Block was very slow this year (not until early March) in correcting what seemed to be a simple problem with 1099-DIV. Once fixed completion of tax return was straight forward. Used Block's program for several years and like that basic background info gets pulled forward. Saves not only entry time, but also gives correct data. Happy with their product, but hope they do a better job next year in fixing simple problems.
Software is simple to use and auto fills data from prior year as required. Software provides reference links and detail explanations for entries. I really appreciate the comparison option which illustrates filing options and tax for each option!
Pros: Easy to prepare, Maximizes refund, Easy to import documents, Fast
Too expensive for second state tax software. Cheaper to buy another complete package but issues with second copy install. Issues with filing state tax electronically for both Maryland and Hawaii. Ended up mailing and still checking to ensure the charges are reversed.
I have used the H&R Block software for several years and found it very user friendly and very comprehensive. When I have questions about an item, the answers are easy to find. I heartily recommend it.
This was my first year doing my own taxes since the 90's (when I filled out the 1040 EZ with a pen and calculator). Over the couple decades that my ex and I used accountants - first a family member, then the firm who took care of his business - I followed along, but also put a lot of trust in the professionals to do things right. I knew that the personal returns weren't terribly difficult, but also knew that there were a lot of little things to keep track of.
This year, I decided to see just how difficult it would be to do it all myself. On my brother's recommendation, I chose H&R Block. It really did walk me through all of the little things, and actually prompted me for more than the accountants ever did. In retrospect, I probably would have saved myself a little bit of money each year (accountant fees aside) by doing it all myself from the get-go.
It definitely took quite a bit of time to go through the whole process, but mostly because I was overly thorough. I suspect it'll get quicker as I get more accustomed to everything. I liked the way it allowed me to enter all of my deductions, then automatically determined whether standard or itemized would come out better. When all was said and done, rather than feeling afraid that I had missed something, I actually felt more confident than when I had handed previous returns off to someone else.
All in all, a good experience. I would definitely recommend it.