H&R Block 2024 software offer

[daleddm]

Some unclear mac sys requirements on the HRB. NewEgg lists only Mac 12, while Amazon the same in initial blurb but then down the page seems to confirm 10.15 is minimum.

The HRBlock site (not the HRBlock store on Amazon) say OS 12 requirement, but their site is so littered with ding-dong download buttons that you have to use to get to anything minimally informative, it's hard to say.

Maybe someone who has actually acquired it can speak to tech specs associated with the actual file. 10.15 would be my hope, for being able to load on several machines.

[elcadarj]

Just purchased Deluxe + State on Newegg.

H&R Block Tax Software Deluxe + State 2024 PC/Mac [Download] $29.99 + $5 off w/ promo code BFADY2A598, so $24.99.

ETA: Already downloaded and running in MacOS.

[MtnBiker]

Buying from Amazon no longer permits the download and installation of the software without "activating" it with H&R Block.

Is that true?

I've never "activated" the H&R Block software before. And I've never e-filed. I install the software, run it, then use the output to fill out the fillable PDF forms from the IRS which I print and mail to the IRS. When the software asks me to "activate" it, I just decline. I don't want to (willingly) hand all my financial data over to a third party — for no good reason.

Now I wonder if providing my contact information to H&R Block — and "activating" the software — will unwittingly grant that company access to my tax return data. For any of you that have downloaded the software from H&R Block, was there any need to grant access or acknowledge privacy rules during the download process?

Is there any work-around to providing H&R Block my contact data?

Maybe I am naive, but I don't see any harm with providing my address, phone number and email address to companies that I do business with including H&R Block.

Once you are using the program, there is a screen that comes up early on that asks whether you want to share your financial data with H&R. I answered no to that.

Can anyone explain how you can electronically file and not have to deal with someone, other than the IRS, potentially using your tax return data and compromising your privacy?

If you read the article, you would have seen the solution:

"You do have a choice. If you click “no” to either of these sorts of prompts, the companies will still complete your taxes."

viewtopic.php?p=6625393#p6625393

[iceport]

Buying from Amazon no longer permits the download and installation of the software without "activating" it with H&R Block.

Is that true?

I've never "activated" the H&R Block software before. And I've never e-filed. I install the software, run it, then use the output to fill out the fillable PDF forms from the IRS which I print and mail to the IRS. When the software asks me to "activate" it, I just decline. I don't want to (willingly) hand all my financial data over to a third party — for no good reason.

Now I wonder if providing my contact information to H&R Block — and "activating" the software — will unwittingly grant that company access to my tax return data. For any of you that have downloaded the software from H&R Block, was there any need to grant access or acknowledge privacy rules during the download process?

Is there any work-around to providing H&R Block my contact data?

Maybe I am naive, but I don't see any harm with providing my address, phone number and email address to companies that I do business with including H&R Block.

Yeah, me neither, I guess.

But as a general rule I *am* opposed to providing companies with which I do business my Social Security number, income and other financial data.

I am concerned that "activating," or registering, the software with H&R Block will grant some kind of permission for them to access that data from my tax return. I was already suspicious enough about what they might be doing without my knowledge, even without me ever registering the product with them. The contact information seems very important to them, as I'm guessing that it took some kind of real effort on their part to force a new and more restrictive way to access the software through Amazon. There must be enough of us never registering the software that made it seem worthwhile for them to make it mandatory.

I'm leaning heavily towards giving them bogus contact information, just to get the program on my PC.

[Eno Deb]

It really sucks that you no longer can download directly from Amazon's library. That was one of my main reasons to buy from Amazon. There are also lots of reviews on Amazon from people having trouble downloading and/or activating it (is it true that you first have to install a "deployment installer" which then installs the actual application?). Also, requiring contact information just to download is another red flag. The only possible reason for this is that they either want to target you with ads or sell the information. And on top of that the Black Friday price is higher than usual this year.

The "enshittification" of tax software continues. I just hope the new administration doesn't kill the development of the IRS' own tax filing solution ...

[masteraleph]

FWIW- I bought from Newegg. Worth noting that when I copy/pasted the product key from the email I got continuous "Network Connection Error"s on H&R Block's site, but when I deleted the - in the product key it worked (though it's still there visually). When activating after download, I kept the - in and it worked. Poor coding on their part, but figure it might help if folks have the same issue.

[TexasPE]

Does 2024 H&R Block Deluxe still support schedule C, or must I purchase Premium? Can't seem to find this information on line. Thanks!

[tj]

Does 2024 H&R Block Deluxe still support schedule C, or must I purchase Premium? Can't seem to find this information on line. Thanks!

All versions have all forms.

[bogling]

Or if Schedule C is listed in the available federal forms? Thanks.

The software version always includes all forms. It's the online version that upsells you.

Does 2024 H&R Block Deluxe still support schedule C, or must I purchase Premium? Can't seem to find this information on line. Thanks!

All versions have all forms.

Why does HR web site say premiere is needed then if self employed? Deluxe works fine for SE sole proprietor?

[gavinsiu]

Looks like the best deal is:

https://www.newegg.com/p/N82E1683273219 ... 6832732199

At least for today there is a coupon BFADY2A598 that takes the price of $24.99.

[bogling]

So in summary, is the collective experience that Deluxe + State is the go to package, and used based on individual preference to:

1. Prepare then print and file by paper to keep all data on computer instead of online
2. Prepare then file online with something like OLT instead of paying the HR $19.99 e-file fee
3. Prepare then e-file using HR for an additional $19.99 (State e-file feed but $0 Federal e-file fee)?
4. Use for estimating next year's taxes

Questions:

1. Can Deluxe + State be used for Self Employment as Sole Proprietor, including Schedule C, Business Expenses, and QBID, etc., as well as investment, Schedule E rental and IRA/ROTHs .... or is Premium is needed? It seems HR's web site implies using Premium?

2. Looks like Newegg, AMZ, WMT download and boxed versions say "non-returnable and non-refundable", but HR has a 100% satisfaction guarantee for refund in 60 days of purchase before filing return if send back media/UPC. For someone that has never used the software before and wants to try without risk, it looks like that only comes with paying the higher prices at HR?

https://www.hrblock.com/guarantees/

[rob]

FWIW- I bought from Newegg. Worth noting that when I copy/pasted the product key from the email I got continuous "Network Connection Error"s on H&R Block's site, but when I deleted the - in the product key it worked (though it's still there visually). When activating after download, I kept the - in and it worked. Poor coding on their part, but figure it might help if folks have the same issue.

I just clicked on the link in the email they sent - worked no issues (windoze not mac). $26 inc tax is close enough for tax work for me.

[tj]

The software version always includes all forms. It's the online version that upsells you.

All versions have all forms.

Why does HR web site say premiere is needed then if self employed? Deluxe works fine for SE sole proprietor?

If you know how to fill out the forms, the version doesn't matter. If you want the interview to guide you, you'd need premiere.

[meebers]

Purchased Deluxe from Newegg. Was pretty easy transaction, the 5$ discount code was already entered during checkout. Key delivered within 5 minutes, activated without issue, installed ( I also said NO) and imported last years information and went with a "dry run" . It mirrors last years software. One very mirror issue, at the end of each "section", a reminder comes up and asks [~if you filled out all the data, requires a response].

[bogling]

Why does HR web site say premiere is needed then if self employed? Deluxe works fine for SE sole proprietor?

If you know how to fill out the forms, the version doesn't matter. If you want the interview to guide you, you'd need premiere.

So that's why folks choose Deluxe + State as the first tier that will show both the federal and state forms?

But it then really is just a crosscheck for manually filling them out anyways or to crosscheck a spreadsheet? Guess it might find errors in a spreadsheet or make fast work of creating schedules 1, 2, 3 A, B, D, and E then transferring anything manually entered into a Schedule C and SE back to the 1040, along with any interplay of state taxes to the federal (like if itemize state but not federal).

But if the interview doesn't ask for SE income then just have to manually calc the Schedule C, SE, and things like various deductions/depreciation, and QBID anyways based on own knowledge of how that all works, what are the benefits folks enjoy from using this? For estimating later? It seems might be worth the $29 for Deluxe or $42 for Premium so appreciate hearing the benefits those using it enjoy to gauge the utility over filling them out manually.

[talzara]

But it then really is just a crosscheck for manually filling them out anyways or to crosscheck a spreadsheet? Guess it might find errors in a spreadsheet or make fast work of creating schedules 1, 2, 3 A, B, D, and E then transferring anything manually entered into a Schedule C and SE back to the 1040, along with any interplay of state taxes to the federal (like if itemize state but not federal).

But if the interview doesn't ask for SE income then just have to manually calc the Schedule C, SE, and things like various deductions/depreciation, and QBID anyways based on own knowledge of how that all works, what are the benefits folks enjoy from using this? For estimating later? It seems might be worth the $29 for Deluxe or $42 for Premium so appreciate hearing the benefits those using it enjoy to gauge the utility over filling them out manually.

The forms will calculate self-employment tax, QBID, and Schedule C.

Most self-employed people don't have to calculate depreciation anymore. Because of the growth of the gig economy, there are millions of people who are practically employees but actually self-employed. They just claim the IRS standard mileage rate, which includes depreciation.

The interview is just an interview. It is not the forms. The interview in Deluxe has a short section about self-employment income. Most self-employed people do not need anything more.

[KeepingEyesOpen]

Looks like the best deal is:

https://www.newegg.com/p/N82E1683273219 ... 6832732199

At least for today there is a coupon BFADY2A598 that takes the price of $24.99.

This worked - purchased and downloaded the Mac version. Above coupon code was already entered. Make sure you choose the appropriate version Deluxe + State 2024 PC/Mac [Download] - it's possible to choose another version with that same coupon code.

No problems with download or installation. There was a 10-character activation code required that came by email from H&R Block. The software appears to run correctly and imported my data from last year's tax return data file.

I chose "NO" for the request to allow H&R Block to share my tax return data with selected "partners" that are apparently based in India. Does anyone know if this will negatively affect my ability to ask for technical support (software glitches, etc) if needed?

[yankees60]

HELP "Amazon exclusive Refund bonus" Can't find exactly what that is.

You find out about it as you are buying it. It's an additional 10% reward on top of the normal 5% Amazon Prime Visa card reward.

[yankees60]

I did not want to reread all that was here to determine how I could possibly save a few dollars so I just bought from my favorite retailer -- Amazon.

The $29.99 plus getting 15% rather than 5% for using my Amazon Prime Visa card.

I received the email but not going to try to install tonight.

[ScooterBob]

I did not want to reread all that was here to determine how I could possibly save a few dollars so I just bought from my favorite retailer -- Amazon.

The $29.99 plus getting 15% rather than 5% for using my Amazon Prime Visa card.

I received the email but not going to try to install tonight.

It takes about 5 minutes total.

[neilpilot]

HELP "Amazon exclusive Refund bonus" Can't find exactly what that is.

You find out about it as you are buying it. It's an additional 10% reward on top of the normal 5% Amazon Prime Visa card reward.

Are you sure? I thought it was a 2% bonus in refund $ taken as an Amazon gift card.

[BruinBones]

Some unclear mac sys requirements on the HRB. NewEgg lists only Mac 12, while Amazon the same in initial blurb but then down the page seems to confirm 10.15 is minimum.

The HRBlock site (not the HRBlock store on Amazon) say OS 12 requirement, but their site is so littered with ding-dong download buttons that you have to use to get to anything minimally informative, it's hard to say.

Maybe someone who has actually acquired it can speak to tech specs associated with the actual file. 10.15 would be my hope, for being able to load on several machines.

I'm on MacOS 10.15.7 and downloaded the new H&R Block Premium. There was a message during the download - something like the program would work better on OS 12, do you still want to download - but it still downloaded after I answered yes. The program started just fine and was able to import all my info from last year's tax return, so I think we'll be ok.

[bogling]

Some unclear mac sys requirements on the HRB. NewEgg lists only Mac 12, while Amazon the same in initial blurb but then down the page seems to confirm 10.15 is minimum.

The HRBlock site (not the HRBlock store on Amazon) say OS 12 requirement, but their site is so littered with ding-dong download buttons that you have to use to get to anything minimally informative, it's hard to say.

Maybe someone who has actually acquired it can speak to tech specs associated with the actual file. 10.15 would be my hope, for being able to load on several machines.

I'm on MacOS 10.15.7 and downloaded the new H&R Block Premium. There was a message during the download - something like the program would work better on OS 12, do you still want to download - but it still downloaded after I answered yes. The program started just fine and was able to import all my info from last year's tax return, so I think we'll be ok.

What features of premium do you find needed instead of Deluxe + State? Am considering one over the other. TIA

[Mudpuppy]

FYI, Amazon has now changed the label over to "Cyber Monday Deal", but the price of Deluxe+State remains $29.99.

[yankees60]

You find out about it as you are buying it. It's an additional 10% reward on top of the normal 5% Amazon Prime Visa card reward.

Are you sure? I thought it was a 2% bonus in refund $ taken as an Amazon gift card.

Too late to go back to reread it since that screen is now gone after I made my purchase -- though I could probably do it again and get to that screen -- but I'm fairly certain that is what it said. I tried to find clarification before I got to that point but was unable to. Once I did read that, which gave me certainty, that was what I needed to make the purchase.

Are you an Amazon Prime member?

[neilpilot]

Are you sure? I thought it was a 2% bonus in refund $ taken as an Amazon gift card.

Too late to go back to reread it since that screen is now gone after I made my purchase -- though I could probably do it again and get to that screen -- but I'm fairly certain that is what it said. I tried to find clarification before I got to that point but was unable to. Once I did read that, which gave me certainty, that was what I needed to make the purchase.

Are you an Amazon Prime member?

I'm a Prime member. The 2% bonus is on the tax refund, not the purchase.

[daleddm]

Some unclear mac sys requirements on the HRB. NewEgg lists only Mac 12, while Amazon the same in initial blurb but then down the page seems to confirm 10.15 is minimum.

The HRBlock site (not the HRBlock store on Amazon) say OS 12 requirement, but their site is so littered with ding-dong download buttons that you have to use to get to anything minimally informative, it's hard to say.

Maybe someone who has actually acquired it can speak to tech specs associated with the actual file. 10.15 would be my hope, for being able to load on several machines.

I'm on MacOS 10.15.7 and downloaded the new H&R Block Premium. There was a message during the download - something like the program would work better on OS 12, do you still want to download - but it still downloaded after I answered yes. The program started just fine and was able to import all my info from last year's tax return, so I think we'll be ok.

THANKS! I do have machines that will run the newer sys, but like having extra copies to tinker, backup, etc. I've always been able to make a copy of the HRB file and run it on other macs with older sys at home, school, etc. Appreciate the feedback. - dm

[bogling]

I am going to purchase from Newegg.
If I am looking to input Solo 401K and business mileage deductions as a part W-2 and part Sch C/1099-NEC for the year, am I better off using downloaded Deluxe or Premium version?
Not wanting to derail thread which is about price this week, but my standalone thread had no responses and want to purchase tomorrow if possible.
Thanks!

Thanks for this question. Did you get any info on this? Have similar question re self employment with mega backdoor Roth via solo 401k and handling various common self employment sole proprietor situation with schedule C and SE, etc.

[ArtMan]

I ordered Block Deluxe + State edition from Amazon today. Cost was $29.99. There is also a "Refund Bonus Offer (Amazon Exclusive)." Not sure how that works, and in any event I fear I'm going to owe the IRS anyway ...

Amazon reviews include a lot of complaints about the download process and the lack of any support from either Amazon or H&R Block. It took me a few minutes of fiddling around but I discovered two problems that might have stymied the download. I'm not sure which one was causing the download to fail, or if it was the combination.

(1) My email provider is Gmail, and as you may know, a Gmail address can include a period (dot) or maybe other special characters, that don't affect the delivery. For example, to Gmail, 1234ABCD@gmail.com is exactly the same as 1234.ABCD@gmail.com. I normally use one version but I use the other on my Amazon account. (I probably had a reason for doing that, but it was a long time ago....) Switching to the Amazon version of my email address worked.

(2) I normally use Firefox, but the screen where you enter your name, address, etc. wouldn't advance on Firefox, but it worked on the Chrome browser. if you have problems logging into Block's servers and downloading the install program, I hope one of these hints will help, and please let me know if it helps.

[tenkuky]

I am going to purchase from Newegg.
If I am looking to input Solo 401K and business mileage deductions as a part W-2 and part Sch C/1099-NEC for the year, am I better off using downloaded Deluxe or Premium version?
Not wanting to derail thread which is about price this week, but my standalone thread had no responses and want to purchase tomorrow if possible.
Thanks!

Thanks for this question. Did you get any info on this? Have similar question re self employment with mega backdoor Roth via solo 401k and handling various common self employment sole proprietor situation with schedule C and SE, etc.

No, I didn't get any response to either this post or to a standalone thread asking the question. I did see a few other side comments about this which imply that the only advantage for Premium over Deluxe is the availability of interview to help you fill out the relevant forms.
However, I decide to buy the Deluxe only, and will use my general awareness of which forms to fill along with Google searches and other good resources such as Financebuff.
Re. your MBR, see here... https://thefinancebuff.com/mega-backdoo ... tware.html

[lakpr]

Thanks for this question. Did you get any info on this? Have similar question re self employment with mega backdoor Roth via solo 401k and handling various common self employment sole proprietor situation with schedule C and SE, etc.

No, I didn't get any response to either this post or to a standalone thread asking the question. I did see a few other side comments about this which imply that the only advantage for Premium over Deluxe is the availability of interview to help you fill out the relevant forms.
However, I decide to buy the Deluxe only, and will use my general awareness of which forms to fill along with Google searches and other good resources such as Financebuff.
Re. your MBR, see here... https://thefinancebuff.com/mega-backdoo ... tware.html

Pardon me upfront, but given the difference between Deluxe and Premium versions is just $20, would it not be safer option to go with Premium? $20 doesn't even buy a couple of meals at McDonald's (and if you are in Connecticut, not even one meal).....

[nalor511]

No, I didn't get any response to either this post or to a standalone thread asking the question. I did see a few other side comments about this which imply that the only advantage for Premium over Deluxe is the availability of interview to help you fill out the relevant forms.
However, I decide to buy the Deluxe only, and will use my general awareness of which forms to fill along with Google searches and other good resources such as Financebuff.
Re. your MBR, see here... https://thefinancebuff.com/mega-backdoo ... tware.html

Pardon me upfront, but given the difference between Deluxe and Premium versions is just $20, would it not be safer option to go with Premium? $20 doesn't even buy a couple of meals at McDonald's (and if you are in Connecticut, not even one meal).....

It's $20 down the drain.

[lakpr]

Pardon me upfront, but given the difference between Deluxe and Premium versions is just $20, would it not be safer option to go with Premium? $20 doesn't even buy a couple of meals at McDonald's (and if you are in Connecticut, not even one meal).....

It's $20 down the drain.

Different ways you look at it I suppose. I am looking at it as $20 for more structured interview questions and more accurate filing than fishing around for Schedule C or E (sorry, not self employed, so I don't have those form numbers on the tip of my tongue). Isn't the point of tax software to relieve you of the burden to calculate every little tiny detail on those tax forms yourself? We can even take this argument further and ask why even bother buying Deluxe version, why not file paper forms?

[urban]

I am going to purchase from Newegg.
If I am looking to input Solo 401K and business mileage deductions as a part W-2 and part Sch C/1099-NEC for the year, am I better off using downloaded Deluxe or Premium version?
Not wanting to derail thread which is about price this week, but my standalone thread had no responses and want to purchase tomorrow if possible.
Thanks!

Thanks for this question. Did you get any info on this? Have similar question re self employment with mega backdoor Roth via solo 401k and handling various common self employment sole proprietor situation with schedule C and SE, etc.

One of the sure ways to find it out is to start a dummy return online (you do not pay untill you file) and see what options it offers.

[Lyrrad]

HELP "Amazon exclusive Refund bonus" Can't find exactly what that is.

I don’t think the offer makes sense.

As I understand it, if you let H&R Block have some of your refund, they’ll give you a Amazon gift card for 102% of the value of the portion of refund used to purchase it.

However, the terms indicate that they may issue a 1099 for the value of the bonus.

At a 50% marginal tax rate, it’s like getting a 1% discount on an Amazon gift card. It’s easy to get more than that back on Amazon purchases with a rewards credit card.

[bogling]

Delete

[bogling]

Thanks for this question. Did you get any info on this? Have similar question re self employment with mega backdoor Roth via solo 401k and handling various common self employment sole proprietor situation with schedule C and SE, etc.

No, I didn't get any response to either this post or to a standalone thread asking the question. I did see a few other side comments about this which imply that the only advantage for Premium over Deluxe is the availability of interview to help you fill out the relevant forms.
However, I decide to buy the Deluxe only, and will use my general awareness of which forms to fill along with Google searches and other good resources such as Financebuff.
Re. your MBR, see here... https://thefinancebuff.com/mega-backdoo ... tware.html

Much appreciated. Nice reference.

It does seem very straight forward, as noted here too.

https://www.mysolo401k.net/how-to-repor ... ontractor/

Pardon me upfront, but given the difference between Deluxe and Premium versions is just $20, would it not be safer option to go with Premium? $20 doesn't even buy a couple of meals at McDonald's (and if you are in Connecticut, not even one meal).....

Have been leaning at this point toward the $12.50 more for premium. Then after experiencing that, won't wonder what the big deal is with that version if get deluxe in future years or revert back to other tools. However, since it sounds like the software isn't ready to use until a month or more from now and drops to this price multiple times after now, planning to try and learn more about what advantages of using HR are (full price is not worth it IMHO + efile, etc.).

It's $20 down the drain.

However, advice does seem to be deluxe is sufficient.

Different ways you look at it I suppose. I am looking at it as $20 for more structured interview questions and more accurate filing than fishing around for Schedule C or E (sorry, not self employed, so I don't have those form numbers on the tip of my tongue). Isn't the point of tax software to relieve you of the burden to calculate every little tiny detail on those tax forms yourself? We can even take this argument further and ask why even bother buying Deluxe version, why not file paper forms?

Well that's the wonder. Still not convinced if the HR software is needed given so many other resources and free prep options. Currently use a spreadsheet for estimation as can update the standard deduct, etc. for next year as soon as known that a year-old tax prep package seemingly wouldn't without manual adjustment.

Looking for how folks use it that's better than what other options are.

One of the sure ways to find it out is to start a dummy return online (you do not pay untill you file) and see what options it offers.

Smart.

[nalor511]

It's $20 down the drain.

Different ways you look at it I suppose. I am looking at it as $20 for more structured interview questions and more accurate filing than fishing around for Schedule C or E (sorry, not self employed, so I don't have those form numbers on the tip of my tongue). Isn't the point of tax software to relieve you of the burden to calculate every little tiny detail on those tax forms yourself? We can even take this argument further and ask why even bother buying Deluxe version, why not file paper forms?

I can tell you that I easily filed two schC and one schE using deluxe, and I was not familiar with them beforehand. It's your $20, but I don't think anyone needs that particular interview, the form is pretty darn clear with what direction hr deluxe already provides

The main reason to buy software is because it populates all the right calculations you need, which this cheaper version does. But these days I save myself another $25 (including state e-file) and use OLT.com

[bogling]

Thanks. Have used many free tools and built own so have wondered what folks found better about HR or TT. Happy to spend $ if there is value there.

Do find that some online tools might close after filing period so aren't available for estimation after. So maybe that is where downloaded software helps?

But seems even downloaded software would seemingly not be accurate without release of new code updates. For instance saw a tax preparer entering deltas for standard deduction last month trying to run estimates ... meaning must understand the code and not rely solely on the software anyway.

So use a spreadsheet for that.

[nalor511]

Thanks. Have used many free tools and built own so have wondered what folks found better about HR or TT. Happy to spend $ if there is value there.

Do find that some online tools might close after filing period so aren't available for estimation after. So maybe that is where downloaded software helps?

But seems even downloaded software would seemingly not be accurate without release of new code updates. For instance saw a tax preparer entering deltas for standard deduction last month trying to run estimates ... meaning must understand the code and not rely solely on the software anyway.

So use a spreadsheet for that.

I still use 2023 OLT for my estimations, it's still available. And their forms get updated long before HR and TT. Any of them is fine in general though

[livesoft]

Thanks. Have used many free tools and built own so have wondered what folks found better about HR or TT. Happy to spend $ if there is value there.

A reason for me to use nearly free tax-prep software is that my spouse can use it without me having to explain anything about it. For instance, she can use the same HRblock tax-prep software installed on my laptop to check our joint return that I prepared and then ask questions later if needed. And then on to signing and filing.

[Grogs]

HELP "Amazon exclusive Refund bonus" Can't find exactly what that is.

I don’t think the offer makes sense.

As I understand it, if you let H&R Block have some of your refund, they’ll give you a Amazon gift card for 102% of the value of the portion of refund used to purchase it.

However, the terms indicate that they may issue a 1099 for the value of the bonus.

At a 50% marginal tax rate, it’s like getting a 1% discount on an Amazon gift card. It’s easy to get more than that back on Amazon purchases with a rewards credit card.

It used to be a lot larger. I remember when the bonus was at least 10%. That was actually worth considering, although I never did because my refunds are usually $50 or less. Now it's just pitiful and I don't know why anyone would do it. If you have an Amazon card, you get 5% back if you're a Prime member. So you're actually losing out on 3% by getting the gift card. Even non-Prime members can get 3% back, so they would lose out on 1%. Pointless!

[yankees60]

It's $20 down the drain.

Different ways you look at it I suppose. I am looking at it as $20 for more structured interview questions and more accurate filing than fishing around for Schedule C or E (sorry, not self employed, so I don't have those form numbers on the tip of my tongue). Isn't the point of tax software to relieve you of the burden to calculate every little tiny detail on those tax forms yourself? We can even take this argument further and ask why even bother buying Deluxe version, why not file paper forms?

I know how to prepare tax returns. I go direct to the Forms method to enter all information unless I am forced to use the Interview method for certain entries.

I also maintain a parallel tax return in Excel to make sure it agrees with what the tax return is creating.

I do not at all rely upon the tax software in any way to be the final determination of how my tax return is produced. I need to understand and document ALL that appears in my submitted tax return.

I consider it highly dangerous to not have sufficient tax knowledge to know all that is going on with your tax return and solely rely upon tax software to produce it.

I first used TurboTax in 1993 and loved it and have continued to use tax software since. But I'm also maintaining my separate Excel worksheets as both a form of inputting information into H&R Block tax software and also as that parallel system to make sure I understand and agree with all that is appearing in the software produced return.

[minesweep]

Different ways you look at it I suppose. I am looking at it as $20 for more structured interview questions and more accurate filing than fishing around for Schedule C or E (sorry, not self employed, so I don't have those form numbers on the tip of my tongue). Isn't the point of tax software to relieve you of the burden to calculate every little tiny detail on those tax forms yourself? We can even take this argument further and ask why even bother buying Deluxe version, why not file paper forms?

I know how to prepare tax returns. I go direct to the Forms method to enter all information unless I am forced to use the Interview method for certain entries.

I also maintain a parallel tax return in Excel to make sure it agrees with what the tax return is creating.

I do not at all rely upon the tax software in any way to be the final determination of how my tax return is produced. I need to understand and document ALL that appears in my submitted tax return.

I consider it highly dangerous to not have sufficient tax knowledge to know all that is going on with your tax return and solely rely upon tax software to produce it.

I first used TurboTax in 1993 and loved it and have continued to use tax software since. But I'm also maintaining my separate Excel worksheets as both a form of inputting information into H&R Block tax software and also as that parallel system to make sure I understand and agree with all that is appearing in the software produced return.

Ditto! I created the necessary Excel tax forms well over a decade ago that I use to confirm with the tax software return (currently H&R) before sending it to the IRS. That way I'm pretty much assured that my tax return will be error free.

[jebmke]

Those of us who file later in the cycle appreciate the free quality assurance efforts of early filers so that updates can reflect any fixes to forms and calculations.

[TerryR]

I also maintain a parallel tax return in Excel to make sure it agrees with what the tax return is creating.

I do not at all rely upon the tax software in any way to be the final determination of how my tax return is produced. I need to understand and document ALL that appears in my submitted tax return.

I consider it highly dangerous to not have sufficient tax knowledge to know all that is going on with your tax return and solely rely upon tax software to produce it.

I first used TurboTax in 1993 and loved it and have continued to use tax software since. But I'm also maintaining my separate Excel worksheets as both a form of inputting information into H&R Block tax software and also as that parallel system to make sure I understand and agree with all that is appearing in the software produced return.

Ditto! I created the necessary Excel tax forms well over a decade ago that I use to confirm with the tax software return (currently H&R) before sending it to the IRS. That way I'm pretty much assured that my tax return will be error free.

I created a Lotus 123 spreadsheet to do my taxes in the 1980's or before, which would keep track of income and deductions during the year, compare joint and separate filings (our state rules made separate better at times), and print the forms.

I finally went to commercial software in 2008 when I got tired of the fiddling required to get the spreadsheet to print properly on the state forms designed to machine read handwritten entries and filing amended returns to fix stupid errors introduced by editing the spreadsheet, and to get access to e-filing.

I converted the spreadsheet to Exel when 123 died, and still use it to track income during the year, set withholding levels, track IRMAA exposure, compare joint vs. separate results, and verify that Block software is giving the right answer. It tells me I'd save $300 or so by filing as separate but it would cost me thousands in IRMAA. It also tells me the Block software doesn't get the state numbers right for bond premiums and accrued interest when you have both in-state and out-of-state municipals, so I built another spreadsheet that figures out how to fudge the entries to get the correct output.

[iceport]

Actually, it appears there's a much bigger difference than that:

Buying from Amazon no longer permits the download and installation of the software without "activating" it with H&R Block.

Is that true?

I've never "activated" the H&R Block software before. And I've never e-filed. I install the software, run it, then use the output to fill out the fillable PDF forms from the IRS which I print and mail to the IRS. When the software asks me to "activate" it, I just decline. I don't want to (willingly) hand all my financial data over to a third party — for no good reason.

Now I wonder if providing my contact information to H&R Block — and "activating" the software — will unwittingly grant that company access to my tax return data. For any of you that have downloaded the software from H&R Block, was there any need to grant access or acknowledge privacy rules during the download process?

Is there any work-around to providing H&R Block my contact data?

Enter fake name and throw away email? I haven't registered with them ever.

Wow, this is worse than I thought. I just created a new email account, for the purpose of registering the H&R Block software, for the purpose of downloading the software.

I used a fake name, along with the real address of a large residence with a high turnover of occupants.

The H&R Block algorithm still wouldn't let me proceed!!!

They flagged the name and address. So are they comparing the name to known occupants at that address? Or are they comparing the address I gave to the location of my internet connection?

This is getting really creepy, really fast...

[urban]

Wow, this is worse than I thought. I just created a new email account, for the purpose of registering the H&R Block software, for the purpose of downloading the software.

I used a fake name, along with the real address of a large residence with a high turnover of occupants.

The H&R Block algorithm still wouldn't let me proceed!!!

They flagged the name and address. So are they comparing the name to known occupants at that address? Or are they comparing the address I gave to the location of my internet connection?

This is getting really creepy, really fast...

The first thing I would do is to use another browser. If it does not help, I would use VPN using a location in North America. If it still does not help, I would take a liberty using an address related to the geo location of your IP address.

Added: if it still does not work, give them a call tomorrow using a Google voice.

[Eno Deb]

Wow, this is worse than I thought. I just created a new email account, for the purpose of registering the H&R Block software, for the purpose of downloading the software.

I used a fake name, along with the real address of a large residence with a high turnover of occupants.

The H&R Block algorithm still wouldn't let me proceed!!!

They flagged the name and address. So are they comparing the name to known occupants at that address? Or are they comparing the address I gave to the location of my internet connection?

I successfully downloaded it earlier today using a fake name, address and a new email alias. Must be something else wrong on your end.

I didn't see anything about download limits, but just to be safe I'll keep a backup of the downloaded file.

[techbud]

Maybe I am naive, but I don't see any harm with providing my address, phone number and email address to companies that I do business with including H&R Block.

Yeah, me neither, I guess.

But as a general rule I *am* opposed to providing companies with which I do business my Social Security number, income and other financial data.

I am concerned that "activating," or registering, the software with H&R Block will grant some kind of permission for them to access that data from my tax return. I was already suspicious enough about what they might be doing without my knowledge, even without me ever registering the product with them. The contact information seems very important to them, as I'm guessing that it took some kind of real effort on their part to force a new and more restrictive way to access the software through Amazon. There must be enough of us never registering the software that made it seem worthwhile for them to make it mandatory.

I'm leaning heavily towards giving them bogus contact information, just to get the program on my PC.

Regarding the ongoing posts detailing the efforts to provide bogus information in order to download the software, I am honestly perplexed by all the hoop-jumping folks are describing.

You plan to use H&R Block's desktop tax software and trust them to provide software that does not have backdoors to sneakily exfiltrate your private data, and you additionally trust them to Efile your taxes (meaning, your tax data passes through their servers). Yet you don't trust them enough to enter your name and email into a web page in order to download the software?