Decision Support · Side-by-side

H&R Block Tax Software vs Keeper. Side by side.

Compare pricing, strengths, and use cases so it is easier to pick the right fit.

Browse alternatives Browse workflows

Change tools

Comparison Ready

H&R Block Tax Software

Best overall

Keeper

For most everyday users, H&R Block Tax Software is the better choice because it offers a free filing option for simple returns and a clean, non-technical interface, while Keeper is built for freelancers and complex tax situations with AI-driven deduction hunting but comes with a higher price tag. The single biggest difference is cost: H&R Block starts free for simple returns, whereas Keeper requires a subscription starting at $199/year.

H&R Block Tax Software

#145 of 3,826 Web

Keeper

$199/yr - $1,199/yr plans #2104 of 3,826 Web

Scores at a glance

H&R Block Tax SoftwareKeeperPractical Versatility

Onboarding Ease

Ecosystem Fit

Market Value

Choose H&R Block Tax Software if

You have a simple tax situation (W-2 income, standard deduction) and want to file for free
You want the option to have a human tax pro review your return before filing
You prefer a desktop web experience and don't need a mobile app
You are comfortable with per-state filing fees if you live in a state with income tax

Choose Keeper if

You are a freelancer, independent contractor, or run a small business with 1099 income
You own rental property or have investment income and want AI to find every possible deduction
You want a dedicated human tax pro to guide you through tax strategy year-round
You are willing to pay $199+/year for automated expense tracking and quarterly tax estimates

Key differences

H&R Block offers a free filing option for simple returns; Keeper starts at $199/year.
Keeper uses AI to automatically scan your bank transactions for deductions; H&R Block relies on you uploading documents.
H&R Block lets you switch to a human tax pro mid-process; Keeper gives you a dedicated pro from the start.
H&R Block has no mobile app; Keeper is mobile-first with a clean app experience.
Keeper is built for complex tax situations (freelance, S-Corp, rental); H&R Block is better for simple W-2 filers.
H&R Block charges extra for state filing; Keeper includes state filing in its plans.

Facts side by side

	H&R Block Tax Software	Keeper
Free plan
Mobile app
API access

H&R Block Tax Software: strengths & weaknesses

Free for simple tax returns (about 52% of filers qualify)
Very easy to use with step-by-step guidance and a clean interface
Can escalate to a human tax pro for review if needed
Supports uploading documents via mobile or computer
No dedicated mobile app for filing on the go
State filing costs extra per state
Free version is limited to basic situations (no self-employment income)
Marketing pop-ups for add-on services can be annoying

Keeper: strengths & weaknesses

Excellent AI that automatically finds deductions from your bank transactions
Designed specifically for freelancers, S-Corps, and rental property owners
Includes a dedicated human tax pro for guidance and strategy
100% accuracy guarantee and $1.2B in tax savings claimed for users
Subscription fee starts at $199/year, even if you have low income
Filing fee is separate from the monthly plan
Mobile-first design can feel limiting if you prefer working on a desktop
Not ideal for simple W-2 filers who would pay for features they don't need

Common questions

Is H&R Block Tax Software better than Keeper for freelancers?

No, Keeper is better for freelancers because its AI automatically finds business deductions from your bank transactions and includes a dedicated human tax pro. H&R Block's free version doesn't support self-employment income, and its paid plans are less specialized.

Can I use H&R Block Tax Software on my phone?

H&R Block does not have a dedicated mobile app for filing taxes. You can access the web version through a mobile browser, but the experience is not optimized for small screens. Keeper, on the other hand, is mobile-first and works great on phones.

Which is cheaper: H&R Block or Keeper?

H&R Block is cheaper for simple returns because it offers a free edition. For complex returns, H&R Block's paid plans start around $55 (plus state fees), while Keeper starts at $199/year. Keeper includes state filing and a human pro, so it can be better value if you need those features.

Does Keeper have a free version?

No, Keeper does not have a free version. It offers a free trial to get started, but you must subscribe to a paid plan ($199-$1,199/year) to file your taxes. H&R Block has a free edition for simple returns.

Which tool is easier for a beginner?

H&R Block is easier for a beginner because its interface is clean, step-by-step, and designed for non-technical users. Keeper is also user-friendly but assumes you have some tax complexity (freelance, rental, etc.) and requires linking bank accounts.

Can I get human help with Keeper?

Yes, Keeper includes a dedicated human tax pro as part of its service. You can message them for advice and they review your return before filing. H&R Block also offers human review, but it's an add-on for an extra fee.

H&R Block wins for simplicity and price; Keeper wins for AI-powered deduction hunting and complex tax situations.

If your taxes are simple (just a W-2 and standard deductions), go with H&R Block's free edition — it's easy and gets the job done. If you're a freelancer, have rental income, or want AI to hunt down every possible deduction, Keeper is worth the investment. Either way, both tools will help you file accurately.

Visit H&R Block Tax Software Visit Keeper

Detail pages: H&R Block Tax Software · Keeper

H&R Block Tax Software

Keeper

Free plan

Mobile app

API access