H&R Block Review & Guide
Lodging a personal tax return can be stressful. Whether you worry about paying extra taxes to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), or find the process of collecting all the necessary information overwhelming, a lot of people put off doing their taxes. But like most things in life, simply deferring the task doesn’t make it go away.
With over 400 offices around Australia, H&R Block is one of the country’s most well-known tax accountancy companies. H&R Block offers range of financial services for both individuals and businesses, including:
- Individual tax returns and deductions
- Work-related deductions
- Motor vehicle deductions
- Capital gains: shares, funds, crypto
- Investment property
- Small business tax returns
- BAS and GST
- Bookkeeping and payroll
- Self-managed super fund tax and admin
H&R Block features
Tax services
H&R Block offers multiple ways for clients to complete their tax returns, including:
- in-office
- via phone appointment
- online with an expert
- on their own using the online express platform
You can lodge your return online with the help of H&R Block’s tax experts, all from the comfort of home. Once you create an account, answer four simple questions, and upload your tax documents. One of H&R Block’s experts will take it from there, handling everything from start to finish.
You can complete your own tax return using the H&R Block online platform in three simple steps:
- H&R Block can guide you through your return with free, easy-to-understand tips and help.
- You can use H&R Block’s tax advice service to discuss your return, maximise your refund and complete your return in minutes.
- Wait to receive your refund, with the confidence of lodging your return via a registered tax agent with systems and processes to help you achieve the best result.
H&R Block also offers year-round support, a satisfaction guarantee, upfront pricing and a maximum refund guarantee.
Calculators, tools, courses and other online resources
H&R Block offers a range of free digital tools to help Australians take control of their tax returns.
- The H&R Block Tax Calculator helps clients estimate their tax refund in minutes, providing confidence and clarity before lodgement.
- For those uncertain about which tax service to use, H&R Block’s Tax Readiness Quiz helps clients select the most suitable service based on their unique circumstances. The quiz also creates a personalised checklist of what clients need to bring to their tax appointment, ensuring they are fully prepared and maximising the benefits of their claim.
- H&R Block also offers a free receipt management, work from home and business kilometres tracker app, available on both IOS and Android. You can track working from home expenses, logbook vehicle expenses and mileage throughout the year.
- For those interested in learning about tax, H&R block also offers an Income Tax Course each year.
Tax Refund Advance
For those wanting to get their tax refund back sooner rather than later, H&R Block has a Tax Refund Advance* service that allows clients the ability to access up to 50% of their estimated tax refund early, capped at $1,000. This is available for the current income year tax return only, i.e. the tax year from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025.
Referral Program
H&R Block’s referral program allows customers to earn money by sending friends and family to visit H&R Block. You can earn $250 for every 10 new clients who visit H&R Block* and each new client also gets $25 off their first tax return. There’s no limit to how many new clients you can refer.
Second Look Assessment
If you didn’t use a tax accountant when you lodged your tax return or you disagree with your tax assessment, you can bring a print-out of your current and/or past years’ tax return(s) for a free Second Look Assessment. H&R Block will review your tax return and check you received the maximum tax refund. If the tax expert finds any deductions, offsets or benefits that you are entitled to, they can lodge a tax return amendment and get you the extra money. Fees apply for corrected or amended returns; however, these fees are tax deductible.
Costs
The cost of preparing your tax with an expert depends on your circumstances. All tax returns from H&R Block are tax deductible.
The in-office and online with an expert basic streamline package starts from $109, with more pricing options for multiple incomes, more deductions, rental properties and business packages starting from $369. The DIY option is the cheapest, with the basic starter package for $0. An $89 offer is also available for under 21s or full-time students under 25*.
A Fee From Refund service is also available. Rather than making a payment to H&R Block, you can have the fee for doing your return taken out of your refund when it comes back from the ATO before forwarding it on to you.
For sole traders, taxi and ride share drivers, H&R Block offers a free* Business Activity Statement to all first time H&R Block BAS clients. This allows clients to trial their expert service before committing to the quarterly management costs. BAS package pricing starts from $109 and includes year-round support and satisfaction guarantee.
*Available at participating offices. Exclusions or additional charges may apply in some offices. $89 if under 21 or full-time student under 25. Business Lite return from $269. Additional fees may apply. Fees may vary by location. The TRA product is offered in partnership with Beforepay Finance Pty Ltd ACN 636 670 525. To be eligible for a TRA, clients must meet the eligibility and assessment criteria of both H&R Block and Beforepay. For full terms and conditions, please click here.
Is H&R Block the best option for me?
If tax isn’t your strong suit, or you simply don’t have the time to sit down and calculate your claims and expenses, tax agents can be a handy option. With many established agencies offering a wide range of services for all types of investments and businesses, tax time can be made almost stress-free. Though when it comes to individual and business taxes, there’s no one-size-fits-all advice. What works for you and your business might not work for someone else.
H&R Block has been operating in Australia for over 52 years, providing a range of services to all types of businesses and individuals to cover all their tax needs. If you need help come tax time, you can get in touch with the team of tax experts at H&R Block to benefit from their experience, online or in person at any of the 400+ offices Australia-wide.
About the author of this page
This report was written by Megan Birot. Megan was a content producer and editor at Canstar Blue for two years until 2023, most recently as Home & Lifestyle Editor. She has a Bachelor of Journalism and Public Relations from Griffith University.