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H&R Block At Home Review
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Plenty of people prefer to do their taxes on their own, without the help of an accountant. However, when things start getting complex, you might want a little help. This is where tax preparation software comes in. You can get access to help preparing and filing a tax return, without paying the same hefty fee you would pay to an accountant.
One of your options is to use H&R Block At Home to prepare your taxes. The tax preparation giant offers a product that is relatively easy to use, and includes a version that can help you prepare a business tax return — which is great for the self-employed.
Help at Every Turn
One of the great things about H&R Block At Home is the help you can receive at every time. You can get guidance on everything from choosing a filing status (including information for same-sex couples), to helping you determine whether or not to itemize. FAQs appear on your screen as you go through your return so that you can access them quickly and easily — at any point.
You can also get help from tax advisers at H&R Block. The service is $19.95. If you have the Premium version, you get one free question answered by an adviser, and if you get the Best of Both version (available online), you have unlimited questions answered at no additional cost.
Versions of H&R Block At Home
There are various version of H&R Block At Home, including desktop and online versions. You will also have the ability to e-file using any of the versions. This can be quite helpful if you are interested in getting your tax refund as quickly as possible. It’s also worth noting that your software purchase comes with audit support from H&R Block. Plus, At Home has the ability to import last year’s tax data to speed things up, or to import data from personal finance software or Excel spreadsheets that you use. There is a free preparation and e-file of one federal tax return for those who qualify.
Here are some of your options for getting H&R Block At Home:
- Basic: The online version is $34.95, and is best for simple returns. The desktop version is $29.95.
- Deluxe: If you own a home, and expect to itemize, or know that you have investments to contend with, you can use the Deluxe version. Online, this package is $49.95, while the desktop version is $54.95.
- Premium: For those who are self-employed, this package might be the way to go. You get help with Schedule C, as well as help with rental income, and live tax advice for $74.95 online, as well as the desktop version.
- Premium & Business: This software is only available in desktop format. You get the Premium version for your individual return, and help filling out your business return. Includes helpful information for S-Corps, LLCs, and other business organizations, as well as non-profit returns. Cost: $89.95
- Best of Both: This version includes the Premium package, and offers professional tax help. For $79.95, you use the software to prepare your own package, and then have a professional review your return, and correct it if needed — and then e-file it.
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Seems like a weird time of the year to be doing your taxes.
I used H&R Block At Home last year, but it seemed to have a bug that wouldn’t let me submit my return, related to a Roth IRA conversion. H&R Block’s online customer service was clueless about it.
I cannot comment with any first-hand knowledge about H&R Block software, but three friends claim to have tried to use it and then warned against it. One even ended up at the local H&R Block office to be able to finish his return.
Have used Deluxe version with no issue for last few years. I have also used Turbotax with no issues.
My case is fairly simple – itemize it with mtg int and no student fee deductions
Unless you have nothing but an extremely simple, W-9 return it’s worth the money to hire an accountant. If you own your own business, the time and money you’ll save will far outweigh the cost of an experienced accountant.
I agree with Mom Equity. Unless you have an easy return or understand what you’re doing, an Accountant is best. I’ve had numerous clients come in complaining about H&R Block messing up their returns and charging enormous fees. Most local Accounting places aren’t as expensive as you’d think. My company is definitely cheaper than H&R Block and we are constantly fixing what they did. Consider local Accountants
I’ve wasted hours trying to install “free” H&R BLOCK At Home 2011 software on my Windows 7 desktop with Virgin Mobile Broadband2Go internet connection and NIS 2012 security.
I followed all instructions, but never got past “Splash” pop-over, which eventually stopped responding. Actual installation never starts. Absolutely no help on their website.
If this is the same software that they sell, BUYER BEWARE!
I’ve wasted hours trying to install “free” H&R BLOCK At Home 2011 software on my Windows 7 desktop with Virgin Mobile Broadband2Go internet access with NIS 2012 security.
I followed all instructions, but never got past “Splash” pop-over, which eventually stopped responding. Actual installation never starts. Absolutely no help on their website.
If this is the same software that they sell, BUYER BEWARE!