I have been using H & R Block tax software for many years, and despite minor complaints here and there, I thought it met my needs more cost-efficiently than TurboTax. This year, the experience of downloading and installing changed, and it became a lot worse. The download is no longer available from Amazon; you must get it from the H & R Block website. The H & R website download gave me a network error ten times before I could download it. Clearly, they cannot handle the job. Please go back to using Amazon infrastructure.
INSTALLATION
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
* To download H&R Block software, click "Access your content," which takes you to the order, where you need to click "Go to your software library." However, instead of just downloading the software, like in prior years, instructions give you a URL with the H&R Block website. You need to provide your activation code and mailing address (with a promise that you only need to do this once), then when you click "Download," it generates an error "Network error, please try again later." I tried repeatedly, and finally, on the tenth attempt, I saw a download screen, with a large green "Download Software" button.
When the software began the installation, it asked me again for the activation code and mailing address (despite the earlier claim that I would be asked only once). From there on, the installation proceeded smoothly.
* Does H&R allow the installation of the software on two PCs?
No. The license agreement that one needs to accept during the installation says this:
"Software copies. You may only install and use the software on one computer. You may copy the software for backup and archival purposes only, as long as the original and each copy are kept in your possession and control.
Upgrades. You must first acquire a valid license to use the software to receive and use any software upgrades. After you buy and install any Software upgrade, you may only use the upgraded version. You will no longer use the prior version other than for backup or archival purposes if you need to reinstall the software."
Under limitation, it also states that the software is for use by you and your immediate family members. You cannot sell, rent, loan, or transfer the product to someone else.
PRICE
~~~~~~
If you are looking for the best deal, Amazon often runs attractive promotions on Black Friday and a few other times between now and April. You can get notified about price drops by checking the camelcamelcamel site, which can send you emails when the price drops by the amount you specify. During the last tax year, the price fluctuated between $22 and the list price of $39.99, dipping below $30 several times. It also qualifies for digital credits granted for No-rush Prime shipping. However, you cannot use your Prime card reward points towards the software. This year, the list price has increased to $49.99, and the Black Friday price was $29.99.
* WHAT IS INCLUDED
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Using tax software includes two fees - one to use the software and the second one to e-file the returns with the IRS. This package includes the cost of using both the Federal tax return and State return for one state (if you need to file taxes in two states, you will need to buy the second state software at full price).
This package also includes the cost of 5 free Federal e-files, but it does NOT include the cost of an e-file for the state return. Note that there is no limit on how many returns can be printed on paper for either Federal or State returns, so you can print and mail any number of returns you desire.
* The state forms are not available as I write this review. The state form will be available on January 3, 2025. You can enter an email to be notified when it becomes available.
When the state forms become available, the state software can be downloaded directly from the H&R Block application from the first screen of the state tax preparation. There is no extra fee.
All updates of both federal and state software are free.
PROBLEMS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
* If you bought an electric vehicle and installed a home charger, you can file Form 8911 to get a 30% credit for the alternative fuel vehicle refueling property you placed in service during the current tax year. H&R Block has a form for electric vehicle purchase credit but DOES NOT have the 8911 form for the charger. The interview does not include the charger question.
* I ran into an issue trying to save my return as PDF995 (i.e., as PDF). Reinstalling PDF995 software (it comes with H&R Block software) did not help. When I looked under Print Settings, it showed PDF995 as the default printer. I had to change the default printer to my actual printer, and then I successfully saved the return as PDF995. I am sharing this tip in case someone else runs into this issue.
* ANNOYANCES
~~~~~~~~~~~~
* H&R Block wants to sell you more services. It refers to this as personalized services, and if you select it, it will provide you with info about software deals (which are never as good as Amazon deals), services, and consultations.
A new disturbing disclosure this year is that if you agree to personalization, your information will be disclosed to call centers located outside the United States.
Fortunately, you can say "No, thanks," but you must pay attention to opt out if you want to avoid the upsell.
* H&R Block starts the interview process with an annoying up-sell pitch, recommending an upgrade from Deluxe to Premium, even when it is not required for my specific return. I have been buying the Deluxe version of H&R Block because it covers the mutual fund's sales, cost basis calculations are included (Schedule D, capital gains and losses), the form for Foreign Tax Credit from mutual funds is present (Form 1116), as well as stock sales. It also includes Schedule C (profit or loss from business based on form 1099) and Schedule K1 (K-1 S Corps) if you report personal tax gains or losses (i.e., not as a Corporation).
I have been filing from 1099 for self-employment as an individual using the Deluxe version of the software for years, even though the official H&R table shows the need for the Premium version. The premium version is only needed if you are filing taxes as a business, not if you are claiming 1099 income on your personal return.
* GENERAL
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
* When you start the software, the first step (after validating your product code) allows you to import old data from the previous year's return. You can load H&R Block software, TurboTax, or a PDF copy of the 2023 return. Importing the old tax return saves a lot of typing as a lot of information is transferred from the old form.
* Since many of my numbers are not final, I use the H&R feature that allows me to mark entries as "tentative" (right mouse click, then select "mark entry as tentative" from a drop-down list).
H&R Block keeps track of all tentative entries and displays them during a "check" step, typically invoked at the end of the interview but can also be invoked by itself at any time. The check step lists all entries marked as tentative, so it is easy to update them.
* H&R Block asks you to provide a state-issued ID number to combat stolen identity tax returns. It is not required but highly encouraged.
* I like DeductionPro, which helps suggest reasonable prices based on the condition of the donated used clothing items. It is nice not to have to come up with what is reasonable on my own.
* The final tax return can be saved in a PDF format for future reference. I always do that so I can re-print an old return without running an old copy of H&R Block (especially when a new computer may not even have an old H&R Block installed). It is a good idea to make a backup on DVD or another form of backup, in case the computer where you did the return crushes.
* H&R Block can print forms when an Ethernet connection is disconnected. In 2014, TurboTax required that the data be sent to Intuit's servers to be formatted for printing. H&R Block does not have this requirement.
* If you owe taxes, there are three options for payment: electronic withdrawal from your bank (free), mailing a check (free), and paying by credit card from a secure website (not free). IRS does not charge a fee, but the sites that provide this service do. Several websites offer this service with a "convenience" fee. If you search for "pay taxes by credit or debit," you will see the detailed fee schedule on the irs.gov website.
* Can I download an old version of H&R Block software purchased on Amazon?
You can download old versions (before this year), but this year's version is not downloadable from Amazon. Amazon allows you to download the software purchased on Amazon as long as you have an Amazon account. There is no extra charge for downloading old software. The first download I bought on Amazon was in 2009. I tested it and could still download it from my Digital Library.
To get old software directly from the H&RBlock site, you must pay a charge for "extended download service." So this year, the price is higher, and if you need to download the software a few years later when you are using a new computer, you will have to pay another charge. Make sure to make a backup copy, just in case. The H&R license allows you to have backup copies for your own use.
* Does the application provide a feature to confirm IRS/state agency tax acceptance status?
Yes, once you submit your return, a button will be on the first page to request a status check. The resulting status will be displayed on the first page. You can request status updates multiple times.
* Amended returns
In 2023, I had to do my first amended return. The first amended return worked perfectly. Unfortunately, I made a mistake and wanted to do a second amended return, and the software could not handle it. After multiple phone conversations with H&R Block, the bottom line is that it cannot handle a correction to an amended return electronically, and it has to be filed on paper.
I keep using H&R Block because it does what I need and has always been cheaper than TurboTax.
This year, I was disappointed with the download process. I saw that other users encountered similar problems as well. I hope this outpouring of negative reviews will return the download process to Amazon.
You can find it on Amazon by following this link.
Ali Julia review ★★★☆☆
