Neutron diffraction analysis of TaCp2(H)(SiMe2H)2 (1) has revealed a symmetric structure with a classical, rather than agostic, hydride ligand: the Ta–H distance is 1.785(15) Å, the non-bonding H···Si distances are 2.189(18) and 2.190(17) Å, and the H–Ta–Si angles are 55.2(5) and 55.5(5)°; final R factor = 8.9% for 1295 reflections.