H&R Block or Turbo Tax?

Question

So I make around $45k a year, have 3 W-2s (two from past jobs), don't own a home or make payments. However, I was given stock and stock dividends from my current employers. Also enrolled in a 401k, no stocks sold, no 401k cashed out. H&R block is pretty pricey and from what i understand Turbo Tax is very easy to use. Any recommendations which I should use?
~G

Answer 1

Ive used turbo tax 5 years in a row and My situation looks alot like yours. Go online to turbo tax and start there, then you wont even need to buy the software. I use to use the H&R block thing but tis so expensive now that its not worth it. I have found that turbo tax walks me through it all step by step I answer the questions and it fills in the blanks I love it. Also I e-filed and got my money back in less than 2 weeks, getting your money in advance from the block is nothing more than a loan they charge you for its a trap.

Answer 2

I used H&R Block for the years 2004 and 2005. I thought it was perfect as I was a newbie at doing my own taxes in 2004. A friend recommended TurboTax this year. I used H&R Block to see how much I would get back. I then tried TurboTax. They asked so many more questions that I received an additionl $600 back. Best of all, the past few years, I had to wait several weeks to get my income tax refund dumped in my checking account. I filed last Thursday evening. My state tax refund was dumped into my account today. I will use TurboTax again next year.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Block publishes Tax Cut, which I've used for years and have never had a problem. Tax Cut is generally cheaper than Turbo Tax.

Answer 4

Go with Turbo Tax

Answer 5

I am not going to make this decision for you...we have used TurboTax in the past and had no problems. However, this year I opted for H&R Block's version called Tax Cut, because it was about $5 cheaper. It was just as easy to use. And I am pretty sure, with the H&R Block version, you could go talk to them personally if you had trouble with the computer thing.

Again, it's up to you, I think you'd be fine with either TurboTax or TaxCut. We have used them both and they are VERY simple.

Answer 6

NEVER, NEVER , NEVER USE H&R BLOCK!!!!!! NEVER used their "rapid refund" becasie the interst rate on the loan of your money is really high. Beware of the preparer that will try to sell you an IRA investment. That's how they make their real money.

I had to take their course to be in compliance. We knew more than the teacher. We kept correcting th eteacher. Many important areas were "beyond the scope of this course." - it said that in our textbook. When have a standard score that the students need to pass the class and be hired. They realized that they were not going to get enough people passing so they lowered the score so they could hire more people. The people in the class were really dumb and didn't understand tax law.

I've also heard from people, and in class, that they are expensive. I've heard Turbo Tax is great. I use a professional piece of software.

Hopefully this is enough to get you to stay away from a group that I wouldn't send an enemy to.

Answer 7

Pooky is probably right about the H&R Block tax cut program. I have used turbotax for 7 years and feel very comfortable with the software. all the basics get imported from the previous year when you get started. it takes about an hour to do the federal and maybe 10 minutes for the state. and that's with switching back and forth to the ballgame. The software is about $25 or so at the major office supply stores and probably less at costco.

Answer 8

I am a big fan of Turbo Tax. The software asks literally EVERYTHING. If you are getting a big refund you also should consider e-filing and direct deposit. Last year I e-filed on a Tuesday and my refund was in my account that Friday!

Answer 9

i was gonna say turbo tax all the way........until i read the details
with the stock and 401K, i would pay the extra from block, it will be worth it when they find more of a refund you qualify for that you never would have thought of on your own!

Answer 10

Turbo Tax is the way to go...you can sit at home in your underwear and do your taxes yourself!! Screw paying some uppity H&R person who is going to take some of that money that you work so hard to collect.