Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures | H&R Block®

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Frequently asked questions

Form 14653 is a form you sign to certify that you’re eligible for the program, that you’ve filed the appropriate FBARs, and that you were genuinely unaware of your filing obligation.

Typically, this can take up to 6 weeks. Some of the time needed might be for our tax advisors to prepare the previous year’s returns. Still, in many cases, additional time is necessary for you (the taxpayer) to gather the appropriate records from current and prior employers, financial institutions, and other institutions.

No. Your initial contact with the IRS should be your completed streamlined package.

Yes, some of the reasons include if:

The IRS has contacted you first (initiated a civil examination)
You willfully/knowingly failed to file
You’ve made a submission to the OVDP.

Working with us means you get the expertise you need. You can get caught up on back taxes yourself or with an expert.

Filing with a tax advisor for past-due returns includes a tax consultation and assistance in assembling and mailing your IRS Streamlined packet. Or, you can do your own filings, and we’ll guide you through the steps and review your return, assemble, and mail in your paperwork.

File online

Starting at $109

Use our online tools to do your own taxes with ease. Save time and money finding deductions.

File with a tax advisor

Starting at $219

+ $99 FBAR
($75 for additional years)

Let our expat tax experts work through your unique situation and get you the best outcome possible.

Spruce Cash Back Rewards: Spruce Rewards are powered by Dosh. Cash back offers and amounts may vary by user, merchant location and offer period. Check the Spruce app for offer availability. Cash back earned by qualifying purchases will be deposited in your Spruce Savings Account. See Spruce Rewards powered by Dosh Terms for details.
Spruce Early Paycheck: Early access depends on when payment is submitted. Funds are generally made available when payment instruction is received, which may be earlier than scheduled payment date.
Spruce Savings APY: The Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of 2/14/2025. This rate is variable and can change without notice. Fees may reduce earnings. To start earning interest on your Spruce Savings Account, simply opt in through the Spruce app or at sprucemoney.com.
Spruce Bonus: Offer from H&R Block. Requires 1) opening of new Spruce Accounts between 1/1/23 and 6/30/23; and 2) $200 in qualifying direct deposits within 45 days of opening. Qualifying direct deposits are ACH credits, including direct deposits (but not tax refunds). Deposits that do not qualify are mobile check deposits, internal transfers, transfers within Spruce from external accounts, or cash transfers. $50 will be deposited within 14 business days after completing all requirements. Spruce Accounts may not be closed or restricted at payout. You are responsible for tax treatment of funds. Limit one per customer. May be modified or discontinued at any time.
#1 Tax Preparer: Based on assisted returns prepared in 2024.
Send A Friend: You’ll receive up to a $20 reward for each new client you refer that purchases a 12-month bookkeeping service, for a maximum of $300. A new client is someone who did not utilize H&R Block or Block Advisors’ bookkeeping services within the past year. The reward will be delivered for each new client after they purchase a 12-month bookkeeping service with H&R Block or Block Advisors. Rewards will be provided on virtual cards and are only available to individuals who provide a valid email address.
Spruce Early Refund: Does not change IRS refund processing speed. Claim is based on making federal refunds available when payment instruction is received, which may be earlier than scheduled payment date. Depends on timing of the IRS’s payment file. Available only for federal refunds. May be changed or discontinued at any time.
More Forms for Free: H&R Block Free Online accepts more forms for free than the TurboTax Free Edition. Learn more about H&R Block Free Online available forms.
H&R Block Free Online: H&R Block Free Online is for simple returns only. Not everyone qualifies. All tax situations are different. Additional fees may apply.
Bookkeeping Guarantee: If H&R Block makes an error in your bookkeeping that requires a reopening of your books for any month, we will correct the error for the month the error occurred at no additional charge. Limitations apply. See blockadvisors.com/guarantees for complete details.
Income Tax Course: Enrollment in, or completion of, the H&R Block Income Tax Course or Tax Knowledge Assessment is neither an offer nor a guarantee of employment. Additional qualifications may be required. Enrollment restrictions apply. There is no tuition fee for the H&R Block Income Tax Course; however, you may be required to purchase course materials, which may be non-refundable. State restrictions may apply. The Income Tax Course consists of 63 hours of instruction at the federal level, 70 hours of instruction in Maryland, 81 hours of instruction in California, and 81 hours of instruction in Oregon. Additional time commitments outside of class, including homework, will vary by student. Additional training or testing may be required in CA, OR, and other states. Valid at participating locations only. Void where prohibited. This course is not open to any persons who are currently employed by or seeking employment with any professional tax preparation company or organization other than H&R Block. During the Income Tax Course, should H&R Block learn of any student’s employment or intended employment with a competing professional tax preparation company, H&R Block reserves the right to immediately cancel the student’s enrollment. The student will be required to return all course materials. CTEC# 1040-QE-2773 ©2023 HRB Tax Group, Inc.

Program rules: Limit of 5 paid referrals per Experienced Tax Pros and First Year Tax Pros and 4 paid referrals for Receptionists. All referrals must be submitted between 4/1/2024 – 3/31/2025 using hrblock.com/offers/tax-pro-referral. Tax Pro referrals must be submitted prior to a candidate’s enrollment in the Income Tax Course (ITC) or starting the Tax Knowledge Assessment (TKA) and the candidate must successfully pass the appropriate course/test with a minimum grade (70% for ITC and 80% for TKA). Receptionist referrals must be submitted prior to hire date. Referred candidates must become active by March 31, 2025 in order for the referral to be paid. Rewards will be paid May 2025.
Business Formation Tax Savings ($40k Profit): Potential savings based on estimated self-employment tax savings of sole proprietor (Schedule C) users with over $40,000 in profit in 2023 by taking an S Corp election and filing in 2024, net of salary payments and payroll taxes. Election must generally be made by the due date of the return for the year prior to the year the S Corp election is to take place. Savings requires payment of a reasonable salary. Other requirements apply, and additional fees like tax preparation and payroll services are not included. Overall tax savings will vary based on your circumstances. All tax situations are different. Taxes are only one consideration in determining whether to form a business. You may want to seek the advice of an attorney to evaluate all of the relevant considerations. Block Advisors Business Formation Products and Services provide automated online tools that you can use to help meet your business formation needs and are not tailored to your particular situation. See our FAQs for more information.
Enrolled Agent: Enrolled Agents do not provide legal representation; signed Power of Attorney required. Audit services constitute tax advice only. Consult an attorney for legal advice. Void where prohibited.
5 Million+ Switchers: Total number of new customers using assisted or DIY tax solutions regardless of other prior tax preparer or method.
$150 Off Bookkeeping: Valid at participating U.S. offices for $150 off for full-service bookkeeping for new clients only. Valid 12-month engagement letter required. After the application of the discount in this offer, you will be charged monthly at the amount in the engagement letter. Discount may not be combined with any other offer or promotion. Void if transferred and where prohibited. Coupon must be presented prior to start of bookkeeping services. A new client is an individual who has not used H&R Block or Block Advisors for bookkeeping services. No cash value. H&R Block employees are excluded. Expires Dec. 31, 2024. ©2024 HRB Tax Group, Inc.
Tax Professional Certification: Our small business tax professional certification is awarded by Block Advisors, a part of H&R Block, based upon successful completion of proprietary training. Our Block Advisors small business services are available at participating Block Advisors and H&R Block offices nationwide.
Send A Friend Expat: You’ll receive a $50 discount for each new client you refer that completes a 2023 tax return with H&R Block Expat Tax Services. A new client is someone who did not use H&R Block Expat Tax Services within the past 2 years. The discount will be applied for each new client after they prepare and pay for their tax return with H&R Block Expat Tax Services. Discounts will be applied to your next tax return prepared by H&R Block Expat Tax Services.
Business Formation Tax Savings ($50k Profit): Example savings based on average estimated tax savings of sole proprietor (Schedule C) with $50,000 in profit in 2022 compared to a similar S Corp election paying a reasonable salary of $25,000. Savings are net of salary payments and payroll taxes. Additional fees like tax preparation and payroll services are not included. Individual tax savings will vary based on your circumstances. All tax situations are different.
Forming an Entity: The decision to form a business entity is an important one that includes many considerations. You may want to seek the advice of an attorney to evaluate all of the relevant considerations. Block Advisors Business Formation Products and Services provide automated online tools that you can use to help meet your business formation needs but are not specifically tailored to you or any particular situation.
Audit Support: See Terms and Conditions for details. H&R Block does not provide legal representation. Business tax audit support does not include reimbursement of any taxes, penalties, or interest imposed by tax authorities.
30% Savings: Up to 30% savings reflects average savings compared to a typical accountant or CPA based on national average fees for Federal Form 1040 plus Schedule C and one state filing in latest available 2020 survey conducted by the National Society of Accountants. All tax situations are different. Pricing will vary based on individual circumstances.
50% Savings: Up to 50% savings reflects average savings compared to a typical accountant or CPA based on national average fees for Federal Form 1065, 1120, and 1120S in latest available 2020 survey conducted by the National Society of Accountants. All tax situations are different. Pricing will vary based on individual circumstances.
Free Online vs TurboTax: Qualification for free filing with H&R Block Free Online and TurboTax Free Edition is based on specific criteria. Eligibility requirements may vary. TurboTax is a registered trademark of Intuit, Inc.
ITIN Number: Available only at participating H&R Block offices. CAA service not available at all locations. H&R Block does not provide immigration services. An ITIN is an identification number issued by the U.S. government for tax reporting only. Having an ITIN does not change your immigration status. You are required to meet government requirements to receive your ITIN. Additional fees and restrictions may apply.
ITIN Dependents: For tax years beginning after 2017, applicants claimed as dependents must also prove U.S. residency unless the applicant is a dependent of U.S. military personnel stationed overseas. A passport that doesn’t have a date of entry won’t be accepted as a stand-alone identification document for dependents.
ITIN Documents: Supporting Identification Documents must be original or copies certified by the issuing agency. Original supporting documentation for dependents must be included in the application.
Refund Advance loan: This is an optional tax refund-related loan from Pathward®, N.A.; it is not your tax refund. Loans are offered in amounts of $250, $500, $750, $1,250 or $4,000. Approval and loan amount based on expected refund amount, eligibility criteria, and underwriting. If approved, funds will be disbursed as directed to a prepaid card or checking account at Pathward. The loan amount will be deducted from your tax refund, and any remaining balance will be sent to you. Tax returns may be e-filed without applying for this loan. Fees for other optional products or product features may apply. Limited time offer at participating locations. H&R Block Maine License No. FRA2. OBTP#13696-BR.
Emerald Card: H&R Block Emerald Prepaid Mastercard® is issued by Pathward®, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to license by Mastercard. Mastercard and the circles design are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated. Additional fees, terms and conditions apply; consult your Cardholder Agreement for details. ©2023 HRB Tax Group, Inc.
Emerald Card Direct Deposit: Payroll, unemployment, government benefits and other direct deposit funds are available on effective date of settlement with provider. Please check with your employer or benefits provider as they may not offer direct deposit or partial direct deposit. Faster access to funds is based on comparison of traditional banking policies for check deposits versus electronic direct deposit.
Emerald Advance Loan: H&R Block Emerald Advance® Loan originated by Pathward®, N.A., Member FDIC. Subject to eligibility and credit approval. Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is 35.9%. Loan amounts vary from $350-$1,300. If approved, loan proceeds will be disbursed as directed to prepaid card or checking account at Pathward®. Additional terms and conditions apply, see account agreements for details. Offered for a limited time at participating locations.
Emerald Card ATM: When you use an ATM, in addition to the fee charged by the bank, you may be charged an additional fee by the ATM operator. See your Cardholder Agreement for details on all ATM fees.
Emerald Card Retail Reload: Emerald Card Retail Reload Providers may charge a convenience fee. Any Retail Reload Fee is an independent fee assessed by the individual retailer only and is not assessed by H&R Block or Pathward.
Refund Transfer: A Refund Transfer Account is an optional tax refund-related product provided by Pathward®, N.A., Member FDIC. $42 fee applies. This is a bank deposit product, not a loan. You can file your return and receive your refund without purchasing a Refund Transfer. Payments you authorize from your account will be deducted from your refund, and any remaining balance will be sent to you. Qualifying expected tax refund and e-filing required. Other restrictions apply; see terms and conditions for details. H&R Block Maine License Number: FRA2. OBTP#13696-BR.
Emerald Card Mobile Update Fee: Neither H&R Block nor Pathward® charges a fee for Emerald Card mobile updates; however, standard text messaging and data rates may apply.
Emerald Card Mastercard Zero Liability: US Mastercard Zero Liability does not apply to commercial accounts (except for small business card programs). Conditions and exceptions apply — see your Cardholder Agreement for details about reporting lost or stolen cards and liability for unauthorized transactions.
Emerald Card Check to Card: The Check-to-Card service is provided by Sunrise Banks, N.A. and Ingo Money, Inc., subject to the Sunrise Banks and Ingo Money Service Terms and Conditions, the Ingo Money Privacy Policy, and the Sunrise Banks, N.A. Privacy Policy. Approval review usually takes 3 to 5 minutes but can take up to one hour. All checks are subject to approval for funding in Ingo Money’s sole discretion. Fees apply for approved Money in Minutes transactions funded to your card or account. Unapproved checks will not be funded to your card or account. Ingo Money reserves the right to recover losses resulting from illegal or fraudulent use of the Ingo Money Service. Your wireless carrier may charge a fee for data usage. Additional transaction fees, costs, terms and conditions may be associated with the funding and use of your card or account. See your Cardholder or Account Agreement for details.
Emerald Card Linked Account Transfer: Transferring funds from another bank account to your Emerald Card may not be available to all cardholders and other terms and conditions apply. There are limits on the total amount you can transfer and how often you can request transfers. Pathward does not charge a fee for this service; please see your bank for details on its fees.
Income Tax Course: Enrollment in, or completion of, the H&R Block Income Tax Course or Tax Knowledge Assessment is neither an offer nor a guarantee of employment. Additional qualifications may be required. Enrollment restrictions apply. There is no tuition fee for the H&R Block Income Tax Course; however, you may be required to purchase course materials, which may be non-refundable. State restrictions may apply. The Income Tax Course consists of 40 hours of instruction at the federal level, 70 hours of instruction in Maryland, 81 hours of instruction in California, and 81 hours of instruction in Oregon. Additional time commitments outside of class, including homework, will vary by student. Additional training or testing may be required in CA, OR, and other states. Valid at participating locations only. Void where prohibited. This course is not open to any persons who are currently employed by or seeking employment with any professional tax preparation company or organization other than H&R Block. During the Income Tax Course, should H&R Block learn of any student’s employment or intended employment with a competing professional tax preparation company, H&R Block reserves the right to immediately cancel the student’s enrollment. The student will be required to return all course materials. CTEC# 1040-QE-2864 ©2024 HRB Tax Group, Inc.

H&R Block has been approved by the California Tax Education Council to offer The H&R Block Income Tax Course, CTEC# 1040-QE-2864, which fulfills the 60-hour “qualifying education” requirement imposed by the State of California to become a tax preparer. A listing of additional requirements to register as a tax preparer may be obtained by contacting CTEC at P.O. Box 2890, Sacramento, CA 95812-2890; or at www.ctec.org.
Price Match Offer: Switch to H&R Block (“HRB”) and we will match the price you paid your credentialed tax preparer or Qualified Competitor up to 50% off HRB’s price to prepare your 2024 personal income tax return (the “Offer”). Offer is valid for new in-person HRB and Block Advisors clients only. Offer Period: January 6, 2025 – February 28, 2025. Offer only applies to personal income tax return for 2024 taxes filed in calendar year 2025. Customer eligibility will be at the sole discretion of the HRB tax professional. Customer must provide an eligible receipt, at the time of tax preparation, for 2023 federal and state preparation by a credentialed tax preparer or Qualified Competitor and excludes do it yourself tax preparation services (“Eligible Receipt”). Qualified Competitors include but are not limited to TurboTax, Liberty Tax, or Jackson Hewitt. The Eligible Receipt must be a valid receipt as determined by HRB. Excludes H&R Block Online, Tax Pro Review, and H&R Block Small Business services and entity returns. A new client is an individual who did not use Block Advisors or H&R Block office services to prepare their 2023 return. Discount is not available in combination with any other offers or promotions. No discount will reduce the price of services below $89. HRB reserves the right to modify or terminate this offer at any time for any reason in its sole discretion. Valid only at participating locations. Offer is available only to legal US residents. OBTP#B13696-BR. ©2025 HRB Tax Group, Inc.
Based on prices on TurboTax.com on January 6, 2025. TurboTax is a registered trademark of Intuit, Inc.
Price Estimate: We will notify you if there is a change in your tax situation that requires a price adjustment.