Comparing Features, Benefits, User Interface, and Plan Options for TurboTax and H&R Block
Tax season can be a stressful time for many people, whether they are filing taxes for personal or business purposes. The task of preparing and filing taxes can be time-consuming, confusing, and overwhelming for many. Fortunately, there are tax preparation software options available that can make the process easier and less stressful. Two of the most popular options are TurboTax vs H&R Block.
TurboTax Program – a popular tax preparation software that offers a variety of features to help users complete their tax return accurately and efficiently, including live assistance from tax experts and a deduction finder.
HR Block Program – a similar tax preparation software that also offers a range of features to help users complete their tax return, including live assistance from tax experts and an error check feature to ensure accuracy.
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In this article, we will compare these two tax preparation software options and help you decide which one is right for you.
- Comparing Features, Benefits, User Interface, and Plan Options for TurboTax and H&R Block
- Detailed TurboTax vs H&R Block plans comparison table
- User Interface and Navigation
- Features
- Plan Comparison
- H&R Block Offers Expat Tax Preparation Now
- TurboTax vs H&R Block: Pros and Cons
- Competing Tax Prep Software
- Ratings and Review
- Who Should Use TurboTax vs H&R Block?
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
The Importance of Tax Season
Filing taxes is an important annual task that cannot be avoided. It is required by law and is an essential part of managing personal finances or running a business. The process of preparing taxes can be time-consuming and can require attention to detail, making it a task that many people dread. It is important to have reliable and trustworthy tax preparation software to make this process easier and less stressful.
A Brief Overview of TurboTax and H&R Block
TurboTax and H&R Block are two of the most popular tax preparation software options available. TurboTax is a software program developed by Intuit that offers an easy-to-use interface and a range of features to help users prepare and file their taxes. HR Block is a tax preparation company that offers both online and in-person tax preparation services, as well as a software program for users who prefer to prepare their taxes themselves. Both TurboTax and H&R Block offer free and paid versions of their software, and both have a range of features and benefits that cater to a variety of needs.
In the following sections, we will compare the features and benefits of TurboTax and H&R Block, as well as their pricing and plans. We will also compare them to other tax preparation software options, answer some frequently asked questions, and help you determine which software is the best fit for your tax preparation needs.
Detailed TurboTax vs H&R Block plans comparison table
TurboTax Free | TurboTax Deluxe | TurboTax Premier | TurboTax Self-Employed | H&R Block Free | H&R Block Deluxe | H&R Block Premium | H&R Block Self-Employed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Federal e-file | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free |
State e-file | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Guidance for W-2 Income | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Guidance for Unemployment Income | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Basic Guidance for Deductions | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Access to Live Help | X | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | X | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Review of Return Before Filing | X | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | X | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Guidance for Investment Income | X | X | ✓ | ✓ | X | X | ✓ | ✓ |
Guidance for Rental Property Income | X | X | ✓ | ✓ | X | X | ✓ | ✓ |
Guidance for Business Income and Expenses | X | X | X | ✓ | X | X | X | ✓ |
Guidance for Stock Options | X | X | ✓ | ✓ | X | X | ✓ | ✓ |
Max Refund Guarantee | X | X | X | ✓ | X | X | X | ✓ |
Audit Support | X | X | X | ✓ | X | X | X | ✓ |
Price (Assisted Live) | Limited Time Offer | $129 | $179 | $209 | Limited Time Offer $0* | $35 (+$37 per state filed) | $55 (+$37 per state filed) | $85 (+$37 per state filed) |
Price (Full Service Live) | $209 | $259 | $369 | $399 | $40 (+$37 per state filed) | $80 (+$37 per state filed) | $115 (+$37 per state filed) | $145 (+$37 per state filed) |
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User Interface and Navigation
TurboTax
Features of TurboTax’s User Interface: TurboTax’s user interface is clean, modern, and user-friendly. The software uses a step-by-step process to guide users through their tax return, making it easy to follow along and complete each section. TurboTax also offers a “SmartLook” feature that allows users to connect with a tax expert through video chat for help with any questions or concerns.
Ease of Navigation: TurboTax’s navigation is intuitive and simple. Users can easily access different sections of their tax return by clicking on the relevant tabs at the top of the screen. The software also offers a “My Account” section where users can view their tax documents and previous returns.
H&R Block
Features of H&R Block’s User Interface: its user interface is also user-friendly, with a clean and straightforward design. The software uses a step-by-step process to guide users through their tax return and offers a “Help Center” feature that provides users with access to tax experts.
Ease of Navigation: the navigation is simple and easy to follow. Users can access different sections of their tax returns by clicking on the relevant tabs at the top of the screen, and the software offers a “MyBlock” section where users can view their tax documents and previous returns.
Comparison of User Interfaces and Navigation
- Strengths and Weaknesses of TurboTax’s User Interface and Navigation: TurboTax’s user interface is modern and visually appealing, and the software offers a wide range of features and tools to help users complete their tax return. However, some users may find the software’s interface to be overwhelming, and the higher-tier plans can be more expensive.
- Strengths and Weaknesses of HR Block’s User Interface and Navigation: H&R Block’s user interface is clean and straightforward, making it easy for users to navigate through their tax returns. The software also offers access to tax experts through its “Help Center” feature. However, some users may find the software’s design to be dated, and the software can be more expensive than some of its competitors.
Overall, both TurboTax and H&R Block offer user-friendly interfaces and easy navigation to help users complete their tax returns. By comparing the strengths and weaknesses of each software’s interface and navigation, users can choose the software that best fits their needs and preferences.
Features
TurboTax
Features of TurboTax offers a variety of features to help users complete their tax return. These features include:
- Live assistance from tax experts
- Import of W-2 and other tax documents
- Deduction finder to help identify eligible deductions
- Audit support guarantee
- Calculation of earn income tax credit
- Investment income reporting for stocks, bonds, and other investments
- Free e-filing
Benefits of using TurboTax: TurboTax’s features make it easy for users to complete their tax return accurately and efficiently. Users can save time by importing their tax documents, and the software’s deduction finder helps users identify eligible deductions that they may have otherwise missed. Additionally, the software’s audit support guarantee provides users with peace of mind.
H&R Block
Features of H&R Block offers a variety of features to help users complete their tax return. These features include:
- Live assistance from tax experts
- Import of W-2 and other tax documents
- Deduction finder to help identify eligible deductions
- Easy child tax credit
- Error check to ensure accuracy
- Free e-filing
Benefits of using H&R Block: HR Block’s features make it easy for users to complete their tax return accurately and efficiently. Users can save time by importing their tax documents, and the software’s deduction finder helps users identify eligible deductions that they may have otherwise missed. Additionally, the software’s error check helps users ensure the accuracy of their tax return.
H&R Block vs TurboTax Features Table
Features | TurboTax | H&R Block |
---|---|---|
Price | Starts at $0 for Federal Free | Starts at $0 for Federal Free |
Federal E-File | Included | Included |
State E-File | $44.99 per state | $37 per state |
Accuracy Guarantee | Included | Included |
Audit Support | Included | Included |
Max Refund Guarantee | Included | Included |
Importing of Last Year’s Tax Return | Included | Included |
Additional Features | – W-2 photo capture | – In-person support options |
– SmartLook™ live help | – Tax Pro Review service | |
– Turbo Visa Debit Card | – H&R Block Emerald Prepaid Mastercard | |
– ItsDeductible™ for donations | – Refund Advance service | |
– TurboTax Live® for assistance | – Second Look® review service | |
– Deduction Finder | – Schedule C guidance for small business owners | |
– Charitable donations tracker | – Business Mileage Tracking | |
– Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) | – Business Expense Importing | |
– Education expense tracker | – Business Tax Return Service | |
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Comparison of Features
- Strengths and Weaknesses of TurboTax’s Features: TurboTax’s features offer a wide range of tools and assistance to help users complete their tax return accurately and efficiently. However, some users may find the software’s higher-tier plans to be more expensive than other tax prep software options.
- Strengths and Weaknesses of H&R Block’s Features: H&R Block’s features offer similar tools and assistance to TurboTax, and the software’s error check feature is a unique benefit. However, some users may find the software’s design to be dated compared to other tax software options.
Overall, both TurboTax and HR Block offer a variety of features to help users complete their tax return accurately and efficiently. By comparing the strengths and weaknesses of each software’s features, users can choose the software that best fits their needs and preferences.
Plan Comparison
One of the key factors to consider when choosing tax preparation software is the plan options available. Both TurboTax and H&R Block offer a variety of plans to meet different needs and budgets. Here’s a breakdown of the plan options for each software:
TurboTax Plan Options
Free Plan: TurboTax’s Free Plan is best for simple returns, offering basic guidance for W-2 income, limited deductions, and credits. It also offers free federal and state filing.
Deluxe Plan: TurboTax’s Deluxe Plan is best for homeowners, offering additional guidance for mortgage and property tax deductions. It also includes access to tax experts for live help and a review of your return before filing.
Premier Plan: TurboTax’s Premier Plan is best for investors and rental property owners, offering guidance for investment income and rental property deductions. It also includes access to tax experts for live help and a review of your return before filing.
Self-Employed Plan: TurboTax’s Self-Employed Plan is best for freelancers, contractors, and small business owners, offering additional guidance for business income and expenses. It also includes access to tax experts for live help and a review of your return before filing.
H&R Block Plan Options
Free Plan: H&R Block’s Free Plan is best for simple returns, offering basic guidance for W-2 income, limited deductions, and credits. It also offers free federal and state filing.
Deluxe Plan: H&R Block’s Deluxe Plan is best for homeowners and investors, offering additional guidance for mortgage and property tax deductions, investment income, and stock options. It also includes access to tax experts for live help and a review of your return before filing.
Premium Plan: H&R Block’s Premium Plan is best for self-employed individuals and rental property owners, offering additional guidance for business income and expenses, rental property deductions, and depreciation. It also includes access to tax experts for live help and a review of your return before filing.
Self-Employed Plan: H&R Block’s Self-Employed Plan is best for freelancers, contractors, and small business owners, offering additional guidance for business income and expenses. It also includes access to tax experts for live help and a review of your return before filing.
Expat Tax PreparationNEW: the service is specifically designed to help US citizens living abroad navigate the complexities of US tax law and ensure they are filing correctly.
Comparison of Plan Options
- Strengths and Weaknesses of TurboTax’s Plan Options: TurboTax’s Free Plan is a great option for those with simple returns, while its Self-Employed Plan offers comprehensive guidance for small business owners. However, its plans can be more expensive than H&R Block’s, especially for those with more complex returns.
- Strengths and Weaknesses of H&R Block’s Plan Options: H&R Block’s plans offer a good balance of features and affordability. Its Deluxe Plan is a great option for homeowners and investors, while its Premium Plan offers comprehensive guidance for rental property owners and self-employed individuals. However, its interface may be less intuitive than TurboTax’s.
Here’s a comparison table for the pricing and key features of TurboTax and H&R Block’s plan options:
Plan | TurboTax Price | H&R Block Price | Key Features |
---|---|---|---|
Free | $0 | $0 | Basic guidance for W-2 income, limited deductions and credits |
Deluxe | $129 | $35 (+$37 per state filed) | Guidance for mortgage and property tax deductions |
Premier | $179 | $55 (+$37 per state filed) | Guidance for investment income and rental property deductions |
Self-Employed | $209 | $85 (+$37 per state filed) | Guidance for business income and expenses |
Expat Filling | n/a | $85 (+$49 per FBAR) Special offer 15% off | Guidance for international filling |
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Overall, when choosing between TurboTax and H&R Block, it’s important to consider your specific tax situation and budget. If you have a simple return, the free plans from either software may be sufficient. However, if you have more complex returns or are a small business owner, you may want to consider the higher-tier plans that offer more comprehensive guidance and access to tax experts.
H&R Block Offers Expat Tax Preparation Now
H&R Block, a leading provider of tax preparation services, has recently launched a new feature for expat tax preparation. The feature allows U.S. citizens living abroad to easily prepare and file their taxes online from anywhere in the world.
The new feature includes a specialized team of tax experts who are trained in the unique tax laws and regulations that apply to U.S. citizens living abroad. These experts are available to answer questions and provide guidance throughout the tax preparation process.
According to H&R Block, the new feature is designed to simplify the tax preparation process for expats and provide them with the same level of service and expertise that is available to taxpayers in the United States.
“We understand that filing taxes as an expat can be a complex and daunting process,” said Karen Orosco, Senior Vice President of U.S. Retail Sales at H&R Block. “Our new feature is designed to make it easier for expats to stay compliant with U.S. tax laws and regulations while living abroad.”
The new feature is available now on the H&R Block website, and users can get started by creating an account and answering a few basic questions about their tax situation. With this new feature, H&R Block is making it easier for U.S. citizens living abroad to stay on top of their taxes and avoid any penalties or fines.
TurboTax vs H&R Block: Pros and Cons
When it comes to tax software, both TurboTax and H&R Block have their pros and cons. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect from each:
Pros of TurboTax
- User-friendly interface and step-by-step guidance
- Offers a variety of plans to meet different needs and budgets
- Allows for easy import of data from other sources
- Offers a free version for simple returns
- Provides access to tax experts and customer support
Pros of HR Block
- Offers a variety of plans to meet different needs and budgets
- Provides access to tax experts and customer support
- Offers a free version for simple returns
- Can import data from other sources
- May be a good choice for those with complex tax situations
Table of Cons of TurboTax vs H&R Block
H&R Block | TurboTax |
---|---|
– Can be more expensive than some other mobile apps – Interface may be less intuitive than some other options – Has faced criticism for pushing | – Can be more expensive than some other online tax software – May not be the best choice for those with complex tax situations – Has faced criticism for upselling additional services |
Competing Tax Prep Software
In addition to TurboTax and H&R Block, there are a variety of other tax software options available. Here’s a breakdown of a few other popular options:
TaxAct
TaxAct is a tax software that offers a variety of plans to meet different needs and budgets. It provides step-by-step guidance and access to tax experts and customer support. TaxAct also offers a free version for simple returns and can import data from other sources.
E-file.com
E-file.com is a user-friendly online tax preparation software that offers live customer support, e-filing options, and affordable pricing plans. With a free federal tax return option and reliable features, it is a great option for individuals and small business owners with simple tax situations.
Jackson Hewitt
Jackson Hewitt is a tax software that specializes in in-person tax preparation and filing. However, it also offers online tax preparation and filing options. Jackson Hewitt offers a variety of plans to meet different needs and budgets, and provides access to tax experts and customer support.
FreeTaxUSA
FreeTaxUSA is a tax filling software that offers a free version for simple returns and low-cost options for more complex returns. It provides step-by-step guidance and access to customer support. FreeTaxUSA can also import data from other sources.
Comparison of Competing Tax Software
When comparing tax software options, it’s important to consider the level of support and guidance provided, the variety of plans available, and the cost. While TurboTax and H&R Block are two of the most popular options, other tax filling software choices like TaxAct, Jackson Hewitt, and FreeTaxUSA may be better suited for your specific tax situation and budget. It’s always a good idea to research and compare different options before making a decision.
Ratings and Review
TurboTax | H&R Block | |
---|---|---|
Trustpilot Score | 4.5/5 (11,550+ reviews) | 4.6/5 (3,880+ reviews) |
BBB Rating | A+ | A+ |
App Store Rating | 4.9/5 (192.5K+ ratings) | 4.7/5 (20K+ ratings) |
Google Play Rating | 4.6/5 (190K+ ratings) | 4.2/5 (10K+ ratings) |
Online Support | Yes | Yes |
Price | Starts at $0 for federal; $60 for federal + state | Starts at $0 for federal; $50 for federal + state |
Live Help | Yes | Yes |
Accuracy Guarantee | Yes | Yes |
Audit Support | Yes | Yes |
Mobile App | Yes | Yes |
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It’s important to note that the ratings and reviews can vary based on individual experiences and the version of the software being used. It’s important to consider the features and benefits that are most important to you when choosing between TurboTax and HR Block.
Real User Reviews
TurboTax:
- “The interface is very user-friendly, which made it easy to complete my taxes without having to pay a professional or spending countless hours researching the process.” – Top Ten Reviews
- “I have used TurboTax for the last several years, and it’s always been an easy and painless process. They walk you through everything step-by-step, and they make it easy to file both state and federal returns.” – Consumer Affairs
- “TurboTax is great for those who are self-employed, as it offers a lot of guidance and support for filing Schedule C.” – NerdWallet
H&R Block:
- “H&R Block’s software is very user-friendly and straightforward. They have great customer support, and I found their online chat to be particularly helpful when I had questions.” – PCMag
- “I’ve been using H&R Block for years, and it’s always been a reliable and easy-to-use tax software. I especially like that they offer a free version for simple returns.” – Tom’s Guide
- “H&R Block has some great features for those who are self-employed or have rental property, such as a guidance on how to deduct expenses and the ability to import information from QuickBooks.” – US News Money
It’s important to note that these are just a few reviews and that individuals’ experiences with tax software can vary. It’s always a good idea to do research and read multiple reviews before deciding on tax software.
Who Should Use TurboTax vs H&R Block?
When it comes to deciding which tax preparation software is best for you, it’s important to consider your unique tax situation. Both TurboTax and H&R Block are designed to be user-friendly for a range of tax situations, but there are some differences in terms of the types of users each software is best suited for.
TurboTax
Individual Taxpayers: TurboTax is an excellent choice for individual taxpayers, whether you’re a W-2 employee or a 1099 contractor. The software walks you through each step of the tax preparation process, asking you a series of questions to ensure that you’re claiming all the deductions and credits you’re entitled to.
Small Business Owners: TurboTax offers a range of features specifically tailored to small business owners, including tools to help you track business expenses and calculate depreciation on business assets.
Freelancers and Self-Employed Individuals: TurboTax is a great choice for freelancers and self-employed individuals, who often have more complex tax situations. The software includes tools to help you track your income and expenses, calculate your self-employment tax, and even handle estimated tax payments.
H&R Block
Individual Taxpayers: Like TurboTax, H&R Block is a good choice for individual taxpayers. The software offers a range of features to help you maximize your deductions and credits, including tools to help you track charitable donations and medical expenses.
Small Business Owners: HR Block is a good choice for small business owners who have a more complex tax situation. The software includes features like the ability to import data from your accounting software, which can save you time and reduce the risk of errors.
Freelancers and Self-Employed Individuals: While H&R Block does offer some features for freelancers and self-employed individuals, it may not be the best choice for those with more complex tax situations. If you have a lot of business expenses to track or multiple sources of income, TurboTax may be a better option for you.
Conclusion
In summary, both TurboTax and H&R Block are popular options for tax software, offering a variety of plans to meet different needs and budgets. TurboTax is known for its user-friendly interface and step-by-step guidance, while H&R Block is known for its support for small businesses and freelancers. Both provide access to tax experts and customer support and offer a free version for simple returns.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to choosing between TurboTax vs H&R Block, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the complexity of your tax situation. TurboTax may be a better fit for individual taxpayers with simple returns, while H&R Block may be a better fit for small business owners or those with more complex tax situations. Regardless of which software you choose, it’s important to make sure you are accurately reporting your income and deductions to avoid any potential penalties or fines.
Remember, no tax software is perfect and it’s always a good idea to review your return for accuracy before submitting it. With the right tax software and a little bit of diligence, you can file your taxes with confidence and ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Reference Index:
- “TurboTax vs. H&R Block: Which is the best tax software?” by Tom’s Guide
- “TaxAct Review 2022” by Investopedia
- “Jackson Hewitt Review 2022: Should You Use This Tax Service?” by NerdWallet
- “FreeTaxUSA Review 2022” by Investopedia
- “IRS Tax Forms and Publications” on the IRS website
Useful resources: