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
- On-screen draft free; pay to generate the PDF package.
- 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
- Draft PDF package; no integrated e-file or transmission.
- 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 July 2026. We update this page when their offering changes — tell us if it's out of date.
Bottom line
If you need integrated e-file, a state return, or an assisted advisor, Atamatax does not provide those today. Atamatax instead provides self-serve PFIC / Form 8621 calculations and a reviewable draft package; you file outside the product.
Try it free
The on-screen draft is free. You pay when you generate the PDF package.
Start the wizard, see your real numbers, and decide from there.