How to Get the Most Out of Your H&R Block Filing

Written By Duncan Ryan
Last updated December 14, 2021

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Personal Finance
December 14, 2021

Simple. Thrifty. Living.

If you’re using H&R Block services to file your taxes, there are a few tips you need to know. With a little prior knowledge, you can make the filing process easier and get more out of your filing.

Use the Free Service for Basic Returns

One of the best things about H&R Block is the free filing the company offers for simple returns. With the free version of H&R Block, you can file both federal and state taxes at no cost. Free H&R Block services also let you deduct student loan and tuition payments. You can even claim the EITC and CTC credits with this free version. If you have a simple tax situation, using H&R Block’s free option will let you file without paying anything. This option is especially good if you’re filing taxes for the first time.

Invest in the Self-Employed Package for Your Side Hustle

If you have a side hustle, your taxes will be a bit more complicated. Luckily, H&R Block Self-employed makes it easy to file taxes for income earned outside of a regular job. Helpful tools for self-employed filers include expense tracking and easy income reporting. If you get stuck, you can reach out to one of H&R Block’s tax professionals for guidance.
H&R Block services are especially useful if you make your money by driving for Uber. With H&R Block self-employed, you can import your forms directly from the Uber app. Since driving for Uber is one of the most common side hustles, this capability is extremely convenient.
H&R Block Self-employed also gives you access to all other tax filing services. With it, you can report employment, retirement and investment income. You can also claim all deductions and tax credits.

Use Your Phone To Upload Your W-2s

All H&R Block services allow you to upload your W-2 forms in picture form from your phone. This takes most of the work out of reporting income from an ordinary job. Rather than manually entering your information, you can simply snap a picture and import it. This automatic entry also reduces the risk of mistakes on your tax returns.

Maximize Deductions With HR Block Premium or Deluxe

If you have deductions you need to itemize, you can do it with the Premium or Deluxe packages. Both of these H&R Block services will help you minimize your tax liability and report all deductions you’re entitled to.
Homeowners who need to itemize deductions on income from a regular job will do best with H&R Block Deluxe. This package allows you to easily report your job income and deduct mortgage interest payments. You can also deduct charitable donations and other allowable spending with the Deluxe package.
The next level of H&R Block Services is H&R Block Premium. This service is best for investors and landlords. With it, you can report rental income and accurately report capital gains from stocks. Like Deluxe, the Premier package allows for itemized deductions.

Use the Tax Prep Checklist To Get Ready

In addition to its filing services, H&R Block offers a variety of tools to help you get the most from your tax return. One of the most useful of these is the Tax Prep Documents Checklist. This interactive checklist asks you a few simple questions to determine your tax situation. From there, it generates a list of the documents you’ll need to file. Following it is an easy way to make sure you have everything ready when it’s time to do your taxes.

Take Advantage of H&R Block's Support

If you’re using Deluxe, Premium or Self-employed, your package includes access to live support. H&R Block’s support professionals are available by phone or email to help you navigate the filing process. You can also pay an upcharge to have your taxes reviewed by a tax expert prior to filing. Depending on your situation, the upcharge ranges from $39.99 to $89.99.

Review Tax Guides

H&R Block includes a variety of tax guides on its resources page. These guides go over specific tax situations and how they can affect your return. Guides are available for students, gig workers and people who received unemployment benefits in the past year. These guides give you general filing information and tell you what forms you’ll require. They also recommend specific H&R Block services that are most relevant to your situation.

If in Doubt, Use an H&R Block Tax Professional

While filing online is easy and convenient, you may decide you don’t want to do it yourself. If this is the case, you can have one of H&R Block’s tax pros prepare your return. One of the H&R Block services that’s most convenient is the ability to have your taxes done professionally. This service sets H&R Block apart from most other online tax preparation companies.
H&R Block lets you conveniently choose how you want to work with your tax pro. You can work virtually, set up an in-office appointment or simply drop your tax documents off. At every step, you’ll have access to phone, video and chat support. Best of all, you can always start the filing process one way and continue another way.
Another advantage of using a tax professional through H&R Block is that you can return to that person next year. Once you find a professional you like, you can request the same one in future tax years. This makes filing easy and enjoyable, even if you have a complicated tax situation.

Use H&R Block in Case of Audits

While most of H&R Block’s services relate to tax filing, it also offers audit assistance. If you receive an audit notice from the IRS, this assistance can be extremely helpful. H&R Block allows you to make an appointment and get a tax pro in your corner quickly. Even though audits are never fun, they’re much easier when you have the right help and guidance.
As you can see, H&R Block services offer convenient and versatile tax filing options for practically everyone. Whether you’re filing a basic 1040 or have extensive self-employment income, H&R Block has a tax package for you. Put these tips to use, and you’ll have no trouble getting the most out of your tax filing this year.

About the Author

Duncan Ryan

Duncan Ryan is a long-time professional freelance writer with a focus on finance, economics, science, technology and medicine. A lifelong independent learner, Duncan is always on the search for the next exciting challenge.

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