Product review: H&R Block tax software (formerlly known as Taxcut ) and comparison to TurboTax

 

Amazon changed how you find software downloads. It used to be located under Digital Content. But H&R Block software download did not appear there this year. This year you need to click "View your item," a button on your order, next to the "Buy it again" button. The "View your item" link takes you to the download page for H&R Block software and its product code.

I have been using H & R Block tax software for many years, and despite minor complaints here and there, it meets my needs best. I keep using H&R Block because it does what I need and has always been cheaper than TurboTax. I buy 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) and Schedule K1 (K-1 S Corps) if you report personal tax gains or losses (i.e., not as a Corporation). You must buy the Premium software version to get this functionality in TurboTax.

INSTALLATION
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
* Other than finding where Amazon relocated the downloads, I had no issues installing the software.

* 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 the software to receive and use any Software upgrades. After you acquire and install any Software upgrade, you may only use the upgraded version of the software. 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 very attractive promotions on Black Friday and a few other times between now and April. You can get notified about price drops by checking 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 $44.99, dipping below $30 several times. It also qualifies for digital credits for No-rush Prime shipping.

* WHAT IS INCLUDED
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Using tax software includes two fees - one to use the software and the second one to e-file the returns with 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, 2023. 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 will provide you info about software deals (which are never as good as Amazon deals), services, and consultations. Fortunately, you can say "No, thanks," but it requires you to pay attention to opt-out if you want to avoid marketing emails.

* 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 necessary. I think they should have determined if the person would genuinely benefit from the Premium version first. That would have been useful. As it stands now, it is just annoying.

What is the difference between Premium and Deluxe? The Premium version offers advanced tools for self-employed and rental property owners: cost basis of home sales, dividends, gifts, and inheritance assets. It has advanced schedule C guidance to maximize deductions for self-employment income. And finally, it has guidance for rental property income and expenses. The rest of the Premium package is the same as the Deluxe.

Note that the Deluxe package has support for self-employed income as well as stock sale cost basis calculations. Schedule C is a complete schedule - expenses, depreciation, and all that through an interview process. The difference between the Premium and Deluxe versions is that you can use Deluxe you report gain or loss on your PERSONAL taxes (i.e., not as a Corporation).  

* 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 2021 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 which is 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.

* To combat stolen-identity tax returns, H&R Block asks you to provide a state-issued ID number. 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 introduced a requirement that the data had to 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 provide 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?

Yes. 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, and I tested that I could still download it. The software appears under the Downloads and Codes section of your orders.

Note that if you purchased the software directly from the H&RBlock site, they add on a charge for "extended download service." Amazon does not charge for this service.

* Does the application provide a feature to confirm IRS/state agency tax acceptance status?

Yes, once you submit your return, there will be a button 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.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.  

 

Ali Julia review ★★★★☆

Product review: H&R Block Tax Software Deluxe + State 2021

 

I have been using H&R Block tax software for many years, and overall despite minor complaints here and there, I find that it meets my needs best. This year, I have more complaints than in the past; I will describe them in the PROBLEMS section below.

I keep using H&RBlock because it does what I need, and it has always been cheaper than TurboTax. 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) and Schedule K1 (K-1 S Corps) if you are reporting gain or loss on your personal taxes. To get this functionality in TurboTax, you need to buy the Premium version of the software.

PROBLEMS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

* In the past, the interview started with a prompt to import last year's return.  Importing the old tax return saves a lot of typing as a lot of information is transferred from the old form.  This year's return does not prompt to import automatically. The interview began by asking me to type my name, social security number, and so forth.  I found the option to import last year's return under File - Import Last Year Return.  So the capability is there, but you need to know to start there. Bad change!

* If you bought an electric vehicle and installed a home charger, you can file Form 8911 to get 30% credit for 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. Big miss!

* H&R Block wants to sell you more services. It refers to this as personalized services, and if you select it will provide you info about software deals (which are never as good as Amazon deals), services, and consultations. Fortunately, you can say "No, thanks," but it requires you to pay attention to opt-out if you want to avoid marketing email.

* 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 was able to save the return as PDF995 successfully. I wanted to share this tip in case someone else runs into this issue.

INSTALLATION
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
* If you are using a digital download, you will need an activation code to install the software.
The activation code is shown in the Amazon email with the subject line "Your Amazon.com order of "H&R Block Tax Software Del...". If needed, you can also get it from Amazon Software downloads. To locate it, you need to do this:
1) Log into Amazon
2) Select 'Your Account' and the section called 'Digital Content.'
3) Select 'Your Games and Software downloads.'
4) Then, under H&R software entry, you will see activation code

* Does H&R allow to install of the software on two PCs?
No. The license agreement that one needs to accept during the install 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 the software to receive and use any Software upgrades. After you acquire and install any Software upgrade, you may only use the upgraded version of the software, and you will no longer use the prior version of the software 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 for you and your immediate family members. You are not allowed to sell, rent, loan, or otherwise transfer the product to someone else.

PRICE
~~~~~~
If you are looking for the best deal, Amazon often runs very attractive promotions on Black Friday and a few other times between now and April. You can get notified about the price drops by checking camelcamelcamel site that 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 $44.99, dipping below $30 several times. It also qualifies for digital credits for No-rush Prime shipping. However, it no longer qualifies for rewards from Prime Card rewards (this restriction started in 2019).

* WHAT IS INCLUDED
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Using tax software includes two fees - one to use the software and the second one to e-file the returns with 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 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, 2022.  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.

* GENERAL
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

* When you start the software, the first step (after validating your license) allows you to old your data from the previous year's return. You can load H&R Block software, TurboTax, or a PDF copy of the 2019 return.

* 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 which is 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 starts the interview process with an annoying up-sell pitch, recommending an upgrade from Deluxe to Premium even when it is not necessary. In my opinion, they should have determined if the person would truly benefit from the Premium version first. That would have been useful. As it stands now, it is just annoying.

What is the difference between Premium and Deluxe? The Premium version offers advanced tools for self-employed and rental property owners: cost basis of home sales, dividends, gifts, and inheritance assets. It has advanced schedule C guidance to maximize deductions for self-employment income. And finally, it has guidance for rental property income and expenses. The rest of the Premium package is the same as Deluxe.

Note that the Deluxe package has support for self-employed income as well as stock sale cost basis calculations.  Schedule C is a complete schedule - expenses, depreciation, and all that through an interview process. The difference between the Premium and Deluxe versions is that you use Deluxe you report gain or loss on your PERSONAL taxes (i.e., not as a Corporation).    

* To combat stolen-identity tax returns, H&R Block now asks you to provide a state-issued ID number. 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 having to run an old copy of H&R Block (especially down the road when a new computer may not even have an old H&R Block installed).

* H&R Block can print forms when an Ethernet connection is disconnected. In 2014 TurboTax introduced a requirement that the data had to 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 provide 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.

* Is it possible to download an old version of H&R Block software purchased on Amazon?

Yes. 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, and I tested that I can still download it.
Note that if you purchased the software directly from the H&RBlock site, they add on a charge for "extended download service." Amazon does not do that.

To get an old digital download, go to "your orders," then "digital orders," and select a year from the drop-down list. The list goes back to the year I opened my Amazon account.

* Does the application provide a feature to confirm IRS/state agency tax acceptance status?

Yes, once you submit your return, there will be a button 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.


You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★☆

Product review: H&R Block Tax Software Deluxe + State 2020 - Bargain Hunters Alert for Cyber Monday $22.49

 

I have been using H&R Block tax software for many years, and overall despite minor complaints here and there I find that it meets my needs best. I keep using H&RBlock because it does what I need and it has always been cheaper than TurboTax. 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) and Schedule K1 (K-1 S Corps) if you are reporting gain or loss on your personal taxes. To get this functionality in TurboTax you need to buy the Premium version of the software.

INSTALLATION
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
* If you are using a digital download you will need an activation code to install the software.
The activation code is shown in Amazon email with the subject line "Your Amazon.com order of "H&R Block Tax Software Del...". If needed you can also get it from Amazon Software downloads. To locate it you need to do this:
1) Log into Amazon
2) Select 'Your Account' and the section called 'Digital Content'
3) Select 'Your Games and Software downloads'
4) Then under H&R software entry, you will see activation code

* Does H&R allow to install the software on two PCs?
No. The license agreement that one needs to accept during the install 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 the Software to receive and use any Software upgrades. After you acquire and install any Software upgrade, you may only use the upgraded version of the Software and you will no longer use the prior version of the Software other than for backup or archival purposes if you need to reinstall the Software."


PRICE
~~~~~~
If you are looking for the best deal Amazon often runs very attractive promotions on Black Friday and a few other times between now and April. You can get notified about the price drops by checking camelcamelcamel site that can send you emails when the price drops by the amount you specify. During the last tax year season, the price fluctuated between $20 and the list price of $44.99, dipping below $30 a number of times. It also qualifies for digital credits for No-rush Prime shipping. However, it no longer qualifies for rewards from Prime Card rewards (this change started last year).



* WHAT IS INCLUDED
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Using tax software includes two fees - one to use the software and the second one to e-file the returns with 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 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 return, so you can print and mail any number of returns you desire.

Note 1: New York State law prohibits additional charges for State e-file (NY residents still have to pay for using the software).  There is an income limit to qualify for totally free e-file.  In 2018 the limit was $66,000. The limit for 2020 will be posted in January 2021 on the NY state web site.
Note 2: In the comments, I posted a full list of states that allow e-file, as well as the list states that require the return to be printed and mailed.

* The state forms are not available as I write this review. When I tried to install my state return I got a message that I will receive an email when state return will become 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.

* GENERAL
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

* When you start the software, the first step (after validating your license) allows you to old your data from the previous year's return. You can load H&R Block software, TurboTax or PDF copy of 2018 return.

* 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 which normally is 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 starts the interview process with an annoying up-sell pitch, recommending an upgrade from Deluxe to Premium even when it is not necessary. In my opinion, they should have determined if the person would truly benefit from the Premium version first. That would have been useful. As it stands now it is just annoying.

What is the difference between Premium and Deluxe? The Premium version offers advanced tools for self-employed and rental property owners: cost basis of home sales, dividends, gifts, and inheritance assets. It has advanced schedule C guidance to maximize deductions for self-employment income. And finally, it has guidance for rental property income and expenses. The rest of the Premium package is the same as Deluxe.

Note that the Deluxe package has support for self-employed income as well as stock sale cost basis calculations.  Schedule C is a complete schedule - expenses, depreciation and all that through an interview process. The difference with the Premium version is that with Deluxe you are reporting gain or loss on your PERSONAL taxes.

* To combat stolen-identity tax returns H&R Block now asks you to provide state-issued ID number. It is not required but highly encouraged.

* H&R Block provided me some guidance for completing Form 1116 (foreign tax credit, for example, foreign tax paid by a mutual fund). However, I needed to keep switching between the whole-form view and interview to enter data and then back to the interview to read the instructions. Even though the form where you can enter data is visible at the same time as instructions you cannot enter data into it until you switch into the whole-form view. This is cumbersome, but at least there is some guidance for this form.

* I like DeductionPro which helps suggests 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 having to run an old copy of H&R Block (especially down the road when a new computer may not even have an old H&R Block installed).

* H&R Block can print forms when an Ethernet connection is disconnected. In 2014 TurboTax introduced a requirement that the data had to 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 web site (not free). IRS does not charge a fee but the sites that provide this service do. There are several web sites that provide 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 web site.

* Is it possible to download an old version of H&R Block software purchased on Amazon?

Yes. 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 and I tested that I can still download it.
Note that if you purchased software directly from the H&RBlock site, they add on a charge for "extended download service". Amazon does not do that.

To get an old digital download you go to "your orders", then "digital orders" and then select a year from the drop-down list. The list goes back to the year I opened my Amazon account.

* Does application provide a feature to confirm IRS/state agency tax acceptance status?

Yes, once you submit your return there will be a button 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.

TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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 real printer and then I was able to successfully save as PDF995. I wanted to share this tip in case someone else runs into this issue.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★★ 

 


H&R Block supports e-filing part-year and / or nonresident returns for:
Arizona
California
Colorado
Connecticut
District of Columbia
Georgia
Illinois
Indiana
Kansas
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Utah
Virginia

All other states require part-year and non-resident returns to be printed and mailed.
Delaware, Hawaii, Louisiana and Vermont programs do not include part-year / non-resident forms.

Prodict review: H&R Block Tax Software Deluxe + State 2019 [PC Download] byH&R Block

I like doing a preliminary return early so I would know if I have to tweak my W2 deductions for the last two paychecks. However, if you are looking for the best deal Amazon often runs very attractive promotions on Black Friday and a few other times between now and April. You can get notified about the price drops by checking camelcamelcamel site that can send you emails when the price drops by the amount you specify. During the last tax year season, the price fluctuated between $20 and the list price of $44.99, dipping below $30 a number of times. It also qualifies for digital credits for No-rush Prime shipping. However, it no longer qualifies for rewards from Prime Card rewards (new change for this year).

I have been using H&R Block tax software for many years, and overall despite minor complaints here and there I find that it meets my needs best. I keep using H&RBlock because it does what I need and it has always been cheaper than TurboTax. 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) and Schedule K1 (K-1 S Corps) if you are reporting gain or loss on your personal taxes. To get this functionality in TurboTax you need to buy the Premium version of the software.

INSTALLATION
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
* If you are using a digital download you will need an activation code to install the software.
The activation code is shown in Amazon email with the subject line "Your Amazon.com order of "H&R Block Tax Software Del...". If needed you can also get it from Amazon Software downloads. To locate it you need to do this:
1) Log into Amazon
2) Select 'Your Account' and the section called 'Digital Content'
3) Select 'Your Games and Software downloads'
4) Then under H&R software entry, you will see activation code

* Does H&R allow to install the software on two PCs?
No. The license agreement that one needs to accept during the install 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 the Software to receive and use any Software upgrades. After you acquire and install any Software upgrade, you may only use the upgraded version of the Software and you will no longer use the prior version of the Software other than for backup or archival purposes if you need to reinstall the Software."



* I am running the software on Windows 10, however, H&R Block also runs on older  Windows version and Mac.

The H&R Block Tax Software system requirements are:
Operating System:
Windows® Vista® / 7 / 8.1 / 10
Mac OS® X 10.9.5 or higher
Browser:
Windows: Internet Explorer® 9 or higher
Mac®: Safari® 9.1.3 or higher
Hard-Disk Space: 170MB
CD-ROM Drive: 2X CD-ROM drive
Monitor: 1024×768, SVGA color monitor
 
* WHAT IS INCLUDED
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Using tax software includes two fees - one to use the software and the second one to e-file the returns with 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 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 return, so you can print and mail any number of returns you desire.

Note 1: New York State the law prohibits additional charges for State e-file (NY residents still have to pay for using the software).
Note 2: At the very end of the review I posted a full list of states that allow e-file, as well as the list states that require the return to be printed and mailed.

* The state forms are not available as I write this review. When I tried to install my state return I got a message that I will receive an email when state return will become 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.

* GENERAL
~~~~~~~~~~~~~


* When you start the software, the first step (after validating your license) allows you to old your data from the previous year's return. You can load H&R Block software, TurboTax or PDF copy of 2018 return.

* 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 which normally is 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 starts the interview process with an annoying up-sell pitch, recommending an upgrade from Deluxe to Premium even when it is not necessary. In my opinion, they should have determined if the person would truly benefit from the Premium version first. That would have been useful. As it stands now it is just annoying.

What is the difference between Premium and Deluxe? The Premium version offers advanced tools for self-employed and rental property owners: cost basis of home sales, dividends, gifts, and inheritance assets. It has advanced schedule C guidance to maximize deductions for self-employment income. And finally, it has guidance for rental property income and expenses. The rest of the Premium package is the same as Deluxe.

Note that the Deluxe package has support for self-employed income as well as stock sale cost basis calculations.

* To combat stolen-identity tax returns H&R Block now requires you to provide state-issued ID number.

* H&R Block provided me some guidance for completing Form 1116 (foreign tax credit, for example, foreign tax paid by a mutual fund). However, I needed to keep switching between the whole-form view and interview to enter data and then back to the interview to read the instructions. Even though the form where you can enter data is visible at the same time as instructions you cannot enter data into it until you switch into the whole-form view. This is cumbersome, but at least there is some guidance for this form.

* I like DeductionPro which helps suggests 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 having to run an old copy of H&R Block (especially down the road when a new computer may not even have an old H&R Block installed).

* H&R Block can print forms when the ethernet connection is disconnected. In 2014 TurboTax introduced a requirement that the data had to 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 web site (not free). IRS does not charge a fee but the sites that provide this service do. There are several web sites that provide 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 web site.

* Is it possible to download an old version of H&R Block software purchased on Amazon?

Yes. 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 and I tested that I can still download it.
Note that if you purchased software directly from the H&RBlock site, they add on a charge for "extended download service". Amazon does not do that.

To get the old digital download you go to "your orders", then "digital orders" and then select a year from the drop-down list. The list goes back to the year I opened my Amazon account.

TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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 real printer and then I was able to successfully save as PDF995. I wanted to share this tip in case someone else runs into this issue.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★★



For state returns H&R Block supports e-filing part-year and/or nonresident returns for:

Arizona
California
Colorado
Connecticut
District of Columbia
Georgia
Illinois
Indiana
Kansas
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Utah
Virginia

All other states require part-year and non-resident returns to be printed and mailed.

Delaware, Hawaii, Louisiana and Vermont programs do not include part-year / non-resident forms.

Product review: Product review: H&R Block Tax Software Deluxe

I was anxious to do my taxes to see the effects of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act for my specific case.  The current version of the software has some of the changes from the new Tax Law in the current version, but many of the changes will be in the January 3, 2019 update.  The warning “this interview is not final” appears on every page, and I could clearly see some things that no longer apply still there.  For example, even though the standard deductions in H&R Block software were changed to $12,000 the comments said “This year your itemized deductions are less than your standard deductions.  In future years, you can bunch your deductions to have more expenses you can itemize.”  This is no longer true, deductions over $12,000 are no longer allowed.  There was also a change in the interview about 401K deductions, and the interview did not say not to report 401K contribution during the interview if the deduction appears on the W2 form and when I reported it it gave me a double deduction.  I would have loved to take that double deduction but I knew this is not right and went back to remove it from the interview when I saw the final result.  By comparison, HSA deduction interview question stated not to report in the interview if that deduction was reported it on the W2 form.

I have been using H&R Block tax software for many years, and I typically do a preliminary version of the tax return in November. This year I felt the software was less ready than in  other years due to a large number of changes related to the new tax law. I have less confidence that the numbers will remain the same after January 3 update.

I keep using H&RBlock because it does what I need and it has always been cheaper than TurboTax. I have been buying the Deluxe version of H&R Block because it covers the mutual funds sales, cost basis calculations are included (Schedule D), the form for Foreign Tax Credit from mutual funds is present (Form 1116), as well as stock sales. To get this functionality in TurboTax you need to buy the Premium version of the software.

INSTALLATION
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
* If you are using a digital download you will need an activation code to install the software.
The activation code is shown in Amazon email with the subject line "Your Amazon.com order of "H&R Block Tax Software Del...". If  needed you  can also get it from Amazon Software downloads. To locate it you need to do this:
1) Log into Amazon
2) Select 'Your account' and the section called 'Digital Content'
3) Select 'Your Games and Software downloads'
4) Then under H&R software entry you will see activation code

* Does H&R allow to install the software on two PCs?
No. The license agreement that one needs to accept during the install 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.”

* WHAT IS INCLUDED
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This package includes only the Federal return software. Using tax software includes two fees - one to use the software and the second one to e-file the returns with IRS. This package includes the cost of using the software to create the Federal tax return  and the cost of of 5 free Federal e-files. You can print and mail any number of returns you desire.

* GENERAL
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

* Since many of my numbers are not final, I use the capability of the software to mark entries as “tentative”  (right mouse click, then select “mark entry as tentative” from a drop down list). 

At the end of the interview process there is a check step (which you can run at any time, but the interview ends with this check). This step flags problems (e.g. missing information) and potential audit alerts (e.g. unusual deductions), and reminders (e.g. things you marked tentative). I find this check step very helpful.  All entries marked as tentative are listed so it is easy to update them.

* 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 necessary. In my opinion, they should have determined if the person would truly benefit from the Premium version first. That would have been useful. As it stands now it is just annoying.

What is the difference between Premium and Deluxe? The Premium version offers advanced tools for self-employed and rental property owners: cost basis of home sales, dividends, gifts, and inheritance assets. It has advanced schedule C guidance to maximize deductions for self-employment income. And finally it has guidance for rental property income and expenses. The rest of the Premium package is the same as Deluxe.

Note that the Deluxe package has support for self-employed income as well as stock sale cost basis calculations.

* To combat stolen-identity tax returns H&R Block now requires you to provide state-issued ID number.

* H&R Block provided me some guidance for completing Form 1116 (foreign tax credit, for example foreign tax paid by a mutual fund). However, I needed to keep switching between the whole-form view to enter data and then back to interview to read the instructions. Even though the form where you can enter data is visible at the same time as instructions you cannot enter data into it until you switch into whole-form view. This is cumbersome, but at least there is some guidance for this form.

* I like DeductionPro which helps suggests reasonable prices based on 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 having to run an old copy of H&R Block (especially down the road when a new computer may not even have an old H&R Block installed).

* H&R Block can print forms when Ethernet connection is disconnected. In 2014 TurboTax's introduced a requirement that the data had to be sent to Intuit's servers to be formatted for printing. H&R Block does not have this requirement.

* Does H&R has the ability to import TurboTax data from previous years?
Yes. TurboTax files have a .tax extension. Use the Browse button within H&R Block application to navigate to the folder you need and it will import the data from TT return. In addition this year you can also import pdf file of your return no matter what software you used to save the old return.

* If you owe taxes there are three options for payment: electronic withdrawal from your bank, mailing a check and paying by credit card from a secure web site. Is there a charge to pay by credit card? Yes. There are several web sites that provide this service with a "convenience" fee (lowest fee is $2.58 flat fee for a debit card and 1.87% fee for a credit card). If you search for "pay taxes by credit or debit" you will see the detailed fee schedule on the irs.gov web site.

PRICE considerations
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The price on H&R Block package changes often and you can catch some great discounts. I got H&R Block on Black Friday sale. If you missed that sale you can still get bargains by using a tool that alerts on Amazon prices discounts for any product. If you enter "Amazon price history alert" in Google it will come up at the top, my favorite has the word "camel" (repeated 3 times) in the name. You can set it up to send you an alert when you desired price drop is reached. During the last tax year season the price fluctuated between $20 and the list price of $44.99, dipping below $30 a number of times. It also qualifies for digital credits for No-rush Prime shipping.

Also note that Amazon adds the State sales tax to the final price of H&R Block (in states where it has physical presences such as Massachusetts).

SUMMARY
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This year software is less “ready” due to the large number of tax changes, however I had no technical issues or software glitches.  If you have a question I have not covered leave a comment and I will do my best to answer it.

Update
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This year there have been problem with activation code which surfaces during e-file. You can get a new code by calling 1-888-482-9288 and pressing 4.

When the activation code fails the software will request $10 charge for e-file. This cost is already included in the software purchase, don't pay it. Be aware that you credit card gets authorized even if there is no charge made and this might trigger fraud alert.


If you need to chat with H&R block here is a link to the 24 hour chat.



You can find Federal only version of the software on Amazon by following this link.


If you are interested in Federal and State version of H&R Block Tax Software Deluxe 2018 follow this link instead.


Ali Julia review ★★★★☆

Product review: H&R Block Tax Software Deluxe + State 2018

I was anxious to do my taxes to see the effects of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act for my specific case.  The current version of the software has some of the changes from the new Tax Law in the current version, but many of the changes will be in the January 3, 2019 update.  The warning “this interview is not final” appears on every page, and I could clearly see some things that no longer apply still there.  For example, even though the standard deductions in H&R Block software were changed to $12,000 the comments said “This year your itemized deductions are less than your standard deductions.  In future years, you can bunch your deductions to have more expenses you can itemize.”  This is no longer true, deductions over $12,000 are no longer allowed.  There was also a change in the interview about 401K deductions, and the interview did not say not to report 401K contribution during the interview if the deduction appears on the W2 form and when I reported it it gave me a double deduction.  I would have loved to take that double deduction but I knew this is not right and went back to remove it from the interview when I saw the final result.  By comparison, HSA deduction interview question stated not to report in the interview if that deduction was reported on the W2 form.

I have been using H&R Block tax software for many years, and I typically do a preliminary version of the tax return in November. This year I felt the software was less ready than in  other years due to a large number of changes related to the new tax law. I have less confidence that the numbers will remain the same after January 3 update.

I keep using H&RBlock because it does what I need and it has always been cheaper than TurboTax. I have been buying the Deluxe version of H&R Block because it covers the mutual funds sales, cost basis calculations are included (Schedule D), the form for Foreign Tax Credit from mutual funds is present (Form 1116), as well as stock sales. To get this functionality in TurboTax you need to buy the Premium version of the software.

INSTALLATION
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
* If you are using a digital download you will need an activation code to install the software.
The activation code is shown in Amazon email with the subject line "Your Amazon.com order of "H&R Block Tax Software Del...". If  needed you  can also get it from Amazon Software downloads. To locate it you need to do this:
1) Log into Amazon
2) Select 'Your account' and the section called 'Digital Content'
3) Select 'Your Games and Software downloads'
4) Then under H&R software entry you will see activation code

* Does H&R allow to install the software on two PCs?
No. The license agreement that one needs to accept during the install 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.”

* WHAT IS INCLUDED
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Using tax software includes two fees - one to use the software and the second one to e-file the returns with IRS. This package includes the cost of using both the Federal tax return and State return for one state. If you need to file tax in two states, you will need to purchase the rights to use the second state software. This package also includes the cost of 5 free Federal e-files, but does NOT include the cost of 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 return, so you can print and mail any number of returns you desire.

Note 1: New York State law prohibits additional charges for State e-file (NY residents still have to pay for using the software).
Note 2: It is not possible to e-file a state return for New Hampshire, the NH returns have to be mailed.

*  The state forms are not available as I write this review. When I tried to install my state return I got a message that I will receive an email when state return will become available.

When the state forms became available the state software can be downloaded directly from the H&R Block application from the first screen of the state tax preparation.

* GENERAL
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

* Since many of my numbers are not final, I use the capability of the software to mark entries as “tentative”  (right mouse click, then select “mark entry as tentative” from a drop down list). 

At the end of the interview process there is a check step (which you can run at any time, but the interview ends with this check). This step flags problems (e.g. missing information) and potential audit alerts (e.g. unusual deductions), and reminders (e.g. things you marked tentative). I find this check step very helpful.  All entries marked as tentative are listed so it is easy to update them.

* 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 necessary. In my opinion, they should have determined if the person would truly benefit from the Premium version first. That would have been useful. As it stands now it is just annoying.

What is the difference between Premium and Deluxe? The Premium version offers advanced tools for self-employed and rental property owners: cost basis of home sales, dividends, gifts, and inheritance assets. It has advanced schedule C guidance to maximize deductions for self-employment income. And finally it has guidance for rental property income and expenses. The rest of the Premium package is the same as Deluxe.

Note that the Deluxe package has support for self-employed income as well as stock sale cost basis calculations.

* To combat stolen-identity tax returns H&R Block now requires you to provide state-issued ID number.

* H&R Block provided me some guidance for completing Form 1116 (foreign tax credit, for example foreign tax paid by a mutual fund). However, I needed to keep switching between the whole-form view to enter data and then back to interview to read the instructions. Even though the form where you can enter data is visible at the same time as instructions you cannot enter data into it until you switch into whole-form view. This is cumbersome, but at least there is some guidance for this form.

* I like DeductionPro which helps suggests reasonable prices based on 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 having to run an old copy of H&R Block (especially down the road when a new computer may not even have an old H&R Block installed).

* H&R Block can print forms when Ethernet connection is disconnected. In 2014 TurboTax's introduced a requirement that the data had to be sent to Intuit's servers to be formatted for printing. H&R Block does not have this requirement.

* Does H&R has the ability to import TurboTax data from previous years?
Yes. TurboTax files have a .tax extension. Use the Browse button within H&R Block application to navigate to the folder you need and it will import the data from TT return. In addition this year you can also import pdf file of your return no matter what software you used to save the old return.

* If you owe taxes there are three options for payment: electronic withdrawal from your bank, mailing a check and paying by credit card from a secure web site. Is there a charge to pay by credit card? Yes. There are several web sites that provide this service with a "convenience" fee (lowest fee is $2.58 flat fee for a debit card and 1.87% fee for a credit card). If you search for "pay taxes by credit or debit" you will see the detailed fee schedule on the irs.gov web site.

PRICE considerations
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The price on H&R Block package changes often and you can catch some great discounts. I got H&R Block on Black Friday sale. If you missed that sale you can still get bargains by using a tool that alerts on Amazon prices discounts for any product. If you enter "Amazon price history alert" in Google it will come up at the top, my favorite has the word "camel" (repeated 3 times) in the name. You can set it up to send you an alert when you desired price drop is reached. During the last tax year season the price fluctuated between $20 and the list price of $44.99, dipping below $30 a number of times. It also qualifies for digital credits for No-rush Prime shipping.

Also note that Amazon adds the State sales tax to the final price of H&R Block (in states where it has physical presences such as Massachusetts).

SUMMARY
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This year software is less “ready” due to the large number of tax changes, however I had no technical issues or software glitches.  If you have a question I have not covered leave a comment and I will do my best to answer it.


You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★☆

Product review: H&R Block Tax Software Deluxe + State 2017 (Tax preparation software for Windows and Mac, download or CD)

I have been using H&R Block tax software for many years. I keep using it because it does what I need and it has always been cheaper than TurboTax. I have been buying the Deluxe version of H&R Block because it covers the mutual funds sales, cost basis calculations are included (Schedule D), the form for Foreign Tax Credit from mutual funds is present (Form 1116), as well as stock sales. To get this functionality in TurboTax you need to buy the Premium version of the software.

I just completed my preliminary tax return and here are my observations.

INSTALLATION
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
* If you are using a digital download you will need an activation code to install the software.
The activation code is shown in your Amazon Software downloads (it used to be also included in email confirming the purchase from Amazon but it was not included in the email this year). To locate it you need to do this:
1) Log into Amazon
2) Select 'Your account' and the section called 'Digital Content'
3) Select 'Your Games and Software downloads'
4) Then under H&R software entry you will see activation code

* Does H&R allow to install the software on two PCs?
No. The license agreement that one needs to accept during the install 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."

* WHAT IS INCLUDED
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Using tax software includes two fees - one to use the software and the second one to e-file the returns with IRS. This package includes the cost of using both the Federal tax return and State return for one state. If you need to file tax in two states, you will need to purchase the rights to use the second state software. The package also include the cost of 5 free Federal e-files, but does NOT include the cost of 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 return, so you can print and mail any number of returns you desire.

Note 1: New York State law prohibits additional charges for State e-file (NY residents still have to pay for using the software).
Note 2: It is not possible to e-file a state return for New Hampshire, the NH returns have to be mailed.

* The state forms are not available as I write this review. H&R web site says they will become available in January. To see the latest status you can go to H&R website, click on "Download software", and select "State Editions". Currently it says "Coming soon in January 2018". When the state forms became available the state software can be downloaded directly from the H&R Block from the first screen of state tax preparation.

* GENERAL
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

* In the past the interview started with a create that immediately prompted you to start a new return via a button on the screen, this year I had to 'File - Create New Return' to see the button to get started.

* This year there is an option to import old data not only from a data file but the a PDF file of 2016 tax return.

* The current forms are preliminary, the final versions will be available January 5, 2018.

* 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 necessary. In my opinion, they should have determined if the person would truly benefit from the Premium version first. That would have been useful. As it stands now it is just annoying.

What is the difference between Premium and Deluxe? The Premium version offers advanced tools for self-employed and rental property owners: cost basis of home sales, dividends, gifts, and inheritance assets. It has advanced schedule C guidance to maximize deductions for self-employment income. And finally it has guidance for rental property income and expenses. The rest of the Premium package is the same as Deluxe.

Note that the Deluxe package has support for self-employed income as well as stock sale cost basis calculations.

* This year I noticed an improvement in on-line help. In the past help was not context sensitive, it just brought up help dialog and it was up to you to think of the right keywords and find help. This year it actually opens up the right section of help! After so many years I lost hope that it will ever become context sensitive - I was pleasantly surprised!

* To combat stolen-identity tax returns H&R Block now requires you to provide state-issued ID number.

* H&R Block provided me some guidance for completing Form 1116 (foreign tax credit, for example foreign tax paid by a mutual fund). However, I needed to keep switching between the whole-form view to enter data and then back to interview to read the instructions. Even though the form where you can enter data is visible at the same time as instructions you cannot enter data into it until you switch into whole-form view. This is cumbersome, but at least there is some guidance for this form.

* I like DeductionPro which helps suggests reasonable prices based on condition of the donated used clothing items. It is nice not to have to come up with what is reasonable on my own.

* At the end of the interview process there is a check step (which you can run at any time, but the interview ends with this check). This step flags problems (e.g. missing information) and potential audit alerts (e.g. unusual deductions), and reminders (e.g. things you marked tentative). I find this check step very helpful.

* 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 having to run an old copy of H&R Block (especially down the road when a new computer may not even have an old H&R Block installed).

* H&R Block can print forms when Ethernet connection is disconnected. In 2014 TurboTax's introduced a requirement that the data had to be sent to Intuit's servers to be formatted for printing. H&R Block does not have this requirement.

* Does H&R has the ability to import TurboTax data from previous years?
Yes. TurboTax files have a .tax extension. Use the Browse button within H&R Block application to navigate to the folder you need and it will import the data from TT return. In addition this year you can also import pdf file of your return no matter what software you used to save the old return.

* If you owe taxes there are three options for payment: electronic withdrawal from your bank, mailing a check and paying by credit card from a secure web site. Is there a charge to pay by credit card? Yes. There are several web sites that provide this service with a "convenience" fee (lowest fee is $2.25 flat fee for a debit card and 1.87% fee for a credit card). If you search for "pay taxes by credit or debit" you will see the detailed fee schedule on the irs.gov web site.

PRICE considerations
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The price on H&R Block package changes often and you can catch some great discounts. I got H&R Block on Black Friday sale. If you missed that sale you can still get bargains by using a tool that alerts on Amazon prices discounts for any product. If you enter "Amazon price history alert" in Google it will come up at the top, my favorite has the word "camel" (repeated 3 times) in the name. You can set it up to send you an alert when you desired price drop is reached. During the last tax year season the price fluctuated between $20 and the list price of $44.99, dipping below $30 a number of times. It also qualifies for digital credits for No-rush Prime shipping.

Also note that Amazon adds the State sales tax to the final price of H&R Block (in states where it has physical presences such as Massachusetts).

SUMMARY
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Unlike last year, I did not run into any glitches during installation or using the software. The biggest difference in this year's return preparation was the improvements to on-line help. Making it context sensitive made it useful, in the past I used to do internet searches when I needed to get an answer. This year I actually used on-line help! If you have a question I have not covered leave a comment and I will do my best to answer it.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.


Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product review: H&R Block Tax Software Deluxe + State 2016 Win

I have been using H&R Block tax software for many years. I keep using it because it does what I need it has always been cheaper than TurboTax. I have been buying the Deluxe version of H&R Block because it covers the mutual funds sales, cost basis calculations are included (Schedule D), the form for Foreign Tax Credit from mutual funds is present (Form 1116), as well as stock sales. To get this functionality in TurboTax you need to buy the Premium version of the software.

I always do my preliminary tax prep at the end of year before the final version is ready, and have not had any any issues other than not having the final version of the software. This year's software seem to have a few more glitches.

(1) Some information on the screen is rendered in a very small font and is hard to read, however most of text is okay.
(2) Initially I had issues importing previous year tax data, but I was able to resolve this problem after I saved this year's empty return and then used a menu choice "File - Import Last Year's Tax Data".
(3) I found it confusing that on the first page after install it had two references to activation codes. Each reference used a different terminology. The first activation code was to unlock the H&R Block software, the second activation code was to unlock 5 free filing. It was not clear to be if this was redundant information using different terminology or if I will actually need this information later when I am ready to file. I saved a screen shot in case I ever need this information but since I am not ready to file I will not known the answer until a few months down the road.

INSTALLATION
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
* If you are using a digital download you will need an activation code to install the software. The activation code can be located in several ways.
Option 1: The activation code is included in the message I received from Amazon with the subject line 'Your Amazon.com order of "H&R Block Tax software"'
Option 2: You can locate activation code in your Amazon account:
1) Log into Amazon
2) Select 'Your account' and scroll to the section called 'Digital Content'
3) Select 'Your Games and Software downloads'
4) Then under H&R software entry you will see activation code listed under H&R Block title

* If you have a virus scanner it will generate an alert the first time you run the program, change the permission to "Permit Always" otherwise the program will be blocked.

* Does H&R allow to install the software on two PCs?
No. The license agreement that one needs to accept during the install says this:
"At no time you cab have the Software installed on more than one computer. You may copy the Software for backup and archival purposes only."

* WHAT IS INCLUDED
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I purchased H&R Block Deluxe plus State. This version entitles me to 5 free federal e-files. I do tax returns for an elderly relative so I use a couple of them. Note that there is no limit on how many returns can be printed on paper, so you can print and mail more than 5 return if desired.

The rights to install one state software is included in the package but the package does NOT include free e-file for the state return (see exceptions below). If you want to e-file your state return you will need to pay a fee of $19.95 to e-file each state return. Alternatively, you can print all the forms and mail them using US post office without any additional fees. If you need to file taxes for more then one state, then you need to purchase additional states. Each additional state is $39.95 plus $19.95 e-file fee.

Note 1: NY state residents can e-file state returns for free if they meet income level qualifications
Note 2: It is not possible to e-file a state return for New Hampshire, the NH returns have to be mailed.

* The state forms are not available as of 11/20/2016 as I write this review. H&R web site says they will become available in January. To see the latest status you can go to H&R website, click on "Download software", and select "State Editions". Currently it says "Coming soon in January 2017". When the state forms became available the state software can be downloaded directly from the H&R Block software installed on your PC.

* GENERAL
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Here are my other observation after finishing my preliminary return. Note: the forms are not final until January of 2017. Overall it worked as expected, my comments are on low lights and high lights of my experience.

* 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 necessary. In my opinion, they should have determined if the person would truly benefit from the Premium version first. That would have been useful. As it stands now it is just annoying.

What is the difference between Premium and Deluxe? The Premium version offers advanced tools for self-employed and rental property owners: cost basis of home sales, dividends, gifts, and inheritance assets. It has advanced schedule C guidance to maximize deductions for self-employment income. And finally it has guidance for rental property income and expenses. The rest of the Premium package is the same as Deluxe.

Note that the Deluxe package has support for self-employed income as well as stock sale cost basis calculations.
  

* I do not like that the Help is not context sensitive. For example, they requested my mobile phone number this year. Next to this request there is a link "How is this information used." I clicked on it and it just put me into the top index of H&R help. I was not able to find a relevant help segment. Maybe I did not think of the right keywords. The help should have put on the specific text in help that explained how the mobile number would be used. This is typical, none of the Help is context sensitive and I rarely find anything useful there. If I need help I search the internet and I find better answers to my questions.

* H&R Block provided me some guidance for completing Form 1116 (foreign tax credit, for example foreign tax paid by a mutual fund). However, I needed to keep switching between the whole-form view to enter data and then back to interview to read the instructions. Even though the form where you can enter data is visible at the same time as instructions you cannot enter data into it until you switch into whole-form view. This is cumbersome, but at least there is some guidance for this form.

* I like DeductionPro which helps suggests reasonable prices based on condition of the donated used clothing items. It is nice not to have to come up with what is reasonable on my own.

* At the end of the interview process there is a check step (which you can run at any time, but the interview ends with this check). This step flags problems (e.g. missing information) and potential audit alerts (e.g. unusual deductions), and reminders (e.g. things you marked tentative). I find this check step very helpful.

* 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 having to run an old copy of H&R Block (especially down the road when a new computer may not even have an old H&R Block installed).

* H&R Block can print forms when Ethernet connection is disconnected. In 2014 TurboTax's introduced a requirement that the data had to be sent to Intuit's servers to be formatted for printing. H&R Block does not have this requirement.

* Does H&R has the ability to import TurboTax data from previous years?
Yes. TurboTax files have a .tax extension. Use the Browse button within H&R Block application to navigate to the folder you need and it will import the data from TT return.

* If you owe taxes there are three options for payment: electronic withdrawal from your bank, mailing a check and paying by credit card from a secure web site. Is there a charge to pay by credit card? Yes. There are three web sites that do this service and the fees vary from the lowest of $2.50 flat fee for a debit card to highest of 2.25% fee by credit card from one of the web sites. If you search for "pay taxes by credit or debit" you will see the detailed fee schedule on the irs.gov web site.

PRICE considerations
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The price on this package changes often and you can catch some great discounts. I use a nice tool that shows history of Amazon prices. If you enter "Amazon price history alert" in Google it will come up at the top, my favorite has the word "camel" (repeated 3 times) in the name. You can set up the tool to send you an alert when you desired price drop is reached. During the last tax year season the price fluctuated between $20 and the list price of $44.99, dipping below $30 a number of times. It also qualifies for digital credits for No-rush Prime shipping (but it appears that if you use the digital no-rush credits even for a portion of the full price Amazon removes the Verified purchase stamp treating them as Gift Certificates).

Also note that Amazon adds the State sales tax to the final price of H&R Block (in states where it has physical presences such as Massachusetts).

I am a little less happy with this version of H&R Block than in prior years, but overall no major road blocks. I will update this review if I find new issues or new kudos. If you have a question I have not covered leave a comment and I will do my best to answer it.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★☆

Product review: UEB US Plug Socket with Energy meter Watt Voltage Current Meter

UEB socket is a nice tool for anyone who is energy conscious. For example, I have two things that keep my feet warm in the winter equally well - a set of electric booties and an electric carpet mat. I have been wondering which one is more efficient from the energy consumption point of view. Now I know!

Electric booties draw 41.5 W
Electric carpet is 49.5 W

UEB socket has a large easy to read display. Documentation is not the best, some portions of it is hard to understand due to translation, but the socket itself is not that complicated to figure out. UEB meter has several different modes. One of the modes allows you to see the actual costs of electricity of an appliance plugged directly into UEB (you need to enter the cost of electricity in you area using "set" mode) another shows electricity consumption graph for the last 7 days.

The unit runs on two button batteries either LR-44 or AG13. One set of batteries is included in the package. It comes with an insulator which can be just pulled out. You don't need to open the battery compartment. If you do closing the compartment is little finicky because you need to make sure that contacts in the cover are inserted into the slots in the body of the unit.

I am an energy conscious person, I find the ability to compare different appliances (like lamps and monitors and my feet heating options) more useful than the ability to track the cost of one specific appliance. I can see it being useful for tax purposes if someone had a home-based business and wanted to deduct the cost of electricity for the appliance they were using in the business.

This product was received at no cost to inspect and provide an honest review. No compensation besides the product was provided and the company was made aware that my review may be positive or negative depending on my experience with the product.

You can find this Socket energy meter on Amazon via this link.


Ali Julia review

Product review: H&R Block 2015 Deluxe + State Tax Software

I just finished my preliminary tax return and happy to report that I have not encountered any problems. Overall, the interface looks very similar to last year.

I've used H&R Block's tax software (formerly called TaxCut) every year since 1995. Several times when I saw a promotional deal I purchased both H&R Block and TurboTax to compare. I found that both programs satisfied my needs but H&R Block costs consistently less. I have been buying the Deluxe version of H&R Block because it covers it the mutual funds sales and cost basis calculations are included (Schedule D) and the form for Foreign Tax Credit from mutual funds is present (Form 1116). To get this functionality in TurboTax you need to buy the Premium version of the software.

The price on this package changes often and you can catch some great discounts. I use a nice tool that shows history of Amazon prices. If you enter "Amazon price history alert" in Google it will come up at the top, my favorite has the word "camel" (repeated 3 times) in the name. You can set up the tool to send you an alert when you desired price drop is reached. During the last tax year season the price fluctuated between $20 and the list price of $44.99, and was on the gold deal special a couple of times.

' INSTALLATION
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
' I had no problems with my install. However in 2013 I helped a friend resolve an install problem on a Windows 8 PC us installing from a CD. I am including what we did again as I know a few people told me in helped with 2014 install. Normally the automatic install runs a file called "tcauto.exe". This file in turn calls another program located under "installers" directory which actually does the work. We were able to by-pass the error by executing the exe program in the installers directory directly, this year it should be called "HR_Block_Tax_Software_2015_Deluxe__State_-_Windows_CD.exe" (it is the only file in that directory).

' If you encounter issues with display, such as not seeing selection boxes, check your screen resolution. Both Windows and Mac minimum requirement for the screen resolution is 1024 x 768 pixels or higher. At a lower resolution H&R Block software will have problem with display such as not properly displaying selection boxes. Screen resolution can be changed on your control panel by change PC's display settings.

' If you are using a digital download you will need a key-code to install the software after you dowload it. The key-code can be located several ways.
Option 1: In the past when my download finished the install started automatically and offered me a choice of two links "View Keys" and "Install".
Option 2: This year the install did not start automatically so I clicked on the install program myself, and on the first screen it asked for "Activation code". When I purchased the software Amazon sent me a message which included a Product Code (note that they did not call it Activation code) which is the number I needed.
Option 3: You can locate it in your Amazon account:
1) Log into Amazon
2) Select Your Account at the top right of the page
3) Select Games and Software downloads which is towards the bottom of the long page you see when you log in
4) Then under H&R software entry you will see the key-code that you need to enter to unlock the software

' If you have a virus scanner it will generate an alert the first time you run the program, change the permission to "Permin Always" otherwise the program will be blocked.

' Does H&R allow to install the software on two PCs?
I found the answer on H&R Block web site FAQ under the topic "Installing Software on Another Computer"
I quote the FAQ answer below:
"There are just a few steps necessary to re-install the H&R Block At Home program from the CD you received in the mail. Follow the steps below to re-install the program or install it on a second computer.
Insert the H&R Block At Home CD into your computer.
Click the Need to Re-install? link on the menu bar at the bottom of the screen.
The Frequently Asked Questions page will open to the first FAQ titled, "Can I install the software on a second computer?"
Enter your activation code and last 4 digits of the credit card you used to purchase the program initially and click Activate.
You can find your activation code in your purchase confirmation e-mail.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation."

' WHAT IS INCLUDED
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I purchased H&R Block Deluxe plus State. This version entitles me to 5 free federal e-files. It allows me to print and mail as many returns as I want, there is no limit on printed returns.

One state software is included in the package but the package does NOT include free e-file for the state return (see one exception below). If you want to e-file your state return you will need to pay a fee of $19.95 to e-file each state return. Alternatively, you can print all the forms and mail them using US post office without any additional fees. If you need to file taxes for an additional state, each additional state is $39.95 plus $19.95 e-file fee.

Note 1: NY state residents can e-file state returns for free if their income is $60,000 or less.
Note 2: It is not possible to e-file a state return for New Hampshire, it has to be mailed in.

' GENERAL
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I just finished my preliminary tax return and below are my observations. Note: the forms are not final until mid January of 2016.

' Pet Peeve: 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 necessary. In my opinion, they should wait until the person enters this year's data and suggest the upgrade only if there is something about the return that can benefit from the Premium version. That would have been useful.

What is the difference between Premium and Deluxe? The Premium version offers advanced tools for self-employed and rental property owners: cost basis of home sales, dividends, gifts, and inheritance assets. It has advanced schedule C guidance to maximize deductions for self-employment income. And finally it has guidance for rental property income and expenses. The rest of the Premium package is the same as Deluxe.

Note that the Deluxe package has support for self-employed income as well as stock sale cost basis calculations.

' Pet Peeve: Help is not context sensitive. For example, when you click on "learn more" about a particular topic the general help window opens but it does not show help topics for the specific topic that you were working on. Instead you need to search and know which key words to use locate the relevant topics.

' H&R Block provides you some guidance for completing Form 1116 (foreign tax credit, for example foreign tax paid by mutual funds). However, you need to keep switching between whole-form view to enter data and then back to interview to read the instructions. Even though the form where you can enter data is visible at the same time as instructions you cannot enter data into it until you switch into whole-form view. This is cumbersome, but at least there is some guidance for this form.

' DeductionPro (which helps you put value on your charitable donations) is integrated into H&R Block software running on your local PC. It suggests reasonable prices based on condition of the donated item and it is nice not to have to come up with what is reasonable on my own.

' Pet Peeve: I don't use the default location for the tax returns due to how I set up my backup software. The H&R Block software does not initially remember this new location on the second start of the application, it told me I have no returns. I needed to pick the return manually from the File menu, as it did remember recently used files. The third time I started the software, it finally knew the location of the tax return file.

' For folks trying to download State Forms. The state forms are not available as of 11/20/2015. H&R web site says they will become available in January. To see the latest status you can go to H&R website, click on Dowload software, then hover over "Download Software" on the top banner and select "State Editions". Currently it says "Coming soon in January 2016".

When the state forms became available and teh state software can be downloaded directly from the program.

' At the end of the interview process there is a check step (which you can run at any time, but the interview ends with this check). This step flags problems (e.g. missing information) and potential audit alerts (e.g. unusual deductions) with red flags, and reminders (e.g. things you marked tentative) with yellow flags.

' Sometimes I want to return to some section of my return. The best way to jump to any section directly without navigating through other pages is to use "take me to" button which is displayed at the top of every page, on the same line as H&R Block banner.

' Does H&R has the ability to import TurboTax data from previous years?
Yes. TurboTax files have a .tax extension. Use the Browse button within H&R Block application to navigate to the folder you need and it will import the data from TT return.

' The final tax return can be saved in a .PDF format for future reference.

' IDENTIFY THEFT AND TAX RETURNS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
' Last year there were many reports of thieves filing fraudulent tax returns using stolen social security numbers
If this happens the person who tries to file their own tax return gets the following error:

IRS records show the spouse's Social Security number (SSN) on this return is the same as the primary taxpayer's SSN on another return already filed this year. Double-check your spouse's SSN. Fix any issues and e-file again. Otherwise, you'll have to file a paper return.

What to do if this happens?
1. Call HRB told them of the issue (1-800-472-5625)
2. Call IRS (1-800-829-1040) had them flag the SS#
IRS states that people need to mail completed return, a copy of police report or Form 14039 Identity Theft Affidavit http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f14039.pdf, copy of Drivers License or passport or SS card.
3. Call Equifax and have them put an alert on the SS# (They notify Experian and TransUnion as well)
4. Call Social Security Administration and notify them (1-800-772-1213)
5. File with FTC https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/Information#crnt&panel1-1
6. File a police report of a possible identity theft

I have been a H&R Block/TaxCut user for many years. I keep coming back because it works well for the tax forms I need to do and it is less expensive than TurboTax. If you have a question I have not covered leave a comment and I will do my best to answer it.


You can find H&R Block 2015 Deluxe + State Tax Software on Amazon by following this link


Ali Julia review ★★★★★