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TurboTax vs. H&R Block 2020

TurboTax vs. H&R Block: Which is the Best App for You

· Tax,Tax Preparation,Canada

The time has come to decide whether you can follow the DIY route or hire an expert for your tax filing 2020. There are several tax preparation apps and software programs available online if you want to choose the DIY process for the tax filing. However, H&R Block and TurboTax are two of the most popular tax filing applications. Which option you should choose depends only on your financial situation.

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Tax filing can make you feel overwhelmed if you think to do it by yourself. However, it doesn't have to be so severe since there are various free and paid software that can make your tax filing 2020 process less daunting and easier and independent. The use of tax return software is beneficial in many ways, but the significant advantage is that it adds up your annual savings. Sometimes a DIY process can go wrong.

Filing your taxes by yourself is only advisable if the tax return is straightforward. If the tax preparation seems complicated, it might be better to hire a professional tax consultant. Although there are many free programs available to manage rental income and self-employment, there are chances you may overlook certain tax credits and deductions you deserve if you are not familiar with the system.

There are a couple of applications and software available to ease the process of tax preparation. Well, TurboTax and H&R Block are the two most prominent and most used platforms. Both come up with various packages that differ in price and functionality.

Also, both offer the best customer service allowing users to chat with a professional tax consultant. Also, TurboTax and H&R Block both make free federal editions available that can help you file your federal income taxes the quickest possible.

Boiled down are a few elements evaluating the key similarities and dissimilarities between both - TurboTax and H&R Block - tax preparation software. The details can help you choose the right platform based on your needs.

Platform and Tools

Both platforms - TurboTax and H&R Block - put the same elementary question and answer style format to use to show users the way through their taxes. However, TurboTax was the very first program to execute this style. For first time taxpayers, or to get some extra help, or some additional support to calculate the capital gains or brokerage taxes, you should use TurboTax since it features a more exceptional support system. It can be of great help during tax filing. It enables you to navigate through various tax filing-related video tutorials and threads.

H&R Block mirrors TurboTax's format and, however, it speeds up the tax filing process. The clean design and flow of the H&R Block make it the best choice. Also, it offers an easy to search 'knowledge base' for the user who is seeking immediate help.

Prices

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Both platforms offer a free version that allows the users to file their tax-related forms. The free edition of H&R Block enables the users to claim deductions that include student loan interest, student fee statement, healthcare expenses for dependents or and children, and own health coverage expenses. However, all these will need an upgraded package with TurboTax.

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Besides, for more complex tax situations, you should use one of the paid packages with H&R Block or TurboTax. Well, the paid version of H&R Block will range from $19.99 for its advanced version to $29.99 for the more protection package. TurboTax, on the contrary, appears to be significantly pricier.

It, however, expects to pay $19.99 for the Standard and the most popular package, $34.99 for the premier version, whereas $44.99 for self-employed. If the price is your prime concern, most likely, H&R Block will be the right platform to use. TurboTax, on the contrary, appears to be a moderately expensive platform you can opt for if you pay no heed for the extra charges.

Audit Protection

Usually, people believe that it is the tax preparation manufacturer's job to deal with the CRA as they have already paid an amount for the audit support. But, in actuality, audit support only offers a consultation with a tax professional who can help you evaluate what to expect and how you should proceed. When it comes to audit defence, it usually protects you from charges, fees, and interviews.

TurboTax serves free audit support in return for the packages you pay for.

When required, one-on-one consultation with the tax professional will help you determine what to do next and how to prepare. To opt for audit defence with TurboTax, you will need to purchase the add-on package before filing your tax.

Coming to H&R Block, the audit defence is addressed as worry-free audit support. To get this support, you may need to sign the T1013 form. This will help H&R Block connect with the CRA on your behalf. With audit support offered by H&R Block, audit preparation and correspondence with the CRA will be included. Not only that, but in-person audit representation will also be listed in any case if the need arises.

Ultimately, the audit support with TurboTax tends to be a free and more practicable option for many taxpayers. With this platform, you probably have less chance to get audited. However, if you are more anxious about getting reviewed, H&R Block is more ample at a more affordable price.

Customer Support

If you use the paid version of TurboTax, the benefit you will receive is the real-time access to professional tax experts. Well, this facility is probably applicable through TurboTax's Smartlook platform. Through the mobile app or software, you can directly speak to an expert tax assistant. TurboTax's free version can also help you get access to the online community.

However, it enables you to resolve all your tax-related queries quickly. The live package of TurboTax including the personal review from a certified public accountant or the enrolled tax expert before you file will ensure that you are getting the advantage of every possible deduction and credit. Also, it will ensure that your return doesn't have any mistake.

If you have invested in a paid package, H&R Block will offer you chat support through the in-built chat feature. The add-on feature applicable with all paid packages comes with an overview from a certified professional tax expert before filing your tax. The cost of this add-on feature only depends on the complexity of your financial health.

However, if you are looking for online chat and video support for tax returns, TurboTax is the best choice. Prefer to use H&R Block if you want both in-person support as well as online chat and video help.

Final Thoughts

Both - TurboTax and H&R Block - offer inbuilt, automatic arrangements and processes together with quick tax filing and reliable customer support choices. However, the furnished support line provided by TurboTax for tax preparation Mississauga makes it more beneficial and worth the cost if you want your tax return to get out of the way the fastest possible. Also, if you are looking to have in-person support or if you are anxious to cut costs, H&R Block is the best app to opt for.