turbo tax vs. H&R block...thoughts?

[meg8017]

Just wondering what some opinions were if one is better than the other. We have a pretty simple tax return, just dh employed, 2 kids, we don't own property. We've always used TT just because it's easy and inexpensive. I think we paid around $100 last year. Just talking with a friend last week and she was wondering the same thing. They went to H&R block last year, spent about $300. They got a pretty big refund last year (we're in a similar financial situation), just made me wonder if we'd be better off with a professional or if it doesn't matter as much with a non complicated return. Has anyone used both in the past? Did you get a better outcome from one or the other? I realize that if done correctly, the amount should be the same, I guess I am second guessing or abilities with TT. thanks for any input!

 

[ccgirl]

Just wondering what some opinions were if one is better than the other. We have a pretty simple tax return, just dh employed, 2 kids, we don't own property. We've always used TT just because it's easy and inexpensive. I think we paid around $100 last year. Just talking with a friend last week and she was wondering the same thing. They went to H&R block last year, spent about $300. They got a pretty big refund last year (we're in a similar financial situation), just made me wonder if we'd be better off with a professional or if it doesn't matter as much with a non complicated return. Has anyone used both in the past? Did you get a better outcome from one or the other? I realize that if done correctly, the amount should be the same, I guess I am second guessing or abilities with TT. thanks for any input!

Wow! That is expensive and I live in a high cost area. I pay an accountant (not a tax preparer) $60 to file my taxes electronically. Personally, I would never use H&R Block. My BiL and SiL have used them and the things they were recommended were not something I would feel comfortable doing should I be audited. YMMV.

 

[Swimalie]

Except when I've had a complicated return and used a CPA, I have always used Turbo Tax at a cost of about $40. My dad was once one of the people who H&R Block brought in to help others with their returns. He knows the tax laws and yet at home he uses Turbo Tax. He has check over my returns and says they look fine so I am sticking with the software and saving the money.

 

[momto2inKC]

Have you considered doing them yourself? We are similar situation wise- 2 kids, 1 income, do not own our house and I do our taxes for free online every year. It's SO easy to do, it walks you through every step of the way.

 

[bettymae1121]

I've never used H&R but I've used TT for years and it's really easy. I use their free edition and pay nothing to file, but seeing as you've never filed on your own before, you may want to pay the $20 odd bucks for the basic version which will walk you through TT and hold your hand a bit more. Once you're comfortable with it you can do the free version in future years.

The free version isn't hard, it's just easier if you've filed before and know what parts you need and what you canskip.

 

[KennesawNemo]

I would suggest you try to do it yourself if you don't have investment accounts or side business here and there. I did it by myself all the years when we didn't have a property. I even did it first year we owned our house. It was very easy, just a little time consuming.

That being said, I have compared the amount of $ I got from TT and H&R one year. They gave me exactly the same amount!

I think many accountants out year just use some kind of software themselves. They don't necessarily know more about tax codes. (On the other hand, I do realize there are good ones as well so no need to argue with me.)

I would be cautious to use an accountant just to get "more" return. I will always double check his work because even if your tax forms were prepared by him, you would still the one that held responsible should you get audited.

 

[WeLuvDCL]

Taxact is free and steps you through the entire processes by asking you questions. You should give it a try before paying for anything else. If it makes you feel better, try it this year just to find out the refund it calculates for you and then use TT also and see if the $$ matches.

 

[amykay9377]

I also recommend trying out both TurboTax and HR Block's Free Filing. If your filing really is just as simple as you mentioned (married, kids, no rental income or whatever), it's a much better way to go.

The best part is (for both of these) is that when you get to the end, it will review it for any mistakes. If there are mistakes, they will tell you where and try to help you out. There are also FAQs and Help Me type pages available if you don't know if you have a 1098 or a 1099 form.

Finally, if you get to the end and decide you DON'T want to eFile, you dont have to. You can go 99% of the way and not commit to anything.

I think that for you, it's worth a shot just to try it. If you like it, you have SAVED like $100 over what you spent last year! And you can get your refund direct deposited, just like when you paper file or use a processor. I filed on 1/25 and am set to get mine on 2/1!

Happy taxing!

 

[Golf4food]

They got a pretty big refund last year (we're in a similar financial situation), just made me wonder if we'd be better off with a professional or if it doesn't matter as much with a non complicated return.

Just because they got a bigger return doesn't mean it was because of H&R. They could have their W4 screwed up and be witholding far too much money each paycheck (which is the case if they get a big refund) whereas you have yours set at a more accurate level so that you don't give Uncle Sam an interest free loan all year and keep more of your paycheck when you get paid.

If you have nothing complex there is zero reason not to use one of the DIY websites to file.

 

[Family Fun Mom]

For the last few years I have used H&R Block's at home tax software, pretty much the exact same thing as Turbo Tax but with the H&R Block brand. It's easy and much cheaper than TT.

With such a simple return, it doesn't matter where you go. Save yourself some money and do it yourself at home with the cheapest software you can find.

Good Luck!

 

[BellePrincessBelle]

Because of a gktch I encountered with Turbo Tax this year I ended up doing Tax Act. Same #'s & much, much cheaper.

 

[T. Lynn]

I've used Turbo Tax for years and highly recommend it. I even had 2 business's to file and it was a breeze as it walks you through it all. Now that I'm divorced, I have a more simple return.

Some family members use an accountant, who also use Turbo Tax

 

[meg8017]

thanks for all the replies! I think we will stick with TT. or at least check out Tax Act and the H&R block free filing. I do realize that our friends may have had more withheld and such, it just made me think "would it be any different", that's all. Having never used anything but TT, just wanted to see what others thought.

 

[sherry7]

Wow! That is expensive and I live in a high cost area. I pay an accountant (not a tax preparer) $60 to file my taxes electronically. Personally, I would never use H&R Block. My BiL and SiL have used them and the things they were recommended were not something I would feel comfortable doing should I be audited. YMMV.

^^That.^^

I use an accountant (CPA), and we pay $90 total to file federal, state, and local. We file a long form, with every legal deduction that the accountant can get us.

I'm not sure if many people realize this, but the people working at H&R Block are not accountants. They hire inexperienced people with a strong clerical background, and give them a 2 week training course.

 

[CowboyCO]

With turbotax, I can easily prepare my taxes in my jockeys. With H&R Block, doing the same would get me arrested...

 

[furb & dez]

I've used TaxAct.com for several years now. I did my taxes on the 19th in 22 minutes and for ~$20. Already have my state refund.

 

[berries]

I've used turbotax for the past 4 years, every year they would have a glitch but it was taken care of within a day.

Well this year I got all the way through, paid and it wouldn't let me efile due to a glitch. I was told every day for 3 days, it would be fixed the next day. It wasnt. I asked for a refund which is taking 7 business days to receive and filed same day with hrblock, no problems.

What burns me up is the fact that they took my money and only then did a problem show,up. Everything worked perfectly until I paid.

 

[berries]

I take that back..I did have a problem with hrblock upgrading me and overcharging me but they reimbursed me after.