HR Block 2011 Review

Since last year HR Block has completely re-invented their product line, including retiring the old name ‘TaxCut‘  and re-positioned itself as  HR Block At Home.  For 2011 the site has been updated throughly and ready for Tax day - which is April 17th 2012 for your 2011 tax return.

In these tough economic times with a looming recession, a lot of people are looking for some help. This is not one of the years where anyone wants to be stuck with a huge tax bill.

Preparing your own tax return can save you hundreds of dollars. But getting to know which tools are available out there is important. As someone said “If I have to chop down a tree in 6 hours, I will spend 4 hours sharpening my tool”. HR Block for 2011  is one such tool that will help you prepare your taxes - error free.

Getting to know what you get for what you pay is important. If this is the first year you are preparing your taxes or if you are a veteran, HR Blocks At Home is a great tool in your tax preparation arsenal. When you combine a tax preparation tool with a personal finance management tool, you get the ultimate combination. You can read more about these tools on this site.

H&R Block the manufacturers of AtHome has been around for several decades. In fact they are the nations oldest tax preparation firm. Drive down almost any city and you will find HRBlock offices at a major intersection - where you can do almost anything from doing employee payrolls to preparing your tax return.

AtHome is the the tax preparation software from HR Block. For 2011 HR Block has revamped their site. You can find the boxed software at most major retail stores. This requires you to buy the software, install the CD and then run the application. But there is an easier way. The same software is also available online.

With the online version, you do not need to install the software from a CD, but you can prepare and file your complete tax return over the internet right from your browser.

If you have a internet connection and a little bit of time, you can prepare your taxes online without paying an accountant huge fees.

At Home Online comes in the following flavors :

Which Version to Choose
Each of the HRBlock AtHome software is tailored to a different audience.  The AtHomeBasic (Free)  is most suited if your tax situation is fairly simple. If you are single or married, no kids or dependents, have a job and do not own a home, this will probably work for you.

The AtHome Deluxe version is valuable when you are a home-owner or have significant investment activity (stocks, bonds and such). The deluxe version will guide you through the investment situation with ease.

The AtHome Premium version goes one step further than the Deluxe and works well if you  own rental properties and need the appropriate forms and guidance for it.  It is also intended for  a small or home based business. It has all the features of the Deluxe  versions, and in addition it also takes care of your business related filing needs. The program walks you through your business deductions and  the schedule-C form is  generated. All you have to do is walk through the questionnaire.

Whats New for 2011 HRB
This year HRB has a new program that allows you to do your own taxes and then connect to a tax pro to have them verified. This new feature distinguishes HRB  from other online tax preparation sites.   This is an excellent feature for people who like to have their tax return physically reviewed by a tax pro  and at the same time save some money by preparing their tax return online. A combo deal that is surely a good value!

What exactly is Efile ?
Efile is the electronic transmission of your tax return to the IRS. What this means is with e-file you do not have to print and mail your tax return, instead, the tax preparer transmits the tax return on your behalf. Efile is available for your federal tax return and your state return too.

Most tax preparers including CPA firms usually charge extra for e-file, but online tax preparation sites like HR Blocks At Home online include e-file for free. In the case of  AtHome (Taxcut), you can e-file upto 5 tax returns (for your 2011 tax return) for the same price.