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eComparisons ScoreThe "Comparison Score" Is calculated based on the average number of times this item was compared with other items in this category by our users
7
7.4
User Rating (Amazon)
User Rating (Amazon)

Five Star Reviews:

47%

There are no reviews yet

45%
Refugee from TurboTax
January 6, 2015
I am another refugee from TurboTax and am very pleasantly surprised at how well the H&R Block software is implemented. Nicely laid out screens and menus which will be familiar to TurboTax converts. The data from my 2013 TurboTax file was imported without a problem. There was some unnecessary duplication of worksheets associated with several Schedules generated from the imported data, but they contain no data and the duplicates are simple to delete. Unfortunately for Intuit I can calculate this software cost me about 42% of what TurboTax Premier would.

Update - Finished both Federal and State returns with only two minor problems. The final check process kept asking me to verify the application of my tax refund to next year's liability (just ignored the check) and the PDF generator created some odd misformatted output pages for my records copy. I didn't import financial information from any source other than TT 2013. But I am very happy to save money and avoid the sleazy business practices at Intuit (who I see is now making a PR push to prop up their self-tarnished image by having shills place glowing reviews for TT and poor reviews for H&R).
No TurboTax Loyality
December 12, 2014
Been a TurboTax fan for close to 18 years, but they broke the bank this year, plus NO LOYALITY to repeat customers.Reviewed H&R and found it offered the same features as TurboTax, but at a more reasonable price. Downloaded the product from Amazon and started my 2014 return. So far it beats TurboTax hands down.
Excellent software. I was prompted to buy when
December 8, 2014
Excellent software. I was prompted to buy when, after using Turbo Tax for over 10 years, they downgraded the capabilities of their software while at the same time raising the price! I sometimes wonder what goes through managements mind at Intuit.
HR Block read my TurboTax returns perfectly, and it works very similarly - except they have full functionality included for most all associated forms used with Form 1040.

Sorry Intuit - you've just become too much for me.
Easy to use and great value!
December 4, 2014
I switched over from TurboTax 3 years ago and haven't gone back. The price on this is cheaper every year and this "Deluxe" version has all the features TurboTax "Deluxe" conveniently removed. I am using Windows 8 OS and the downloaded version and have no issues. The switch is easy and this program can upload a previous TurboTax file. It is simple to use and e-filing always goes smoothly. Federal E-file is free but state is not so I have always mailed the state return in which works just fine. Don't hesitate if you are thinking about switching.
and it's as easy to use as Turbotax
November 28, 2014
I've used Turbotax Deluxe for 10 years but decided to drop it this year due to the price hike and cut in features. H&R Block Deluxe + State has the same or more features than the old Turbotax (prior to 2014 tax year) and is significantly cheaper. I took a spin through using estimated numbers for 2014, and it's as easy to use as Turbotax. This seems to be the better product/value by far over Turbotax.

Four Star Reviews:

15%

There are no reviews yet

21%
Much like the old Turbo Tax Deluxe
January 22, 2015
After having used TurboTax Deluxe (or their Deluxe equivalent) for 24 years, I made the switch to H&R Block this year after Intuit removed critical functionality from TT Deluxe. I found that H&R Block's software worked as advertised: it downloaded and installed, imported data from last year's TT return, and imported from brokerage accounts--all without any problems. I read the interview process questions pretty closely and found them to be much like those in TurboTax. So, overall the process went quite smoothly, although I haven't yet filed.My only reasons for not giving 5 stars are 1) the interview questions were just slightly less informative than those of previous years' TT Deluxe (even understanding that "deluxe" typically means "not much hand-holding" in tax software marketing lingo) and 2) the provided reports were less complete than those of TT Deluxe. For example, I was unable to find effective tax rate paid in any report, nor did I find several years of historical tax data. Perhaps I haven't located all of the reports yet, but that is my impression.All in all, H&R Block's software worked quite well, and I'm fine with having parted company with TurboTax.
Yet another paying TurboTax customer moving to H&R Block
January 10, 2015
The oldest TurboTax file I have handy is from 1999 (I've used TurboTax a lot longer than that), and it appears that 2013 will be my last.

I think I've been using TurboTax mainly because I've become very comfortable with it. Well, with the latest TurboTax I've become uncomfortable and so I just purchased H&R Block Deluxe. It costs a lot less and does more. I'm hoping to get "comfortable" with it this year.

Some simple/initial observations...

I installed it and it wanted me to create an account on H&R Block - maybe I'll do that later. I got the updates for the Federal Form and tried to get my free State form. A dialog box popped up and said it wasn't available until next week - they'll email me when it's available. I guess that's not a problem for me as I usually don't do my returns until I get all of the forms in the mail.

I imported my TurboTax from last year and it seemed to have worked. I did a quick check on a couple of things and they were there correctly. I'll find out about the bulk of the import later when I actually sit down to do my return later this year.

I tried to save my initial form as a PDF file. It required me to install yet another virtual PDF printer - I now have 3 of them. It seemed to work OK for my Federal form, but was a little clumsy with my saved data (some of the lines are split between pages).

So far it seems to be OK. I'll get use to the layout and look for some of those things that I'm familiar with using TurboTax. I'll update my review when I get more time with it.

Update #1:
I got my state update without any issues. It does seem that the State and Fed forms don't get updated as often as they did with TurboTax - not sure if they don't make as many mistakes, they don't fix as may issues, or maybe they just like to batch more updates per release? Anyway, I'm waiting for all of my mail statements to arrive before I start using it for real. More to come...

Update #2:
I entered my federal and Arizona State information and have a few observations (I haven't filed yet).

1. When I hit the Back button with TurboTax I go back one page, with H&R Block software I go back to the beginning of the section then I have to continue to hit the Next button to get back to the page I want to see. Not sure whey they don't just go back one page?

2. It seems easier to see the Federal/State form and enter data on it with the H&R Block software - for me it's just the way they setup the GUI.

3. The window that shows your refund/payment with the H&R Block software doesn't always update when you go to the Next screen. When this happens I suspect they want to make sure of some other things before they update the numbers. I just appeared funny the first time I saw it, but I got used to it.

4. With the H&R Block software I wasn't able to put simple formulas in the calculation forms that I created for individual entries. I got around this by making multiple entries in the form.

5. According to the H&R Block web site the Arizona forms are complete, but in the software window it indicated that if I wanted to use Form 348 I would have to print it out and enter my answer back into the H&R Block software. I never had to do this with TurboTax.

6. Also on the State return it indicated there is some kind of issue with the AZ legislature on a deduction I want to take. The software says that they'll update the form if the legislature adopts the deduction, however I haven't been able to figure out the status of this item from the Arizona Tax Web site, so I don't know if the form is out of date or correct. I will continue to investigate this one.

Update #3:

I finished entering all of my data, printed my returns, created PDF files, and continued to the end of the program. A few more observations:

1. As I noticed when I initially used it, the supplied PDF printer/creator for your forms that you mail out look fine, but the file that it creates for your saved data sometimes splits lines between pages.

2. I successfully printer my Federal and State forms and saved them as PDF files - they all look fine.

3. At then end, the "audit analyzer" just say's you look OK. As I recall Turbo Tax shows you risk by categories (nice feature that I miss)

4. At the end, it doesn't show you a comparison of you previous year return and this years return like it does with Turbo Tax. I like seeing both as it may remind me that I have forgotten something.

Bottom line is that the software appears to work, but it's sometimes clunky and sometimes better than TurboTax. I'm still not sure about the long time between updates for the forms (see my earlier comment), and I'm still getting use to the way H&R Block presents its data, but if things stay the same next year I'll most likely stick with H&R Block software. Note that I have seen that TurboTax is promising to put all of the stuff back in to Deluxe that they removed this year, but it still cost $20 more than H&R Block Deluxe...

Note that I knocked off 1 star because of the few issues I discovered above that I had not seen with TurboTax - especially where the software required me to go the AZ Web site, print a form, fill it out by hand, and enter the data in the H&R Block software. So far I haven't found anything so bad to take off more than one star.
Easy install and very quickly converted my TurboTax file from ...
January 2, 2015
Easy install and very quickly converted my TurboTax file from last year. The interface doesn't seem as easy to read and follow as TurboTax but then it isn't as expensive either. This is my first time using H&R so the user interview may become more intuitive upon subsequent years.
First Time User
December 27, 2014
It is my first time I try H&R. I was loyal to TurboTax but the recent change in TurboTax forced me to switch to H&R. I have started my 2014 Tax return using H&R and so far so good. I will post a followup when I finish my tax return to share with people my full experience with H&R Deluxe.

Three Star Reviews:

7%

There are no reviews yet

7%
H&R Block is OK, but Turbo Tax is DEAD TO ME!
February 20, 2015
I came back to H&R Block, after a few years with Turbo. Tax. In fairness, they've both been able to get the job done for me in the past. They are both lacking in planning for the next year tax, such as making sure that you aren't over/under paying estimated taxes, when investment income is changing or you get lump sums.The main reason I went with Block this year is the outrageous money grab on the part of TT. Removing a capability that was in previous year versions is just another way of raising the price. It's a sneaky way too, since people who have used it before don't typically read the reviews again. When they get the product installed, many will not want to go through the hassle of getting and installing the new software, and returning the TT - time IS money!Turbo Tax is DEAD TO ME for what they have done! I know that they are trying to smooth things over, but my answer is: too little and too late. Also, weren't they the ones who got bad press a few years ago for some intrusive copy protection scheme?Also, both companies make you play the game of shopping around and waiting for when the price will drop. How about something simple like provide the guaranteed lowest price to people who sign up in advance for next year version? I've seen where some will do all that, BUT offer it to you at full retail price - wrong answer.
Not as good as I hoped it would be.
February 6, 2015
Not as good as I hoped it would be. I've been a TurboTax customer since the first version but this year I just got fed up with Intuit's ridiculous price gouging and deceptive marketing practices so I decided to try H&R's product. The software works but it's still a little clunky IMO. For instance, when entering data you sometimes want to go back and look at what you just did. In TT, this works as expected, taking you back one screen, but in H&R the Back button takes you to waaaayyyyy back, usually to the topic beginning and sometimes to a completely unrelated topic. You then have to use the Next button dozens of times to get back to where you were. Works, but annoying.In one spot, I mistakenly added a form I didn't need. I noticed it right away and tried to delete it but the program told me I couldn't delete it there but I could delete it in an upcoming screen. Well, the "upcoming screen" turned out to be all the way at the end when it did error checking on my return just before filing it! This caused some intestinal churning as I wondered if H&R was going to file my return with a form that had no data in it. Again, it took care of it, but it wasn't intuitive, the prompt it gave me wasn't accurate or complete and it isn't the way most people do work.Like TT, H&R tracks your tax liability/refund amount in a dedicated window. Unlike TT, which updates this data every time you make any change whatsover, H&R updates this data when??? "Sometime", that's when! Sometimes it updates immediately and sometimes it updates when you complete the entire section.The help function was a mixed bag for me. In most cases I liked the level of help provided better than TT - H&R gave a simple explanation that a non-accountant could understand but with enough detail to make you feel that you asked the right question. In other cases, the accountant/lawyer talk spewed out, leaving me completely baffled.Like TT, there were advertisement at the end. Unfortunately, it took too much effort to figure out what was an ad and what wasn't, then it took too much effort to figure out how to decline the ad and move on. I paid good money for the software, I don't need any ads and if they insist on putting them in there I should be able to press a consistent button in a consistent location to bypass them.All in all, it worked, my returns files successfully and I'm happy not to be getting the greasy shaft from Intuit. I'm hoping H&R will continue to improve it's interface and be better next year.
Program is fine as long as you don't have technical problems.
February 6, 2015
I decided to try HRB because I was tired of the constant price increases from TT. The tax software program itself is fine. It asks questions a little differently than TT, but overall I didn't have any problems with it. Until...I ended up spending about 45 minutes actually doing my taxes. I then spent the next 3 HOURS trying to download the state and trying to reach a real person in customer service to help me! I somehow first ended up on a customer service chat. This person told me that HRB didn't download properly and that I needed to uninstall and reinstall the program. Chat timed out while I was trying to download the program again. Didn't fix it at all.Did some more searching and found a phone number to customer service and after 21 minutes of waiting got a "virtual customer service representative" UUUGGGHHHH. Could not understand I didn't have TAX questions - I had technical issues. I had to just keep asking to talk to a person. I was so frustrated! When the "virtual rep" finally reached the end of it's preprogrammed responses, "I'm sorry....did you mean......" I was FINALLY connected to a REAL LIVE PERSON! It actually took this person about 2 minutes to fix my problem and they wondered why the "Chat" customer service rep didn't suggest checking and changing the proxy server before telling me to uninstall and reinstall the program.So basically as long as you don't have technical issues the program works fine. If you have technical issues it is not easy at all to get help.
Can't Import 2013 Turbo Tax files if using Windows XP
January 25, 2015
Just downloaded H&R Block Deluxe for 2014 taxes.... I used Turbo Tax Deluxe for 2013 taxes and when I tried to import those files I get a message "HRBlock has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for the inconvenience." Tried several times with different files and locations. I checked the system requirments and I have Windows XP SP3 with 43% disk space free. H&R Block online chat responded: "This is a known issue and is currently being investigated. There is currently no known work around to correct this issue when using Windows XP. There is not an estimated time when this issue will be fixed, but I recommend that you manually enter information if possible. If you have access to another computer that has Windows Vista or higher you can import your files using that computer." Big disappointment as I have been a Turbo Tax user forever and now will have to download again on a Windows 7 computer and transfer files.
Using XP? Beware!
January 23, 2015
If you're still using Windows XP and making the switch from Turbo Tax this year, you CANNOT import last year's tax information. It's a known issue, and doesn't seem to be important for H&R Block to resolve. So, be prepared to create your return from scratch.I think it's less step-by-step than Turbo Tax, but it may be because H&R Block doesn't know what my return is "supposed" to look like, due to not being able to import last year's data. So, I have to remember that I can deduct car registration, for instance, and figure out what section and line that information belongs in. And, do a tutorial to figure out how to include more than one vehicle information, whereas Turbo Tax had a section where I simply added a vehicle and the registration information, and had it added up for me.I'm not excited about it, to be honest. But, it was half the price of Turbo Tax, and it's always nice to save a few bucks. Is it really worth the savings? I don't know. I'll probably try it again next year, to see if the software having a previous return to reference makes any difference. despite getting finally fed up with Intuit price increases and functionality decreases, I do think they have a more user friendly experience.
Check your Windows settings and be sure to use the H&R Block default install settings
December 29, 2014
Purchased this software from Amazon and downloaded it without any issues. However, when I went to install it, I kept getting an error code saying the install program did not have access to the My Documents folder in Windows. I need to point out that the My Documents folder on my computer is not in the normal C: drive folder, but was on a different hard drive (called E: drive) because I was trying to save space on the main C: drive which is a smaller SSD device. No matter what I did regarding turning anti-virus off, running as administrator, or modifying folder permissions, I kept getting the same error that the software couldn't install. I then called H&R tech support and spent almost an hour troubleshooting with their representative who was not able to resolve the issue either. He did provide me a case number and said to expect a call back from them after the next level tech engineers reviewed the matter. I will give the tech support good marks as the rep I talked with was timely, courteous, and at least tried to help until he ran out of options. Out of curiosity, after I got off the phone with the H&R tech support, I moved the My Documents folder off the E: drive and placed the folder back to the normal C: drive setting (restored Windows default location) and tried another install. This time everything worked just fine and the program now runs. I have to admit I'm annoyed that I had to modify my setup to accommodate H&R Block's software quirk and that I had to figure this out instead of H&R Block giving me a solution. Bottom line, if you download this software, make sure your My Documents folder is in the normal Windows default location and install the H&R Block software in the default location it specifies during the install process. This issue may not affect many out there, but hopefully this review will help someone avoid the issues I went through with installation. I'll provide an update on the actual usability of the software once I get a chance to actually to my taxes with it.

Two Star Reviews:

9%

There are no reviews yet

7%
Couldn't correctly import last year from TurboTax, plus many annoyances
March 22, 2015
When Intuit disabled handling investments in Turbo Tax Deluxe (which I've used for years), I thought I would give H&R Block a try. In the end H&R just had too many problems -- I gave up and bought Turbo Tax Premier and re-did my taxes. It will have been more than worth the money to go back to Turbo Tax because it worked so much better for my complicated tax situation. By the way, I found a good price for TT on bizrate - search for "Turbo Tax Premier 2014 federal state".I didn't really expect H&R Block to out-shine TT because TT sells so much more and presumably can afford to hire more and better software programmers. But the limitations of H&R Block were insurmountable in my (complicated) tax situation. What finally pushed me over the edge and back to TT was that depreciation accounts associated with a rental house were not correctly imported from last years TurboTax return. The accounts were duplicated in the federal return and none appeared in the California state return (maybe the dups were mis-placed state accounts?) Anyway, I was not about to manually re-enter (and re-figure-out) all the depreciation accounts for California. Also H&R doesn't seem to support MACRS and other obsolete depreciation methods which the Calif. accounts required (California required using them when the assets were placed in service years ago, and depreciation methods generally can not be changed later).There are a few other annoyances, which add up to a significant burden. For example, you can "add supporting details" to input fields, just like in Turbo Tax; but there is no practical way to view them later. H&R does not remember which "supporting details" go with a given input field. There does exist a rightclick->View Supporting Details function, but it simply displays a list of *every* supporting-details sheet you ever entered anywhere in the return, identified only by the IRS form & line number the field applies to (which is useless unless you know how the step-by-step interview questions map to IRS forms). Another nit is that H&R does not have the "shrink to fit" feature for text fields. Among other things, this causes security descriptions on imported 1099-Bs to be truncated, so it is sometimes difficult to identify or distinguish trades (e.g. the Call option "AAPL 11/22/2014 120.00 C" becomes something like "AAPL 11/22/20 12"). And imported 1099-Bs from multiple brokers are lumped together in one big list, rather than being accessed per-source (that is, per-broker); this makes it difficult to check totals against paper statements. Also H&R did not recognize 1256 contracts when importing from Schwab.I realize this is a harsh review. My taxes are complicated, so this was an "acid test" of sorts. And it was my first time using H&R so I was not familiar with the software. I think H&R Block would be perfectly fine for simple returns which do not include depreciation, 1099-Bs from multiple brokers (unless only a few transactions), stock short sales, written-option transactions, or the need to use the "supporting details" feature.
H&R Block does not stand behind their software.
March 17, 2015
DO NOT BELIEVE -Your Maximum Refund - Guaranteed....You have been connected to Lawrence A.. Lawrence A.: Hello, salvatore. Welcome to H&R Block Ask a Tax Advisor Live Chat! How can I assist youtoday? salvatore B: hello. salvatore B: I leased an electric car in 2014. Installed solar and also an EV charger in mygarage. I cannot find form 8911, Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit Lawrence A.: May I have a moment to research some information to help resolve this issue? salvatore B: yes, please Lawrence A.: Have you gone through the credits section of federal in the software? salvatore B: yes, also searched for the form. Not found Lawrence A.: Well, it coudl be likely that this is a special and unique credit that is not supportedin the software. And the only credit avilable relatig to energy based credits are the residentila andthe plug-in vehicle. But let me transfer you over to produt support to get confirmation if the form8911 is actually supported or not in the software. Give me a moment to send you over. Lawrence A. has left the session. Please wait while we find an agent from the ATA Transfer department to assist you. You have been connected to Destiny S.. Destiny S.: Hello salvatore, welcome to H&R Block Tax Product Support! Please allow me a few momentsto review the information you have submitted to us. salvatore B: hello Destiny Destiny S.: Are you preparing your taxes using an Online account with a username and password, or areyou using software that is installed on your computer from a CD or download? salvatore B: no, purchased and downloaded from Amazon. Deluxe sFile + State Destiny S.: I will need to transfer you to our software department, I am an online agent, I would liketo transfer you so that you can be helped properly. is that ok? salvatore B: yes please Destiny S.: thank you for your patience, I will transfer you now, have a great afternoon. Destiny S. has left the session. Please wait while we find an agent from the HRBS / H&R Block Software Chat Tier 1 department to assistyou. You have been connected to Shaunice N.. Shaunice N.: Hello Salvatore, please give me a second to review previous chat session. salvatore B: ok, thx Shaunice N.: Your Welcome. Shaunice N.: I'm still here with you. salvatore B: so am I Shaunice N.: From reviewing prior chat session, I understand that you are wanting to know where toenter solar and also ev charger is that correct? salvatore B: I have entered the solar tax credit (split between 2014 and 2015). I want to takecare of the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credits applicable to EV charger installation,et al. Shaunice N.: Ok, so you want to know where to enter alternative fuel refueling property, is thatcorrect? salvatore B: form 8911 salvatore B: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8911.pdf Shaunice N.: I'm not finding it, I'm going to check additional resources, bare with me please. salvatore B: that is what I stated, not found in tax software. Please see IRS Pud URL above Shaunice N.: I'm checking to make sure we support the form. salvatore B: with all the residential charging stations being introduced, I would think this isa required entry. Shaunice N.: You will have to print this form off of the IRS website, and mail this form in, alongwith an copy of your return. salvatore B: That is most inconvenient and defeats the eFile capability. How to Inserrt formdirectly into return??? salvatore B: and where are calculation instructions??? salvatore B: Iwould suggest strongly that H&R Block IT revise to include and update with newdownload. Shaunice N.: You will not be able to such, your calculations will appear on your summary page. salvatore B: I really do think this form and procedure needs to be added to the software. You donot want this omission to be published on the Web. Shaunice N.: Any complaints that you may have, you can type right here in this chat session, and Iwill send it to our complaints department. salvatore B: this is NOT a complaint. This is a service request that needs to be assigned,programmed and published immediately. Shaunice N.: I'm simply an HRB product support agent, I don't configure the program, but I can passthis to our complaint department. salvatore B: I will stand by for action notification as to when this will be available fordownload. Please contact them immediately. Shaunice N.: That's not how it works, you type your complaint here, and I send it to them. salvatore B: Please let me speak with a Supervisor. Shaunice N.: One second. Shaunice N.: Hello Savatore. My name is Shawn and I am floor support. How can I assist you today sir? salvatore B: have you had a chance to familiarize yourself with the foregoing conversation? Shaunice N.: Yes sir. You have a problem with form 8911 correct? salvatore B: I do not have a problem.I cannot find it to make entries. Shaunice N.: Yes sir, you will need to print that form out and mail it in with the rest of yourreturn. salvatore B: I wish to use eFile. I paid for the feature. I want others to use this deduction. salvatore B: I want to eFile. I paid for the feature. I want others to use this deduction. Shaunice N.: There is no way you can efile if you want to use this form sir. salvatore B: why? Shaunice N.: Because its not supported in our software sir. salvatore B: How will calculations be reflected in the 1040? Shaunice N.: That's a question for a tax advisor sir. salvatore B: Please be advised, this conversation and it's implications are going to bepublished in sites that review your products. Shaunice N.: I understand sir. Shaunice N.: The only option you currently have is to print and mail if you wish to use this form. Shaunice N.: I apologize for the incovience. salvatore B: too bad, acquiescing to lost revenue. That does not seem very business ethical. Shaunice N.: I understand sir. salvatore B: oK, that's it then.
State support results in a big missed refund
February 20, 2015
CAUTION: I used this product to prepare my 2014 Federal and State (Colorado) returns. I purchased an electric vehicle during 2014, and Colorado provides a tax credit of up to $6000 for such vehicles. The H&R Block program did not provide support for the DR 0617 form necessary to claim this credit; instead they have you enter an amount directly into the 104CR form (you have to calculate the amount of the credit outside of the program). As a result, the return submitted did not include the credit and the state did not include the credit in my refund. Be aware that similar situations probably exist for other state programs as well. This is misleading because the program indicated that the credit was included and that my refund would be $6000 more than it turned out to be, and now I have to resubmit my return with the required form manually -- not through the H&R Block program. Very poor support for state tax situations involving credits, and as a result my confidence in this product is low. Two stars because the federal program appears to have worked correctly, but now I'm suspicious that something may have been missed there as well -- I'll have to manually do another federal return to regain some confidence there too.
Inadequate tax advice
February 9, 2015
This program is a good program as long as you are doing a simple return. If you have a return question that is different than the norm then you may have problems. The only way to get tax advice is through they're chat room. I waited for an hour and a half one day; then gave up. I entered a chat session the next day and waited for about 45 minutes or more before getting anyone to answer my question. The question was relatively simple (where do I enter a non standard deduction) and the "tax advisor" helping me either (a) did not understand my question or (b) was not knowledgable enough to answer right away. I told him which part of the tax code to refer to and still he was unable to tell me where to enter the information. It was not until I got his supervisor on line that my question was answered (I think). All in all I have wasted at least 3 hours getting a 15 minute answer. So if you have any question out of the ordinary and do not have at least 3 hours to get an answer, this is not the program for you.
Not recommended for those of us with kids in college
February 7, 2015
Not recommended for those of us with kids in college. The sections dealing with distributions from pre-paid college plans such as 529s (you got a form 1099-Q) or scholarships/grants (you got a form 1098-T) are very hard to understand. This was my first time using this software. In the past, using Turbo Tax, I would get a 1099-Q worksheet that walked me through each step of the process. With this software, it basically summarizes the IRS rules for you, which I interpreted as saying that these distributions aren't taxable unless used for something other than tuition. If you select No, that the amounts received were not taxable since used for tuition, you then get no option to input the amounts as part of your return. This is contrary to Turbo Tax, which gives you a 1099-Q form to complete and report the distribution amounts, even if not taxable. Right now, I would recommend Turbo Tax over this software.
Two different Refunds...Confused!?
January 19, 2015
First time HRB software and I am questioning my HRB return compared to last year TT return. I may buy TurboTax on addition to HRB to see if there is a difference. I would like a refund if there is a huge difference in Fed. refund. It also was not able to transfer/find TurboTax 2013 data. Something doesn't seem right.**UPDATE; I tried the free online Turbo Tax and there was a $1000 difference! I even reviewed current HRB inputted data and no change....Mmmmm??? Will continue to review Why the discrepancies until I am assured that its not me.

One Star Reviews:

22%

There are no reviews yet

20%
Lots of bugs - Only one state e-filing supported
February 10, 2015
I've used TurboTax for the last 10 years, but after they deleted functionality I decided to try out H&R Block instead. At the time there were lots of positive reviews by former TurboTax owners. Now I wish I had just shelled out the extra cash to get TurboTax.Major complaint: I lived in two states last year and I wanted to e-file for both states (I've done this multiple times in TurboTax with no problem). H&R Block allowed me to pay for an extra state version which I did. However, when I went to file, H&R Block would only allow me to e-file ONE state. What's the point of buying the extra software if I have to mail it in? For me this is a deal breaker, I won't purchase H&R Block software again.Other complaints: Lots of bugs. They have attempted to put in a feature to review all the inputs (which would be nice if it worked), but it appeared to just pop up random forms with highlighted areas. No explanation, no way to review the "error", and no way to fix it without digging through lots of menus. The software is just plain clunky.
you better have a good understanding of tax law if you're ...
February 9, 2015
Just so you know, you better have a good understanding of tax law if you're using this program. I got it due to the great reviews and negative reviews about turbotax. This program has many glitches. It did not recognize my income from my pension, then after that, while determining my lifetime learning, it had a greater Adjusted Gross Income than my total income (less pension of course) for the figure and reduced my American Opportunity, which I don't even qualify for since I'm not in my first 4 years of college. I definitely didn't check that I was in my first 4 years and recognize I don't qualify for this reduction thank goodness. Finally, for my pension, it sent me to a Roth IRA form to fill out stating I rolled over my pension, when I don't even have a Roth IRA. Customer service, after an hour of waiting, said these kinks would be worked out on the next update; but if you want your refund anytime soon or want them done right! Wish I would have stuck with turbotax. Thanks to the techs that helped me but the three transfers and the wait for the answer, "wait for the next update" wasn't worth the wait on-line!
Stock option support is badly implemented and buggy. Results were clearly wrong with error check said all was good.
February 8, 2015
Followed the instructions. Asked for some simple stock option info as requested. But it didn't ask for info on the amount of the sales.At the end. The error check said all was good even though I had noted that I had sold stock options and no Schedule D was generated by HR Block.HR Block offered a refund if I had purchased it from them. But Unfortunately I bought it from Amazon. Which doesn't offer refunds on defective software they sale via downloads. Not certain what their policy is for physical media. I wound up buying Turbotax from Costco and now have a worthless copy of HR Block Tax Software.Unfortunately I have too short a memory. Once every couple years I've tried buying software from Amazon's software download only to have problems. I would not recommend buying software from Amazon's download service.
You're on your own. H&R Block customer support is not accessible.
February 4, 2015
Buyers beware: After purchasing this product, hope that you do not require technical support. Customer Support is not accessible.I have never been so frustrated with Customer Support!!!! I failed to note the access code before I deleted the H&R Block confirming email. I was unable to start the return without it. So, I attempted to access Customer Support as directed in the product instructions. The telephone number provided constantly rings busy. I spent several unsuccessful hours on-line trying to connect with the online Chat feature. I contacted a local H&R Block office seeking assistance. They couldn't help me.If you download this product, I hope you don't experience any problems. Help is NOT available. Also, if you download the software, it is not returnable.
Product support is a joke. I did online help ...
February 4, 2015
Product support is a joke. I did online help and was 190 in line. Took OVER 5 hours of waiting. Over six hours total after H&R rep couldn't solve my problem and said he would need to send it up the line. I was contacted 4 days later and asked if I still had a problem. Well I didn't because I had done the only thing you could do - start over. Don't check any box unless you are absolutely sure you can get that credit! Even if it says to check it if you're not sure if you qualify. Don't do it! They can't get the box un-checked! Waiting for that update. You wait. I'll be going back to TurboTax.
Wanted to like it but it won't update and is useless. Out $30.
February 3, 2015
I really wanted to like this. I've been using Turbo Tax for over 15 years and I feel about TT like I do about the cable company. They treat their customers like they have a monopoly and they can treat us however they want and we have to come back to them, no customer loyalty appreciation or even respect. So I really wanted this software to be usable, and it seemed to start out OK. It transferred last years info from TT and seemed alot like TT, but every time I started it up it told me I was due a update, no surprise, and it would mention a forms update due out Jan 9 and each update seemed to be estimated to take the same amount of time. I would agree to the update and I would go through the update wizard screens and it would appear to be updating, then I would add whatever W-2 or 1098 etc. that had come in the mail, save and close it until next time.Last Saturday I sat down to do a quick 1040EZ for a friend, you get 5 fed files with the program, and when I got to the final checks it told me I couldn't file because I didn't have a forms update that was due Jan 9. So I updated multiple times and it kept saying the same thing. After going through all the online trouble shooting I called customer service and the lady walked me through a few more things with no success. She told me she would elevate the problem, gave me a problem ref. ID and said someone would be in touch within 24 hours, that was Saturday, it is now Tuesday evening and still nothing. I checked some of the other reviews and several others have had the same problem. The program won't update and allow you to finish. So buyer beware, it's a crap shoot and Amazon won't give you a refund on downloaded programs so I'm out $30. I have a dell computer circa 2007 and I'm upgraded to Windows 7 Home and student or something, it's Windows 7. If you decide to try this Good Luck.Update: Dropped it from a 2 star to a one. It's now Wednesday so I called and spent another 30 min waiting for a customer serv. rep. They informed me that the last rep hadn't escalated my problem after all, they had closed it. This time a "supervisor" said they would escalate it, and gave me a new res #. I asked if they had a current version that didn't require an update and was told that year after year they sell the same basic program and you have to update it after you get it. There is no updated version available, only the base program that requires an update to work. They are aware of the update problem and hopefully their tech support has found a fix. Right. The good news is that I found out from the web site that they have a 100% satisfaction guarantee so maybe I can get my money back.UPDATE 2: Waited until Saturday, one week after the original go around with customer support. Still nothing from tech support, waited forever (30 or so minutes) for a human and told my story again. The "supervisor" apparently didn't open a new problem screen so the new RES # was just to shut me up. Reminded them of the "100% satisfaction guarantee" so they said I would get the money returned to my card. We'll see if that happens. The next day Tech support called, 7 days after the "24 hour" response time, saying they were way behind. Duh, then the customer service people shouldn't be saying 24 hr. call back. It seems there is a updated version available but I told them I had already been granted a refund so no thanks. This was HRB's chance to get a chunk of TT's customers but I guess the product wasn't up to it. Too bad. Don't know if I'll try it again in the future. Depends on if TT pisses me off again. I paid $49.95 on amazon for the deluxe TT w/state, up from $31 for HRB, but it loaded fine and updated no problem and I filled out and e-filed fed no problem. I mailed state return. who wants to pay $20 to e-file instead of a .50 cent? stamp to mail.UPDATE 3: Well it's been 6 weeks and still not refund. I've called several times and I'm always lied to and placated with statements that the refund will appear shortly. I'm finding out that the HRB guarantee is as unreliable as the software and apparently the company. I'll try the BBB next.
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Pricing info
Old Price
Old Price
Price
Price
$34.99updated: Mar 3, 2020
$44.99updated: Mar 2, 2020
Features
Article Number
Article Number
-
0886389091934
Binding
Binding
Software Download
Software Download
Brand
Brand
H&R Block
H&R Block
Currency
Currency
USD
USD
Edition
Edition
Digital Download
Digital Download
Format
Format
Download
Download
Formatted Price
Formatted Price
$34.99
$44.99
Hardware Platform
Hardware Platform
PC
PC
Manufacturer
Manufacturer
H&R Block
H&R Block
Model
Model
-
1316800-14
MPN
MPN
-
1316800-14
Name
Name
-
English
Number of Parts
Number of Parts
-
1316800-14
Operating System
Operating System
Windows 8
Windows 8
platform
platform
Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP
Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows XP
Product Group
Product Group
Digital Software
Digital Software
Product Type
Product Type
ABIS_DOWNLOADABLE_SOFTWARE
ABIS_DOWNLOADABLE_SOFTWARE
Publisher
Publisher
H&R Block
H&R Block
Release Date
Release Date
2015-11-13
2014-11-19
Reviews
Reviews
Score
Score
-
7.2
Studio
Studio
H&R Block
H&R Block
Type
Type
-
Original Language
Feature
Feature

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