How is it tax time already?
In years past I’ve compared tax software programs to see what will yield me the highest refund (while I realize my refund should be identical, I’ve found the Turbo Tax questions asked lead to some hidden deductions the others did not). I’ve always ended up using Turbo Tax because of those comparisons and have been very pleased. But recently a friend recommended H&R Block instead.
Both allow you to prepare, print and e-file your Federal Taxes for FREE. Which one are you using this year?
Prepare your taxes for FREE with Turbo Tax HERE.
Prepare your taxes for FREE with H&R Block HERE.
It all began on October 8th, 2008. Cathy and Monica started this coupon blog to help friends and family learn about their new money saving hobby couponing! Since then they have taught thousands of women (and men) 
As a tax accountant, I cringe when I hear about comparisons to which company or software should give you the highest return. The answer is neither- they should all be the same! No software or company can guarantee you a bigger return. They may have a setup that causes the user to input information differently, leading to a mistake by the user.
No matter where or how you complete your taxes, your refund (or payment) should be the same. Many people will use two softwares to double check themselves. If there is a difference, you should go over them with a fine toothed comb. The IRS isn’t too keen on mistakes!
Alicia, I had the exact same reaction.
It wasn’t that the numbers I was inputting were different, it was just that Turbo Tax asked more questions than the others and therefore found a few more write-offs than the other 2.
I have used both and have been happy with each one. As long as you read and enter the correct info they should come out the same no matter which you use. One should not give you more than another if you are doing your taxes properly.
I have a question: So if you have kids, could you still use the free edition? I noticed there are ones you have to pay for that includes kids.
You can file your electronic Idaho State taxes for free as well if you:
Qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), or
Earned $31,000 or less Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), or
Served Active Duty Military (including Reservists and National Guard) with a military W2 and AGI of $57,000 or less.
http://tax.idaho.gov/i-1027.cfm
I saw this tip in a Senior magazine last year but it can be used by anyone that meets the income guidelines.
When I filed for my 2010 return, h&r block had a higher tax return then turbo tax, almost $500 more. I’m not sure what I did differently between the two. I haven’t filed for 2011 yet. I told a friend, she checked both turbo tax and h&r and her return is the same with both. So I must of done something different between the two. Maybe I should just use the irs website to file, i think they do the same thing and it’s free. Probably the safe so I don’t get audited.