I have been using H&R Block to file my taxes for many years and so far, I am pleased with the results. This is the first years that I decided to try out the software, as I have been using the online filing free software they provide. Needless to say, the software does get the job done, but with a few roadblocks.
I installed the software on a MacBook pro which runs very smoothly. The thing I like best about it, is how quick and easy it is to start filing your taxes. The interface is neither great nor bad, to me it’s as basic as it can be. I do wish they did a better job at organizing the interface, as there are way too many tabs to click on. This makes it time consuming if your trying to find a specific option. Filing is made pretty easy though, with what they call the “interview process”, which is where the software asks you questions, and you fill in the blanks. The biggest issue that I had was trying to figure out how to file a 1099 Misc....The problem I faced was, the software kept giving me the wrong form, which resulted in my taxes being way off. The help menu isn’t very helpful at all, as it takes me to the form, but there are no instructions how to add the form to your taxes. After a few hours of trying to find the correct form, I finally managed to find it, and everything went smooth after that.
Filing the state taxes was very easy as it takes all your info from federal and converts it, so you don’t need to re-enter it again. Once you finish with everything, the software runs the accuracy check, which can detect issues and so forth…Then it asks you if you would like to e-file or mail it off, at which the software informs you that you can file it 5 times for free with your activation code. The next screen then tells you that for just $19.99 they will file your state taxes as well… I was very disappointed to see this, as I have the Deluxe download version, and the front image of the box just has the words Federal with a check mark next to it, and State also with a checkmark next to it. The title of the software itself even says H&R Block Deluxe + State…The company needs to clarify that state is not filed with this software, that for an extra 19.99 (PLUS TAX) then it will file it.
Overall, I can’t say that I’m satisfied with the whole process. While eventually I was able to get my taxes filed, I ended up wasting more time trying to find the correct forms than I would’ve like to. I also decided to conduct my own little experiment, by filling out the free online software from their website as well. I have to say that I find the free online software (which isn’t exactly free), much easier than the paid software. Both the results were exactly the same, only the online version took half the time. After all is said and done, I don’t think I would recommend this software to anyone.