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Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

TurboTax vs H&R Block Tax Prep

TurboTax 4.8★ · Free + IAP 45
Winner H&R Block Tax Prep
H&R Block Tax Prep 4.8★ · Free to download 60

H&R Block Tax Prep is generally preferred for its ease of use and clearer pricing, while TurboTax struggles with consistent customer support and transparency regarding its 'free' offerings.

Full reviews: TurboTax · H&R Block Tax Prep

TurboTax and H&R Block Tax Prep both offer tax filing services, but recent user reviews highlight significant issues with TurboTax's pricing transparency and customer support. H&R Block Tax Prep, while not without its own flaws, is often praised for being easier to use and more straightforward with its costs, though some users report similar upselling tactics.

Head to head

Features & Functionality tieR1R31R40R55
TurboTax TurboTax users report issues with the app's functionality, including problems clicking options on iPads, software looping, and the app being a 'massive drain on both battery and compute resources' R1R40R31. Some long-time users note a decline in quality R27. There are also complaints about the app forcing users to a web browser R55.
H&R Block Tax Prep H&R Block Tax Prep users find the app generally easy to use and understand, with clear instructions . However, some experience issues with navigation, especially when trying to go back to edit sections . The app also has problems with session expiration, data loss, and not syncing with desktop versions . Some users are frustrated that the app forces them to a web browser for certain steps like ID verification .
Ease of Use edge: H&R Block Tax PrepR7R8R11R13
TurboTax While some TurboTax users find it easy and trustworthy for simple taxes R8R11R13, many others report it has become more difficult and less convenient R7R31. Issues include confusing interfaces, difficulty creating accounts, and problems with credentials .
H&R Block Tax Prep H&R Block Tax Prep is frequently praised for being simple, easy to use, and self-explanatory, guiding users step-by-step . Users appreciate the clear instructions and the ability to complete taxes quickly . However, some find the navigation for editing or going back to previous sections challenging .
Reliability & Accuracy edge: H&R Block Tax PrepR9R24R28R32
TurboTax TurboTax users report significant reliability issues, including incorrect tax filings, miscalculations, and penalties from the IRS R9R24R28. Some users claim TurboTax failed to file their taxes at all, leading to penalties R32. There are also reports of payment processing errors, leading to double payments or unfulfilled payments .
H&R Block Tax Prep H&R Block Tax Prep users generally find the app accurate . However, there are reports of server overloads preventing timely filing on the last day and issues with payments not being processed correctly . One user reported the app adding deductions they didn't input .
Price & Value edge: H&R Block Tax PrepR3R8R14R18
TurboTax Many TurboTax users feel scammed by its pricing, reporting that advertised 'free' services quickly become paid, often for $100-$200 or more R14R18R20. Users are forced into deluxe or premium versions for common tax situations like 1099s or retirement credits R8. Some paid hundreds for expert services that were ineffective R3R20.
H&R Block Tax Prep H&R Block Tax Prep is generally seen as having a clearer free option, though users must be careful to avoid upsells . However, some users report being forced into deluxe versions for situations like having an HSA on a W2, which then requires paying for state filing R79. Others complain about constant prompts to upgrade and additional charges for features that used to be free .
Customer Support tieR3R4R6R7
TurboTax TurboTax's customer support is a major point of frustration. Users report extremely long wait times, dropped calls, unresponsive experts, and ineffective AI chatbots R3R4R6R7. Many feel there is 'no one to help' and that support agents are 'non existent' .
H&R Block Tax Prep H&R Block Tax Prep users also report issues with customer support, including unhelpful AI chat assistants and automated phone options that are 'useless' . Some users have difficulty reaching live support or getting help for complex situations . One user reported that customer service was 'not helpful and basically nonexistent' regarding app syncing issues .
Pick TurboTax if

Pick TurboTax if you have very simple taxes and have used it for years without issues, as some users still find it trustworthy and easy for basic returns R8R11.

Pick H&R Block Tax Prep if

Pick H&R Block Tax Prep if you prioritize a user-friendly interface for self-filing and want a clearer free option, provided you are careful to avoid upsells . It may also be a better choice if you've had negative experiences with TurboTax's pricing and support .

Evidence note: Both apps have a significant number of negative recent reviews, particularly regarding pricing transparency and customer support, despite their high lifetime ratings. The 'free' aspect of both apps is a major source of user frustration.

Frequently asked

Is TurboTax really free?
No, many users report that TurboTax is often not truly free, with advertised 'free' options quickly leading to charges of $100-$200 or more for common tax situations like having a 1099 or retirement savings credit R14R18R20R27.
Does H&R Block Tax Prep offer free state filing?
H&R Block Tax Prep used to offer free state filing, but some users report that this is no longer the case and they are now charged for state filing, especially if they are forced into a deluxe version R79R110.
What are the common complaints about customer support for both apps?
For both TurboTax and H&R Block Tax Prep, common complaints about customer support include long wait times, dropped calls, unhelpful AI chatbots, unresponsive experts, and difficulty reaching a live person or getting issues resolved R3R4R6R7.

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. [R1] TurboTax 1/5 · US Needs an update for IPad 9th gen: Not able to click on any of the bottom options in order to continue because of the bottom row options.
  2. [R31] TurboTax 1/5 · US Disappointment: App is a massive drain on both battery and compute resources, to the point that I had to delete it because my phone was experiencing massive lag just by having it installed. Also made filing taxes way more difficult. Filed last year using Direct File from the government, and it was easy, straight forward and probably the most pleasant experience I’ve had filing taxes. Used turbo ta
  3. [R40] TurboTax 1/5 · US Terrible this year: Software kept looping. This year was the worst!
  4. [R55] TurboTax 1/5 · US App is meaningless and waste of time: There is literally no point of having this app on your phone. All it does is take you to the browser on their website. Complete waste of storage on the phone and complete waste of time spent to download it.
  5. [R7] TurboTax 1/5 · US Just go to a person: The AI chat bot it’s no help. I’ve been waiting on my returns for months and turbo tax helper does absolutely nothing. I can’t believe I paid my own money to do my own taxes. Just pay a human person to do them. This is not longer the convenience it was when it was free.
  6. [R8] TurboTax 5/5 · US Very helpful: I love turbo tax because they are trustworthy and easy. I’ve used turbo tax for years. The free version because my taxes are easy, no brainer every year until this year. I had a 1099. It made it a bit more difficult. They only thing I did Not like was the scare tactics they used to get me to upgrade upgrade upgrade. I barely made $27,000. and as you know that’s not much money for
  7. [R11] TurboTax 5/5 · US Tax: +1 star for tax. +1 star for credits. +1 star for refund. +1 star for deductions. +1 star for the service.
  8. [R13] TurboTax 5/5 · US First time doing taxes: This was my first time doing taxes and I would definitely recommend it. Since it was my first time and i’m not that well educated on this subject i decided to go in person and get help with someone. She told me i would be returned $500 but she was charging me $250 for her service- I was shocked by the price she was charging me and starting exploring other options. I decide
  9. [R9] TurboTax 3/5 · US Turbo Tax: File Your Tax Return: I’ve used TT for years to do my taxes myself. Haven’t had any problems but this year they filed mine with a $1400.00 mistake to my detriment. It really hurt because I was counting on that money to pay overdue bills with. They didn’t say sorry or even try to help be see what had been done incorrectly. 😭😭😭
  10. [R24] TurboTax 1/5 · US They incorrectly filed my taxes.: I’m a single person with no dependents who owns no property and has had one employer. I received a letter from the IRS shortly after filing my 2025 taxes (on time) with a $100+ penalty for miscalculating my 2025 taxes (I already paid $2,800.) TurboTax is supposed to have a penalty guarantee for this kind of thing, but I’ve received no help at all and only get AI
  11. [R28] TurboTax 1/5 · US Not so expert: My tax refund was messed up even though I paid filing with expert review. Two or three different “experts” tried helping but now I end up needing to protest for my tax return. I previously didn’t need to do an identification validation quiz but I was prompted to do it, but it was too late and my tax return was adjusted to zero which now requires the protest.
  12. [R32] TurboTax 1/5 · US Do not use: Did taxes and paid turbo tax. Turbo tax took my money. Never got my refund. Come to find out turbo tax never filed my taxes according to H&R Block. Now I have to refile and get a penalty. And I don’t know why. They won’t let you do research to figure it out.
  13. [R3] TurboTax 3/5 · US Disappeared: My turbo tax expert hasn’t messaged me in a month and I finally called to get reassigned and now the calls just drop when I get call backs. When I do get people they are nice, just likely will do my taxes in person next year after this experience. 5/18 update I ended up getting a great expert to help - sadly, I signed up in April for the $150 offer and the price ended up being $536.
  14. [R14] TurboTax 1/5 · US Scam: I chose the free version but turbo tax picked the TurboTax Online Do It Yourself Premium 2025 which is an extra $139. Won’t let me switch because they claim I already paid but I haven’t even filed yet. Wouldn’t recommend to anyone.
  15. [R18] TurboTax 1/5 · US Not happy at all: I usually file with these guys every year. And every year there is an option to file free ad they advertise on tv. Well, this past year when I filed, I get an email saying that my bank will be charged $119.00 for a deluxe option that I never wanted and never selected. I’m moving on from these thieves. They are no better than the IRS. I learned my lesson. I just wanted let everyon
  16. [R4] TurboTax 1/5 · US Terrible help after service: I did the payment plan option to make monthly payments for what I owed and it has been a nightmare ive talked to probably over 50 different people in the last 3 months and the bank and nobody can answer what the issue is thay say it good but the payment does not go through and if you schedule a call for help and don’t answer with in 5 seconds there are suddenly no long
  17. [R6] TurboTax 3/5 · US Inconvenience: I just accidentally hung up a call I was waiting over an hour and a half for, now I am back on line for an estimated hour and 45 minutes. Very frustrating.
  18. [R20] TurboTax 1/5 · US No more. H&R Block is cheaper: It USED to be good. This year I had to buy the $350 tax package. $350!!! I’ve used turbo tax since the first year available For single use software!!!! Ive been rejected 3 times now. Their “expert advice” (yes I have unlimited help!) sits there asking me stupid questions for 30 minutes that have nothing todo with the problem
  19. [R27] TurboTax 1/5 · US DO NOT USE TT- 10+ yr Customer Leaving for Good Reasons: Over the years turbo tax’s increasing greed has really been a turn off. It went from actually being free, to being over a $100 to file while every commercial still falsely advertises it “free” for the most basic. Well this year I went elsewhere and got faster filing that was ACTUALLY free. To top that off it’s very concerning to hear data is
  20. [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!
  21. [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.

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