phone screen live chat

Basic Online Assist

If you have a W-2, have kids & education costs and are in need of on-demand help from a tax expert, enrolled agent, or CPA

Federal cost: $ + per state filed

Device requirements & supported forms

Device requirements & supported forms

Software requirements


Vista, Windows 7, 8, or 10 
Internet Explorer® 9.0 and above
Firefox 3.6 and above 
Chrome 16 and above
Safari 5.1.2 and above


OS 10.9.5 and above 
Firefox 3.6 and above
Chrome 16 and above
Safari 9.1.3 and above

Hardware requirements
  • Internet Connection
  • 1024 x 768, SVGA color monitor
  • Ink jet or laser printer
  • Speakers and sound card

Supported forms
Federal Tax Forms Opens a new window.
State Tax Forms Opens a new window.
Woman at desk with computer and phone

H&R Block Basic Online Assist tax preparation

File taxes online and add support from a tax expert upfront or at any point throughout the process. No matter how you choose to do your online taxes, it's easy to get expert guidance along the way. 
  • On-demand chat

    Connect instantly with a tax expert

  • Screen share

    Show us exactly where you need help

  • Unlimited help

    Get all the answers you need

  • Accessible on any device

    Accessible while using mobile, tablet, or computer

computer screen with federal refund

All Online Assist services include:

  • On-demand access to a tax expert, enrolled agent, or CPA
  • Guidance on tax questions
  • Unlimited help via chat, screen share, or by phone, if preferred
  • Available at any point throughout the process
  • Accessible while using mobile, tablet, or computer
Man at laptop computer with coffee

Basic Online Assist tax filing features

H&R Block’s basic online tax filing includes 47 forms required for filing – that’s nearly twice as many as TurboTax. Plus, we offer more credits & deductions, so you won’t have to upgrade and pay extra for your simple tax return.
  • W-2 photo capture

    Snap a picture of your W-2, upload it and voila! We’ll put all your information where it needs to be so you can start your tax preparation.

  • Switch in as little as two clicks

    It's easier than ever to switch to Block. Simply import last year's return from TurboTax, Tax Act, Credit Karma, or any other tax preparer.

  • Step-by-step guidance

    With our tax preparation, we’ll make sure you’re well informed and confident every step of the way, with answers to commonly asked questions and direction on more than 350 credits and deductions.

  • Real-time refund results

    We’re taking the uncertainty out of tax filing, by letting you know when your refund goes up or down throughout the process. With us, you can rest easy knowing you’ll get your absolute maximum refund.

  • Includes EITC & child tax credit

    Our online filing also covers the earned income tax credit, child tax credit, and child/dependent care expenses.

  • Mobile, tablet & computer access

    Prepare your taxes online quickly and easily from any device including your mobile smart phone, tablet, or computer.

Features
& forms:
Basic Online Assist
Deluxe Online Assist
Premium Online Assist
Self-Employed Online Assist
State Additional Fee
Unlimited, on-demand help from a tax expert, enrolled agent, or CPA Included Included Included Included
Know your price with Price Preview Included Included Included Included
Import last year's return from TurboTax, TaxAct, Credit Karma, or another tax preparer Included Included Included Included
Snap-a-pic to import your W-2 Included Included Included Included
Import your 1095-A, 1098, 1098-E, 1098-T, 1099-B, 1099-DIV, 1099-INT, and 1099-R Included Included Included Included
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Included Included Included Included
Real-time insights into your refund as you go Included Included Included Included
Technical support by chat Included Included Included Included
Self-help via help center Included Included Included Included
Clergy with housing allowance or parsonage Included Included Included Included
Home mortgage interest deductions and real estate taxes (Schedule A) Not Included Included Included Included
Store all your tax documents and returns in MyBlock for six years Not Included Included Included Included
Automatic import of last year's return from H&R Block Not Included Included Included Included
Optimize tax savings from charitable donations with DeductionPro® Not Included Included Included Included
Technical support by phone Not Included Included Included Included
Freelance and independent contractor income with simple expenses Not Included Not Included Included Included
Stocks, bonds, retirement, and other investment income (Schedule D) Not Included Not Included Included Included
Import 1099-B investment income including cost basis Not Included Not Included Included Included
Rental property income and tax deductions (Schedule E) Not Included Not Included Included Included
Import expenses from popular expense tracker apps like Stride Not Included Not Included Included Included
Import Uber driver tax information Not Included Not Included Not Included Included
Self-employment and small business income Not Included Not Included Not Included Included
Business tax deductions and asset depreciation Not Included Not Included Not Included Included
Start filing for free today

H&R Block Online guarantees

  • Maximum Refund Guarantee

    No one gets you more than Block. Get the maximum refund you’re entitled to or your return is free.  

  • Audit Support Guarantee

    If you receive an IRS or other tax notice related to the return you filed with H&R Block Online, we'll help you understand and respond to that notice at no additional charge.  

  • 100% Accuracy Guarantee

    We stand by our calculations and guarantee that your return is 100% accurate, or we'll reimburse you for any IRS penalties you paid. Get tax help and tax answers from H&R Block.

You are leaving H&R Block® and going to another website.

This is a friendly notice to tell you that you are now leaving the H&R Block website and will go to a website that is not controlled by or affiliated with H&R Block. This link is to make the transition more convenient for you. You should know that we do not endorse or guarantee any products or services you may view on other sites. For your protection, take a moment to carefully review their policies and procedures, as they may not be the same as those of H&R Block.

Continue