H&R Block franchise
H&R Block is the largest US tax preparation brand. Franchisees run offices preparing tax returns and offering bookkeeping and payroll for small businesses, with most revenue coming in tax season. At the end of its 2026 fiscal year there were 8,561 H&R Block locations in the US, 1,816 franchised and 6,745 company-owned, so most are run by the company itself.
- Cost to open
- $36K–$161K
- Franchise fee
- $2,500
- Royalty
- 40–60%
- Locations, 2026
- 8,561−523 in 3 yrs
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Company snapshot
- Franchisor based in
- Kansas City, Missouri
- Time to open
- 30 to 120 days after signing
- Agreement length
- About 10 tax seasons
- Territory
- Protected territory
- Financing
- Some financing offered
From H&R Block Tax Services LLC’s 2026 filing.
How much a H&R Block franchise costs
Opening an H&R Block franchise in a new territory costs an estimated $35,780 to $161,050. That covers the franchise fee and everything else needed to open, through the first months of working capital.
Source: H&R Block Tax Services LLC, 2026 filing, page 18
H&R Block franchise fee
The franchise fee is $2,500, per franchise licence. You pay it when you sign the franchise agreement.
Source: H&R Block Tax Services LLC, 2026 filing, page 16
Royalty and ongoing fees
| Royalty | 60% of the first $5,000 of revenue each year (50% if paid on time) and 40% of revenue above $5,000. |
|---|
Source: H&R Block Tax Services LLC, 2026 filing, page 16
Sales and earnings
No figures H&R Block does not share sales or profit figures for its locations. Talking to current and former franchise owners is the usual way to learn what a location earns.
Source: H&R Block Tax Services LLC, 2026 filing, page 42
Locations opened and closed
| Year | Franchised | Company-owned | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2,135 (−204) | 6,629 | 204 |
| 2025 | 1,987 (−148) | 6,701 | 149 |
| 2026 | 1,816 (−171) | 6,745 | 198 |
Closed or left counts terminations, non-renewals, locations bought back by the franchisor and locations that stopped operating. Years are the franchisor's fiscal years, ending June 30.
Source: H&R Block Tax Services LLC, 2026 filing, page 43
Other tax franchises
H&R Block franchise questions
How long does it take to open a H&R Block?
30 to 120 days after signing, according to H&R Block's 2026 filing. Finding a site, permits and build-out are what usually stretch it.
Does H&R Block help with financing?
Yes, in some cases. H&R Block may finance part of the cost, such as the franchise fee, for qualified buyers; terms are in its filing.
Do H&R Block franchisees get a protected territory?
Yes. H&R Block assigns a protected territory where it won't open or license another location while you meet the agreement's terms.
How long is a H&R Block franchise agreement?
The initial term is about 10 tax seasons. Renewal is usually possible if you're in good standing, often for a fee and a remodel.
Is H&R Block growing or shrinking?
Over the last 3 years 30 franchised locations opened and 551 closed or left, a net change of −22.4%.
Does H&R Block say how much franchisees make?
No, H&R Block doesn't publish sales or profit figures for its locations. Current and former owners are the best source.
Where is H&R Block based?
H&R Block Tax Services LLC is based in Kansas City, Missouri.