H&R Block is a tax preparation company known for its expertise in tax filing services, offering individuals and businesses reliable and accurate tax preparation assistance to maximize refunds and minimize liabilities.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
2339
+
-15%
-15%
Franchise fee
?
$2,500
Investment
?
$32,000 - $158,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$0
+
n.a.
n.a.
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H&R Blockis a leading tax preparation and financial services franchise, founded in 1955 in Kansas City, Missouri. Brothers Henry W. Bloch and Richard Bloch started the company after offering bookkeeping and tax services under United Business Company. Today, the company is headquartered at One H&R Block Way in downtown Kansas City.
The franchise began expanding in 1956 when H&R Block opened its first independently owned office. Since then, the franchise network has grown to include thousands of locations across the United States, serving millions of individuals and small businesses annually.
H&R Block specializes in tax return preparation, both in-person and online. It also provides payroll services, small business support, and financial tools such as prepaid cards and identity protection.
The brand sets itself apart with a hybrid service model that combines human expertise with advanced digital technology, giving clients convenience and confidence during tax season.
Initial investment
The initial investment required for a H&R Block franchise is
$32,000 - $158,000.
That is the total cost you would need to finance if you were to start this franchise.
These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$2,500
Real property
$1,400 - $30,000
Leasehold improvements; construction costs
$0 - $50,000
Signage
$1,200 - $6,500
Furniture and decor items
$15,000 - $30,000
Equipment
$8,000 - $12,000
Opening
$500 - $1,000
Initial training expenses
$1,500 - $3,000
Start-up supplies
$500
Insurance
$620 - $1,037
Zoning expenses
$0 - $500
Utility deposits
$50 - $300
Architect design
$0 - $4,500
Professional fees
$0 - $2,500
Additional funds
$430 - $12,000
Applicable business licenses, if required
$0 - $1,800
TOTAL
$31,700 - $158,137
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Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$2,500
Real property
$1,400 - $30,000
Leasehold improvements; construction costs
$0 - $50,000
Signage
$1,200 - $6,500
Furniture and decor items
$15,000 - $30,000
Equipment
$8,000 - $12,000
Opening
$500 - $1,000
Initial training expenses
$1,500 - $3,000
Start-up supplies
$500
Insurance
$620 - $1,037
Zoning expenses
$0 - $500
Utility deposits
$50 - $300
Architect design
$0 - $4,500
Professional fees
$0 - $2,500
Additional funds
$430 - $12,000
Applicable business licenses, if required
$0 - $1,800
TOTAL
$31,700 - $158,137
Franchise Disclosure Document
Below is H&R Block's 2023 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.
Number of units
H&R Block had 8921 total units in 2023, of which 2339 were franchised-owned and 6582 company-owned.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the royalty fee?
The royalty fee for a H&R Block franchise is 60% of the first $5,000. In addition, you would have to pay the advertising (or national brand fund) fee of n.a..
What is the total investment?
The initial investment required for a H&R Block franchise is $32,000 - $158,000. That is the total cost you would need to finance if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
What is the initial franchise fee?
The initial franchise fee for a H&R Block franchise is $2,500. This is typically paid upfront as part of the total initial investment, after signature of the Franchise Agreeement.
H&R Block provides comprehensive training programs to its franchisees as part of its franchisor support obligations. The training is categorized into several structured programs:
Initial Training This training is mandatory for all new franchisees and is conducted quarterly. It begins with an in-person session in Kansas City, MO, followed by virtual sessions. Topics include office operations, H&R Block software, products and services, compliance, marketing, and client service. The program includes approximately 35 hours of virtual instruction and 16 hours of on-the-job training. It’s designed to establish foundational knowledge for new franchisees and their management-level staff.
Ongoing Tax Preparation Training Franchisees and their employees can attend the H&R Block Income Tax Course (ITC), offered virtually and across the U.S. This course covers tax return preparation. While most locations charge a materials fee, the course itself is free. Additional web-based and instructor-led tax training sessions are also available for a fee.
Annual Required Training Each year, H&R Block mandates approximately 16 hours of training on its latest products, services, and compliance matters. Although the training is free, franchisees must cover any associated costs, such as employee wages.
Territory Protection
H&R Block provides a degree of territory protection to its franchisees under the Franchise License Agreement (FLA). Franchisees are granted the right to operate their business from an “Approved Location” within a specific “Franchise Territory” approved in writing by H&R Block.
The scope of the Franchise Territory varies—urban areas often receive a mapped territory or specific address, while rural areas may be defined by the municipal boundaries of a town or city.
This territorial grant typically ensures that no other H&R Block franchisee or company-operated office using the H&R Block marks and systems can operate within the defined territory, except as specified in the agreement. However, franchisees are permitted to serve clients from outside their territory and advertise in media that may extend beyond it.