The time has come! Tax Season 2014 officially opens today. By now you should receive your W-2s and other relevant forms. If you are not one to procrastinate, then you are probably gather all together to sit down and complete your return. Even if you are a procrastinator or to wait to complete the deposit as you accumulate information, it does not hurt to decide what service online tax preparation to use and start. Filing your taxes online is not only the best way to ensure a prompt refund, but it can help relieve some of the hassle, since you will use intuitive software vs. print and complete the forms on your own. We decided to pit the two best tax preparation services - H & R Block vs TurboTax -. Against each other to determine which is the best choice for you
H & R Block vs TurboTax: What is the best
Price: Of course, the two services allow you to simpler 1040EZ file returns for free. But if you need to upgrade because your taxes are more complicated, then you'll probably want to know who offers the best price.
H & R Block has the lowest price of the package, with three different options - Basic ($ 16.99), Deluxe ($ 25.49) or Premium ($ 42.49) - based this type of return, you must file. These updated packages include the ability to import forms and tax returns last year, as well as increased support and offers additional advice options for specific situations, such as rental income. The cost to file state taxes is $ 27.99 for those who use the free federal file option or $ 36.99 when combined with one of the updated packages. H & R Block offers users NextAdvisor 15% special discount which is automatically applied when you visit through a link on our website.
TurboTax offers options similar packages to H & R Block, but at steeper prices. The proposed improvements are Deluxe ($ 29.99), Premier ($ 49.99) or Home and Business ($ 74.99) and you can also get the basic package for $ 19.99 if you want further advice and support, in addition to access to the statements of the previous year as a free applicant. However, TurboTax is currently a special 50% discount on the state filing fees for free filers, which makes it cost just $ 14.99 / state - much compared to H & R Block. If you are a premium user, the cost is $ 36.99 / State.
Operability: Both services offer intuitive, easy to use interfaces that guide you through the filing process step by step. While TurboTax is simpler and focuses on the little time you have to spend to complete your taxes (they boast 10 minutes tops), H & R Block wins with an interface that provides detailed help along the way and makes it easy to import materials to help speed the process.
Support: H & R Block beats the competition when it comes to support the hand. In addition to support online self and an extensive resource section called The Tax Institute, it offers the possibility to consult tax professionals in person and online. Block Live Online connects you with a tax professional with a real-time, secure video conference or chat, and you can also make an appointment at your nearest H & R Block to a person consultation. While lacking the benefit of the support person, TurboTax also offers robust support options with telephone and online chat with the tax professionals certified and its community forum AnswerXchange, populated by a mix of experts and other users TurboTax.
Assistance Audit: Both H & R Block and TurboTax offer excellent check support, but the support guarantee to the Worry-Free Audit H & R Block puts . ahead of the game with this guarantee, you receive the assistance of a tax professional H & R Block in the case of a federal audit or the status of your tax return - preparing to attend the audit with you - completely free. TurboTax offers a free-to-one consultation audit year, including access to their Audit Support Center program. If you want representation, buy their audit defense program for $ 39.99.
Bottom Line: When it comes to support - particularly in the case of verification - and the price, H & R Block is queen. However, if you intend to produce multiple declarations of the state alongside your free federal return, you can enjoy 50% off each TurboTax return of the state. Both services offer flawless and intuitive guidance, well-designed interface to make the process of filing your taxes less of a burden. Whatever choices you make in the battle of H & R Block vs TurboTax, you will come out on top.
Want to know more about what these services and their competitors have to offer? Visit our page review of tax preparation services.