I have had pretty good luck with Taxcut in the past. Paid for the state efile and because I was rejected on the federal, couldn't file state efile. No simple way to get a refund.
I have been using this software for 5+ years. Each year I notice small enhancements. The clear explanations, examples, and definitions guide you through every step of the way. Each year I simply import my info from the previous year and make modifications as needed. Once the Federal Return is complete, the info is easily imported into your state version. As you enter your info, you can see in every step the amount that you owe or your return amount. All completed returns are easily accessible to print and file. You can opt for direct deposit or a check if you are expecting a refund. If you owe, it generates the slip that goes with your payment, along with the address to send it to. As a user I itemize my returns. I purchased the version for Mac. Very happy I decided to try it.
Pros: Easy to install, Easy to fix issues, Easy to prepare, Maximizes refund, Easy to import, Fast
First time using H&R Block; previously used Turbo Tax. This seemed to have a better balance between novice computer users and computer-savvy users whereas Turbo Tax always felt like it was targeted toward users unfamiliar with the basic operations of a computer.
Some areas I considered needing improvement are as follows.
I found the Total Monthly Rents confusing. It wasn't clear to me to exclude the income reported on my 1099-MISC until I saw my generated Schedule E and noticed the income counted twice, after which I had to go back and tweak my Total Monthly Rents to reduce by the amount entered under the 1099-MISC.
Being new to using this, I couldn't figure out how to tell what screens I worked on already and what screens I have left to do; I didn't observe any progress indicators telling me I've completed Income and have to do Adjustments, same with subsections under each of these.
Similarly, I didn't see any easy navigation telling me where I am in the entire process and how much I have left to do. While working on Rental Properties, I didn't know how much I had left before I would be done with that section. Similarly for the Income section, and also for any overall progress.
If this is already built into the software, then it wasn't obvious to me. In particular, I would like to have a vague idea of how much time I need to spend working on this. I generally devote a full weekend once I've gathered all my W-2s and other documents, but based on everything I need to fill out, it would be nice if it could plan for me to let me know I'll still have a few hours or a couple days to complete.
Pros: Easy to install, Easy to prepare, Maximizes refund, Easy to import