TurboTax vs H&R Block for 1099 Contractors (2024)
A detailed head-to-head comparison of the two most popular tax software options for freelancers and independent contractors. We break down price, features, ease of use, and support.
The Verdict
TurboTax
Wins 2 of 4 categories
Best for: Maximum deductions, first-time filers, complex situations
H&R Block
Wins 2 of 4 categories
Best for: Budget-conscious, want in-person support option
At a Glance
TurboTax Self-Employed
H&R Block Self-Employed
Category Breakdown
Price
H&R Block Wins$89-$169 (federal + state)
$75-$115 (federal + state)
H&R Block wins on price, saving you $15-$55 compared to TurboTax for similar features.
1099 Features
TurboTax WinsAI deduction finder, expense tracking, mileage logging
Good expense categorization, basic mileage tracking
TurboTax's AI-powered deduction finder typically catches 10-15% more write-offs than H&R Block.
Ease of Use
TurboTax WinsBest-in-class interview style, mobile app excellent
Good guidance, interface feels dated in spots
TurboTax has invested heavily in UX. The interface is more intuitive and less overwhelming.
Support Options
H&R Block WinsLive chat, CPA access ($$$), community forums
Live chat, phone, 12,000+ physical locations
H&R Block wins with in-person support at thousands of locations—invaluable for complex situations.
Know Your Deductions First
Whichever software you choose, use our free calculator first to identify all your eligible write-offs. This ensures you get the maximum refund regardless of which platform you file with.
Calculate Your Deductions FreePros and Cons
TurboTax Self-Employed
Pros
- Best-in-class deduction finder
- Most user-friendly interface
- Excellent step-by-step guidance
- Strong bank/app integrations
- Industry-leading accuracy guarantee
Cons
- Most expensive option
- Aggressive upselling
- Some features require upgrades
H&R Block Self-Employed
Pros
- Lower price than TurboTax
- In-person support available
- Free audit support included
- Good expense categorization
- Import from TurboTax
Cons
- Interface less polished
- Fewer third-party integrations
- Deduction finder not as thorough
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for first-time 1099 filers?
TurboTax Self-Employed is better for first-time 1099 filers due to its superior guidance and deduction finder. The interview-style questions help new freelancers understand what they can deduct. However, if budget is a concern, H&R Block is a solid alternative.
Can I switch from TurboTax to H&R Block?
Yes, H&R Block allows you to import your previous year's TurboTax return, making the switch seamless. Your personal information, income sources, and deduction history transfer automatically.
Do both support multiple 1099 forms?
Yes, both TurboTax Self-Employed and H&R Block Self-Employed support all 1099 variants including 1099-NEC, 1099-MISC, 1099-K, 1099-INT, 1099-DIV, and more. Both also support Schedule C for business income.
Which has better audit protection?
H&R Block includes free audit support with their Self-Employed tier, while TurboTax charges extra for similar protection. Both offer accuracy guarantees that cover penalties if the software makes a calculation error.
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