So much easier than shuffling forms, and trying to find missing forms. I always file via paper form, but I'm sure the electronic filing is just as good as the rest of this software, and much easier than paper. There were a couple of items that could be better, since a few items were unclear, and there was no link to instructions that would clarify. Had to go to IRS publications, which weren't very clear either.
Pros: Easy to prepare, Easy to import documents, Fast
Everything was really easy to use. It moved all of my information from last year onto the Federal 1040. It was easy to enter what I needed to finish the 1040. Then,,,, the state (WI) return took as long as the Fed. It transferred my name, address, etc. but NOT income, deduction info, etc. It put me into figuring homestead tax, but never put in my total salary from the 1040, which would have disqualified me from homestead anyway, so I could have saved a lot of time and effort. Then, at the final check , I was reminded to put in my total income, which HRBlock had failed to enter, so then I had to again get my official W2 and again enter that figure. Well, it's good HRB found the mistake, but I had to re-enter several things that I had already entered on the 1040 because the software did not transfer them to the state form.
All around great. One problem: It was difficult for me to navigate the 1099-B entries. Part of that was the newness of it, the Fidelity form and the software. If you could make that better, it would be appreciated. Otherwise, it was great as always.
I've used H&R Block software for over 5 years. I would recommend it to anyone. The program does a good job of walking the user through completing a return. There are two improvements that the Developer could do to make the product more user friendly: First, to ALWAYS show where a number comes from. Often your only choice is to override, which eliminates your opportunity to E-File. Generally this occurs because a number is computed ... well I then I want to know how this is done. This would be a big help. Second, when I chose to look at a form many times I want to see the form as it will be filed. I can only see it in this format when I print. Why not show me the form on the screen?
Other than those two things which have irritated me for years, I recommend the program.
Working through was fairly easy BUT while working through the forms the amount that shows for tax due in the corner reflected an amount with brackets around it which normally indicates a negative amount but when I got to the end of the process I found that it was an amount due not a refund!
The program needs to state upfront that the Job Expense deduction applies only to Qualified performing artist expenses, Fee-basis state or local government official expenses, National Guard or military reserve travel expenses, and/or Disability-related expenses. I had entered my unreimbursed job-related expenses during the Job Expense deduction interview and upon finishing found out that I did not meet the above criteria. Maddening! The program also needs to explain where to enter dividends received from a foreign stock and where to enter the tax paid to the foreign country for individuals who are not expats. I was only able to find the answer on "another tax program" website. The introduction to the "miscellaneous credits" interview does not list "water heater" in its list of residential improvements (just roofing, insulation, windows, fuel cell project(!)). I had to click on the What Qualifies link to learn I get credit for having installed a new water heater.