Your opinion of H&R Block?

[mrodgers]

Being poor is great when it comes to tax time.

Income
go to bottom of the form
Income again.
Flip over.
Income again.
Standard deduction
Dependents and deduction
Taxable income
Tax
Tax withheld
Child credit
Everything you paid into tax withheld is in the return.

So simple.

 

[aristocatz]

Another question: I am a teacher, so I qualify for certain deductions in my state. Does turbo tax know to do this for different states?

 

[Luv2Scrap]

I agree with this, the one year we went to them and told them some of the deductions we KNEW we could take (DH's job occupation allows certain "weird" job related deductions), the lady had no idea they were allowed. At that point we knew it was time to say "thanks, but no thanks!" and find a CPA.

This was my experience with them too the one time I used them several years ago.

 

[Tina]

Most tax preparers charge by the form, so the more forms you use, the more your return will cost. Each type of form has a specific price. I worked in a tax office for several years (not H&R block). Most tax preparers are seasonal employees. Some are great. Some, not so much. Keep in mind also, that just because someone is a CPA, does not mean they know personal taxes well. CPAs are more likely to be (business) accountants and auditors. If you need a someone who knows taxes VERY WELL, look for an EA (Enrolled Agent) office.

But all that aside, if your taxes are basic, use Turbo Tax. Heck, the office I worked in years ago used Turbo Tax (professional version). That's how I got hooked on the program. I've been using it every year since (nearly 20 years now).

 

[Pigeon]

Another question: I am a teacher, so I qualify for certain deductions in my state. Does turbo tax know to do this for different states?

If you want your state taxes done, you need to buy the turbotax program that includes a state filing. It's a little more expensive than the federal only.

We went to HR Block once when we were young and stupid. They screwed our taxes up royally. I've used TT for years and love it.

 

[pearlieq]

Either your taxes are difficult and you should get a CPA, or they're not and you can just use turbotax.

Exactly.

If your taxes are complex, you need something more than someone who took some prep classes. If they're not, an online program can walk you through it quite easily.

TaxAct has worked out quite well for us.

 

[golfgal]

Another question: I am a teacher, so I qualify for certain deductions in my state. Does turbo tax know to do this for different states?

Yes. Go to the Turbo Tax website and you can try it out for free. You can put in all your information and see how easy it is to use. If you don't like it, you don't pay anything.

 

[Octoberbride03]

Unless of course you actually know a good preparer at H&R Block who will offer you a discount. DH&I do and it costs us less than using Turbotax. And if we get called up for audit, she's going and we're staying home. Can't send a computer program to do that.

 

[DVC-Don]

We used H&R Block for our taxes for three years. We own a small business and have employees so it's not something we want to tackle on our own. The reason we used them was an office opened in the same plaza our business is in. We were assured that a small business was completely something they could handle. Imagine our surprise we the IRS started questioning a two year old return H&R did for us. We had to hire an enrolled agent to straighten the mess out. It took most of a year and we got a huge refund from the IRS for overpaid taxes when the dust settled.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Is there a VITA tax site in your area? They do it for free and use a software program called Taxwise. That's where I work (funded by the United Way), and if I were looking to get my taxes done, I'd think twice about H&R Block. Clients have come to us with some horror stories!

 

[Sparx]

edit.

 

[Sparx]

Thank you guys!!!!

I am so glad I checked with you guys about this!

How much money does turbo tax cost? Does the program walk you through the process?

I've never done my own taxes before. My dad (CPA) usually does them, but he is ill this year and cannot.

Turbo tax online lets you file federal returns for free, online. And it REALLY walks you through every possible credit you could ever receive. Its incredibly user friendly.

 

[AKL_Megs]

IMO, H&R Block is totally pointless.

My DH's coworker went, and RAVED about how the person there found there found them an extra $500.

They also charged them $300, so...

If your taxes are so complicated that you can't do them yourself, get a CPA.

 

[FlightlessDuck]

I do my own taxes. It's not that hard. And it doesn't cost me anything extra.

 

[ilovepcot]

I have to agree with the poster who said either you have a complicated return and should use a CPA or you can do them yourself. H&R Block is expensive and they are not that good. Their tax preparation class is kind of a joke - almost more of a lesson in how to use the software than what the tax code is.

This is a fact! We did have a very complicated tax issue years back and H&R Block couldn't handle it. We had to actually leave their office. Out of frustration, we phoned a CPA and set an appointment with him. *His services DID NOT cost any more than using H&R Block.* We've used him every year since and also get outstanding financial advice....much like the stuff you hear on Clark Howard.