H&R Block is offering a 25% discount on its DIY filing bundled with Tax Pro Assist. You use H&R Block’s online tools to fill out your return, then add a pro review — all for less than paying for full professional preparation.

What the offer includes

H&R Block’s current promotion knocks roughly a quarter off its do‑it‑yourself online tax package when buyers add the company’s Tax Pro Assist review. Customers complete their returns using H&R Block’s online software and then pay to have a tax professional check, sign and file the return on their behalf. The pro checks and files your return remotely, over chat or a video call, so you don’t have to visit an office.

Tax Pro Assist is for people who want to do most of the work themselves but still have a professional scan the return for mistakes and missed deductions. H&R Block describes the service as an expert review that can help catch errors and maximise refunds while still keeping the filing process largely self‑directed.

H&R Block cut the Pro Review price to $55 (state returns still $0), down from the previous $75 starting fee. That fee applies after the customer has completed the online entry and requests the tax professional to review and submit the return.

Free and paid tiers explained

H&R Block still offers an Online Free Edition for simple returns. The company estimates that about 55% of filers qualify for that option. The Free Edition covers basic Form 1040 submissions and a limited set of additional claims: Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, student loan interest and retirement plan distributions.

State returns for eligible filers remain free under that tier.

For more complex returns, H&R Block has a tiered pricing structure. Its Deluxe tier starts at US$48 for the federal return plus US$49 per state filed and includes itemised deductions and a complimentary Pro Review. The Premium tier is priced at US$80 for federal filing plus US$49 per state and adds support for investment income. Separate plans exist for self‑employed filers and small businesses, with pricing and features tailored to those needs.

Those prices reflect the online service only. H&R Block continues to operate in‑person tax offices where customers can meet a tax professional face to face.

The company says the online bundles are intended to give more choice: full DIY, DIY plus a pro review, or full service by an in‑office tax preparer.

Why a pro review matters

Mistakes on a return can slow your refund or prompt the IRS or a state tax agency to request information. A professional review reduces the risk of mistakes and can ensure credits and deductions are claimed correctly. For first‑time filers, people with investment income or anyone whose situation has become more complicated, an additional professional check can be valuable.

Mastheads

H&R Block promotes the Pro Review as a middle ground between doing everything yourself and paying for full professional preparation. The reviewer checks the completed return, signs it and files on the taxpayer’s behalf. That handover is intended to give customers confidence the return meets filing standards without the higher fees associated with full professional preparation.

The fact the Pro Review can be done remotely extends its reach beyond customers near H&R Block offices. Chat and virtual call options let filers across different jurisdictions get the same sign‑off as an in‑person visit. That’s a selling point for people who prefer to avoid appointments or who live in areas with limited branch access.

How the promotion fits broader tax‑season behaviour

Around tax season, companies often cut prices to win customers. Price reductions on review and filing services can shift some consumers from full professional preparation to a hybrid model. For firms like H&R Block, the hybrid model locks in revenue from review fees while keeping the cost to customers below full professional rates.

For taxpayers, the economics are straightforward. A person who would otherwise pay a tax preparer several hundred dollars for a simple return can save by using the online tool and paying a modest fee for a pro review. That trade‑off — more hands‑on work for a lower price — is appealing when tax rules and forms feel complicated but the filer still has time and willingness to complete the return themselves.

At the same time, promotions can change behaviour over time. If more and more filers choose the DIY plus review route, tax preparation firms may shift resources toward faster remote review workflows and digital support, rather than expanding in‑person staffing. That has implications for branch networks and the way customers interact with tax professionals going forward.

Who is eligible for the free option?

H&R Block’s Free Edition is limited to straightforward tax situations. That typically means a single Form 1040 with no schedules, aside from a handful of common credits and adjustments such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit. Taxpayers with itemised deductions, substantial investment income or business self‑employment income are expected to choose one of the paid tiers instead.

The company estimates that more than half of filers will meet the Free Edition criteria. For those who don’t qualify, the promotional Pro Review pricing can narrow the cost gap between DIY and full professional preparation.

Costs to watch

Even with a promotional discount, customers should watch out for state filing fees and add‑ons. H&R Block’s paid tiers list US$49 per state return in addition to the federal fee. That can add up if a taxpayer needs to file in multiple states. The Pro Review fee quoted doesn't include optional services such as audit protection or extended support, which are sold separately.

Customers should also note the advertised price points are for the online packages; full in‑office preparation can be materially higher. For filers who want a professional to do the bulk of the work, branch pricing and full‑service packages remain the typical path.

How to decide

Choosing between free, DIY plus Pro Review, and full professional preparation depends on confidence and complexity.

If a taxpayer has a basic return and is comfortable with online forms, the Free Edition may be enough. If the return includes investments, rental income, or self‑employment, the paid tiers or a full professional service are likely more appropriate.

The promotional Pro Review offers a compromise: lower cost than full service, plus a professional check to reduce errors. For filers who want lower fees but also an expert sign‑off, the advertised US$55 review price is the key draw.

Taxpayers preparing returns should compare what each tier covers, check state fees and consider whether add‑on services are necessary. Reading the list of included forms and limitations will make clear whether the chosen tier will handle the filer’s situation without unexpected charges.

Related Articles

The Pro Review option is now advertised at US$55 plus US$0 per state filed, reduced from US$75 plus US$0 per state.

This article was created with AI assistance.