I like that they are honest. Unlike their "bait & switch" competition, I buy the correct software on the first attempt. No more of "you need to upgrade at higher cost to complete your return".
I've used H&R Block Deluxe since tax year 2000. (Anyone need a CD copy of the 2000-2013 tax years?) The annual reminder comes in timely, and the download process is simple. Every year it makes the tax process easy and quick. I love the way it brings my past history in. It saves a lot of time bringing forward the names, tax IDs, and addresses of financial institutions, and investments, so I don't have to enter them anew each year. Just change the amounts from last year, and you're good to go. Forget something? They'll remind you. Something new or changed in the filing process? they'll guide you through it. Don't understand terms or forms? Just a simple click and the pop-ups bring up more information.
Pros: Easy to prepare, Maximizes refund, Easy to import documents, Fast
I have been using the same software (update version each year) for a number of years and it is great...easy to use, stores a lot of the previous year's info which makes the process quicker and maximizes my refund
Pros: Easy to prepare, Maximizes refund, Easy to import documents, Fast
The software organized my data, prepared all the needed supporting forms, and allowed electronic submission and electronic input of investment data from my broker (Schwab). I had to manually input some investment data (bond amortization & discount) which did not flow smoothly into the state return. The on-line support was good and I talked to real people (good). The remedy to my investment issue required more manual interaction and override for the state form than was ideal. The on-line support agreed that the software would need to be fixed in order to resolve my issue but ultimately agreed that in the time frame we had, that the manual resolution I came up with was the best course of action. It was a little tricky to find the right place to add my state estimated tax payments (inside the itemized deduction interview) and avoid the underpayment penalty when I was getting a refund (yes, the baffling conclusion was that I had both UNDERPAID my state tax and was getting a REFUND!)
I've been using H&R Block Deluxe Software for several years now. This year seemed to be the most difficult to get through. Why in the heck do you need to make it more difficult? It is stressful enough! If it is difficult next time, I may switch.