H&R Block franchise: cost, fees and total investment
Short answer: The H&R Block franchise fee is $2,500 and the total initial investment ranges from $33,824 to $158,344, with about $15,000 in liquid cash required, based on franchise disclosure data compiled in October 2026. Confirm current figures in Items 5 and 7 of the H&R Block FDD.
What are the H&R Block franchise fees and investment?
The H&R Block franchise requires a franchise fee of $2,500 and a total initial investment of $33,824 to $158,344. The franchise fee is one line inside the total investment, which also covers location, equipment, opening inventory and working capital.
| Franchise fee (FDD Item 5) | $2,500 |
|---|---|
| Total initial investment (FDD Item 7) | $33,824 to $158,344 |
| Minimum liquid cash | $15,000 |
| US locations | 8,764 |
| Industry | Business Services (Accounting & Insurance) |
| Headquarters | Kansas City, Missouri |
| Founded | 2008 |
| Franchising since | 2008 |
How does the H&R Block investment compare with other business services franchises?
H&R Block's minimum investment of $33,824 is at or below the median minimum investment of $67,093 across the 220 business services franchises in the SelectFranchiseList database. 172 of the other 219 brands in this industry start at a higher investment. Its franchise fee starting at $2,500 compares with an industry median of $35,000.
By minimum investment, H&R Block belongs with franchises under $50,000.
What should you verify in the H&R Block FDD?
Verify six parts of the H&R Block Franchise Disclosure Document before you sign, because figures change with every annual FDD:
- Item 5 and Item 6: the current franchise fee, royalty, marketing fund and technology fees.
- Item 7: the full investment range by expense line, including working capital.
- Item 19: whether H&R Block discloses financial performance data, and which units it covers.
- Item 20: openings, closures and transfers, plus contacts for current and former franchisees.
- Item 21: the franchisor's audited financial statements.
- Item 12: whether your territory is protected.
The full list of Items is in the FDD guide. You must receive the FDD at least 14 calendar days before you sign a binding agreement or pay any money.
Which franchises are similar to H&R Block?
These business services franchises have the closest minimum investment to H&R Block:
| Franchise | Franchise fee | Total investment |
|---|---|---|
| Co/LAB | $30,000 | $33,650 to $119,000 |
| Strategic Leaders Academy | $25,000 | $33,650 to $47,500 |
| My Gateway Tax Service | $20,000 | $33,600 to $53,700 |
| Fortune Practice Management | $10,000 to $100,000 | $33,100 to $150,000 |
| Freeway Insurance | $10,000 to $25,000 | $34,950 to $84,000 |
See every brand in business services franchises.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a H&R Block franchise cost?
The total initial investment for a H&R Block franchise ranges from $33,824 to $158,344, including a franchise fee of $2,500, according to franchise disclosure data compiled in October 2026. The exact amount depends on location, build-out and working capital, as shown in Item 7 of the FDD.
How much cash do you need to open a H&R Block franchise?
H&R Block lists a minimum of about $15,000 in liquid cash. Lenders usually finance part of the remaining investment, and the franchisor confirms its capital requirements during qualification.
How many H&R Block locations are there?
H&R Block reported 8,764 US locations in the data compiled in October 2026. Item 20 of the FDD shows openings, closures and transfers for the last three years.
How long has H&R Block been franchising?
H&R Block started offering franchises in 2008 after the company was founded in 2008.
Figures are compiled from franchise disclosure data and public franchise listings as of October 2026 and may have changed. H&R Block and its trademarks belong to their owner; SelectFranchiseList is not affiliated with or endorsed by H&R Block. This page is not an offer to sell a franchise. Only the franchisor's current FDD is authoritative.