FREE Franchise Guide!
2023 Franchise 500 Rank
#217 Ranked #201 last year
See the Full List
Initial investment
$32K - $158K
Units as of 2022
9,935 3% over 3 years

Established in 1955 by brothers Henry and Richard Bloch, H&R Block is one of the most well-known tax preparation services nationwide. Since its inception, the company has prepared hundreds of millions of taxes. It has spread globally, serving Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories and military bases. H&R Block also has a strong presence in Canada, where it has over 500 franchises. In the U.S., H&R Block has over 2,000 franchises.

Guided by the same principle now as it was back then, H&R Block wants to help its clients and communities by providing excellent service. 

Why You May Want to Start an H&R Block Franchise

The "Block" in H&R Block is no longer just a play on the founders' last name. It represents the blocks—the communities—the company is a part of. Launching "Make Every Block Count" H&R Block tries to help small businesses make the connections they need to thrive. They also might provide online tax preparation tools so everyone can benefit from H&R Block's services, even if a physical location isn't nearby.

To join the H&R Block team, you should make sure you are ready for an initial investment made up of a franchise fee and other startup costs. Additionally, you should prepare yourself for ongoing fees that will consist of royalty fees, among others. 

What Might Make H&R Block Franchise a Good Choice?

As a franchisee, there are a few options available to you when it comes to taking on the H&R Block name. You can either buy or sell. However, the company usually emphasizes joining the franchise by selling your business.

H&R Block may be willing to buy out your existing tax preparation business for a competitive price. The company typically encourages you to stay on board until you're ready to retire. This may help you create long and short-term exit strategies for you and your business. As part of the purchase agreement, H&R Block may keep your employees; you may receive cash up front, experience a smooth, co-branding transition, and rest easy knowing you are in good hands.

If you start a franchise from the ground up, you may search for available franchise locations on their website. New franchisees might undergo about double the hours of corporate training that returning tax professionals receive. This may be one of many ways H&R Block continues to support its franchisees throughout their tenure. The company might also help you with marketing and SEO, security and safety, and lease negotiations, among others.

How to Start an H&R Block Franchise

Whether you're selling your existing tax agency or starting from scratch, the first step in starting your H&R Block franchise is to take a look at the competition in your location. How fragmented is the market? Do you feel like your area could benefit from an H&R Block?

During the process, a local developer may contact you to discuss your interest. You'll usually need to provide some basic information, including how many tax returns your company filed the year prior. With due diligence and a down payment, you may be able to join the family and become a part of H&R Block’s history of making positive changes in the community.

Find Your Perfect Franchise

Company Overview

About H&R Block

Founded
1955
Leadership
Jeff Jones, President & CEO
Corporate Address
One H&R Block Wy.
Kansas City, MO 64105

Business Overview

Franchising Since
1956 (67 years)
# of employees at HQ
2,500
Where seeking

This company is offering new franchisees throughout the US.

This company is offering new franchisees in the following international regions: Asia, Australia/New Zealand, Canada

# of Units
9,935 (as of 2022)

Information for Franchisees

Here’s what you need to know if you’re interested in opening a H&R Block franchise.

Financial Requirements & Ongoing Fees

Here’s what you can expect to spend to start the business and what ongoing fees the franchisor charges throughout the life of the business.

Initial Franchise Fee
$2,500
Initial Investment
$31,557 - $157,898
Royalty Fee
30%
Term of Agreement
10 years
Is franchise term renewable?
Yes
Take Our Free Franchise Quiz!

Financing Options

Some franchisors offer in-house financing, while others have relationships with third-party financing sources to which they refer qualified franchisees.

In-House Financing
H&R Block offers in-house financing to cover the following: equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, payroll

Training & Support Offered

Franchisors offer initial training programs and a variety of ongoing support options to help franchisees run their businesses.

On-The-Job Training
16 hours
Classroom Training
35 hours
Ongoing Support
Purchasing Co-ops
Newsletter
Meetings & Conventions
Toll-Free Line
Grand Opening
Online Support
Security & Safety Procedures
Lease Negotiation
Field Operations
Site Selection
Proprietary Software
Franchisee Intranet Platform
Marketing Support
Co-op Advertising
Ad Templates
National Media
Regional Advertising
Social Media
SEO
Website Development
Email Marketing
Loyalty Program/App

Operations

Additional details about running this franchise.

Is absentee ownership allowed?
No
Can this franchise be run from home/mobile unit?
No
Can this franchise be run part time?
No
Are exclusive territories available?
Yes
Take our quick quiz to find your ideal franchise

Interested in ownership opportunities like H&R Block? Request a free consultation with a Franchise Advisor now.

Franchise 500 Ranking History

Compare where H&R Block landed on this year’s Franchise 500 Ranking versus previous years.

Additional Rankings

Curious to know where H&R Block ranked on other franchise lists? Find out below.

Want to stay updated on the latest franchise news?

Never miss a beat when you sign up to receive our newsletter.

We care about the protection of your data. Read our Privacy Policy

Related Franchises

Are you eager to see what else is out there? Browse franchises that are similar to H&R Block.

Payroll Vault

Payroll and workforce management services

Pure Barre

Barre fitness classes and apparel

UPS Store, The

Postal, business, printing, and communications services

Related Franchise Content

Catch up on the latest franchise news, trends, and more.

Everything You Need to Know About Franchise Law

Franchising is a legal agreement between a franchisor and a franchisee — and with that comes a set of regulations you must follow.

These Are the Top 10 Recreation Franchises to Buy in 2023

From boating to painting, recreation concepts can make being a franchise owner fun.

The Anatomy Of A Franchise Disclosure Document

Here's a break down your most tedious -- and valuable -- franchise research tool so you understand the ins and outs before signing.

Jeff Elgin

Panera Bread Is Testing a Sci-Fi-Esque Amazon Payment System — and Privacy Concerns Abound

The tech's already been pulled from one major Colorado venue after pushback.

Amanda Breen

6 Questions to Ask Before You Begin Your Franchise Search

When exploring franchises to buy, there are some crucial factors you should consider.

The 5 Items in Your Franchise Disclosure Document That Can Make or Break a Real Estate Deal

This document helps potential franchisees make informed decisions about investing in the franchise.

Roxanne Klein

Disclaimer
The information on this page is not intended as an endorsement or recommendation of any particular franchise or business opportunity by Entrepreneur Media. Our listings and rankings are solely research tools you can use to compare opportunities. Entrepreneur stresses that you should always conduct your own independent investigation before investing in a franchise or business opportunity. That should include reviewing the company’s legal documents, consulting with an attorney and an accountant, and talking to former and current franchisees/licensees/dealers.
Updated: December 12th, 2022