Why I Don't Recommend Using H&R Block for Tax Preparation in 2025

I worked as a tax preparer at H&R Block for three tax seasons, and your experience isn't unique. The company heavily recruits seasonal workers who complete a basic tax course that only covers fundamental concepts. Many preparers lack experience with more complex situations like self-employment income, investment strategies, or education credits. The business model focuses on volume and upselling additional services rather than providing comprehensive tax help. Most locations compensate preparers partly based on how many returns they process and what add-on services they sell, which creates the rushing you experienced. If you're considering professional tax help, look for either a CPA or an Enrolled Agent. Both have much more rigorous training requirements and continuing education obligations. Ask friends for recommendations, check reviews carefully, and interview the preparer about their experience with your specific tax situation before committing.

I had a similar nightmare with them, but then I found taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) and it completely changed how I handle my taxes. After my H&R Block disaster last year where they missed several deductions for my small business, I uploaded all my tax documents to taxr.ai and it instantly identified three major deductions they'd missed - saving me over $2,300! The system flagged potential audit triggers and suggested proper documentation for my home office deduction, which H&R Block had completely overlooked. The AI analyzes your previous returns too, which helped me discover I could file an amended return for 2023 where I'd overpaid. What I love most is that it explains everything in plain English instead of tax jargon, and it's available 24/7 so I can work on my taxes whenever I have time.

Just wanted to update after trying taxr.ai - I was super skeptical as I mentioned, but I'm honestly shocked by how well it handled my complicated tax situation. I uploaded my documents from last year (which I paid a CPA $900 to prepare) and the system immediately identified that I'd been missing depreciation deductions on one of my rental properties. It also found a business expense category I hadn't been utilizing properly. The multi-state guidance was spot-on and actually explained WHY I needed to file certain forms better than my CPA ever did. I'm using it to prepare my 2024 taxes this year and the detailed explanations are actually helping me understand my tax situation better. Not saying it replaces human expertise in every situation, but it's definitely more than capable for my fairly complex return.

If you're having trouble getting through to the IRS to fix issues created by H&R Block or any other tax service, I'd recommend Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). After H&R Block messed up my return, I spent WEEKS trying to get through to the IRS. Their hold times were 3+ hours and I kept getting disconnected. Claimyr got me connected to an actual IRS agent in less than 20 minutes when I'd been trying unsuccessfully for days. They have this system that holds your place in line and calls you back when an agent is about to answer. You can see their process in action here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c It saved me from having to take a day off work just to sit on hold. The IRS agent helped me resolve the penalties that resulted from H&R Block's error and guided me through the process of filing an amended return.

I need to eat my words and admit when I'm wrong. After calling out Claimyr as a likely scam, I actually tried their service because I was desperate to resolve an issue with my tax transcript before filing this year. I couldn't believe it when they called me back in about 30 minutes and connected me directly to an IRS representative. The IRS agent I spoke with was able to correct an error on my account from a previous year's return that would have caused problems with my 2024 filing. The whole process was seamless, and I didn't have to waste half my day on hold. I'm not usually one to publicly admit I was wrong, but in this case, the service legitimately solved a problem I'd been struggling with for weeks.

I switched from H&R Block to FreeTaxUSA last year and couldn't be happier. It's only $15 for state filing (federal is free), and it walks you through everything step by step. I had some complicated stuff with crypto transactions and rental income, and it handled everything perfectly. The interface isn't as fancy as TurboTax, but it asks all the same questions and found all the same deductions for WAY less money. H&R Block wanted to charge me $389 for their premium service, but FreeTaxUSA cost me just $15 total.

I strongly recommend finding a local independent CPA instead of any chain tax service. After getting burned by H&R Block (they missed over $3,000 in deductions for my small business), I found a local CPA through my chamber of commerce. The difference is night and day! She charges me $400 flat rate no matter how complicated my return gets, is available year-round for questions (not just during tax season), and has saved me thousands by helping with tax planning throughout the year. Most importantly, she actually takes time to understand my business and financial situation.