You can file online for free if your income is less then $66,000 and in my state you file online for free, so I bought something I didn't need and they charged me a "conveince" fee to file online.
I have been using H&R Block tax software for many years. I hav never had an issue and never any questions from the IRS. I will continue to use H&R software.
state software malfunctions, federal can't do HSAs
on April 14, 2019
Posted by: frustrated_user
from central NJ
I found two glaring problems with the 2018 Deluxe Software + State (New Jersey). The state return does not print, other than the cover pages, whether to PDF or to printer. 90 minutes waiting for chat support - no end in sight. The federal treatment of HSAs (Form 8889) leaves most of the work to the poor taxpayer. NJ support of penalty calculation is virtually non-existent -- the taxpayer has to figure it out, and the software does little more than accept the taxpayer's work for printing.
I have used HR Block software for 10+ years and 2018 software was the worst. It was very poorly designed. I know there were several changes, but that's no excuse. There were errors in the State part of the software including the business. I am not happy with my purchase this year. It was preventing me from filing electronically. So, I just deleted some of my forms so I would not have to mail them. I have always been able to file electronically. Mailing my return was not my preferred option. I will seek other options next year.
Cons: Time consuming, Doesn't maximize refund, Hard to prepare
I am frustrated that H&R Block cont to ask about work related expenses and this is no longer tax deductible. Waste of time! if 1099 employee - Yes but software should adjust when adding W2s.