Side by side

H&R Block Online vs Instead

Both stand on small business tax software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.

H&R Block Online

Free plan WebiPhoneAndroid

H&R Block Online offers filing options across simple and more involved tax situations, with expert help included in three paid plans. Check the Free Online exclusions and state filing charge against your return before choosing a plan.

Visit H&R Block Online

Instead

Free plan Web

Instead combines tax workflows with review controls, e-filing and prior-year import. Its platform has a free plan, but Agent costs depend on credit use and volume.

Visit Instead

The facts

	H&R Block Online	Instead
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Open source	Not published	No
Runs on	Web, iPhone, Android	Web
Lowest paid plan	Free or on request	See the plans
Plans published	4	2
Maker	H&R Block Online	Not published
Website	hrblock.com	instead.com
On small business tax software	#1 of 30	#2 of 30

H&R Block Online: what it does well

Web, iOS, and Android access.
Supports self-employment, investment, and rental income.
Unlimited expert help in Deluxe, Premium, and Self-Employed.
Imports returns from TurboTax or another tax-prep service.

What to know first

Free Online excludes itemized deductions and several income types.
Free Online limits interest and dividend income to $1,500.
State filing has an additional per-state charge.

Instead: what it does well

Supports five listed return types.
Users see credit estimates before workflows run.
Users can review work before filing.
Google Drive, OneDrive and Box have two-way sync.
Free platform includes unlimited users and entities.

What to know first

Agent credit pricing depends on volume and usage.
Credits expire 12 months after purchase.
Dropbox and other listed integrations are coming soon.
Estate tax 706, gift tax 709 and exempt organization 990 are planned.

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