10-second breakdown:
H&R Block is a huge name in the tax prep space. Their software will help you accurately file with no trouble through a simple interface and a lower price tag than TurboTax.
The good:
Very clear process that is easy to navigate, but also allows you to feel in control of the process. A perfect product for those type-A personalities that need to know exactly where you are and choose to move forward when you’re ready. It’s a workflow that suits your needs to help you not skip anything.
H&R Block has a fantastic mobile app that is full of features to help you get through tax time with your sanity in tact.
There are “bookmarks” you can use to flag areas that you were either confused about or perhaps didn’t have all the information needed to move forward. Now you can skip, move ahead and go back when you’re ready.
The bad:
While you can see the entire process from a bird’s eye view, the software won’t let you move forward to the next section until you fully complete (or bookmark) the current section.
H&R Block software products are higher than most of the other options on the market.
How it works:
Paying income taxes is a complicated process and H&R Block has unraveled it into a series of tasks that will help anyone who loves a checklist make sure they are ready come the middle of April (or sooner). Before we get into the details of going through your returns, you’ll need to know which version is right for your situation. We’ll include a brief overview of the different software products.
Free: H&R Block offers a free tax filing service for certain tax scenarios. If your returns are simple and only require a 1040A or 1040EZ then you should look into getting your returns sent in for free.
Basic: This version is definitely basic. You get a little more than the free version offers, but it doesn’t include a state filing which will cost you an additional fee. You do get “in-person audit support” which will be handy if you had a run-in with the IRS.
Deluxe: The deluxe version will help you tally more complicated situations like charitable giving and investment income. You also get a state filing included. This level is where the real value pricing comes into play as many other options don’t have this help available for this price.
Premium: If you sold a home, have rental income, or own a small home-based business, this version may be right for your situation. It includes all of the features of the lesser levels, but includes the ability to track real estate and small business income.
Premium and Business: If you have an S-corp, LLC, partnership, trust, or non-profit the business version will be necessary to handle your affairs. All of the other versions options are included.
Once you choose a version and download it to your device, the amount of work you have to do will be evident. H&R Block doesn’t hide the number of things to do, but it does keep you from moving forward until you are finished with each previous section.
This rigid system is clear from the beginning. For instance, there is an option to import your 1099 or W2 in the beginning of the program. However, if you choose not to import it then, you won’t get another opportunity. From what we can gather, there isn’t a good reason for this; but that doesn’t stop it from being the case.
If you move past that minor issue, it’s smooth sailing from there. Everything is laid out in checklist format for you to plow through and see your return get close and closer to being complete.
There is one main benefit to H&R Block that other software products don’t have—the ability to visit a brick-and-mortar location for help. With all paid versions of this product you have the option of calling for an assist and see where things went wrong from a certified professional. While it is unlikely that you will need to lug your files down to an office, the peace of mind that this option gives could be enough to sway your opinion.
Using the bookmark feature can definitely help, especially if you’re waiting for a stray W2, 1099, or random form that will need to be in your return. You simply mark it and the software will then allow you to move onto the next article of business. While it may be a bit cumbersome that you can’t move from one section to another without the previous being complete, there is a good reason.
H&R Block prides themselves on getting you the best refund and keeping you safe from the risks of an inaccurate return. In order to uphold these convictions they’ve chosen to be a bit more rigid than other solutions.
Actually filing the returns is a snap and again the procedure is fully listed and assisted by the intuitive interface. You can choose to mail it in or e-file. There will also be prompts to file your state returns. If you have a deluxe or better version, there is one included.
Sidenote: Printing out your returns is always a good idea. Make sure you save a version on your computer that can be opened with another program, like a PDF, so you won’t need the software anymore after filing.
You can choose to get your refund a number of ways including check, direct deposit, or even a debit card. The debit card comes with a number of fees to use it, but could be the best option for some.
For complete rankings of all online tax preparation software, go here.
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