You can also prepare prior-year returns from 2017-2019 to print and file by mail. In addition to the online products, TurboTax offers a downloadable version and a mobile app you can use to complete and file your returns from your phone or tablet.
Full Service customers turn over the whole process, from preparing to signing and filing their returns, to a professional.
Users who purchase the Live version of any online edition get on-demand help from a CPA or enrolled agent plus a line-by-line review of your return before you file it. In either case, TurboTax walks you through the process. You’re then ready to e-file your return or print it to file by mail. The TurboTax CompleteCheck feature reviews your completed return to identify possible errors and oversights. All editions import return users’ prior-year information. Upgraded editions cover additional, more complex situations such as education-related deductions, investment income and capital gains and losses. The free edition covers W-2 income plus the earned income tax credit and child tax credit.
You start by answering a series of questions designed to help TurboTax accurately assess your tax situation and transfer information to the correct forms, so you don’t have to enter it manually. TurboTax’s simple interface helps users navigate the complex tax-filing process.
Have simple returns that include child/dependent care deductions, education-related deductions or unemployment incomeįind Out: The Best Free Tax Software Programs To Use Right Now TurboTax Overview
Self-employed taxpayers looking for lower-cost support for reporting business expenses Need to file one or more prior year returns Want to e-file a state return using a downloaded version of the software Here’s a look at what kind of user is best served by each platform.įile simple federal and state returns by mailĭon’t mind paying extra for the hand-holding TurboTax’s interview-style interface provides Is TurboTax better than H&R Block? For some users, perhaps. This guide provides a breakdown of both tax-filing services to help you decide which one is best for you. So which online tax service is best? That depends on how complex your tax situation is and how much assistance you need. Both companies offer COVID-safe virtual tax preparation as well as drop-off service and in-person appointments. And while H&R Block has always had tax pros available to complete your returns for you, TurboTax is providing that service for the first time. Might Be a Lot: All the New Numbers You Need To Know for Planning Ahead on Taxesīoth services also give users access to tax professionals who - for an additional fee - can help you if you get stuck. Both companies let you work online or download software to prepare returns to print and file by mail. No one likes filing income tax returns, but platforms such as H&R Block and TurboTax make the process more convenient and less intimidating.
TaxAct is now owned by Blucora, which also owns HD Vest financial services.Woman in her 30s filling out tax information online. H&R Block Online is part of H&R Block, which has tax filing retail offices all over the country. TurboTax is owned by Intuit (which also owns QuickBooks, Quicken, Mint and a slew of other finance software products). One thing to note- if you are using QuickBooks Online, there is apparently no way to import data directly from QBO to TurboTax, even though the products are owned by the same company.
TurboTax: Self-Employed: $89.99 (description: "Personal and business income and expenses").H&R Block Online: Premium: $38.49 (description "Best for investors or small business owners").Xero bookkeeping users can import their info directly into TaxAct.TaxAct: Premium: $30 (description: "Perfect for self-employed, contractors and freelancers").TaxAct, H&R Block Online and TurboTax Onlineonly include Schedule C support with their highest service level. Business owners and independent contractors have to submit a "Schedule C" form.