H&R Block Topples TurboTax in 2026: Why 'Pro Support' Just Became the Industry Standard

For the first time in a decade, the hierarchy of the DIY tax world has actually shifted. As of January 2026, H&R Block has overtaken TurboTax to claim CNET's title for 'Best Overall Tax Software'—specifically citing its dominance in 'tax pro support.'

But if you look closer, this isn't really a software review story. It's a concession. The "do it yourself" era is ending because the software giants are finally admitting what logistics and gig economy pros have known for years: Algorithms are fast, but they miss things.

Here is what the ranking shake-up means for your refund, the new $80 trucker per diem, and why having a human in the loop is no longer optional.

Key Takeaways

The Crown Has Passed: H&R Block defeated TurboTax in 2026 rankings, largely due to superior access to human tax professionals (CNET, 2026).
Truckers Get a Raise: The IRS increased the special transportation per diem to $80/day for the 2025 tax year—a deduction generic AI often misses (IRS Notice 2024-68).
AI + Human: The new industry standard is Hybrid Filing—combining AI speed with human verification to prevent audit triggers.
Switching Incentives: H&R Block is offering free "Tax Pro Review" for new clients who switch before Feb 28, 2026, targeting dissatisfied TurboTax users.

The End of Pure DIY: Why 'Pro Support' Won

For ten years, tax software marketing had one job: make filing from your phone look easy. Fast forward to 2026, and the narrative has flipped. The feature that pushed H&R Block past TurboTax wasn't a slicker interface or a better chatbot—it was the ability to book tax consultation online with a living, breathing person who actually understands the tax code.

Robin Hartill, a Certified Financial Planner at CNET, noted in her January 2026 review that H&R Block "strikes the right balance between price, ease of use and depth." That makes it the safer recommendation for complex filers. Even the company's CEO, Curtis Campbell, reinforced this pivot, stating they are blending "AI-powered efficiency with the irreplaceable expertise and judgement of our tax professionals."

Hybrid Filing — A tax preparation method where initial data entry is automated by software (AI), but the final return is reviewed and optimized by a certified human accountant (CPA or Enrolled Agent) before submission.

Why does this matter? Because the tax code for 2025 introduced nuances that software logic struggles to interpret without human context. If you run an LLC or work as an independent contractor, "easy" usually just means "expensive mistakes." I've watched the market slowly realize that saving $50 on software isn't worth losing $2,000 in missed deductions.

The $3,300 Missed Deduction: Trucker Per Diem Rates 2025

The biggest story for owner-operators isn't the software interface. It's the math underneath. For the 2025 tax year, the IRS raised the special transportation per diem rate to $80 per day for travel within the continental U.S. (CONUS), effective October 1, 2024 (IRS Notice 2024-68). That is a significant jump from the previous $69 rate.

Let's do the math. If you are on the road for 300 days a year:

Old Rate ($69): $20,700 deduction value
New Rate ($80): $24,000 deduction value
Difference: $3,300 in additional deductions

Here is the catch: Generic tax software often defaults to the standard CONUS rate for business travelers (which is different) or requires you to manually override old settings. Without a "Pro Support" review—or a dedicated industry specialist like USTAXX—you could easily click "yes" on a default setting and walk away from thousands of dollars. The 80% deduction limit still applies to meals, but the base rate increase is pure profit protection for fleet owners. You just have to claim it correctly.

"The transportation special meals and incidental expense (M&IE) rates increase significantly from the 2024 rate of $69 per day to $80 per day in 2025." — IRS Notice 2024-68

Gig Workers: The Import War Heats Up

If you drive for Uber, Lyft, or DoorDash, the friction of tax season usually comes down to data entry. H&R Block's 2026 update includes a direct import feature for 1099-NEC and 1099-K forms, designed specifically to bypass manual entry for rideshare drivers. CNET editors highlighted this as a win for anyone juggling multiple gig jobs.

However, gig economy tax help requires more than just importing income; it requires optimizing expenses. While the software can pull your earnings, it cannot automatically verify if your mileage log matches your "active" vs. "online" time. This is where the human element becomes critical. A tax pro can spot if your mileage deduction looks disproportionately low compared to your income—a common error that leads to overpaying taxes.

For 2026, H&R Block is offering a 20% discount specifically to DoorDash drivers, signaling an aggressive push to capture this market from TurboTax. If you are switching, look for their "Direct Import" tool which now pulls up to 150 data fields from your previous year's return.

Standard Deduction vs. Itemizing in 2026

Before you pay for a premium "Pro Support" package, you need to know if you are even itemizing. According to updated inflation adjustments, for the 2025 tax year, the standard deduction has increased to:

$15,750 for Single Filers
$31,500 for Married Filing Jointly

For many W-2 employees, this increase makes itemizing irrelevant. But for small business owners (LLCs, S-Corps) and owner-operators, the standard deduction is personal, not business. Your business expenses (fuel, insurance, leasing costs) are deducted above the line (on Schedule C) before you even touch the standard deduction.

This is a common confusion point. We often see drivers take the standard deduction and assume they cannot deduct their truck expenses. That is incorrect. You can claim your business expenses and take the standard personal deduction. This is exactly the kind of nuance a multi-state tax return preparation expert catches that a "Quick File" wizard might obscure.

Capital Gains and Investment Income

Another area where professional support earns its keep is investment income. If you have been putting your surplus cash into the market, you need taxes on stocks and dividends explained clearly before you file. For the 2025 tax year, the capital gains tax rate remains 0% for single filers with taxable income under $48,350 (IRS Rev. Proc. 2024-40).

If your net business income (after all those truck deductions) pushes your taxable income below that threshold, you might owe zero federal tax on your investment gains. Strategizing your deductions to hit that target is a move a human advisor suggests. Software rarely prompts it.

Comparison: DIY vs. Pro Support vs. Dedicated Industry Firm

Not all support is created equal. Here is how the 2026 market stacks up for a typical Owner-Operator or Gig Worker.

The Verdict: Why Experts Win

The 2026 software rankings confirm a shift: Technology is a tool, not a replacement for expertise. H&R Block's victory lies in acknowledging that users need help.

For simple W-2 returns, the new AI tools are fantastic. But if your return involves a Schedule C, depreciation schedules for a semi-truck, or multi-state tax return preparation for OTR routes, the "Best Pro Support" award is a reminder. The goal isn't just to file; it's to file correctly. Whether you choose the new H&R Block hybrid options or a dedicated partner like USTAXX, ensure there is a human eye on your current per diem rates for truck drivers 2025. The algorithms are getting better, but they aren't driving the truck.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the trucker per diem rate for the 2025 tax year? A: The rate is $80 per day for travel within the continental United States (CONUS), effective October 1, 2024 (IRS Notice 2024-68). This applies to the full 2025 tax year filed in 2026. This is an $11 increase from the previous standard, offering roughly $3,300 in additional deductions for a full-time driver.

Q: Can I book a tax consultation online with H&R Block if I use the free version? A: Generally, on-demand video access to a tax pro is reserved for paid tiers (Deluxe, Premium, and Self-Employed). However, for the 2026 season, H&R Block has introduced "AI Tax Assist" for all paid users and specific promotions offering free "Tax Pro Review" for new clients switching before February 28, 2026.

Q: Is LegalZoom good for filing taxes for my LLC? A: LegalZoom vs professional tax filing is a common debate. LegalZoom specializes in business formation (creating your LLC). While they partner with tax firms, services like H&R Block's "Block Advisors" or dedicated firms like USTAXX are better equipped for the ongoing annual tax filing, bookkeeping, and payroll needs of an operating business.

Q: How do the new tax brackets for 2025 affect my S-Corp? A: S-Corps are pass-through entities, meaning the business profit is taxed at your personal rate. The 2025 tax brackets have been adjusted for inflation, and the standard deduction has risen to $15,750 for singles. This means you can earn more money this year before moving into a higher tax bracket compared to 2024.

Q: At what income level do I pay 0% capital gains tax in 2025? A: For the 2025 tax year, single filers pay 0% on long-term capital gains if their taxable income is $48,350 or less (IRS Rev. Proc. 2024-40). For married couples filing jointly, the 0% threshold is $96,700.