Verithiathe honest score on any app
Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

TaxSlayer vs H&R Block Tax Prep

TaxSlayer 4.8★ · Free to download 65
Winner H&R Block Tax Prep
H&R Block Tax Prep 4.8★ · Free to download 75

H&R Block Tax Prep generally offers a more reliable and user-friendly experience for tax filing, despite some pricing criticisms, while TaxSlayer struggles with persistent technical issues and opaque pricing.

Full reviews: TaxSlayer · H&R Block Tax Prep

Both TaxSlayer and H&R Block Tax Prep receive mixed reviews regarding pricing and ease of use, but H&R Block generally offers a more stable platform with better support, while TaxSlayer users frequently report critical technical issues like inability to print or download returns.

Head to head

Features tieR5R8R9R20
TaxSlayer TaxSlayer is praised for being straightforward and easy for first-time users, with some comparing its setup to TurboTax but at a lower cost R5R8R20. However, some users note it lacks options offered by other services and doesn't allow importing W2s via picture R9.
H&R Block Tax Prep H&R Block Tax Prep offers features like keeping things secure and online from year to year, an AI tool, and a search function for forms . It also allows for professional help options . However, some users find it limited, for example, not recognizing Puerto Rico as part of the US for residency questions, or having issues with specific forms like SSA-1099 .
Ease of Use edge: H&R Block Tax PrepR5R10R11R14
TaxSlayer Many TaxSlayer users find the app easy, straightforward, and fast, especially for simple returns or self-employed individuals R5R11R14R20. However, a significant number of users report it being hard to navigate, complicated, or slow R10. Issues include difficulty accessing specific lines on forms and repetitive screens R10.
H&R Block Tax Prep H&R Block Tax Prep is frequently described as simple, easy to use, and well-organized, guiding users step-by-step . Some users, however, find navigation difficult, especially when trying to go back to edit or pick up where they left off . There are also complaints about the app forcing users to a web browser for final steps like ID verification .
Reliability edge: H&R Block Tax PrepR1R6R10R12
TaxSlayer TaxSlayer users report significant reliability issues, including being unable to access, download, or print tax returns R1R6R10R12. The app is also reported to crash, malfunction, or get stuck in loading loops R6R12. Some users also experienced issues with login and session expiration .
H&R Block Tax Prep H&R Block Tax Prep has some reliability concerns, with users reporting session expirations leading to lost work , server overloads preventing timely filing , and the app being a "broken mess" or "barely functional" . There are also reports of blank sign-in screens and the app not syncing with the desktop version .
Price/Value tieR3R4R7R8
TaxSlayer TaxSlayer is often chosen for its perceived affordability, with some users calling it "1/5 the cost" of TurboTax R8. However, many users express disappointment over unexpected charges, automatic upcharges, and misleading "free" offers R3R4R7. State returns and amendments are frequently cited as unexpectedly expensive R3R7.
H&R Block Tax Prep H&R Block Tax Prep is praised by some for offering free filing or low-cost pro help . However, a significant number of users feel tricked by "sneaky antics" and hidden fees, with the app constantly asking for more money or forcing upgrades to deluxe versions for specific situations like HSA R61R79. Some users also note that state filing, previously free, now costs money R110.
Support tieR4R44R46R55
TaxSlayer TaxSlayer's customer service receives negative feedback, described as "no help" and a "joke," with agents telling users to use a web browser instead of the app R4R46R55. Some users report unanswered emails and difficulty with password resets R55. However, one user found the $20 additional help option worthwhile, receiving answers within 20 minutes R44.
H&R Block Tax Prep H&R Block Tax Prep's support is criticized for being unhelpful or nonexistent, with AI chat assistants and automated phone options being useless R61. Users report being hung up on or not receiving help for complicated situations R61R97. Some also mention that help is only available if you pay for their service R107.
Pick TaxSlayer if

you have a very simple tax situation and prioritize a potentially lower initial cost, or if you've had positive experiences with its interface in the past R5R8R20.

Pick H&R Block Tax Prep if

you value a generally more stable and user-friendly app experience, even if it means navigating some upsells, and prefer a platform that aims for step-by-step guidance .

Evidence note: Both apps have a significant number of negative reviews regarding pricing transparency and technical glitches, making it challenging to declare a clear winner in some dimensions. The lifetime ratings are very similar, but recent reviews highlight recurring issues for both.

Frequently asked

Is TaxSlayer truly free?
TaxSlayer offers a free tier, but many users report being automatically upcharged or finding that their specific tax situation, such as having certain tax credits or filing a state return, requires a paid package, often costing $46-$140 R3R4R7R22.
Can I download my tax return from the TaxSlayer app?
Many TaxSlayer users report significant issues with downloading or printing their tax returns from the app, with the feature often malfunctioning, circling endlessly, or providing a blank screen R1R6R10R12. Some users found success by switching to the TaxSlayer website for this functionality .
Does H&R Block Tax Prep offer free state filing?
While some users previously experienced free state filing with H&R Block Tax Prep, recent reviews indicate that state filing is no longer included for free, and users may be forced to pay for it, especially if they have specific tax situations like an HSA R79R110.
Is customer support available for H&R Block Tax Prep?
H&R Block Tax Prep offers customer support, but users frequently describe the AI chat assistant and automated phone options as unhelpful or useless, with some reporting calls being disconnected R61R97. Access to more direct help may require paying for a service R107.

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R5] TaxSlayer 5/5 · US Great App: So straightforward. Especially for a first-time user. Thank you
  2. [R8] TaxSlayer 5/5 · US The New Turbo Tax: Set up identically to turbo tax, but 1/5 the cost. Will be using them moving forward!
  3. [R9] TaxSlayer 3/5 · US Ehh: The process was fairly easy and it was quick to use. But it doesn’t offer any of the options that other services do and that’s kind of annoying.
  4. [R20] TaxSlayer 5/5 · US Easy peasy!: Filing my taxes with TaxSlayer is no hassle and easy.
  5. [R10] TaxSlayer 1/5 · US Hard to navigate: Could not download or print returns for this year or previous years. Could not review return. Hope everything turns out ok You can’t go to a specified line , like line 20 on 1040. Wtf
  6. [R11] TaxSlayer 5/5 · US Loving this app.: I’ve done my taxes with them for a while now and it’s been great so far!
  7. [R14] TaxSlayer 5/5 · US Great: Always easy
  8. [R1] TaxSlayer 1/5 · US Can I say I’d rather clean toilets all day than do taxes: Forget about trying to access or print your taxes! Logged in 20 times App just trying to EXTRACT MY OWN INFORMATION!Guess you better just plan to get your own transcript from the IRS!
  9. [R6] TaxSlayer 3/5 · US Malfunction: There is something wrong with the app it won’t let me type anything update how come I can’t download my tax return to look at it
  10. [R12] TaxSlayer 3/5 · US File: I use TaxSlayer every year. But my complaint is I can never just download or print my documents. It just circles, no matter what device I’m on and then I have to close out app and log in again. Over and over with the same result.
  11. [R3] TaxSlayer 3/5 · US Payment: I think $46.00 payment for a state return especially where I get zero money money back from the state and I’m 100% Disabled, I think is HORRIBLE!!!!!
  12. [R4] TaxSlayer 1/5 · US Automatically Upcharged me: Charged me $140 dollars after I chose the $0 option does not make any sense and the customer service was no help in tracing the funds ! Not recommended
  13. [R7] TaxSlayer 1/5 · US tried charging me 150$ for state taxes: just tried again and its still over priced, the other app im using now costs 55$... it costs more than the actual taxes costs
  14. [R44] TaxSlayer 5/5 · US Additional help: The 20$ for additional help was well worth it. They answered my questions within 20 minutes.
  15. [R46] TaxSlayer 1/5 · US DO NOT USE: Do not use. Customer service is a joke and they tell you to use a web browser instead.
  16. [R55] TaxSlayer 1/5 · US Zero Customer Service: I have had 4 experiences with Taxpayers customer service. The first phone call I terminated after the girl who answered was hard to hear. I was nice, she became sarcastic. I cannot reset my password. Two emails unanswered. Lesson learned, Turbo Tax was awesome My taxes were not filed because of a matching soc security issue. Did research and others are having the same issue.
  17. [R22] TaxSlayer 1/5 · US Free offer very misleading 😡: Took time to fill out every form, ready to file. Read through the “free” tier requirements carefully before I began. Ready to file, expecting it to be free only to be required to pay $71 total for Fed+State. Vague explanation that one of my tax credits requires the Classic package. But I didn’t even have credits reported and it wouldn’t specify what exactly was the is
  18. [R79] H&R Block Tax Prep 1/5 · US If HSA you HAVE to get Deluxe and pay for State filing: I now have to buy the deluxe version just because I have HSA on my W2. And since I didn’t start with the Deluxe, I now have to pay for State filing! I am taking the standard deduction. No other special situations apply. They should allow you to buy Deluxe with free state filing while in the app!!! What a rip off! Turbo Tax next year!
  19. [R110] H&R Block Tax Prep 4/5 · US No free state?: Used this app for 2023 and 2024 and the State filing was free. For some reason they don’t include State free anymore so off to Turbo Tax I go.
  20. [R61] H&R Block Tax Prep 1/5 · US TRASH - No live support & NOW CHARGES: Always files with H&R Block but now it is forcing the deluxe option automatically without any way of changing . AI chat assistant is unhelpful and totally useless . The automated options when you call are ALSO useless ,’keeps telling you they don’t understand and when you get through it tells you the hours, which is still operational at the time of the call b
  21. [R97] H&R Block Tax Prep 2/5 · US Not Happy: I needed to file for my son who has been using H&R Block for years! I needed help and talked texted with an agent. Guess it was too complicated for him and I literally didn’t receive any help! I’ll go to TurboTax! Sad!!
  22. [R107] H&R Block Tax Prep 2/5 · US Was good not now: For the first time since doing my own taxes. I owe. The program won’t allow me to claim head of house hold. I’m the main income earner and the head of the house hold. Keeps kicking it out. The only way you can get help is if you pay for their service. I’m not paying for you to fix your glitchy program.

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store