Comparison · updated monthly
H&R Block Expat brings brand trust and full 50-state e-file today. But its DIY product is thin on Form 8621, and the assisted option is CPA-priced.
H&R Block Expat offers two paths: a self-guided DIY product and assisted 'Expat Tax Advisors'. The brand carries real trust and — importantly — full 50-state e-file is live today. The trade-off is that the DIY product is thin on Form 8621, and getting expert help means assisted, CPA-priced service. Atamatax is purpose-built self-serve software for the PFIC / Form 8621 case, with a flat price and a free draft.
Who H&R Block Expat is for
H&R Block Expat fits filers who want a household-name brand, need e-file and a state return done today, or want the option to escalate to a human advisor — and whose foreign investments are simple enough that thin PFIC coverage isn't a blocker.
Side-by-side
Model
- Atamatax
- Self-serve software, PFIC-specialized.
- H&R Block Expat
- DIY product plus assisted Expat Tax Advisors.
Pricing
- Atamatax Winner
- $299 / $499 / $799 flat per return, published.
- H&R Block Expat
- DIY tiered; assisted is CPA-priced.
Free draft before paying
- Atamatax Winner
- Full draft free; you only pay to finalise.
- H&R Block Expat
- No free finished draft before payment.
Form 8621 (PFIC)
- Atamatax Winner
- Core specialty; built-in, up to 25 per return.
- H&R Block Expat
- DIY product is thin on 8621; depth needs assisted.
FBAR (FinCEN 114) & FATCA (Form 8938)
- Atamatax
- Generated in the same flow.
- H&R Block Expat
- Supported across DIY and assisted.
Treaty positions (Form 8833)
- Atamatax Winner
- Dedicated FR / UK / DE / CA / AU desks.
- H&R Block Expat
- Best handled via assisted advisors.
Brand trust & support reach
- Atamatax
- Independent specialist; refers complex cases to CPAs.
- H&R Block Expat Winner
- Established brand with assisted human advisors.
Integrated e-file
- Atamatax
- PDF package today; e-file Q3 2026 (EFIN pending).
- H&R Block Expat Winner
- Full e-file across all 50 states today.
State returns
- Atamatax
- Federal-only in v1.
- H&R Block Expat Winner
- 50 states.
The marked column indicates which product handles the feature more completely as of June 2026. We update this page when their offering changes — tell us if it's out of date.
Bottom line
If you value a household-name brand, need e-file and a state return done today, or want the safety net of an assisted advisor, H&R Block Expat delivers — and its e-file is live now while ours ships Q3 2026. If your return centers on PFICs / Form 8621 and you want self-serve software with a transparent flat price and a free draft, Atamatax goes deeper on exactly that.
Try it free
The draft is always free. You only pay when you finalise.
Start the wizard, see your real numbers, and decide from there.