Customer Ratings & Reviews

Am retired and have been Self-Employed for the last eleven years. I work for several Architectural and Engineering firms as a Construction Inspector to ensure the Job Specifications, Procedures, and 'Accepted Construction Practices' are followed according to the contractual agreements. I love this work, and, respect the men and women, who devote their skills and expertise to complete our construction projects. Most of the projects I visit are out of town, require travel, and sometimes require 3rd party-experts, and, or specialized equipment to validate the integrity of various installation processes. I have lots of job-related expenses, and have to keep good, validated records for re-reimbursement and personal Tax Deductions. I have a Home-Office to prepare finalized, written reports, which require a higher level of office equipment, which includes computer, printer, an additional high end photo printer for Job-Site documentation, ISP, etc. I have always dreaded TAX time, especially when I had to be busy out of town on the job, and left me little time to bother with my Income Taxes. In the past I have used a nationally known Tax Software with the initials TT. This company covered the 'general' points of income and deductions through their proprietary interview process. If I gave a 'wrong' or 'unsure' answer I was hustled to the next level of their software without any HELP. If I wanted professional Tax HELP I had to pay a premium to engage any of the TT personnel for detailed questions unique to my filing situations. I now realize that by missing some deductions, I was NOT aware of, that I paid a handsome price for using this TT software in addition to its purchase price. I was so very fortunate to have an opportunity to review the H&R Block Premium 2020 in exchange for an actual Windows digital version. I was excited to explore this TAX Software from a company that has been doing personal income Taxes since 1955. WooHoo! Here is what I found out about this premium TAX software that is so Outstanding: * SIMPLE & UNCOMPLICATED - H&R Block Tax Preparation Software is deigned for folks like me, who do not want, and, or cannot go to their Tax Office in person. It allowed me to file my Taxes with all the resources of an in-office visit, by providing constant TAX, professional, on-line help. This H&R Block software has provided me with all the tools necessary to get my maximum TAX Refund, which I am entitled too as a 'Self-Employed' filer. I am confident that H&R Block helped me find every TAX Deduction I deserved. LOVE IT! * IMPORTS DATA – H&R Block has allowed me to import my last year's TAX filings from TT with a simple 'drag and drop' procedure. H&R Block Software allows me to import Expenses and Income from Quicken, MS Money, any other software that supports the Tax Exchange Format (TXF). I use Quicken 'On-The-Road' to keep track of my numerous expenses. * ON-LINE SUPPORT – As I went through the TAX Income and Deduction sections there was always 'On-Line' Chat-Help with a TAX Professional available if I needed it. Additionally, I could always refer back to the Help Tab and type in a topic in the 'Search Bar', or, go to the FAQ Section. * SOFTWARE NAVIGATION - The H&R Block Software Designers included a 'Take Me To Tab', which enabled me to navigate from any point in my return to a topic or area I was concerned about at that particular time. This Tab also includes a 'Search' and 'Forms' section. The following Tabs are always listed at the top in this software: Forms; New/Open; Save; Print; E-File Status and Help. I was most impressed with the Help and Advice concerning my eligible Tax Deductions. It even provided me with Tips and planning for next year's return. This is a very user-friendly program with comprehensive, in-depth, step-by-step assistance. * PERSONAL TAX PLANNING – This Premium H&R Block Software formulated a 'Tax-Planning Report' for me based on the information I provided in my 2020 Tax Return. It is so valuable to me for planning my next year's return. I printed it out and keep it very visible in my Home Office. I now have an action plan to save on my next year's Taxes, which allows me to take advantage of the newer Tax Laws. YooHoo! * IN-PERSON AUDIT SUPPORT – Should my 2020 Tax Return be audited H&R Block will provide me with IRS Audit Support: Details preparing me for the actual audit; Help with any necessary correspondence required by the IRS; and an Agent from H&R Block will physically attend the audit with me for professional guidance. How cool is that? * OTHER FEATURES – Although I live in Florida (No State Income Taxes) H&R Block has included a section for filers to download their state, specific software. Of course E-Filing is included in this Software. One interesting feature allows me to Amend my E-Filed Return should any information change, or I find an error after I submitted the original information. Every time I open up this H&R Block Software it automatically checks for any 'updates' and downloads them accordingly. And, when I file my 2021 Return this software will transfer all of my data into the newer program. Another great feature is that H&R Block allows me to use this software for Four other Family Members so they can also E-File their returns. WOW! * SUMMARY – I highly recommend this H&R Block Tax Software Premium 2020 for Windows [(Digital). I am so impressed with it's overall design and how easy it is to use and navigate through. I found several new deductions I was entitled too, but never claimed before. YaHoo! I am now an H&R Block Tax Return Filer for Life. If your taxes are involved and require numerous records, this is the software you want to use. For what features are included in this software I amazed at its price-point. This Premium edition is an absolute bargain from a company that has been doing Tax Returns for approximately 65 years.

PROS: - easy to use - simple, clean design - meets all your tax needs - see and edit actual tax forms if needed - other perks like in-person representation in the unlikely event of an audit - tax calculators - lots of helpful explanations and walkthroughs CONS: - “online help with a real tax expert” wait times are insane and their help is not helpful - customer help phone is also useless - Didn’t catch errors on every “check” but did eventually at the end OVERALL: overall this is a fine software that will help you manage and file your taxes and for those who take taxes more seriously or have an above average complicated tax situation, this software will help you get everything straight and organized. If you’re someone who wants or needs a helping hand along the way from an expert, pay a little more and go get a “tax person” to do it for you. FULL REVIEW: I decided to try H&R Block software this year after switching from their online tax prep option which was also after switching from Turbo Tax for the past years before that. I really think both are fine options and for most people they’re about the same product. It is a similar battle to Coke or Pepsi, apple or android; they’re both fine products with minor differences. I went with the H&R Block Premium software because, well it was the biggest and covered the most things right? Looking back I probably didn’t need EVERYTHING it offered but I like to have more than I need. And from what I could tell, this was the only one that covered schedule C (1099 forms i.e. personal business income, etc) which is usually a “pay more” option for the online tools. So I figured if I have to pay around 30 bucks when I file with the “free” online tools, I might as well get the software and see how it differs. I’m assuming a lot of people reading this are probably coming from the free online as well so I’ll try to compare those when I can. On that note, I noticed right away the software is definitely not as “flashy” as the online free prep (let’s call it “free option” from now on). The free option is very bubbly and modern web design for sure, whereas the software is more, shall we say, classical computer. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t dislike that and being a 90s kid, I actually prefer the more professional looking form than the rounded edge, bubbly we seem to be loving lately. Taxes aren’t sexy, that’s ok. So the software has an older, more simple look; there’s no cartoon graphics or “real world” question and answers, but there are plenty of help buttons and clean, precise examples when needed. They assume at this point you understand what you’re doing and created more of a “check-box and go” style vs “did you buy a car this year? Yes? Let’s work on that now” that you see often in the free option. So esthetics aside, how did I like the software? Well, I needed to file my taxes, and after using this software, I successfully filed my taxes. So in that aspect, it did what it said it would do and I was able to do it rather easily. I think for most people this will do what you want or more and help you make sure you filed correctly and help you along the way. The issue will be for people who aren’t sure and need help. See, the software does include “free chat assistance” but it starts out with a robot who you have to correctly get the questions wrong with so they connect you to a person. For me, the bot said they would connect me and we waited over an hour before ignoring the chat window completely. Later we came back and saw someone had eventually entered the chat but didn’t stay around long enough for us to notice and then they left the chat. There was no timestamp to tell me when or how long this took place, but it was still obviously not a great showing of the “free helpful chat” service offered. Since we couldn’t get through on the chat right away, we called the 800 help number shortly after trying the chat. It’s a good thing we called right at the beginning of our prep because we were on hold for over 80 minutes and had actually skipped the area we had a question on and proceeded to finish filling out everything else before we got off hold. I thought this was a good thing though because we now had more than 1 question for the tax expert to help us with. The problem was, after over an hour of holding, I finally got my tax expert (who sounded oddly similar to the late night customer support for my ISP) and I explained my question about the new 1099 NEC forms and mentioned that I had a few other questions to go over as well. I then waited for a response and waited long enough that I eventually said, “hello? Are you still there” and they answered, “yes, I’m just looking over this.” I don’t know what “this” was but she later asked what software I was using, I mentioned it was the Premium software and not the free option and she said, “oh ok, hang on, let me see if I can find your answer” and then we sat for about 10 minutes in silence while she did...well, I just don’t know what she did but eventually I couldn’t take the awkward silence and I started trying to explain my problem more because I was pretty sure at this point she was just using a web search and/or H&R Block help like I tried for over an hour while I waited. Either way, she responded with something like “yes, I see, I’m just trying to find ...the….” and literally trails off as she goes back to reading whatever she is reading. We then sat in silence for a few more minutes before eventually the call was simply dropped. This is just purely unacceptable and about 90% of the reason my rating is lower than 5. Everyone knows taxes are confusing, and if you get confused you want help. These tax software companies promise fast and easy help, but reality is I have never once had a good experience with tax software help. Not from any of the big name companies. So on the one hand, this isn’t a huge knock to H&R Block because it’s a common problem everywhere, but it is still a problem and one that makes a frustrating situation even more frustrating. Ignoring the lack of help feature, the only other issue I had with using the software was at the end when they did my “final check” they cleared my federal return with no errors and we went on to state. After we finished our state it did another “final check” over both fed and state and said it’s all clear. Apparently there was a 3rd check right before filing because we got an error saying we never put the state in the address line from a W2. How that was missed in the first 2 checks I don’t know, but I’m glad it was caught eventually, just gave us that “is this actually working?” feeling. Not the confidence I was hoping but at least I have representation if I get audited. Now, if you don’t think you’ll need to actually talk to a person for help, or use the chat, you really shouldn’t have any issues with this software. It helps walk you through filing pretty easy and lets you work through just about any form you need and even has an option to look at the actual forms you’re sending if you want to see how it all looks. You can save your work and come back and you can file up to 5 times with one activation code so that’s helpful if you have to do a fixed return or something. Overall it is a good tax filing software and I prefer it to turbotax options but it still has a few issues, even though those come with any company you choose. If you can’t work in a more simplistic design this might not be for you, but otherwise I think it’s a good choice for anyone with a small business or slightly more complicated than average tax needs.

I have used this for several years and have not had any issues. It is easy to use and I find it to be generally accurate. No concerns or problems from any returns.

I would give it 5 stars if it wasn't for the great difficulty in getting the product downloaded from the Best Buy digital library. Best Buy couldn't help and my wife was directed to H&R block. After being on hold for over an hour they were able to download it within minutes. We have used this product every tax season for years and we are very satisfied. Just disappointed in the support from best buy.

Have used it for years. Provides good direction and help to finalize. Easy to file and track

It's pretty easy to use. Just answer the questions.

I've been using hr block for years. But a couple of years ago I tried turbo tax. Both work fine. But hr block has much more questions it asks you, to make sure your you don't forget a valuable deduction. Love this software.

program is easy to use made with answers to most questions you may run into, this was for self employment we have used this product for last 10 years

Initial problem downloading from digital library, discovered problem was on HR Block side. Downloaded and as in other other years very straightforward and easy to use

Block’s Premier tax program covers everything needed for complex returns that include self-employment, investments, rents, etc. The program walks through each category of income, adjustments, deductions, credits, taxes, and miscellaneous for federal and state returns. Each category has links for explanations, a Help Center, and a Chat option. It also links to IRS.gov for information and instructions for all forms. I found the entire program to be very user friendly. You can skip around to various subjects and go back and forth to review or edit. This was very useful for me as I am completing my return piecemeal as I get the forms in the mail for reporting income and deductions. The “Learn More” links come in handy for getting quick explanations of the how, where, and why, that income, deductions, credits, etc. should be entered. The chat starts out as an automated virtual assistant that may or may not be able to answer questions that you have. It offers specific categories to choose from. If the virtual agent can't answer your question, you get connected to a live agent. I utilized this feature and found the live agent to be very helpful. She was able to answer my income question and pointed out a useful feature I had overlooked - the "Take Me To" feature that allows you to jump around to specific items and shows options such as in my case where 1099 income can be entered depending on circumstances. As you progress through the program it shows your tax refund or amount owed so you can see where you stand as you’re completing your return. The program goes through a review at the end and prompts to go areas that need attention or that may be questionable. And of course, they have a maximum refund guarantee. The federal e-file is free, they charge 19.95 to include your state with e-file. I am very happy with this tax software overall. The program suited my needs for a somewhat complicated return involving multiple income types and sources. Unless one requires a personal tax accountant for advice this program with its very reasonable price and online live assistance should suffice in place of a more expensive tax preparer or tax preparation software.

I purchased this H&R Block download, the Best Buy Digital download DOES NOT work. I called BB digital downloads and they stated it wasn't their problem and to contact H&R Block for troubles downloading software, even from their own Best BB website They refused to refund as well. $50 lost. H&R Block tells me to contact Best Buy. I just want the software.

I have been using this program for over 20 years and have always been a big fan. Easy to use and asks the right questions.

My go to for filing taxes for over 5 years now. Could be more user friendly but I have navigated it well

I have used it for years. It helps that it imports information from the previous year.

I don't know anyone who enjoys doing taxes but it's something we all need to do. A lot of reviews speak to having trouble getting the H&R Block software downloaded and installed. I did not experience this. The product downloaded and installed on the first try with no issues. I am a multi-platform user and when using the competitor, both PC and Mac versions were always included in the box. H&R Block does have specific versions along with some dual platform versions. I shouldn't have to worry that I might purchase the wrong version. Keep it simple, include both with all offerings. After installing and running the product, I didn’t find the interface as friendly as the competition, it was very pedestrian, designed more for accountants and number crunchers. No frills. I’ve used the competitor's product for about 20 years and was able to ingest last year's files, even though they were not done with the block product. I did like that I didn't have to enter my information. Block was able to locate and download one of my W2s and the others I was able to import the .pdf files, just having to double check the numbers. You can also snap a picture of your documents and import those as well. This was a plus. The software does go through all the questions needed to ensure it gets all your financial information correctly. It does this by presenting you with lists of questions displayed all at once rather than asking one or two at a time. Simply check the items that pertain to you then enter the numbers from the corresponding documents. While this made the process faster, I did have to go through the questions multiple times to ensure I read and selected the appropriate boxes. Having them presented in a singular format gives you the opportunity to focus on the question, read the description and decide before moving to the next. The Premium product (along with others) included the state product as well. Downloading and installing went just as easily as the main product. Filing state taxes was just as simple. The program entered the main information directly then asked specific state questions for additional info and deductions. The software checks your information for accuracy and audit potential and guarantees if you find another software preparation that results in a larger refund H&R Block will refund your fees. They also offer free in-person audit support should you need it. The license for the product allows you five free federal e-files. You have to pay for state e-files with all products (I print and mail these). Filing was just as easy as with the competitor. Enter your banking account information for up to three separate accounts to have your refund deposited to. I found the H&R Block software easy to use and am comforted with their guarantee and audit protection, something the competitor charges extra for. I’ve given it three stars due to the numerous windows/mac versions rather than fewer options covering both platforms, it's drab interface and possibly confusing method of asking questions for your tax and financial information. I would recommend this to a friend BUT only if they were already comfortable with filing their own taxes. I think this product might be a little confusing for a first time filer.

Makes tax filing quick and easy. Was able to our household as well as others.

H&R Block tax software is very easy to use! I have used it for many years.

This is the first time I’m using H&R to do my taxes, but getting started was easy as I was able to import my info from the other tax software. Overall it was easy to use, but I found a few things that were either a bit confusing or time consuming. Presentation and the way it was organized, you have to go through each section step by step, regardless if you need to or not. There should have been a skip button. There were also a couple of parts that confused me with its wording. It seemed to have been asking for the same info in different sections, so I wasn’t sure if I filled it in correctly. There was also a time that I needed to change some things and it was supposed to direct me to the right section but didn’t. In the end, it accomplished the same results, but I did find using the other software a bit easier. However H&R may be cheaper, depending on what forms you need.

Still no resolution after hours on the phone and the assumption that problems with the link are my fault. NO help and will not even allow me to talk to a supervisor. "in a meeting." dropped my call once and multiple transfers only to be told to call H&R Block. Online help: useless . on the phone help: useless. H&R Block finally fixed the problem

Impossible to download from digital library Link does not work Technical help unable to provide working link