H&R Block Freelancer

H&R Block offers tax preparation tiers designed for freelancers and self-employed individuals, including actors and other entertainment professionals. Their software and in-person services can handle Schedule C filing, estimated tax calculations, and common freelancer deductions.

The platform provides step-by-step guidance through self-employment tax obligations, including identifying deductions for business expenses like travel, equipment, and professional development. In-person tax professionals are available at thousands of locations nationwide.

H&R Block's combination of software and in-person support makes it a flexible option for actors who want some professional guidance without the full cost of a specialized entertainment accountant. Their professionals can handle most standard freelancer tax situations.

The freelancer-appropriate software tier starts at approximately $85, with in-person preparation services costing more. Pricing varies based on the complexity of the return and whether you use software or an in-person preparer.

A reasonable middle-ground option for actors who want more guidance than pure software but cannot justify the cost of a specialized entertainment tax preparer. The in-person option is particularly helpful during your first year of self-employment filing. H&R Block's nationwide network of physical offices means you can walk in with a shoebox of receipts and have a professional sort through everything with you, which provides a level of hands-on guidance that purely digital solutions cannot replicate. The combination of affordable software with optional in-person escalation makes H&R Block uniquely flexible among the major consumer tax preparation brands.

H&R Block's online Self-Employed tier is priced at approximately $115 to $130 for federal filing, with state returns costing an additional $37 each, making it modestly less expensive than TurboTax Premium for the same self-employment functionality. The Deluxe online tier at roughly $55 to $65 plus $37 per state can actually handle basic freelance income and gig work, offering a budget option for actors with simpler self-employment situations. In-person tax preparation at H&R Block offices starts at approximately $200 to $300 for straightforward self-employed returns, but can escalate to $400 to $600 or more for complex multi-state situations, with pricing varying by location and preparer experience. All paid online tiers for the 2025 tax year include complimentary expert help, meaning you can have a tax professional review your return at no additional cost beyond the software price. H&R Block frequently offers early-season promotions and discounts for new online customers, with the 2026 filing season featuring a free tax pro review promotion valid through February 2026 for new DIY online clients. Compared to a specialized entertainment tax preparer charging $300 to $600, H&R Block's online tier represents significant savings, though the trade-off is less industry-specific expertise.

H&R Block is the best choice for actors who want the safety net of professional access without committing to the full cost of a specialized entertainment accountant, particularly if you live outside of the Los Angeles and New York markets where entertainment tax specialists are concentrated. The online Deluxe tier is a smart entry point for actors who are just beginning to receive 1099 freelance income and want guided software at a budget-friendly price, while the Self-Employed tier suits those with more established freelance businesses and multiple income sources. If your situation involves multi-state filing, loan-out corporations, or significant residual income, H&R Block's generalist approach is likely insufficient, and you should invest in a dedicated entertainment tax preparer who understands these complexities. First-time self-employment filers should seriously consider using an H&R Block office for at least their initial year, as the in-person experience of walking through Schedule C with a professional builds foundational tax knowledge you can apply to DIY filing in future years. For actors who used a specialist last year but want to save money, using that prior return as a reference while preparing your own through H&R Block online is a reasonable approach if your situation has not materially changed. Actors in smaller markets where entertainment-specific tax preparers do not exist will find H&R Block's nationwide office network to be the most accessible option for getting human professional help with their returns.

If you choose in-person preparation, call your local H&R Block office in January to schedule an appointment for February or early March, as walk-in availability becomes extremely limited as the April deadline approaches. Bring all your tax documents organized by category, including W-2s, 1099s, a summary of business expenses sorted by type, and your prior-year return, as thorough preparation reduces the time your preparer needs and consequently lowers your bill for in-person service. Ask your assigned preparer directly whether they have experience with entertainment industry clients or freelance performers, and if they have not, request a different preparer or consider escalating to the office manager who can match you with their most experienced staff member. Take advantage of the free second look service even if you file through another method, as having a professional review your completed return costs nothing and may identify deductions or credits you overlooked. If you are using the online software, do not skip the deduction finder interview even if you think you know all your deductions, as the guided prompts sometimes surface legitimate write-offs that even experienced filers forget about, such as internet and phone expenses used for self-taping and submissions. Keep your H&R Block login credentials secure and accessible, as the platform stores your prior-year returns and makes them available for reference and import when you file the following year.