I have to file my 05 taxes b y oct 15th,,which is better to go into a H&R block and have them do the taxes of use Turbo Tax online,,Turbo seems to walk you through everything..any experience out there??
2006-09-19 07:18:40 · 11 answers · asked by basketballfan 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Taxes ➔ United States
I'm a little biased, as I now work for H&R Block, but I will tell you that I went there to have my taxes prepared for years before I worked there. Pros of Turbo Tax are that if you're knowledgeable, know what you can deduct, need to claim, and where all that goes, it's great, and could save you some money. I would Recommend TaxCut over TurboTax, however.
Now, if you don't know all those things, definitely hook up with a tax pro. For example, there are 4 ways to claim education expenses on a return, and we'll figure out which one is best, without having to do the return 4 times. Also, please note that if you wind up with something simple that you could easily do yourself, and you decide to do that, H&R Block will check it for you at no charge. Also, if you sit down at a desk, we prepare the return, and you decide not to file with us, you can walk away without owing H&R Block a dime... but no, we won't give you the return, just the paperwork you came with :)
I'd like to quickly take exception to the person who says we have a short course for our help. I had to have 66 hours of training just to start, and 30 hours of continuing education every year. I've now been with the company for 7 years, which is a lot of training. Compared to the people who work for the IRS answering your phone calls, who have as little as one week's training.
2006-09-19 08:35:22 · answer #1 · answered by Katie Short, Atheati Princess 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've used both Turbo Tax and H & R Block's online filing.
Personally, I like HR Block's better.
Both services are easy to use and walk you through each question on deductions that you might qualify for.
Both Turbo Tax and H & R Block participate in the Free File Alliance. You can find the Free File link at www.irs.gov. It's costs nothing to prepare or file your federal return. However, if you need to file your state's return, you should try your state's Dept. of Revenue to see if you can file online (this should be free also). H & R Block and Turbo Tax charge to file your state.
If you're not sure, try 'em both. HR Block/Turbo Tax allow you to register and do your taxes. Just remember, don't actually submit your return until you decide which service you want to continue with.
2006-09-19 21:46:01 · answer #2 · answered by Celeste 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the person at H&R Block is good then I'd go with H&R Block. Ask a bunch of questions of the tax preparer before hiring them. If you don't like what you hear than ask for someone more experienced.
How long have you been preparing taxes?
Are you an enrolled agent?
How long have you been with H&R Block?
If they are an enrolled agent then you are in good hands. If not, they may still be okay if they've been doing taxes for a while.
2006-09-19 20:06:31 · answer #3 · answered by steven 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Going to an H&R Block allows a person to look at your paperwork. If you accidentally answered a turbo tax question incorrectly it could mess things up.
I'd say that if you have complicated taxes, or you are not very savy with your taxes, go to Block. That's what they are trained to do.
If you are good at doing your own taxes, then nothing should prevent you from filing accurately using an alternative software.
2006-09-19 14:46:01 · answer #4 · answered by nova_queen_28 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was an accountant & I use Turbo tax. Answer the questions print copy, review, then send. If they or you discover mistake you can do an admended return. They will charge interest but no penalty for mistake. If you owe thousands or expect thousands in refunds see CPA. H&R Block has short course for their help, the
Turbo Tax has been written & reviewed by experts. They are one of the programs linked to IRS.
2006-09-19 14:52:20 · answer #5 · answered by Wolfpacker 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Would you be able to fill in your tax form by hand? If not don't use an online program. The CPA I work for makes a nice income doing amended returns for people who thought they could do it and found out three years later that they couldn't.
H&R Block is good if your situation is simple. If its a bit more complicated you may want to engage a CPA. They aren't all that expensive and sometimes as cheap as H&R Block etc.
2006-09-22 15:27:31 · answer #6 · answered by skip 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've used both, and I have to say, I love Turbo Tax, and it's way cheaper to use TT than HRB. TT you will pay a flat fee for the software package, with HRB, you will charged to the nose for everyt little thing they do for you, espeically if you have to itemize, or have any extra forms to fill out.
You are asked questions by TT, but these are the same questions you would be asked in a HRB office. TT also offers state updates for free on their website as well, so you're covered for the state you're in. It will also print all of your information out in the proper forms for the IRS.
One suggestion I would say in regard to TT, is when you get the software and load it on your computer, go to their website and check for software updates before you start to input your info in to the program, because they are constantly updating when the tax laws change.
2006-09-20 12:11:11 · answer #7 · answered by East of Eden 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have always used turbo tax and have never had a problem.
2006-09-19 21:03:56 · answer #8 · answered by eeeeeeeeclipse 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
turbo tax
2006-09-19 15:09:06 · answer #9 · answered by don;t know 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with the lady, and also check out this FREE tax service online:
https://www.taxactonline.com/s_online_tax2005/introduction/free_taxact_basic2.asp
2006-09-19 14:25:53 · answer #10 · answered by Life after 45 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋