Review by bsg2004

One would think that after so many years at it, H&R Block would be a lot further ahead with its tax software package, but it is more or less the same old thing, revised every year, but no dramatic improvements.

Another surprise, installation woes. Windows 7 in 2012, and you still can’t install a simple program without issues. In my case, on a quadcore AMD 64-bit Windows 7 computer. On the third installation attempt, the Program Compatibility Assistant finally sorted it out on its own and the darned thing installed.

After the successful installation, you run the software for the first time. You have the option to register it, and then it automatically checks for updates on the internet.

From within the program, you can then select to install the State Program. You get one free State program with this version, but not a free state e-file. You can purchase additional State programs if you need multiple states. Installation of the State program is a program installation in itself, you have to close the H&R software and go through the installers.

Preparing taxes was the usual routine, going through the different Q&A screens, and on and on. Navigation, usability, and explanations could have been better. The e-filing part worked without issue. The Search feature is borderline useless, it looks like something from 1999. The program gets things done when you slog through it, but after so many years at it, it should have been a lot better at it.

Another major point of irritation: you get five free federal e-files and zero state e-files. It would be more fair if they offered five free e-files and it would be up to the consumer to decide how to use them, federal or state or a combination! Overall it does what it’s supposed to do, in a rather clumsy fashion, but you can get things done.

I have not used the customer support or live help options, so I can’t comment on them.

Even though I have been using this program for many years, it is disappointing to see how little things have changed in terms of user-friendliness and installation and operations.

For the first time in years, I am considering whether to switch to something else for the following tax year.