The product worked however it failed to walk me through on a few things. I buy the program because I am not that familar with the constant tax changes. First the entry area for financials Form 1099-B, example Box A short term realized gain, would be easier to enter in a table form. The Boxes are already known so if I have no entries, leave blank. Second, the program knows I have estimated taxes entered, yet it never offered to provide the 1040-ES vouchers for the next year. Same thing with the Virginia state. I went and found them with the help box, so I am ready for next year.
I have been using H&R Block Software for the last nine years. The 2018 version has even better features than prior years. I used the import feature this year to pull in my financial institution data and was very impressed with the ease, speed and accuracy of using this terrific feature. The interview feature for preparing my returns was also very good. I also was able to go the H&R Block website via the software and review a number of questions that were very helpful.
Pros: Easy to prepare, Maximizes refund, Easy to import documents, Fast
I have been using H&R Block programs for years. Every year it's the same; there are no instructions in the Massachusetts state forms for those receiving benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB). RRB pensions are not taxed in any state. It has to be lumped in with the "Public Employee Pensions", which is not correct. This should be fixed.
When I attempted to itemize my deductions, the software kept going off screen and taking me to a screen to finalize my return. I had the task of "take me to" several times only to be denied the itemized deductions part. The software congratulated me for having the new standard deduction, in lieu of the itemized deduction when I never was able to do the itemized part. I gave up and took the standard deduction to stop the confusion. I have never had this problem with previous years H & R Block Softwares. Bad deal.
Sequence of steps are straightforward and easy to understand. Clear explanations are available if required. Also, minimal advertisement for other or additional products.