Have you used the H&R block online tax prep service? How is it?

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussions' started by SurfDoctor, Jan 29, 2011.

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  1. SurfDoctor

    SurfDoctor Moderator

    Have you used the H&R block online tax prep service? How is it? The premium service is only $49, seems hard to beat. I'm a little nervous to do it myself though.

    (Geez, this almost seems spamish)
     
  2. NorCal

    NorCal Active Member

    I believe its $49 for their 10-80 EZ File, I know in the last 4-5 years I've been using them I've never gotten out of there for under $230 bucks. (I file single but not EZ)
     
  3. major56

    major56 Active Member

    No I haven’t; I’ve used the same CPA (who specializes in taxation) for the past 23-years. Of course his fees are not going to be compatible to that charged by mass marketer income tax preparation services such as H&R Block or a Jackson Hewitt. But there is one rule of thumb: the more complicated the return, the higher the cost.

    Have you considered utilizing the least-known category of tax preparer, even though they have been serving individuals in tax matters since 1884 … the Enrolled Agent (EA)?
     
  4. TEKMAN

    TEKMAN Semper Fi!

    I rather to do myself, and researching for anything that I don't know about. The reason for that because even though you hire a CPA/ or any tax preparer, and they screw on your tax return; and you are still responsible for it. I had this experience twice for the first 2 years when I was 17 and 18. IRS audited my tax return, and informed me that I am entitle for than my tax preparer filed for me. And the third time, I was told that I am $100.00 less than the original amount. Since then I prepare myself.
     
  5. emissary

    emissary New Member

    Turbo tax for me. And I used to work for H&R Block.
     
  6. Maniac Craniac

    Maniac Craniac Moderator Staff Member

    I've never used their online service, but I have used their live service and their software and both were absolutely horrible. The money that I paid to H&R block is the only money spent in my entire life that makes me want to cry when I think about it.

    For the software, it literally does nothing but allow you to fill out your tax return on your computer, rather than writing it out on paper. I can only imagine that their online service is equally useless.

    I've been using TurboTax the past few years, and I feel like it is doing me very well. I still debate with myself if I should go back to just filing out my return on my own, but I just feel more secure with allowing the software to find my deductions and correct my mistakes.
     
  7. Maniac Craniac

    Maniac Craniac Moderator Staff Member

    This is absolutely horrible. EZ file is called that for a reason: it is EASY. If I recall from days gone by, EZ File is only about a page of information and can be filled out in less than 5 minutes without software.
     
  8. NorCal

    NorCal Active Member

    Here's an update:

    I just got home from H&R Block, my wife and I filed jointly and we walked out of there for $298.00 which included the $35.00 fee for audit protection for the next 3 years against this years return.
     
  9. SurfDoctor

    SurfDoctor Moderator

    Don't feel bad, it always costs me $450 and sometimes over 500, but I have a small business along with my regular teaching job, and my wife works, so our return is fairly complex, but still the big bill hurts, especially when I also have to pay a few $K extra in taxes.
     
  10. NorCal

    NorCal Active Member

    Amen to that, lol.
     

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