I remember spending hours each February preparing and filing my income taxes. Starting with the blank tax forms I thought I would need to file, I would read the instructions, hoping I could understand them sufficiently to complete each form correctly. Then, with scratch paper, a pen, a calculator, and those tax forms, I would begin the agonizing, manual process of telling the government how much I owed them.
I completed the forms, re-checked my math, signed and Xeroxed the forms, stuffed the originals in an envelope, applied postage, drove to the post office, and mailed them. Then I would wonder for weeks whether I might have made any mistakes.
And we call those the "good old days"?
When tax-preparation software arrived on the scene, I was skeptical, not knowing if it would be worth trying or which product to choose. After some cursory research, I decided to try H&R Block. It was a fortunate choice.
Now all I do each year is order the current version with the click of a mouse, download it automatically when it becomes available, answer a few easy questions, and H&R Block Deluxe takes care of the rest.
Using my federal and state returns from the previous year, the software asks me a few simply-worded questions about my income and deductions for the current tax year, decides which forms need to be completed this year, completes the tax forms, both federal and state (including the amount of refund due from each), and files my returns electronically. Within a few days, both refunds are automatically deposited to my checking account.
Considering the intentional and unnecessary complexity of the federal and state tax codes, the simplicity of using H&R Block Deluxe tax software is nothing short of remarkable. Now I can sit down for an hour or two each February and finish this once-dreaded ritual, knowing I am getting my maximum refund and not worrying that I got something wrong.
I used this software for years before I retired and for years since, In my opinion, it is well worth the price, and I recommend it highly.
Pros: Easy to prepare, Maximizes refund, Easy to import documents, Fast
It walks you through each section, and if you have questions, you can click to ask the question, and answers will automatically come up. The best feature is that you can call them and they help answer your questions. VERY fast turn around for refunds!
This software is easy to understand and use. Also checks the return for accuracy, allowing corrections of errors. Does a reviw for any issues that may cause an audit, making sure you are aware of any issues.
I have been using H&R Block tax software for several years. It is very user friendly and easy to use. The importing of information from one year to another reduces the amount of time necessary. Even when I sold my rental property and wenet to a more basic tax scenario, the program handled the transition seamlessly. I have also used the state program (Ohio) and it is just as easy. The program seems to be accurate and gives the optimal refund.
Pros: Easy to prepare, Maximizes refund, Easy to import documents, Fast