With more then 55 years in business, H&R Block is one of the most recognized tax preparation companies. Their do-it-yourself tax preparation with their online software, is one of the easiest ways to get your taxes done fast and accurately.
H&R Block online has a variety of support features and guarantees, making doing your taxes yourself worry free and simple.
Features of H&R Block Online Tax Prep Software:
- free online support offered with each program
- one live tax advice session from an H&R Block tax professional included (fees apply for the Free, Basic and Deluxe products).
- help topics related to every tax situation
- simple language that you don’t need to be a tax professional to understand
- prompts to be sure you get every tax deduction for all of your life situations
H&R Block Guarantees:
Accurate calculations guarantee – If the H&R software makes a calculation error that cause you to to pay a penalty or interest to the IRS then H&R Block will reimburse you up to $10,000 (see the site for specific details).
Maximum refund guarantee – If you find that another online tax prep. program provides you with a bigger return, or lower liability, then H&R Block will refund the fees you paid (of course you must have given the exact same data to the other tax preparation software). They will also let you amend your return for free.
Complimentary Worry-free Audit Support® – In the rare event of an audit, they do happen, you get free audit support from an H&R Block enrolled agent. The agent will help you with all communication with the IRS or the State Department of Revenue; outline what to expect and how to prepare for your audit; and they can represent you before an IRS representative, if you wish.
You can visit www.hrblock.com for all of the details regarding the features and guarantees of the online tax preparation software.
Which Online Tax Version Program to Choose?
H&R Block online offers four product packages, and you can choose the one that is right for you based on your tax situation.
These packages include: Free Edition, Basic, Deluxe, and Premium.
FREE EDITION
The Free Edition is best for first time filers and those with basic tax returns. This includes those filling form 1040, 1040A, and 1040EZ. This version still includes all of the guarantees of the paid versions. You also get their Refund Reveal™ which will tell you why your refund amount increases or decreases. This is a pretty cool feature to understand. Even if you don’t want to dig deep into how your tax return works I think it’s still important to know what affects your refund.
It is free to prepare, print, and e-file. Your State return is only $9.99 to file.
Get Started With the Free Edition
BASIC ($19.99)
This version includes everything from the Free Edition, but also offers the convenience of importing last year’s tax return data and an error check feature (this includes your W-2, 1099). You can import from H&R Block if you used them last year as well as from other popular online tax services.
This edition is best for those with simple tax situations, but with slightly more needs than the Free version gives. If you expect the Earned Income Credit (EIC) affects you then this version is a good place to start.
The Basic version also gives you free real-time chat or phone support.
You also get to store your return with H&R Block for 6 years. The State filing will be $36.99 (this is actually the price for all of the paid versions so I won’t be listing them with each).
Get Started With the Basic Edition
DELUXE ($29.99)
The Deluxe edition of H&R blocks tax software is designed for homeowners and investors. This version includes everything from the previous two versions as well as a search for more deductions, information about stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, and helps with mortgage interest, charitable donations, and retirement income.
Get Started With the Deluxe Edition
PREMIUM ($49.99)
This version is for the most complicated tax situations.
The Premium edition is designed for self-employed persons (schedule C guidance included), those with rental property income (Schedule E), and filers needing more tax guidance. Included in this version is advanced tax calculators and tax law guidance, as well as everything supported in the earlier versions.
Get Started With the Premium Version
Not sure which version to choose?
You can do a side-by-side comparison of the features of each version.
Also, once you get started with one version, you will answer questions about yourself and your circumstances. If the version you have chosen won’t work for you, a suggestion will be given for which version is better and the information you have already entered will be transferred to the other version.
Go through the preparation and see if you like the results. If you’re satisfied with the results then go ahead and pay.
With the support of live tax professionals and years of experience, choosing to prepare your tax return with H&R Block At Home™ Online is a breeze.
Start with H&R Block’s At Home Online tax software and make your tax preparation easier.
I’ve used H&R Block for the past 4 years and they’ve been great for me. This year my taxes are a bit more complicated, so I will be using their premium version. The only drawback that I have encountered so far is in using them for my local taxes. I have rental income in one state and earned income in another. I needed a bit of guidance which the program could not provide. The Federal taxes were a breeze though.
My state offers free e-filing to low income individuals and families. Does H&R Block’s free program automatically hook up to state and federal e-filing programs?
It sounds like a decent system. We use Ufile and find it works pretty good. It integrates well with Quicken too which is what we use to track our financials.
I have the same question as the other Jenna, does the free version work for both State and Federal Taxes?
That’s a great question, and I meant to address that in the article as well so thanks for asking.
The free version is for Federal taxes. To file your state taxes there will usually be an additional fee (NYS has no charge to e-file, go NY!).
It’s about that time of the year again huh? My wife and I recently moved from another state and have both employee income as well as business income…. the taxes are going to be complicated this year…. Do you think I could still get by with the online tax software?
You can always start your return with the software and see how it goes. The software should give you guidance on how to handle your business income.
I use an accountant that my father used to use for years. He is a bit expensive but thorough. Funny I should read this today though because last night my wife and I got a letter from the IRS stating that we owe a few hundred dollars.
Last year I used TaxAct for our personal return but I’m pretty sure I paid more for the state return. This year, I think I’ll try out H&R Block. Bonus: I can go through a cash-back site, lowering the cost even more.