H&R Block vs TurboTax 2011, 2012

More and more taxpayers are choosing to use tax preparation software these days, because it makes the task of preparing taxes much easier, faster, and more accurate. Here is a comparison of H&R Block vs TurboTax:

Entering Information

Both H&R Block and TurboTax use very simple language to ask questions to make sure that you know exactly what information to enter. They also provide very clear explanations to help you understand questions that are more complicated. One of the benefits of using H&R Block is that you can import information from TurboTax, making it easier for you to enter your personal and income information. TurboTax does not allow you to retrieve information from H&R Block. Both programs can import information from other financial software programs, such as Quicken, Microsoft Money, and others.

Error Checks

The error-check features in both H&R Block and TurboTax are equally effective. They are very easy to use, and they can help you locate errors that can trigger extra scrutiny from the IRS. If errors are found on your tax return, you will be taken directly to them and given guidance on how to make the necessary corrections.

Acceptance Speed

TurboTax provides faster acceptance notice than H&R Block. Immediately after receiving your tax return, it will send you a receipt notification via email, and it will forward your return to the IRS. H&R Block, on the other hand, can take up to 24 hours to send you a notification.

Acceptance or Denial Notification

H&R Block and TurboTax use different methods to let you know whether your tax return is accepted or denied. TurboTax will send the results to you via email, while H&R Block will send an email with a link to a website where you can see the results.

Free eFiling

H&R Block and TurboTax allow you to do efiling for free, but you have to meet certain conditions. To do free efiling with H&R Block , you must be less than 50 years old and have an adjusted gross income of $56,000 or less. As for TurboTax , you need to have an adjusted gross income of $30,000 or less, be eligible for earned income credit, or be a member of the military. If you cannot do efiling for free, TurboTax is more affordable than H&R Block.

Support

TurboTax allows you to use its help section 24 hours a day, and it does not impose a limit on the number of questions you can ask. If you are using H&R Block, you are only allowed to avail of free help a certain number of times.

Tax preparation programs are also very affordable, and they can be easily purchased on the Internet. If you want to file your tax returns with a tax preparation program, you should choose one that is developed by a reputable company. H&R Block and TurboTax are presently regarded as the two best developers of tax preparation software, and they have both succeeded in providing very effective and convenient solutions for all kinds of taxpayers.