H&R Block for Windows

User Reviews

• Been using HRB to do my taxes for 10+ years

  drj0014/4/2017

  Pros

  Easy to use. The interviews help you when you don't know the latest forms or changes. Best part is the error check at the end ... and another one when you go to efile. Also love that it reads last year's return so it puts in all the descriptive data and all you have to do is update or remove it.

  Cons

  Hard to think of any. With so many versions to choose from, you can pick what you need.

  Summary

  I am a retired attorney and internet professional. I have multiple businesses and also investments. Since my life is so complex you might think I am crazy doing my own taxes. However, I like being the one to put in the data and info and I get to recheck it as many times as I need. I know HRB is conservative and I don't take risks on claiming deductions that are shady. It works for me!

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• H&R Block Software Glitches Continue for Yet another Ye

  DRDON1013/16/2016

  Pros

  It does the basics, and the e-filing is free

  Cons

  Major software glitch problems are not solved -- see below for specifics

  Summary

  After years of software glitches, the 2015 H&R Block Tax software problems continue. Here are two specific problems that could not be solved despite taking every step possible via web searches, using the software HELP function, calling their help line, etc. 1-The H&R Block tax software on my desktop would NOT work with my desktop firewall, and despite following every step recommended by H&R Block, nothing worked to solve the firewall block. I finally had to move all of the tax info from my desktop to my laptop to solve the problem so that I could file my return. That was a big hassle that needs to be solved by H&R Block by working with the major internet security software companies, and by providing explicit and accurate information to solve firewall problems as a part of the software help menu. 2-I called H&R Block about a problem that has occurred for a second straight year. Specifically, HR Block rather aggressively touts its H&R Block Refund Bonus offer for refunds to be issued as an Amazon electronic gift cards with a 10% bonus. This sounds like a great selling point until you actually try to select the gift card option. Here's the problem: Choosing the Amazon e-card option blocked allocating part of my refund to purchase US Treasury Series Savings Bonds, and using the Form 8888 to buy the I-bonds blocked the Amazon electronic gift card purchase. I tried multiple times for nearly an hour to accomplish the dual

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• Treat Consumers with More Respect

  DRDON1014/15/2014

  Pros

  Overall, the software works worked well. However, there are three concerns about the software.

  Cons

  VERY Important Note: Per the clandestine PDF software install issue discussed in my summary notes below, I initially made a good faith effort and contacted HR Block's customer service operation via an online chat platform. When I made clear to the IM rep that the proposed solution was completely ineffective, the rep suspended the IM conversation. I also tried to post a review on the HR Block webpage, and although I received an email confirmation that the review had been received, to date, it has not been posted. As you read about the problems below, it's not surprising the HR Block chose to suppress the review because of the serious issued discussed in my review. Given that trust is the most valuable impression that we can have about a tax software program, their current modus operandi gives me great pause about trusting this company with use of my personal data, my tax data, and the caliber of their software.

  Summary

  The first concern is relatively minor, and would be an improvement. Specifically, when the customer reaches the screen for "Your Preferred Refund Method", a clear, third menu line option needs to be added for the purchase of US Savings Bonds with one's tax refund. Without a clear option listed, I was totally dependent on accidently noticing a small FAQ question in the far right column to figure out how to allocate part of my refund to a bond purchase. Also, for the software help information under-- "How can I purchase U. S. Savings Bonds with my refund?" -- the $5,000 limit information should be added. My second point is of a far more serious nature. Specifically, when installing the tax software package, HR Block, included without permission a PDF software package named PDF995. The installation of the PDF995 software is also not disclosed in the 14-page End User License Agreement. Given that many users already have PDF read/write software, installation of the PDF995 software should be provided as an option during the installation process. It is very inappropriate to add such a software package to a user's hard-drive without permission. My third point is to ask HR Block to take the high road and include in either the installation process, or as a software menu item, the option for consumers to make clear choices about the use of their personal data. Unfortunately, I had to go through the process of hunting down the privacy policy and then work through the various options. Take the high road and include the privacy choice options directly, instead of requiring the consumer to hunt the policy down. Such transparency would enhance the trust a consumer can have in HR Block.

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• Deduction Pro Wasted my afternoon

  woodeemail3/26/2012

  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

  susiegirl152/18/2012

  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 !!!

  rad641/30/2012

  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

  Donkeydust4/26/2011

  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

  Consumer875644/12/2011

  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!

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• Do Not Buy! Deduction Pro Does Not Work!

  piszfa4/5/2011

  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

  cnetfan1003/26/2011

  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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