How to file taxes for free with H&R Block’s free tax filing options
If you’ve ever wondered if you can free file your taxes, you’re not alone. The good news? H&R Block offers free tax filing options for those who qualify throughout the tax season!
Whether you’re new to filing a tax return or have been doing it for years, see how our tax preparation services can help you get the tax refund you deserve.
Who can file for free with H&R Block?
People with less complex filing situations can file for free with H&R Block Free Online. This includes taxpayers who have W-2 income, parents who want to claim the Child Tax Credit, as well as free tax filing for students.
Additionally, a wide range of individuals in the military community can file for free through Military OneSource.
Switch to H&R Block in less than 2 minutes and do your own taxes online.
File taxes for free with H&R Block Free Online
You can file your taxes for free this year with H&R Block Free Online. It’s easy to upload your tax docs and complete your tax return. H&R Block Free Online is especially designed for people with simple tax filing situations—we dive into that more below.
It’s important to note that not all free products are alike.
For example, H&R Block Free Online includes both federal and state returns. FreeTaxUSA always charges for state returns. See a comparison of H&R Block Free Online and FreeTaxUSA.
Based on prices on FreeTaxUSA.com as of January 2026. FREETAXUSA is a registered trademark of TaxHawk, Inc.
And did you know that more than half of filers (52%) qualify for free online tax filing? That’s more people who qualify for free with H&R Block Free Online vs. TurboTax Free Edition.
Approximately 52% of filers qualify. Simple tax situations only Form 1040 and no schedules except Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Student Loan Interest, and Retirement Plan Distributions. Find eligibility requirements at HRBlock.com/free. Qualification for free filing with H&R Block Free Online and TurboTax Free Edition is based on specific criteria. Eligibility requirements may vary. TurboTax is a registered trademark of Intuit, Inc.
What’s included in H&R Block Free Online
You can file your federal and state tax returns for free using H&R Block Free with a simple tax situation. That includes a wide range of forms, credits and tax situations.
Here’s a snapshot of what’s included in H&R Block Free Online free tax preparation:
- Student returns and student loan interest deduction
- Unemployment income reported on Form 1099-G
- W-2 income
- Claiming dependents
- Child Tax Credit (CTC)
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
- Schedule 1A (No Tax on Tips, No Tax on Overtime, senior tax deduction)
- Schedule 1A (Car loan interest deduction)
- Interest and dividend income reported on Form 1099-INT or Form 1099-DIV up to $1,500
- Retirement plan distributions reported on Form 1099-R
Find all the forms included when you file taxes online for free with Block.
When H&R Block Free Online is not the right fit
As your taxes get more complex, your situation may not be covered by H&R Block Free Online. For example, complexity often increases with different types of income.
Here are some income types and situations not covered by H&R Block Free Online:
- Business income and expenses
- Capital gains and losses
- Foreign income
- Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
- Itemized deductions (ex. mortgage interest, charitable contributions)
- Rental income
- Self-employment/freelance income
Other complex situations that require additional forms or schedules are not supported by H&R Block Free Online.
Free tax filing for military with Military OneSource
Another one of the free ways to file taxes with H&R Block is for members of the military, their spouses and children and recent veterans.
H&R Block supports the military by providing access to free returns to service members through Military OneSource. No income restrictions apply. Additional products and services, such as Tax Pro Review and Expert Help Chat, are not available.
Who qualifies for Military OneSource MilTax?
Military OneSource covers a number of individuals, their spouses, and dependent children.
Along with a few other situations, free tax filing for military includes:
- Active-duty service members
- Members of the National Guard and reserve — regardless of activation status
- Recently retired and honorably discharged service members
- Eligible survivors of active-duty, National Guard and reserve deceased service members
- Some members of the Defense Department civilian expeditionary workforce
How to access H&R Block through Military OneSource
Eligible military filers can log-in and access Military OneSource through the portal found at Military OneSource. You won’t find this by using the free online tax filing link on hrblock.com.
Benefits of filing with Block
H&R Block makes tax preparation easy. Whether you free file your return with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) through H&R Block Free Online or our Military OneSource partnership, get your max tax refund and so much more – guaranteed.
With our No Surprises Guarantee, you’ll always know the price of your tax prep. And, with H&R Block’s 100% Accuracy and Audit Support guarantees, you can feel confident filing with Block. Learn more about our guarantees.
Is free tax filing really free? Fees, add‑ons, and upgrades
Yes, it’s really free. If your situation is covered by H&R Block Free Online, all of this is free:
- Free filing
- Free federal return
- Free state returns (up to 5 state returns)
Generally, the complexity of your taxes is tied to your activity or situation. For example, if you have rental income from apartments you own, then you would need to upgrade to H&R Block Premium as it covers that situation.
We’ll only shift you to a different H&R Block online tax filing product if your situation requires it. Keep in mind, it’s important that you report all your income on your return to avoid issues with the IRS.
There’s one time that upgrading is not tied to your situation, and that’s if you choose H&R Block Online Plus for features such as tax return storage or access to Expert Help Chat.
Step-by-step: How to file your taxes for free with H&R Block
H&R Block Free Online guides you through the tax filing process by having you answer questions about yourself and your finances (no tax expertise needed!). It also includes an easy-to-use help center to provide assistance along the way that can answer common questions about tax credits and deductions and more.
That said, you still may want to know “how can I file my taxes for free?” Let’s go over how to file taxes for free with H&R Block Free Online step by step.
Free file taxes online:
- Gather your documents. This includes forms and personal details (ex. Social Security numbers for you and your family members). Use our tax prep checklist to help you identify what you might need.
- Create an account or log in. Start for free at H&R Block Free Online.
- Start your federal return. Enter your personal details, upload your W-2, and add any other form information.
- Complete your state return (if applicable). Any relevant information from your federal return (name, address, etc.) will carry over.
- Review your return. Check over your return for accuracy and make sure you’ve entered all your numbers correctly.
- File your return. You can e-file within the product for free.
File with H&R Block to get your max refund
Free tax filing FAQs
Is it easy to switch to H&R Block?
File with one of the other guys last tax season? No problem, you can switch to H&R Block Online in less than two minutes. All you need to do is upload last year’s tax return. Learn more about H&R Block Free Online vs. TurboTax Free Editionand H&R Block Free Online vs. FreeTaxUSA and make the switch.
What are free tax filing services?
Free tax filing services, such as H&R Block Online Free, often include the following:
- Tax preparation: Guided help to complete your Form 1040 and any covered documents.
- E-filing: Submit your return electronically to the IRS and state revenue department.
While free tax filing services cover the prep and e-filing of your return, they do not cover any taxes you owe.
Where can I file my federal and state taxes for free?
If you’re looking for where to file taxes for free, look no further than H&R Block. You can easily file your taxes for free this tax year with H&R Block Free Online. With features you’ll love. Learn more about filing taxes online for free.
Where can I e-file my taxes for free?
You can e-file your federal tax return for free with H&R Block Free Online. With H&R Block Tax Software, you can e-file up to five federal returns (state e-filing costs may vary).
Can you file taxes for free on a website online?
Yes! Qualifying tax filers can file for free on the web with H&R Block Free Online. You can also use the H&R Block app to file your taxes for free.
Who qualifies for truly free federal and state filing?
People with simple tax situations qualify for free federal and state filing with H&R Block Free Online. This includes W-2 income earners, parents claiming the Child Tax Credit, student returns and even those with unemployment income.
What is included in H&R Block’s free tax preparation?
With H&R Block Free Online, you can file your federal and state return for free. You can also claim various tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit (CTC), deduct student tuition, payments, and loan interest, and report retirement income – for free!
Are dependents or W-2s covered under the free filing tier?
Yes. Income reported on a Form W-2 is included in H&R Block Free Online. Plus, those who have children or adult dependents are covered under the free filing product.
What forms and tax credits are included in a truly free tax preparation option?
H&R Block Free Online covers a wide range of forms and credits, including:
- W-2 income
- Student loan interest deduction
- Unemployment income (Form 1099-G)
- Child Tax Credit (CTC)
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
- Interest and dividend income (up to $1,500 on 1099-INT/1099-DIV)
- Retirement plan distributions (Form 1099-R)
See the full list of included forms at: https://www.hrblock.com/online-tax-filing/free-online-tax-filing/federal-tax-forms/
When will I be asked to upgrade out of the free product?
You’ll only be asked to upgrade if your tax situation requires forms or features not covered by H&R Block Free Online (like self-employment, rental income, or itemized deductions).
Can self-employed filers file their taxes for free, even if they have 1099 or Schedule C income?
Self-employed filers can file for free only through Military OneSource. H&R Block Free Online does not cover self-employment income (including 1099 or Schedule C).
How does the H&R Block partnership with Military OneSource work for military members, spouses, and dependents?
H&R Block partners with Military OneSource to provide free tax filing for eligible military members, spouses, and dependents. Qualifying tax filers can start their tax preparation from the Military OneSource portal.
What is included in the Military OneSource partnership?
H&R Block is committed to helping members of the military by providing tax assistance and free DIY tax preparation. Our partnership with OneSource lets service members file taxes for free, helping them navigate their unique tax situation.
Is filing for free with IRS Direct File still available?
No. IRS Direct File is no longer available for the 2026 tax season. If you still want a free way to file your taxes, you’re not out of options.
With H&R Block Free Online, more than half of filers qualify for free tax filing for their federal and state returns. Based on 70 years of expertise and more than 40 forms for a wide range of deductions and credits, our comprehensive Free Online service is a valuable and popular resource, used roughly 3 million taxpayers each year.
Block is committed to helping you navigate tax season with confidence, offering a user-friendly experience and helpful guidance throughout the process.
Can I switch from Direct File to a service with more features?
Yes, if you’re looking for a free option with a helpful and easy-to-use feature set, you can switch this tax year from Direct File to H&R Block Free Online.
H&R Block Free Online offers:
- Free federal and state filing for simple returns
- Easy W‑2 photo upload
- Real‑time refund updates
- Coverage of common credits like the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit
- A built-in help center for answers as you file
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