H&R Block Review

Nobody likes to pay taxes on their hard-earned money, but it’s an inevitable part of life. Every year at springtime, Canadians are required to file their taxes for the previous calendar year. And while you can always hire an accountant or tax specialist to do your taxes for you, there is always the option to do them yourself. But you can make things much easier by using a tax filing software, of which there are a few to choose from.

One tax software available is from H&R Block, a popular tax preparation company that serves millions of people every year come tax time. But in addition to providing traditional tax services, H&R Block also offers software that Canadians can use to file their taxes on their own.

Let’s take a closer look at this particular tool to help you determine if it’s the right fit for you when it comes time to file your taxes.

What Does H&R Block Tax Software Offer?

The H&R Block tax preparation software offers a comprehensive platform to file your taxes accurately and quickly and can be used for even the more complex tax filings. Here are some of the features you’ll get with the software.

Straightforward Platform. H&R Block’s interface is simple and makes it easy to use and navigate. It helps you file your taxes by providing explanations as you go along. A banner at the top of the screen keeps tabs of where you are along the process if you decide to skip around.

Terminology Definitions. Terminology is hyperlinked so you can get more information about what certain concepts are on the spot. There is also a help menu that stays updated according to where you are in the process.

Compatibility. You can log on to your platform from a computer, mobile device, or even through their mobile app.

Audit Protection. There is always the chance of getting audited by the CRA, which involves having your financial information and accounts reviewed to make sure all tax filings were reported correctly and that the amount of tax is correct. But being audited can be stressful, especially if you’re on your own to handle it. To help ease this burden and make sure you come out the other end of your audit successfully, you may opt to use H&R Block’s audit support.

Expert Review. Real-life tax experts are available to help answer your questions and even go over your tax return before you file to maximize your refund or reduce what you owe.

How Much Does The H&R Block Software Cost?

No Expert Help

	Free
Best Suited For	Simple tax returns
Cost	$0
Key Features	Automatic return optimization. The tax engine will maximize the amount you get back or minimize how much you have to payout. Personalized Guidance. Get support needed to file your taxes from an expert from start to finish. Online Help Centre. Thousands of answers to questions can be found in H&R Block’s online help centre. Auto-Fill My Return (AFR). Download all pertinent documents directly into your tax return to file faster and more accurately. SmartSwitch. Important last year’s tax return as a PDF directly into the software and switch to the tax software to save time filing for your current tax return.

Expert Help

	Assistance
Best Suited For	Those new to filing on their own and need added support and assistance to file accurately.
Cost	$19.99 per return
Key Features	All Basic FeaturesCustomized Tax Tips. Get useful and personalized tax tips throughout the tax filing process. Unlimited Tech Support. Reach out to a tax expert at any time via chat or telephone. Transfer Last Year’s Data. Transfer last year’s tax details directly into this year’s return to save time and ensure accuracy. SmartReview. See exactly how your tax return is calculated with a detailed breakdown.

Have An Expert Do Your Taxes

	Protection
Best Suited For	More complex tax returns, such as those that involve businesses, investment properties, and freelancers.
Cost	$29.99 per return
Key Features	All Basic Features. All Assistance Features Unlimited Priority Support. Get a dedicated phone number to speak directly with a tax expert. Audit Protection. If you are audited or your return is reassessed, one of H&R Block’s tax experts will help guide you through the process. Digital Return Storage. A digital copy of your tax return will be stored for 7 years.

What Support Is Offered By H&R Block Tax Software?

Support from H&R Block when filing your taxes using their software can be obtained through the following channels:

Telephone support: 1-800-HRBLOCK (1-800-472-5625), Monday to Friday, 9 am – 9 pm EST, Saturday to Sunday, 10 am – 7 pm EST
Online chat
Library of articles

Pros And Cons Of Using H&R Block Tax Software

Pros

Affordable. The free version is easy to use and is enough for the average tax preparation. Even the upgraded versions are affordable compared to other tax software programs.
Modern layout. The interface is straightforward and easy to follow and use.
Resources available for each field. If you need more information, each field offers more detailed explanations of what is required.
Access to tax experts on demand. For an added cost, you can get in touch with a tax expert to ensure that you’re filing your taxes correctly.
Accuracy guarantee. H&R Block offers a 100% Accuracy Guarantee and a Maximum Refund Guarantee if there is an inaccuracy for some reason. These guarantees will get you back everything you’re owed.
Security. The H&R Block tax software is NETFILE certified, which means that your information will remain entirely secure when filing your taxes electronically with the CRA or Revenu Quebec.

Cons

Some fields can be a bit confusing to fill out
No access to support with the free version.

How Do You Create An Account Using H&R Block Tax Software?

To create an account with H&R Block’s tax software to file your taxes, follow these steps:

Go to the software’s home page and click on “Create your account.”
Fill out all the fields with a red asterisk (which are required), and click the “Create Account” button at the bottom of the page.
To find out more about a certain field, click the information icon beside the field that’s marked as an “i” in a circle for more information.

Is H&R Block Tax Software Safe?

Yes, you can rest assured knowing that your sensitive information will remain fully secure when you file your taxes electronically with this software tool. It is NETFILE certified, so all of your information will stay safe when your tax information is filed to the CRA or Revenu Quebec.

What If H&R Block Tax Software Makes A Mistake On Your Tax Return And You have To Pay A Penalty?

As mentioned above, H&R Block offers a 100% Accuracy Guarantee and a Maximum Refund Guarantee in the unlikely event of an inaccuracy. This guarantees that you will receive all that you are owed that you would not have gotten as a result of the inaccuracy.

Further, if the software makes a mistake on your tax return, you are guaranteed to be reimbursed for any penalties and interest up to $10,000.

Is The H&R Block Tax Preparation Software Right For You?

H&R Block offers a great option for those who would prefer to have their taxes done at home, done either entirely by themselves or with the help of an expert. There are different price options available to suit your budget and your exact tax filing needs, which are far more affordable than other tax software tools available. If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to get your taxes done while still getting some expert assistance backed by security, the H&R Block tax software is something you should check out.

Lisa Rennie

Lisa has been working as a writer for more than a decade, creating unique content that helps to educate Canadian consumers in the realms of real estate, mortgages, investing and financial health. For years, she held her real estate license in Toronto, Ontario before giving it up to pursue writing within this realm and related niches. Lisa is very serious about smart money management and helping others do the same. She's used a variety of financial tools over the years and is currently growing her money with Wealthsimple, while stashing some capital in a liquid high-interest savings account so that she always has a financial cushion to fall back on. She's also been avidly using her Aeroplan TD credit card to collect as many Aeroplan points as possible to put towards her travels!

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