IRS Direct File Is No More; Free File Might Not Be the Solution.
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 2 days ago
0mins
Source: Barron's
IRS Filing Options: The IRS has discontinued its free in-house filing service, Direct File, which was available for the past two years.
Reason for Discontinuation: The Trump administration cited cost overruns and limited usage as the reasons for ending the Direct File service.
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Analyst Views on HRB
Wall Street analysts forecast HRB stock price to rise
2 Analyst Rating
1 Buy
1 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 31.490
Low
62.00
Averages
62.00
High
62.00
Current: 31.490
Low
62.00
Averages
62.00
High
62.00
About HRB
H&R Block, Inc. is engaged in providing tax preparation services, financial products, and small business solutions. The Company provides assisted and do-it-yourself (DIY) tax preparation solutions through multiple channels (including in-person, online and mobile applications, virtual, and desktop software) and distributes H&R Block-branded services and products. It also offers small business solutions through its Company-owned and franchise offices (including in-person, online and virtual) and online through Wave. The Company provides additional services, including Refund Transfers (RT), Peace of Mind Extended Service Plan (POM), H&R Block Emerald Prepaid Mastercard (Emerald Card), Spruce, H&R Block Emerald Advance (EA) term loans, Tax Identity Shield (TIS), Refund Advances (RA), and small business financial solutions. For its Canadian clients, the Company also offers POM, H&R Block's Instant Refund, H&R Block Pay With Refund, and small business financial solutions.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Dual Benefits of Investing in Small Businesses
- Investment Return Advantage: Jody Vanarsdale, H&R Block's Small Business Tax Director, highlights that investing in small business stocks can provide capital gains tax relief while enhancing local businesses' cash flow, thereby promoting community economic development.
- Holding Requirements: Current regulations require investors to hold small business stocks for five years, with total assets not exceeding $50 million, aimed at encouraging long-term investments and supporting small business growth.
- Impact of New Regulations: The new legislation allows for a 50% capital gains reduction after three years, 75% after four years, and 100% after five years, providing investors with greater flexibility to reinvest in other small businesses.
- Community Support: By investing in nearby small businesses, investors not only gain financial returns but also directly support community development, strengthening ties with business owners and creating a positive feedback loop.
See More
IRS Direct File Is No More; Free File Might Not Be the Solution.
IRS Filing Options: The IRS has discontinued its free in-house filing service, Direct File, which was available for the past two years.
Reason for Discontinuation: The Trump administration cited cost overruns and limited usage as the reasons for ending the Direct File service.
See More
H&R Block Shares Enter Oversold Territory
- Oversold Signal: H&R Block, Inc. (Ticker: HRB) saw its RSI drop to 29.6 during Friday's trading, indicating the stock has entered oversold territory, suggesting that the recent heavy selling may be exhausting, prompting investors to consider buying opportunities.
- Price Fluctuation: HRB shares hit a low of $29.8609, with the current trading price at $30.39, only $2.23 above the 52-week low of $28.16, indicating short-term price volatility and shifts in market sentiment.
- Market Comparison: Compared to the S&P 500 ETF (SPY) with an RSI of 50.6, HRB's low RSI may attract bullish investors, signaling potential rebound opportunities that could influence future buying decisions.
- Historical Performance: HRB's 52-week high stands at $64.6197, with the current stock price significantly below this level, reflecting diminished market confidence in the stock, necessitating cautious evaluation of its future performance.
See More
H&R Block Shares Surge 9.56% Amid Portfolio Repositioning
- Stock Price Surge: H&R Block's shares rose by 9.56% on Friday, closing at $31.05, as investors capitalized on bargain opportunities after nine consecutive days of losses, indicating renewed market confidence in the company's prospects.
- Dividend Payment: Common shareholders as of March 4 will receive a dividend of $0.42 per share on April 6, 2026, demonstrating the company's commitment to returning value to shareholders and enhancing investor trust.
- Earnings Performance: In the second quarter of fiscal year 2026, H&R Block narrowed its net loss to $242 million from $243 million a year earlier, reflecting the company's efforts in cost control and revenue growth.
- Revenue Growth Target: The company targets revenues between $3.875 billion and $3.895 billion for fiscal year 2026, representing a 3% to 3.5% increase, which reflects H&R Block's optimistic outlook for future market conditions.
See More
H&R Block Launches Creator Tax Tool for Content Creators
- Creator Economy Event: H&R Block hosted an exclusive creator economy event in New York City, unveiling the Creator Suite tool designed specifically for content creators, aiming to simplify tax filing processes and help creators navigate complex tax laws, which is expected to enhance its market share in the $250 billion creator economy.
- Platform Feature Innovation: The new platform offers a customized online filing tool and resource hub that supports creators in managing various income sources such as YouTube ad revenue and Patreon subscriptions, which is anticipated to significantly improve creators' tax compliance and financial management capabilities.
- Financial Stress Survey: According to the 2026 Creator Pulse Survey, 70% of creators find financial management difficult, with 25% citing taxes as their top stressor; H&R Block's tools are designed to address these issues and help creators manage their finances more effectively.
- Long-term Support Strategy: H&R Block provides not only tax services but also comprehensive small business solutions through Block Advisors, demonstrating its long-term commitment to the creator economy, which is expected to enhance customer loyalty and market competitiveness.
See More
H&R Block Named Best Online Tax Service for 2026 by CNET
- Technology and Expertise Integration: H&R Block introduces the AI Tax Assistant for the 2026 tax season, providing 24/7 instant answers powered by the latest GenAI capabilities and human expertise, helping clients navigate complex tax law changes and enhancing customer satisfaction and trust.
- Product Enhancements and Client Experience: The company launches a Smart Product Selector to assist clients in choosing the right tier of online support, ensuring accurate upfront pricing and seamless data import, significantly reducing friction in the tax filing process and improving overall service efficiency.
- New Client Incentives: H&R Block offers free tax professional review services for new clients, ensuring filing accuracy, with this promotion valid until February 28, 2026, aimed at attracting more users to its online tax services and enhancing market competitiveness.
- Navigating Complex Tax Laws: H&R Block's elite team of tax professionals works year-round to dissect new legislation, ensuring seamless integration of technology and professional services, helping clients gain a strategic advantage during a complex tax season, thereby enhancing the company's market position and customer loyalty.
See More
Dual Benefits of Investing in Small Businesses
- Investment Return Advantage: Jody Vanarsdale, H&R Block's Small Business Tax Director, highlights that investing in small business stocks can provide capital gains tax relief while enhancing local businesses' cash flow, thereby promoting community economic development.
- Holding Requirements: Current regulations require investors to hold small business stocks for five years, with total assets not exceeding $50 million, aimed at encouraging long-term investments and supporting small business growth.
- Impact of New Regulations: The new legislation allows for a 50% capital gains reduction after three years, 75% after four years, and 100% after five years, providing investors with greater flexibility to reinvest in other small businesses.
- Community Support: By investing in nearby small businesses, investors not only gain financial returns but also directly support community development, strengthening ties with business owners and creating a positive feedback loop.
See More
IRS Direct File Is No More; Free File Might Not Be the Solution.
IRS Filing Options: The IRS has discontinued its free in-house filing service, Direct File, which was available for the past two years.
Reason for Discontinuation: The Trump administration cited cost overruns and limited usage as the reasons for ending the Direct File service.
See More
H&R Block Shares Enter Oversold Territory
- Oversold Signal: H&R Block, Inc. (Ticker: HRB) saw its RSI drop to 29.6 during Friday's trading, indicating the stock has entered oversold territory, suggesting that the recent heavy selling may be exhausting, prompting investors to consider buying opportunities.
- Price Fluctuation: HRB shares hit a low of $29.8609, with the current trading price at $30.39, only $2.23 above the 52-week low of $28.16, indicating short-term price volatility and shifts in market sentiment.
- Market Comparison: Compared to the S&P 500 ETF (SPY) with an RSI of 50.6, HRB's low RSI may attract bullish investors, signaling potential rebound opportunities that could influence future buying decisions.
- Historical Performance: HRB's 52-week high stands at $64.6197, with the current stock price significantly below this level, reflecting diminished market confidence in the stock, necessitating cautious evaluation of its future performance.
See More
H&R Block Shares Surge 9.56% Amid Portfolio Repositioning
- Stock Price Surge: H&R Block's shares rose by 9.56% on Friday, closing at $31.05, as investors capitalized on bargain opportunities after nine consecutive days of losses, indicating renewed market confidence in the company's prospects.
- Dividend Payment: Common shareholders as of March 4 will receive a dividend of $0.42 per share on April 6, 2026, demonstrating the company's commitment to returning value to shareholders and enhancing investor trust.
- Earnings Performance: In the second quarter of fiscal year 2026, H&R Block narrowed its net loss to $242 million from $243 million a year earlier, reflecting the company's efforts in cost control and revenue growth.
- Revenue Growth Target: The company targets revenues between $3.875 billion and $3.895 billion for fiscal year 2026, representing a 3% to 3.5% increase, which reflects H&R Block's optimistic outlook for future market conditions.
See More
H&R Block Launches Creator Tax Tool for Content Creators
- Creator Economy Event: H&R Block hosted an exclusive creator economy event in New York City, unveiling the Creator Suite tool designed specifically for content creators, aiming to simplify tax filing processes and help creators navigate complex tax laws, which is expected to enhance its market share in the $250 billion creator economy.
- Platform Feature Innovation: The new platform offers a customized online filing tool and resource hub that supports creators in managing various income sources such as YouTube ad revenue and Patreon subscriptions, which is anticipated to significantly improve creators' tax compliance and financial management capabilities.
- Financial Stress Survey: According to the 2026 Creator Pulse Survey, 70% of creators find financial management difficult, with 25% citing taxes as their top stressor; H&R Block's tools are designed to address these issues and help creators manage their finances more effectively.
- Long-term Support Strategy: H&R Block provides not only tax services but also comprehensive small business solutions through Block Advisors, demonstrating its long-term commitment to the creator economy, which is expected to enhance customer loyalty and market competitiveness.
See More
H&R Block Named Best Online Tax Service for 2026 by CNET
- Technology and Expertise Integration: H&R Block introduces the AI Tax Assistant for the 2026 tax season, providing 24/7 instant answers powered by the latest GenAI capabilities and human expertise, helping clients navigate complex tax law changes and enhancing customer satisfaction and trust.
- Product Enhancements and Client Experience: The company launches a Smart Product Selector to assist clients in choosing the right tier of online support, ensuring accurate upfront pricing and seamless data import, significantly reducing friction in the tax filing process and improving overall service efficiency.
- New Client Incentives: H&R Block offers free tax professional review services for new clients, ensuring filing accuracy, with this promotion valid until February 28, 2026, aimed at attracting more users to its online tax services and enhancing market competitiveness.
- Navigating Complex Tax Laws: H&R Block's elite team of tax professionals works year-round to dissect new legislation, ensuring seamless integration of technology and professional services, helping clients gain a strategic advantage during a complex tax season, thereby enhancing the company's market position and customer loyalty.
See More
