How long am I legally required to keep my tax returns?

The IRS recommends keeping tax records for at least 3 years from the date you filed your return. However, if you underreported income by more than 25%, keep records for 6 years. If you filed a fraudulent return or didn't file at all, keep records indefinitely. Many tax professionals recommend keeping returns for 7 years to be safe.

What happens if I'm audited after deleting my H&R Block account?

If you're audited and don't have your tax documents, you'll need to request official transcripts from the IRS and gather supporting documentation from other sources like employers, banks, and investment firms. This can be time-consuming and stressful. Always download and save all tax documents before deleting your H&R Block account.

Will I lose access to my state tax returns when I delete my account?

Yes. Deleting your H&R Block account will remove access to both federal and state tax returns stored in your account. Make sure to download all state returns before deletion, as state tax authorities may have different record-keeping requirements.

Can I get a refund if I delete my account mid-tax season?

If you have paid for current-year tax preparation services and delete your account before filing, you may not be entitled to a refund. Contact H&R Block customer service before deletion to discuss any refunds or credits you may be owed for unused services.

How do I download my tax returns from H&R Block?

Log in to myblock.hrblock.com, navigate to 'My Account' or 'Tax Returns', select each year you want to download, and click the download or PDF button. Save each file to a secure location on your computer or cloud storage. Make sure to download all available years before deleting your account.

What should I do with my downloaded tax returns after deletion?

Store your downloaded tax returns in a secure location such as an encrypted external hard drive, password-protected cloud storage, or a fireproof safe. Keep both digital and physical copies if possible. Ensure backups are made regularly and that you can access these files for at least 7 years.

How to Delete Your H&R Block Account - Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

Written & Verified By

Delete.Directory Content Team

Our team of privacy advocates and former social media employees verify every deletion process through hands-on testing.

This guide helps you permanently delete your H&R Block account. We believe in digital autonomy: your right to leave any platform should be as easy as joining it. Follow these verified steps to ensure complete account deletion.

How We Verified This Guide

Methodology: Hands-on testing with live accounts

Quick Information

Time Required

10 minutes

Difficulty

medium

Steps

5 steps

Official Resources

H&R Block Help Center

Official deletion guide from H&R Block

Additional Resources

[1]

H&R Block Privacy Policy

Details about how H&R Block handles your data and privacy

[2]

IRS Record Keeping Requirements

Information about how long to keep tax records according to the IRS

Step-by-Step Guide

Download All Tax Returns and Documents

Before deleting your account, log in to myblock.hrblock.com and download all tax returns, W-2s, 1099s, and supporting documents. The IRS requires you to keep tax records for at least 7 years. Navigate to 'My Account' > 'Tax Returns' and download each year's return as a PDF.

Tips

•Download returns for all available years in your account
•Save documents to a secure location like an encrypted drive
•Consider printing physical copies of important tax returns
•Make note of any state tax returns that may be stored separately

Warnings

•Once your account is deleted, you will permanently lose access to all tax documents
•IRS audits can go back 3-7 years, so maintaining copies is legally important

Log in to Your H&R Block Account

Open your web browser and go to myblock.hrblock.com. Log in with your username or email address and password.

Tips

•Make sure you're logged into the correct account
•If you have multiple accounts, verify which one you want to delete
•Have your login credentials ready if you use a password manager

Access Account Settings

Once logged in, click on your name or profile icon in the upper right corner of the screen. Select 'Account Settings' or 'My Profile' from the dropdown menu.

Tips

•The exact menu location may vary based on UI updates
•Look for settings, profile, or account management options

Request Account Closure

In Account Settings, scroll down to find account management options. Look for 'Close Account', 'Delete Account', or contact customer service through the 'Help' or 'Contact Us' section. You may need to call H&R Block customer service at 1-800-472-5625 to initiate account deletion, as some accounts require phone verification for security.

Tips

•Have your account information ready when calling customer service
•Ask for confirmation of your deletion request in writing via email
•Note the date you requested deletion for your records

Warnings

•Some H&R Block accounts may require phone verification for deletion
•Customer service representatives may try to retain you as a customer

Confirm Deletion and Verify Completion

Review all warnings about data loss carefully. Confirm that you've downloaded all necessary tax documents. Complete the deletion process by confirming your decision. You should receive an email confirmation of your account closure.

Tips

•Save the confirmation email for your records
•Verify that you can no longer log in after 24-48 hours
•Check that any recurring charges have been cancelled

Important Warnings

Permanent Loss of Tax Documents

All your tax returns, W-2s, 1099s, receipts, and supporting documents stored in your H&R Block account will be permanently deleted. You are legally required to keep tax records for at least 7 years. Download everything before deletion.

IRS Record-Keeping Requirements

The IRS can audit tax returns for up to 7 years in some cases. Without access to your H&R Block account, you must maintain your own copies of all tax documents. Failure to provide documentation during an audit can result in penalties and additional taxes owed.

Active Tax Preparation Services

If you have paid for current-year tax preparation services or have an incomplete tax return in progress, deleting your account may result in loss of service fees. Complete or cancel any active services before deletion.

Loss of Online Access to Prior Returns

Many financial institutions, loan applications, and government agencies request copies of prior tax returns. After deletion, you'll need to request official transcripts from the IRS, which can take weeks to receive.

No Account Recovery

Once your H&R Block account is deleted, you cannot recover it. You will need to create a new account if you want to use H&R Block services again in the future, and your historical tax data will not be available.

Alternatives to Consider

Switch to TurboTax

easy

TurboTax is H&R Block's primary competitor, offering similar online tax preparation services with the ability to import prior year returns from H&R Block.

Pros

•Import previous tax returns from H&R Block
•User-friendly interface with step-by-step guidance
•Multiple pricing tiers including a free option for simple returns
•Strong customer support and tax expert access

Cons

•Can be expensive for complex returns with premium features
•Requires creating a new account and learning a new interface
•Some users report upselling of unnecessary features
•May charge separately for state returns

30 min

Use FreeTaxUSA

medium

FreeTaxUSA offers free federal tax filing with low-cost state returns, providing a budget-friendly alternative to H&R Block.

Pros

•Completely free for federal returns
•State returns cost significantly less than competitors
•Supports all major tax forms and schedules
•No upselling or pressure to upgrade

Cons

•Less hand-holding than H&R Block or TurboTax
•Interface may feel less polished
•Limited access to live tax professionals
•Cannot import data directly from H&R Block

45 min

Try Cash App Taxes (formerly Credit Karma Tax)

easy

Cash App Taxes offers completely free federal and state tax filing with no hidden fees or upgrade requirements.

Pros

•100% free for both federal and state returns
•Simple, modern interface
•No premium tiers or upselling
•Owned by Block Inc. (formerly Square)

Cons

•Limited support for very complex tax situations
•Fewer features than paid alternatives
•No option for live tax professional help
•Relatively new platform with less established history

40 min

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Once your H&R Block account is permanently deleted, it cannot be recovered. All your tax returns, documents, and account history will be permanently erased. You will need to create a new account if you want to use H&R Block services again, and your historical data will not be available.

References & Citations

[1]
H&R Block Privacy Policy
Details about how H&R Block handles your data and privacy
https://www.hrblock.com/universal/privacy-principles/
[2]
IRS Record Keeping Requirements
Information about how long to keep tax records according to the IRS
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/how-long-should-i-keep-records

All citations verified as of 11/11/2025. We regularly review and update all external links to ensure accuracy.

Found incorrect information?

We strive for accuracy. If something's outdated or wrong, let us know.

Report incorrect information

Quick Navigation

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turbotax

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Critical Warnings

Permanent Loss of Tax Documents
All your tax returns, W-2s, 1099s, receipts, and supporting documents stored in your H&R Block accou...
IRS Record-Keeping Requirements
The IRS can audit tax returns for up to 7 years in some cases. Without access to your H&R Block acco...
Active Tax Preparation Services
If you have paid for current-year tax preparation services or have an incomplete tax return in progr...

Last Updated

November 11, 2025

H&R Block Account Deletion

How We Verified This Guide

Quick Information

Official Resources

Additional Resources

Step-by-Step Guide

Download All Tax Returns and Documents

Log in to Your H&R Block Account

Access Account Settings

Request Account Closure

Confirm Deletion and Verify Completion

Important Warnings

Permanent Loss of Tax Documents

IRS Record-Keeping Requirements

Active Tax Preparation Services

Loss of Online Access to Prior Returns

No Account Recovery

Alternatives to Consider

Switch to TurboTax

Use FreeTaxUSA

Try Cash App Taxes (formerly Credit Karma Tax)

Frequently Asked Questions

References & Citations

Found incorrect information?

Quick Navigation

Related Guides

Critical Warnings

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