H&R Block 2020 software offer

CABob · Post by **CABob** » Mon Oct 19, 2020 1:18 pm

[Last year's thread is here: H&R BLOCK Pre-Order 2019 Software Offer --admin LadyGeek]

End of the year must be approaching. I just received my first email offering H&R Block software for $34.95. IIRC I bought last years software for much less than that around Black Friday. I think I'll wait a while before buying.

Ethelred · Post by **Ethelred** » Mon Oct 19, 2020 1:25 pm

I just received an email offering H&R Block Deluxe federal only for $25, $20 off. Last year I had an offer for $25 at the end of October, and the year before I bought if for less than $20 on Amazon at the end of the year. I will probably wait, and check for offers at around Thanksgiving and the end of the year.

Maybe a mod can rename this to be the 2020 H&R Block thread?

SmileyFace · Post by **SmileyFace** » Mon Oct 19, 2020 1:26 pm

The TurboTax emails haven't started coming in yet.

Post by **LadyGeek** » Mon Oct 19, 2020 1:42 pm

Ethelred wrote: ↑Mon Oct 19, 2020 1:25 pm Maybe a mod can rename this to be the 2020 H&R Block thread?

Sure, I retitled the thread.

Already? I still have the 2019 version installed. Actually, I was using it to estimate my 2020 taxable income for inputs to the Retiree Portfolio Model.

So far, I haven't received an email. Last year, I bought it early and saw the price drop even lower for Black Friday. So, buy the software after I do.

(Thanks to the member who reported the post to get our attention.)

vtMaps · Post by **vtMaps** » Mon Oct 19, 2020 2:17 pm

Ethelred wrote: ↑Mon Oct 19, 2020 1:25 pm I just received an email offering H&R Block Deluxe federal only for $25, $20 off.

I got the email offering H&R Block Deluxe and State for $25, $30 off. --vtMaps

CABob · Post by **CABob** » Mon Oct 19, 2020 3:17 pm

A quick check of Amazon indicates they are not showing any of the 2020 editions yet.

Kenkat · Post by **Kenkat** » Mon Oct 19, 2020 3:37 pm

I got the email offering Deluxe for $25 today as well. I believe I paid $17.99 last year, so I am going to wait a bit longer.

nalor511 · Post by **nalor511** » Mon Oct 19, 2020 3:46 pm

vtMaps wrote: ↑Mon Oct 19, 2020 2:17 pm
Ethelred wrote: ↑Mon Oct 19, 2020 1:25 pm I just received an email offering H&R Block Deluxe federal only for $25, $20 off.
I got the email offering H&R Block Deluxe and State for $25, $30 off. --vtMaps

Deluxe+state for $25 would be worth it to me ($5-7 more than last year) to get it early. Do you have a link to the offer?

montanagirl · Post by **montanagirl** » Mon Oct 19, 2020 3:48 pm

Kenkat wrote: ↑Mon Oct 19, 2020 3:37 pm I got the email offering Deluxe for $25 today as well. I believe I paid $17.99 last year, so I am going to wait a bit longer.

I waited last year and missed the boat!

tuningfork · Post by **tuningfork** » Mon Oct 19, 2020 5:05 pm

I used to buy H&R Block early when the email offers started arriving. The last two years I ignored them and bought on Black Friday for a substantial discount. Just have to watch for the deals: Amazon, Walmart, Newegg or others should all have very low prices on Black Friday. The best place to find the deals is usually ... the H&R Block thread on Bogleheads!

tenkuky · Post by **tenkuky** » Mon Oct 19, 2020 5:34 pm

tuningfork wrote: ↑Mon Oct 19, 2020 5:05 pm I used to buy H&R Block early when the email offers started arriving. The last two years I ignored them and bought on Black Friday for a substantial discount. Just have to watch for the deals: Amazon, Walmart, Newegg or others should all have very low prices on Black Friday. The best place to find the deals is usually ... the H&R Block thread on Bogleheads!

Yes, same here. Waited till Cyber Monday and I got it for $21 (Deluxe + 1 state) before tax, I believe from Newegg. Sign up for camelcamelcamel and set your alert price.

hudson · Post by **hudson** » Mon Oct 19, 2020 6:23 pm

I just got the email. Thanks for bringing this up!
I paid $37.40 out the door for email delivery on Nov. 9th.
I did not take any of the extra options.

Product: H&R Block 2020 Deluxe Federal + State
Backup CD: NO
Extended Download Service: NO
H&R Block Tax Identity Shield:NO

Credit card: xxxxxxxxxxxx
Price: $34.95
Sales tax: $2.45
Total: $37.40

vtMaps · Post by **vtMaps** » Mon Oct 19, 2020 6:48 pm

nalor511 wrote: ↑Mon Oct 19, 2020 3:46 pm
vtMaps wrote: ↑Mon Oct 19, 2020 2:17 pm
Ethelred wrote: ↑Mon Oct 19, 2020 1:25 pm I just received an email offering H&R Block Deluxe federal only for $25, $20 off.
I got the email offering H&R Block Deluxe and State for $25, $30 off. --vtMaps
Do you have a link to the offer?

[ quote fixed by admin LadyGeek]

I think it's a targeted offer

--vtMaps

GerryL · Post by **GerryL** » Mon Oct 19, 2020 7:04 pm

A few weeks ago I was thinking about when I should get the new H&R Block tax software. Then I realized that with no RMD, my income is probably low enough for me to qualify again for free filing with Online Taxes (OLT). I was using that software until RMDs put me over the income limit. Unlike other "free" filing options, OLT has no age limit.

meebers · Post by **meebers** » Mon Oct 19, 2020 7:22 pm

I got the offer today as well for $25. Went thru the form, there is a space (XXXX-XXX) to apply coupon code, have not found one yet

tj · Post by tj » Mon Oct 19, 2020 8:24 pm

I got the email offer offering it for $34.95.

Last year, on 11/29, I paid $19.95 plus tax from NewEgg.

I don't see any reason to bite early.

F150HD · Post by **F150HD** » Mon Oct 19, 2020 8:38 pm

don't think there is a 'Black Friday' this year due to C19, so, hard to use that as a benchmark on when to buy

abuss368 · Post by **abuss368** » Mon Oct 19, 2020 9:02 pm

CABob wrote: ↑Mon Oct 19, 2020 1:18 pm [Last year's thread is here: H&R BLOCK Pre-Order 2019 Software Offer --admin LadyGeek]

End of the year must be approaching. I just received my first email offering H&R Block software for $34.95. IIRC I bought last years software for much less than that around Black Friday. I think I'll wait a while before buying.

Consider Free Tax USA. No Federal filing fee and only pay by State if needed.

I read about it on the forum and have used for a couple of years. I compared against both Turbo and H&R Block and I am happy. It works.

vtMaps · Post by **vtMaps** » Tue Oct 20, 2020 6:12 am

tj wrote: ↑Mon Oct 19, 2020 8:24 pm Last year, on 11/29, I paid $19.95 plus tax from NewEgg.

I don't see any reason to bite early.

I also paid $19.95 plus tax from NewEgg last year. If I bite now on this year's HR Block offer for $25, I will attribute that to lifestyle creep... it's nice to cross something off my to-do list

--vtMaps

BobTexas · Post by **BobTexas** » Tue Oct 20, 2020 7:31 am

CABob wrote: ↑Mon Oct 19, 2020 1:18 pm [Last year's thread is here: H&R BLOCK Pre-Order 2019 Software Offer --admin LadyGeek]

End of the year must be approaching. I just received my first email offering H&R Block software for $34.95. IIRC I bought last years software for much less than that around Black Friday. I think I'll wait a while before buying.

Someone needs to open a thread about free TurboTax from Fidelity

Monster99 · Post by **Monster99** » Tue Oct 20, 2020 7:37 am

vtMaps wrote: ↑Tue Oct 20, 2020 6:12 am
tj wrote: ↑Mon Oct 19, 2020 8:24 pm Last year, on 11/29, I paid $19.95 plus tax from NewEgg.

I don't see any reason to bite early.
I also paid $19.95 plus tax from NewEgg last year. If I bite now on this year's HR Block offer for $25, I will attribute that to lifestyle creep... it's nice to cross something off my to-do list

--vtMaps

Same here - bought last year from Newegg. Starting a few days ago, about 2 emails a day from Newegg about deals on their website. Tax software is on my radar.....

tenkuky · Post by **tenkuky** » Tue Oct 20, 2020 7:44 am

If someone could give the board a heads up when Newegg drops HRB Deluxe in that sweet $19-23 range, would greatly appreciate it

I am not on their mailing list.

hamhocs · Post by **hamhocs** » Tue Oct 20, 2020 8:00 am

End of summer is the time I start saving up Amazon No-Rush delivery credits for tax software. Those $1 credits can add up

F150HD · Post by **F150HD** » Tue Oct 20, 2020 8:04 am

score deal on HRB for $19.99 then pay $19.99 to file state return

more frustrating if one has to file in multiple states. Does TT charge a state fee?

tj · Post by tj » Tue Oct 20, 2020 8:56 am

vtMaps wrote: ↑Tue Oct 20, 2020 6:12 am
tj wrote: ↑Mon Oct 19, 2020 8:24 pm Last year, on 11/29, I paid $19.95 plus tax from NewEgg.

I don't see any reason to bite early.
I also paid $19.95 plus tax from NewEgg last year. If I bite now on this year's HR Block offer for $25, I will attribute that to lifestyle creep... it's nice to cross something off my to-do list

--vtMaps

How did you get an offer for $25? Mine was $35

hudson · Post by **hudson** » Tue Oct 20, 2020 9:01 am

tj wrote: ↑Tue Oct 20, 2020 8:56 am
vtMaps wrote: ↑Tue Oct 20, 2020 6:12 am
tj wrote: ↑Mon Oct 19, 2020 8:24 pm Last year, on 11/29, I paid $19.95 plus tax from NewEgg.

I don't see any reason to bite early.
I also paid $19.95 plus tax from NewEgg last year. If I bite now on this year's HR Block offer for $25, I will attribute that to lifestyle creep... it's nice to cross something off my to-do list

--vtMaps
How did you get an offer for $25? Mine was $35

My offer turned out to be $37.40 out the door...with tax

Here's the text of my email from H&R Block:
"Email-Exclusive Discount!
Deluxe + State Software | Now Only $34.95
Get Started >
$20 OFF"

vtMaps · Post by **vtMaps** » Tue Oct 20, 2020 9:04 am

tj wrote: ↑Tue Oct 20, 2020 8:56 am How did you get an offer for $25? Mine was $35

How??? I didn't do anything. It just came in the email. Deluxe and state for $24.95.
The subject line for the email was: "Psst...$30 off just for you, vtMaps!"

--vtMaps

edit: Last year's Newegg offer was for the software on CD. This year's offer from HR Block is for the downloadable version.

tj · Post by tj » Tue Oct 20, 2020 9:08 am

vtMaps wrote: ↑Tue Oct 20, 2020 9:04 am
tj wrote: ↑Tue Oct 20, 2020 8:56 am How did you get an offer for $25? Mine was $35
How??? I didn't do anything. It just came in the email. Deluxe and state for $24.95.
The subject line for the email was: "Psst...$30 off just for you, vtMaps!"

--vtMaps

I wonder why people are getting different offers.

tibbitts · Post by **tibbitts** » Tue Oct 20, 2020 9:16 am

tj wrote: ↑Tue Oct 20, 2020 9:08 am
vtMaps wrote: ↑Tue Oct 20, 2020 9:04 am
tj wrote: ↑Tue Oct 20, 2020 8:56 am How did you get an offer for $25? Mine was $35
How??? I didn't do anything. It just came in the email. Deluxe and state for $24.95.
The subject line for the email was: "Psst...$30 off just for you, vtMaps!"

--vtMaps
I wonder why people are getting different offers.

Different demographics and purchasing history, probably. It wouldn't be unusual for their research to show that a smaller or larger discount would be more effective (in terms of profit) for different groups. That's kind of the point of targeted marketing - surely you've seen offers mentioned here or in other forums that you would have taken advantage of, but never received - and when you tried using a published code, you were told "sorry, you're account isn't eligible for this bonus", or similar. That's definitely happened with me - usually on offers I would have taken advantage of of course.

hudson · Post by **hudson** » Tue Oct 20, 2020 9:32 am

vtMaps wrote: ↑Tue Oct 20, 2020 9:04 am
tj wrote: ↑Tue Oct 20, 2020 8:56 am How did you get an offer for $25? Mine was $35
How??? I didn't do anything. It just came in the email. Deluxe and state for $24.95.
The subject line for the email was: "Psst...$30 off just for you, vtMaps!"

--vtMaps

edit: Last year's Newegg offer was for the software on CD. This year's offer from HR Block is for the downloadable version.

Thanks vtMaps!
Who did your offer come from? Directly from H&R Block?

Post by **LadyGeek** » Tue Oct 20, 2020 9:45 am

I got my email yesterday - direct from H&R Block. Save $20 on Deluxe + State. ($34.95)

The first release is November 9, so I expect the offer to end at that time.

random_walker_77 · Post by **random_walker_77** » Tue Oct 20, 2020 9:53 am

I also got the offer for $25 for federal only. I'm planning to wait as it's usually a little cheaper either at black friday or around Jan/Feb. In the past, buying directly from amazon also opens up the option of the amazon rebate bonus (which was valuable when it was 10%, but more recently has been a ho-hum 4 or 5%).

Since I'm not planning to use it, here's the URL I was sent, after removing as many tags as possible to still yield the $25 price for federal-only:
https://orp-external-proxy.hrblock.com/ ... sku=Win_D1

[link fixed by admin LadyGeek]

If you replace the last bit from Win_D1 to Win_D2, then it shows $35 for federal + state

vtMaps · Post by **vtMaps** » Tue Oct 20, 2020 9:58 am

hudson wrote: ↑Tue Oct 20, 2020 9:32 am Who did your offer come from? Directly from H&R Block?

Yes. --vtMaps

Post by **LadyGeek** » Tue Oct 20, 2020 10:18 am

random_walker_77 - I fixed your link.

For completeness, here's the Deluxe + State (as you've stated): https://orp-external-proxy.hrblock.com/ ... sku=Win_D2

Looking at the email further, the link in the email contains a ton of tracking info - but then redirects to the link you've posted.

No tracking info, referrals, or anything else is in that URL - just a product group number and tax year.

I would order early, as I think that anyone who received that email (and knows how to follow links) will soon be posting that URL everywhere on the internet. Hopefully, H&R Block won't shut the link down when they figure that out.

tj · Post by tj » Tue Oct 20, 2020 10:21 am

It looks like the D1 link is for Federal Only. So the people who got the $25 offer, must live in a state that does not have state income taxes.

Now it makes sense why people are getting different offers.

I have to think we'll be able to do better than $35 at some point, but who knows.

vtMaps · Post by **vtMaps** » Tue Oct 20, 2020 10:48 am

tj wrote: ↑Tue Oct 20, 2020 10:21 am It looks like the D1 link is for Federal Only. So the people who got the $25 offer, must live in a state that does not have state income taxes.

Not so. My offer was for $24.95, deluxe and state. Vermont has an income tax. --vtMaps

retire2022 · Post by **retire2022** » Tue Oct 20, 2020 10:51 am

op

The Excel 1040 is free and it is shareware good for experiments, I personally have not used it for filing but good for estimates:

https://sites.google.com/site/excel1040/

CABob · Post by **CABob** » Tue Oct 20, 2020 10:59 am

tj wrote: ↑Tue Oct 20, 2020 10:21 am It looks like the D1 link is for Federal Only. So the people who got the $25 offer, must live in a state that does not have state income taxes.

Now it makes sense why people are getting different offers.

I suspect that the offers are based on what version was purchased in past years.

vtMaps · Post by **vtMaps** » Tue Oct 20, 2020 11:02 am

UPDATE:
I clicked the link to buy Deluxe and State for $24.95. ($54.95 minus my exclusive $30 discount)

The shopping cart includes an extra charge of $5.99 for extended download service. This allows you to download the software for 2 years. The extended download service is optional and can be unchecked. There is also a checkmark option to buy the software on CD for $9.99.

I think I will wait and see if Newegg repeats last year's offer of Deluxe and State on CD for $19.99.

--vtMaps

tj · Post by tj » Tue Oct 20, 2020 11:07 am

vtMaps wrote: ↑Tue Oct 20, 2020 11:02 am UPDATE:
I clicked the link to buy Deluxe and State for $24.95. ($54.95 minus my exclusive $30 discount)

The shopping cart includes an extra charge of $5.99 for extended download service. This allows you to download the software for 2 years. The extended download service is optional and can be unchecked. There is also a checkmark option to buy the software on CD for $9.99.

I think I will wait and see if Newegg repeats last year's offer of Deluxe and State on CD for $19.99.

--vtMaps

What was the link that it redirected you to? Was there a D #?

tibbitts · Post by **tibbitts** » Tue Oct 20, 2020 11:15 am

vtMaps wrote: ↑Tue Oct 20, 2020 11:02 am UPDATE:
I clicked the link to buy Deluxe and State for $24.95. ($54.95 minus my exclusive $30 discount)

The shopping cart includes an extra charge of $5.99 for extended download service. This allows you to download the software for 2 years. The extended download service is optional and can be unchecked. There is also a checkmark option to buy the software on CD for $9.99.

I think I will wait and see if Newegg repeats last year's offer of Deluxe and State on CD for $19.99.

--vtMaps

Are you waiting for the $5 or for the CD? I'm not really seeing a big advantage to either one.

vtMaps · Post by **vtMaps** » Tue Oct 20, 2020 11:23 am

tibbitts wrote: ↑Tue Oct 20, 2020 11:15 am Are you waiting for the $5 or for the CD? I'm not really seeing a big advantage to either one.

What if 3 years from now I get audited and have a different computer? I want access to the software for MORE than 2 years. The CD will do.

I think someone wrote in last year's HY Block thread that they prefer to buy from amazon because they can download it again years after the purchase.

--vtMaps

invstar · Post by **invstar** » Tue Oct 20, 2020 11:39 am

This is good info. Thanks for the details and links..

I pay arounf $125 - $150 every year to file my taxes. For example, this year I have paid $130 ($80 federal and $30 for state) to TurboTax to file my 2019 returns online. I used the premier level to report stocks capital losses in 2019 ($3k deduction), hence the fees were $130.

Questions:
- If I buy this HRBlock software and install on my desktop, I won't have to pay any additional fee to file my federal and state tax returns right?
- Will there be similar offer from TurboTax so that I can automatically download previous year's data (not a big deal but nice to have)...

Thank you,
invstar

BogleTaxPro · Post by **BogleTaxPro** » Tue Oct 20, 2020 11:47 am

invstar wrote: ↑Tue Oct 20, 2020 11:39 am This is good info. Thanks for the details and links..

I pay arounf $125 - $150 every year to file my taxes. For example, this year I have paid $130 ($80 federal and $30 for state) to TurboTax to file my 2019 returns online. I used the premier level to report capital losses in 2019 ($3k deduction), hence the fees were $130.

Questions:
- If I buy this HRBlock software and install on my desktop, I won't have to pay any additional fee to file my federal and state tax returns right?
- Will there be similar offer from TurboTax so that I can automatically download previous year's data (not a big deal but nice to have)...

Thank you,
invstar

There will be an additional fee to e-file state. You can prepare it, print it, and mail it for free with this package.
I'm sure TurboTax will offer returning client discounts as well. For my situation, I just find that HR is cheaper and has the functionality I need.
HR Block software will import from previous year TurboTax (and vice versa, I think).

montanagirl · Post by **montanagirl** » Tue Oct 20, 2020 12:02 pm

I'm hurt they I haven't gotten an offer.

hudson · Post by **hudson** » Tue Oct 20, 2020 12:33 pm

vtMaps wrote: ↑Tue Oct 20, 2020 11:23 am
tibbitts wrote: ↑Tue Oct 20, 2020 11:15 am Are you waiting for the $5 or for the CD? I'm not really seeing a big advantage to either one.
What if 3 years from now I get audited and have a different computer? I want access to the software for MORE than 2 years. The CD will do.

I think someone wrote in last year's HY Block thread that they prefer to buy from amazon because they can download it again years after the purchase.

--vtMaps

Thanks for the replies vtMaps.
I download the install file(s) and save them. I save them online, on a thumb drive, and on a backup hard drive...so I've got at least 3 copies. I don't pay any extra for the CD or later free installs because I already have what I need. I also save the install codes. I usually keep the install software with my tax forms.

neilpilot · Post by **neilpilot** » Tue Oct 20, 2020 1:24 pm

tibbitts wrote: ↑Tue Oct 20, 2020 9:16 am
tj wrote: ↑Tue Oct 20, 2020 9:08 am
vtMaps wrote: ↑Tue Oct 20, 2020 9:04 am
tj wrote: ↑Tue Oct 20, 2020 8:56 am How did you get an offer for $25? Mine was $35
How??? I didn't do anything. It just came in the email. Deluxe and state for $24.95.
The subject line for the email was: "Psst...$30 off just for you, vtMaps!"

--vtMaps
I wonder why people are getting different offers.
Different demographics and purchasing history, probably. It wouldn't be unusual for their research to show that a smaller or larger discount would be more effective (in terms of profit) for different groups. That's kind of the point of targeted marketing - surely you've seen offers mentioned here or in other forums that you would have taken advantage of, but never received - and when you tried using a published code, you were told "sorry, you're account isn't eligible for this bonus", or similar. That's definitely happened with me - usually on offers I would have taken advantage of of course.

Nice theory, but it's really much simpler than that. The $25 offer is deluxe federal only, and the $35 offer is Fed+state.

I checked my notes and last year I bought deluxe (no state) in late Nov, on Amazon, for $16.50.

nalor511 · Post by **nalor511** » Tue Oct 20, 2020 1:27 pm

vtMaps wrote: ↑Tue Oct 20, 2020 10:48 am
tj wrote: ↑Tue Oct 20, 2020 10:21 am It looks like the D1 link is for Federal Only. So the people who got the $25 offer, must live in a state that does not have state income taxes.
Not so. My offer was for $24.95, deluxe and state. Vermont has an income tax. --vtMaps

So, is there a code (like D1, D2) at the end of your URL? Just trying to figure out the coding. I remember last year we were able to come up with generic offer urls.

Post by **LadyGeek** » Tue Oct 20, 2020 2:15 pm

Here's random_walker_77's link:

Code: Select all

https://orp-external-proxy.hrblock.com/shoppingcart/cart?pricegroupkey=17B8BD9C&taxYear=2020&sku=Win_D1

The link I received (Deluxe + State) pared down to the minimum:

Code: Select all

https://orp-external-proxy.hrblock.com/shoppingcart/cart?pricegroupkey=17B8BD9C&taxYear=2020&sku=Win_D2

The only difference is the sku (product ID).

From what I can see, this is a generic URL with the price group key set for the pre-order pricing.

F150HD · Post by **F150HD** » Tue Oct 20, 2020 2:28 pm

BogleTaxPro wrote: ↑Tue Oct 20, 2020 11:47 am
invstar wrote: ↑Tue Oct 20, 2020 11:39 am - If I buy this HRBlock software and install on my desktop, I won't have to pay any additional fee to file my federal and state tax returns right?
There will be an additional fee to e-file state. You can prepare it, print it, and mail it for free with this package.
I'm sure TurboTax will offer returning client discounts as well. For my situation, I just find that HR is cheaper and has the functionality I need.
HR Block software will import from previous year TurboTax (and vice versa, I think).

There is a weird quirk w/ doing that=> if you do not eFile them together when done, HRB pops up a message of some sort stating one of them will not process until the other is received or some related flavor (cannot recall specific message, hoping someone else can clarify) buts is enough to get me to pay the $19.99 to eFile state WITH the Federal at the same time.