H&R Block at Home Software

H&R Block at Home is some of the best tax software available for consumers who want to prepare their own taxes.  I was able to ask Julie Markey, a Vice President at H&R Block, some questions about the software via email.  Julie’s the managing director of digital tax solutions so she’s very familiar with the software’s capabilities and features.  I asked her five questions about H&R Block at Home; hopefully her answers will help if you’re doing your taxes yourself and still trying to decide on tax prep software.

1) What are some of the most useful new features of H&R Block at Home?

Our software leverages H&R Block’s 55+ years of tax expertise to ensure taxpayers are getting the most of the tax credits and deductions available to them.  This year in particular, we have worked hard to simplify the language so it’s easy to understand no matter how complex your tax situation. 

The H&R Block At Home products  offer a personalized customer experience and a Smart Import service that allows for easy import of W-2 and 1099 data as well as prior year tax data from TaxCut® and TurboTax®.

2) If someone’s trying to pick the best version of H&R Block at Home for them, what are some of the things they should consider?

There are four different variations of H&R Block At Home – and each variation appeals to different taxpayers based on the complexity of their tax return:

1. Free and Basic for taxpayers who have very simple tax situations. 
2. Deluxe for those taxpayers who own homes or have investments.
3. Premium for those who are self-employed or have rental property.
4. Premium & Business for those who need to file personal taxes and also own their own businesses. 

That said, with H&R Block At Home products, taxpayers can access a tax professional for additional support.  And for DIY taxpayers who want even more confidence that their taxes were done correctly, our Best of Both offering allows the taxpayer to start his or her return online then hand it off to an H&R Block tax professional who will review the return, correct any errors if necessary and e-file the return.

3) H&R Block has been working with clients in person for a long time, how has that experience helped improve the H&R Block At Home tax software?

As the No. 1 retail tax preparer, H&R Block understands tax laws and wants to ensure DIY taxpayers know they’re receiving the benefit of more than 50 years of tax expertise and the ability to access tax professionals for additional assistance when they purchase an H&R Block At Home product. 

Because, we’ve been doing taxes for over 50 years, we understand more about the taxpayer, the tax code, and the tax preparation process than anyone. This year, we’ve honed our digital products to improve the experience for our customers  to help ensure them they are getting it right.

4) If someone is filing their taxes with your software for the first time what options do they have for support when they run into questions?

With H&R Block At Home, you get the support of real, experienced tax professionals, ready to help if you need it. It’s something no other do-it-yourself tax solution can offer. H&R Block At Home products include:

• Live tax advice from an H&R Block tax professional in case you get stuck or need extra help.
• Live chat support, so it’s there whenever you need it.
• Audit support with guidance, plus an H&R Block-enrolled agent to represent you in the event of an audit .

In addition, H&R Block launched the Get It Right community where 1,000 tax professionals answer tax questions for free online.

Questions can be submitted via computer or iPhone through the H&R Block Tax Answers App. Most will be answered within 24 hours. Tax calculators, an office locator and access to useful widgets and other tax preparation tools are also available through the Get It Right Community.

5) Which is the most popular version of H&R Block at Home?

H&R Block At Home Deluxe is the most purchased version as it is designed for taxpayers who own homes or have investments.

Thanks to Julie for taking the time to answer some questions about the H&R Block at Home tax prep software.  Stay tuned because we’ll be giving away a few copies of H&R Block at Home Deluxe version and the giveaway will start in the next few days.

Ben Edwards, the founder of Money Smart Life, saved up enough to buy a Nintendo back when he was 12 years old. When he used the money to buy shares of Wal-Mart stock instead, he knew he wasn't like the other kids... His addiction to personal finance has paid off for his family and now he's helping you to afford the life that you want. Check him out on the web at Google Plus, Twitter and Facebook.

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