Filing taxes can be confusing and hardly hassle-free. Between trying to figure out how much you owe the government and what’s the quickest way to do it, simply paying someone to do it for you sounds very reasonable.
These days, the right tool can turn even the most tedious annual chore into something very manageable. Online tax software can pretty much guarantee that you’ll get all the deductions and returns you need without having to worry about forms.
But which tax software should you get? Here’s what you need to know about H&R Block.
How to File Taxes Online
This year’s tax day in the U.S. is April 18, which means you should start working on your taxes now.
Luckily, the IRS stated that filing them online is now highly recommended, especially as the pandemic continues to cause some limitations. Online tax filing comes with a few other benefits.
All you need is your social security number, W-2 or 1099 form and a few other documents that show your sources of income like stocks, trust fund, pension, even rental properties.
Unfortunately, it can still be confusing to do your taxes even with all the documents in hand, this is where H&R Block can assist you.
Online Tax Filing Services
H&R Block is one of the best options for tax software without being expensive.
It prides itself in providing clients with professional tax support (whether online or in-person), which has helped in preparing more than 800 million tax returns so far. It has achieved this by employing more than 80,000 tax professionals, who have gone through at least 60 hours of training and a six-level certification program. There’s even an H&R Block located within five miles of most Americans.
During the pandemic, it has taken on proactive steps to ensure the same level of tax support can be experienced via its online services.
H&R Block Tax Software
Taxes don’t have to be confusing. One of the first things you’ll notice about H&R Block’s website is its interface, which is simple and straightforward. It explains concepts as you go and a banner across the top ensures you keep track of where you currently are in the filing process.
Should you wish to learn more, there are always embedded links that provide more information, while the help menu is very visible. You also have the option to use the chat support portal for additional assistance.
There’s also a price preview button that shows you which package you’re buying, if there are any add-ons and how much your total bill will be.
Some of H&R Block’s best features include:
Switching from another provider – H&R Block can import your return from last year via TurboTax data file or PDF.
Auto-import – tax documents like your W-2 from your employer gets auto-imported, removing the need to key in numbers from little boxes. You can even import plenty of 1099 file types.
Donation calculator – If you use the Deluxe, Premium or Self-Employed package, you can take advantage of DeductionPro, which automatically calculates the deduction value of donated items like clothes or household items.
Platform mobility – Since the software is online, you can easily log in from different devices and have the same optimized experience.
Step-by-step guidance – whatever you do at H&R Block, each click will populate a side-bar with an explainer so you can understand what you’re doing better.
Accuracy guarantee – H&R Block will pay IRS penalties and fees related to calculation errors up to $10,000.
Tax return storage – H&R Block will store your finished tax returns in your account for up to six years.
H&R Block’s Free Version
Another one of H&R Block’s best features is the free tax software, which lets you file Form 1040, take the earned income tax credit and reconcile your advance child tax credit. It can also handle unemployment income and help you claim missing stimulus payments. This version also lets you file schedules 1 and 3 of Form 1040.
If you’re looking for more features, you will need to upgrade to one of these packages:
- Deluxe – $29.99 (+$36.99 per state filed)
- Premium – $49.99 (+$36.99 per state filed)
- Self-employed – $84.99 (+$36.99 per state filed)
Online assist is also available for:
- Basic online assist – $69.99 (+0$ per state filed)
- Deluxe online assist – $109.99 ($36.99 per state filed)
- Premium online assist – $159.99 ($36.99 per state filed)
- Self-employed online assist – $194.99 ($36.99 per state filed)
Getting Audited
Getting audited might sound scary, but H&R Block should be able to help you. H&R Block does this by offering free audit support, but there’s also the option to buy Worry-Free Audit Support. If you choose this, it provides you with an agent that guides you through the audit. Priced at $19.99, it also includes IRS correspondence management, audit preparation and in-person audit representation.
Conclusion
Thanks to its ease of use, helpful online assistance and variety of filing options, H&R Block remains one of the most convenient ways to file your taxes online.
The software is very secure and with features that will be beneficial for tax filers. It also provides you with assistance every step of the way, ensuring that your tax filing will be smooth and hassle-free.
Learn more about H&R Block by clicking here.
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