plans.
- IRS Free File Partner: Qualifying filers can file completely free through the IRS Free File program.
- Online-Only Platform: No in-person option or dedicated tax professional access.
About H&R Block Online
H&R Block Online is the digital filing platform from one of the country’s largest tax preparation companies, founded in 1955, with the added option to escalate to in-person help at any of its thousands of retail locations.
- Free Basic and Standard Filing: Both federal tiers are free at $0, making H&R Block one of the most accessible options for simple returns.
- In-Person Backup: Filers who get stuck can transfer their return to a local H&R Block office — a feature no online-only competitor can match.
- Full Platform Support: Available on web, iOS, Android, and desktop software.
- Higher Premium Cost: The premium tier at $84.99 is among the more expensive online options for complex returns.
How They Compare in Practice
Pricing
The pricing gap is significant at the premium tier. eFile charges $34.49 for its most advanced federal plan; H&R Block Online charges $84.99 — more than double. For simple returns, the math reverses: H&R Block’s basic and standard federal tiers are free, while eFile charges $19.49 for a standard return. State filing costs $21 with eFile (flat, regardless of tier) versus $36.99 with H&R Block, where price depends on which federal plan you’re using.
Filing Experience
Both platforms support web browser filing, mobile apps (iOS and Android), and desktop software. H&R Block Online has a more feature-rich interface with import tools for W-2s and prior-year returns from competing services — it’s built for users who want guidance through the process. eFile is leaner and more straightforward, which works well for experienced filers who don’t need handholding but can feel bare for first-timers or anyone with an unusual tax situation.
Support Options
H&R Block Online has a structural support advantage that eFile simply cannot replicate: the ability to hand off your return to a tax professional at a physical office if you hit a wall. eFile offers email support and an online help center, which covers routine questions but offers no escalation path for complex situations. If your return is straightforward, the difference doesn’t matter. If it isn’t, H&R Block’s in-person safety net is worth factoring in.
Key Differences: eFile vs. H&R Block Online (Updated 2026)
Here’s what separates eFile and H&R Block Online on the factors that matter most when choosing tax software.
- Federal basic and standard price: Both start at $0 for basic; eFile charges $19.49 for standard while H&R Block Online charges $0.
- Federal premium price: eFile charges $34.49; H&R Block Online charges $84.99 — more than double for complex returns.
- State return: eFile charges a flat $21 regardless of plan; H&R Block Online ranges from $36.99 depending on which federal tier you use.
- In-person filing: eFile is entirely online with no physical locations; H&R Block Online lets you transfer your return to a local office if you need face-to-face help.
- Platform support: Both offer web and mobile app filing; H&R Block Online also includes desktop software and in-store support.
- SuperMoney score: eFile is rated strongly recommended; H&R Block Online is rated mostly not recommended.
Customer Reviews & Reputation
eFile earns a SuperMoney score of strongly recommended across 11 reviews, with users consistently citing its pricing clarity and simplicity. H&R Block Online’s score of mostly not recommended across 19 reviews reflects more mixed experiences — most complaints center on unexpected upsells during the filing process and difficulty reaching effective support.
- eFile Reviews: Users highlight the low cost and clean interface; the main criticism is limited support options when something goes wrong.
- H&R Block Online Reviews: Reviewers value the brand name and in-person fallback, but a majority report frustration with pricing that rises steeply once you move past the free tiers.
How SuperMoney Compares Tax Software
The pricing data in this article is sourced directly from SuperMoney’s verified product database and updated periodically — federal and state return prices are confirmed against each provider’s published pricing.
User scores reflect real SuperMoney community votes, where each registered user can recommend, express uncertainty about, or not recommend a product based on their direct experience. No advertiser relationship influences these scores or the editorial comparisons on this page.
What to Look For in Tax Preparation Software
Not all tax software is built for the same filer. Before comparing specific products, these are the four factors that actually determine which platform is worth your money.
Price at your complexity tier. Most platforms advertise a free or low-cost basic tier, but the price that applies to you depends on your return’s complexity. If you have W-2 income only, the basic tier price matters. If you have investment income, freelance income, or rental properties, compare the standard and premium tiers — that’s where the real cost differences emerge.
State return fees. Federal filing costs dominate most comparisons, but state return fees can add $20–$40 on top of whatever you pay federally. Some platforms bundle state returns; others charge separately. Look at the combined federal + state cost for your tier, not just the federal headline price.
Support options when you get stuck. Online-only platforms are fine for straightforward returns, but if your situation is unusual — a life event, a new income type, an IRS notice — you’ll want to know what support options exist before you need them.
Phone support, live chat, and in-person access are meaningfully different escalation paths.
User satisfaction data. Advertised features don’t always reflect real-world experience. Pricing that looks simple can hide upsells mid-filing. Check SuperMoney scores and read what users say about the checkout and filing experience specifically, not just the final outcome.
Key Takeaways
- Premium pricing: eFile’s premium federal return costs $34.49; H&R Block Online’s costs $84.99 — a difference of roughly $50.
- Free filing: H&R Block Online offers free basic and standard federal returns; eFile charges $19.49 for a standard return.
- State returns: eFile charges a flat $21; H&R Block Online’s state pricing ranges from $36.99.
- In-person access: H&R Block Online is backed by thousands of physical offices; eFile is entirely online.
- User satisfaction: eFile holds a SuperMoney score of strongly recommended; H&R Block Online holds mostly not recommended.
FAQ
Is eFile cheaper than H&R Block Online?
It depends entirely on which federal tier you need. For basic and standard returns, H&R Block Online is cheaper — both tiers are free, while eFile charges $19.49 for a standard return. For premium returns, eFile is significantly cheaper at $34.49 versus H&R Block Online’s $84.99.
Does eFile offer free federal filing?
eFile’s basic federal return starts at $0, and qualifying filers can use IRS Free File through eFile at no cost. Filers who need a standard or premium return will pay $19.49 or $34.49 respectively. H&R Block Online offers free federal filing for both basic and standard returns.
Can I file in person with either service?
H&R Block Online lets you start your return online and transfer it to a physical H&R Block office if you need in-person help — a significant advantage for filers who want a professional backup option. eFile is online-only with no in-person filing support.
Which is better for a complex return with investment or self-employment income?
eFile is the more cost-effective choice for complex returns. Its premium plan at $34.49 handles investment income, rental income, and self-employment scenarios at less than half the cost of H&R Block Online’s $84.99 premium tier. The trade-off is that eFile offers limited professional support if your situation requires guidance.
Which service has better user ratings?
eFile holds a SuperMoney user score of strongly recommended based on 11 reviews, while H&R Block Online holds a score of mostly not recommended based on 19 reviews. The gap is notable given that H&R Block is the more widely recognized brand — eFile’s higher satisfaction likely reflects cleaner pricing with fewer unexpected costs during filing.
Explore eFile and H&R Block Online in Depth
eFile Review — See the full breakdown of eFile’s pricing tiers, features, and user ratings.
H&R Block Online Review — Learn whether the free filing tiers and in-person backup justify the higher premium cost.
Related Tax Software Comparisons
- TurboTax vs. H&R Block — Two of the biggest names in online filing compared on price, features, and user experience.
- TurboTax vs. eFile — Brand recognition versus budget pricing for federal and state returns.
- FreeTaxUSA vs. H&R Block — Another low-cost challenger takes on the H&R Block free filing offer.
- TaxAct vs. H&R Block — Mid-range pricing options compared for complex filers.
- FreeTaxUSA vs. eFile — Two budget-first platforms compared on cost and features.
Want the full picture? Browse all tax preparation services.
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