CNET Editors' note: The Download Now link directs you to the product page, where you can purchase and download the software.
CNET Editors' review
If you have tax prep needs, chances are H&R Block has you covered. The company is offering a total of eight options for the 2010 filing year: four software packages and four online prep services.
Like most other solutions on the market, H&R starts with a Free Edition as its entry-level product. This version, which is only available online, offers basic federal filing as well as a number of other free services, such as free advice and audit support. Moving up from there you have the $19.95 Basic Edition, which adds the ability to import last year's return and other tax forms. Then there's the Deluxe Edition for home owners and investors for $29.95, and finally the Premium Edition for $49.95, which is appropriate for self-employed users.
For the desktop version, H&R Block eliminates the Free version and adds a $79.95 Premium & Business Edition. Unfortunately, although the downloads do include state preparation features, state filing for any of the versions will cost extra--$19.95, to be exact, making H&R Block the second priciest of the tax prep options we looked at (Turbo Tax still blows it out of the water in expense). As for choosing between online prep or a software download, we address that at the end of this review.
Of course, that extra bit of payout gets you a smooth, user-friendly experience on the whole. The interface is cleanly laid out, and the wording describing each step is straightforward and free of any confusing legal jargon. A tabbed interface with an attractive design and a progress bar along the bottom are just a couple of the nice touches.
One minor complaint is that the way the W-2 input form is laid out caused us to miss a key section due to scrolling, but that was easy to pinpoint thanks to the dynamic refund ticker box in the upper-right corner. Of course, W-2 importing is included in the version we tested (Deluxe), but unfortunately, CBS Interactive was not a supported company. Also absent for 1099-INT importing: ING Direct, an unfortunate oversight given the current popularity of ING's savings accounts. On the plus side, you can suggest new institutions to H&R Block with the click of a button. This year, there's also improved support for importing last year's returns from other services.
Another benefit to paying a bit more are H&R Block's thorough instructional videos, which have not changed in this version. There are several tutorials as you make your way through the program, including some on hybrid cars and education-related credits.
In this year's versions, H&R Block seems to have done away with its static, text-heavy Personal Tax Guide, which offered guidance for specific occupations that may have extra tax credits or complications. Instead, there's an Alerts module that informs you about various forms and a module dubbed My Tax Resources. From here, you can easily view videos that lay out all the tax law changes, as well as access an "ask a question" link that pops up a window taking you to various help options.
H&R Block is known for its generous customer support, and that hasn't changed. Free chat is available 24 hours a day for paying users, but even those using the free version have access to a Q&A database with thousands of questions answered by tax experts. By phone, you can reach someone--for free--from 5 a.m. until 10 p.m. PT on weekdays, and until 6 p.m. on weekends. There's also live technical support with tax advisers, as well as free audit support with an H&R Block tax pro should the IRS come a-knocking. Beyond your first free tax topic, you can connect with an H&R Block tax representative by phone or e-mail for an additional $20 per theme. However, if you have a lot of questions that require personal attention, a better bet might to upgrade to H&R Block Deluxe and Best of Both for $79.95.
A note on online versus desktop prep: While there's no rule, we tend to think of online tax prep as ideal for those filing individually--it's sometimes less pricey for singletons and stores your encrypted return on the provider's server. Linux users may also prefer online prep, since most makers of tax software don't program downloads for the Linux platform. Desktop prep may be better suited for families, who can file up to five Federal e-files as part of a single software license, or for those who would rather store their data locally on their computers.
Watch the CNET video review of H&R Block At Home 11 Deluxe:
Publisher's Description
From HRB Digital:
This is the right choice if you own a home, have investments or make charitable donations.
Why it's best for you:
Personalized tax guidance;
Mortgage interest and charitable tax deduction maximizers;
Sale of stocks, bonds and mutual funds;
Audit support with guidance1;
Easily imports your W-2, 1099 and last year's information from TurboTax® and H&R Block At Home software;
Includes 5 free federal e-files and 1 state program download.2 State e-file is an additional fee.
Accurate Calculations Guarantee
We guarantee accurate calculations or we'll reimburse resulting IRS penalties and interest charges (limits apply).
Worry-free Audit Support.
It's unlikely you'll receive an IRS tax audit. But if you do, free audit support and audit representation is part of our guarantee. Our audit support helps you understand why you're being audited and what kind of response to prepare. If you need representation, we can communicate on your behalf through an audit proceeding. Even if you're not an existing H&R Block client, we'll still guide you through an IRS tax audit, no matter what time of year.
100% Satisfaction 60-day Money-back Guarantee
If you are dissatisfied with the software for any reason, H&R Block will refund the full purchase price you paid H&R Block or its authorized reseller for the software, exclusive of shipping and handling charges, taxes, and less any rebate you receive on the software. You must notify H&R Block of your dissatisfaction and the reason for your dissatisfaction with the software within sixty (60) days following your initial purchase of the software, and you must mail the original media or the original UPC code from the box and a copy of your original store receipt to H&R Block, postage prepaid. Please click here for contact information and mailing instructions.
Maximum Refund Guarantee.
We promise you the biggest tax refund you're entitled to or your tax preparation is free.
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All versions:
1.9 starsout of 15 votes
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Current version:
1.6 starsout of 13 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Deduction Pro Wasted my afternoon"
Version: H&R Block At Home 11 Deluxe
Pros
None compared to past experience with Block
Cons
Deduction Pro has been ruined. It does not work. After wasting several hours, I finally looked for a solution online, and found this review site.
Summary
I have used Tax Cut, and then H&R Block software for over a decade. It has gotten worse every year. There where even years when I called them to discuss mistakes on their calculations. These errors where corrected, while I never even received a "thank you". It's just like everything else nowadays. You pay more each year, and get less.
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"Inconsiderate changes"
Version: H&R Block At Home 11 Deluxe
Pros
I have used this program for years and it is very simple.
Cons
I really dislike the fact that Deduction Pro can only be used online. This eats into my internet cost's and I don't feel as secure with my information. Makes me not want to use this program next year!
Summary
rated 2&1/2 stars because I strongly dislike the change of use option and probably will not buy programs who offer this program next year.
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"At Home 2011 Deluxe Free But Costly !!!"
Version: H&R Block At Home 11 Deluxe
Pros
Free for me.
Cons
Hard to import, Hard to fix issues
Summary
I have used H&R Block software in the past but had switched to TurboTax for the past few years. H&R sent me a free copy of At Home Deluxe that included free e-file. I installed and proceeded to use it this past weekend. When it came to deductions, the software took me to an online site called DeductionPro. After spending 3 hours entering all my info, it prompted me to import my deductions. At that point, I got an error that basically said I needed at least one blank cash entry. Considering the fact that I had at least 15 cash entries, I was confused. So I called support, they started to walk me through the solution. When we came to import, they had the same problem that I had. So, I was instructed to proceed to the next step and manually enter a $0 cash donation, which I performed. At that point, the import prompt for deductions went away and the fellow on the phone said, "Oh, once you pass the import prompt, you can no longer import deductions." My jaw hit the floor! Hours wasted with their terrible software and now my deductions were not importable. He said he was sorry - and I thought you must be kidding! I wasted 4 hours of my life + the time on the phone with these guys and all I get is sorry. So, frustrated, I attempt an online chat with maybe someone better. I get my problem in and the first response I get is "If you need tax advice call 1-800..." I'm like you have got to be joking. These guys either don't speak english or they are incompetent. I finally get my problem out and 30 minutes later, no solution. They needed to refer it up to the next level for help. Today, I get an email that says "case closed" but if I need more help 1-800..." DO NOT USE H&R BLOCK SOFTWARE IT IS A JOKE AS IS THE SUPPORT!!!
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"So frustrating, not well thought out"
Version: H&R Block At Home 11 Deluxe
Pros
Cheap if you get the discount
Cons
I cant begin to describe my frustration with it. The simplists things are difficult.
I will see about getting my money back as it does not work reasonably. Then I will go back to turbotax which worked very nicely (more expensive though).Summary
Don't go for this one. I can recommend the other more popular one. Also if it is so difficult to get it to work what tax info does it miss?
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"I'd rather use paper & pencil"
Version: H&R Block At Home 11 Deluxe
Pros
It does all the required math.
Has all the IRS forms.Cons
Sluggish response. Frequent inactivity auto log-off.
Straight-jacket rigid navigation.
Minimal and often puzzling explanation. Clueless help pages.
Regardless of promised price, will charge you full price.Summary
I am reviewing H&R Bock at Home, which is a implemented in the 'cloud', nothing is stored on your pc.
Even the printed copy has H&R logo stamped on every page. Basically, H&R owns the data you entered. I felt like a captive. The last step before e-filing the return, H&R demands the full price, regardless of all the discounts it had enticed you with. By then you have invested many hours of effort, so you meekly pay.
H&R, you can fool me this one time, you won't get a second chance. EVER! -
"Do Not Buy! Deduction Pro Does Not Work!"
Version: H&R Block At Home 11 Deluxe
Pros
Tax Program is user friendly and easy to use
Cons
Deduction Pro, for some idiotic reson, is now run on-line and does not work. You can spend hours trying to make the thing work, but it will not save the data you input into it for later import into the tax program
Summary
Will not buy H&R Block at Home again! Going back to Turbo Tax!
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"Deduction Pro Ruins the Programs"
Version: H&R Block At Home 11 Deluxe
Pros
Online implemetation of Deduction Pro masks any possible pros of this program.
Cons
Online implemetation of Deduction Pro is slow, cumbersome and a security risk. As a prior fan of Tax Cut, I am very dissapointed in this implemetation and will not purchase from H & R again.
Summary
I agree with a prior reviewer that the person who made this decision should be fired. I may just suffer the loss and buy another brand program to finish up this year's taxes.
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"Not user friendly"
Version: H&R Block At Home 11 Deluxe
Pros
I can't think of any.
Cons
Does not install on your computer. It operates via "cloud" online.
It's not intuitive to use.
Locks up and cannot retrieve your info unless you vigilantly save it before moving on to each new step.Summary
I got "ERROR HAS OCCURED" when trying to view the IRS Form 8283 that the program is supposed to generate. I spent at least an hour inputting my data only to find nothing was saved when the program locked up. The H &R Block programmers should also know that the proper spelling for "OCCURED" is with 2 Rs (OCCURRED). This version of this program should have never seen the light of day.
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"H&R Block - Deduction Pro error for Form 8283"
Version: H&R Block At Home 11 Deluxe
Pros
Less expensive than Turbo Tax
Cons
The "in the clouds" version of Deduction Pro gives error message "Error has Occured".
Summary
After inputting all my charitable donations into the new "in the clouds" Deduction Pro program to which the H&R Block program link me, I received an error message "Error has Occured" when I tried to review & finish. H&R Block told me the only fix is for me to go directly to the hrblock.com website and redo all my tax entries online. Needless to say, I will not be using H&R Block next year!
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"Works for me."
Version: H&R Block At Home 11 Deluxe
Pros
I have used this for several years. It imports the old data and allows you to make changes if needed. I purchased from Staples. Best deal for me was to include "State" with purchase. It made things easier for me.
Cons
I use the standard deduction and have no need for Deduction Pro. How ever this seems to be the issue with other reviews.
Summary
H & R Block may be a cookie cutter approach to taxes. But I do not know much about legal matters. I put my trust in their service because of their size and years they have been in business. They are a successful company with a decent reputation. If you have a complex return, it may be worth upgrading for better support.
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