FreelancePick
Tax SoftwareUpdated March 2026

TurboTax Self-Employed vs H&R Block Self-Employed

TurboTax and H&R Block are the two dominant tax software brands in the US. Both offer comprehensive Self-Employed versions that handle Schedule C, 1099 income, and self-employment tax. The key difference is price, polish, and integration with other financial tools.

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TurboTax Self-Employed

The most trusted name in tax software

Starting at

$129

3.9

out of 5

View details →
Our Pick

H&R Block Self-Employed

Affordable professional tax filing

Starting at

$85

4.4

out of 5

View details →

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

Criteria

TurboTax Self-Employed

H&R Block Self-Employed

Schedule C Completeness

4.8

Industry-leading Schedule C with 500+ industry deduction lists.

4.6

Comprehensive Schedule C with strong deduction guidance. Slightly less granular.

Price / Value

3.6

$129 federal only. State adds $49-59. Most expensive option.

4.5

$85 for federal + state included. Better value overall.

Interface & Guidance

4.6

Best-in-class step-by-step guidance. Most polished interface.

4.3

Good interface but slightly less refined than TurboTax.

Integrations

4.7

Direct QuickBooks Self-Employed import. Wide integrations.

3.8

No direct QuickBooks import. Manual document upload.

In-Person Option

2.0

Online and virtual CPA only — no physical offices.

4.8

12,000+ H&R Block offices nationwide for in-person help.

Winner: H&R Block Self-Employed

H&R Block Self-Employed wins on value — it costs $40-60 less than TurboTax, includes state filing in the base price, and offers in-person help at thousands of offices. TurboTax wins if you use QuickBooks Self-Employed or want the most polished interface.

Choose TurboTax Self-Employed if...

  • QuickBooks Self-Employed users who want one-click import
  • Freelancers who prefer the most polished, guided experience
  • Anyone willing to pay premium for the best-known brand
  • Freelancers who need live CPA access during filing

Choose H&R Block Self-Employed if...

  • Cost-conscious freelancers who want full Schedule C coverage
  • Anyone who might need in-person tax help
  • Freelancers who want state filing included in base price
  • Those who find TurboTax too expensive for their needs

Tax Information Notice

This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute tax, legal, or financial advice. Tax laws change frequently. Always consult a qualified CPA or Enrolled Agent for your specific situation.