Since I’ve been a working citizen, I’ve pretty much done my taxes myself with the help of an online tax preparation tool such as H&R Block At Home. There have been a few years where I’ve paid someone else to prepare them, but for the most part, I’m a do-it-yourself type of gal.
After waiting what felt like forever to get all my 1099’s, I finally sat down and gathered all my tax information. Who would have thought that a blog would require so much paperwork..YUCK!
Depending on your circumstances, H&R Block At Home offers four different products. The Free Edition is perfect for first-time filers and for those who don’t really have many deductions. The Basic Edition is useful for those with simple tax situations. The Deluxe Edition is for those who are homeowners and/or have investments, while the Premium Edition is for those who are self-employed, like me.
Since I have the blog which does earn an income, I used the Premium Edition of the software. When you have gathered your paperwork and are ready to begin, you have the option of checking any situations that might have come up during the tax year. This will give the software the information it needs to make sure you cover each of your situations.
The system guides you through each section and explains to you each step of the way what you should be including in each section and what you should not be including in each section. This is especially important for those with their own business. Knowing what you can deduct and what you can’t deduct might save you the frustration from an IRS audit.
Some items within each section also have a little box that will pop up if you need additional clarification. I used this handy feature several times.
After spending a good hour or so going through and entering all my information, it shows that I owe the IRS more money. In all my years as a taxpayer, I’ve never had to pay any additional taxes, so while I believe I entered everything correctly, I will be going to a professional to ensure that I did everything right. I’m not doubting that H&R Block At Home was accurate, but I need to know for sure that I accounted for every business expense possible.
Theresa says
I need to get this.
Kelly @ A Girl Worth Saving says
I have done my taxes, this year included online though a tax program and I would not have it any other way.
courtney says
Must try this next year!
Vanessa says
I so have to get my taxes done. I’m so late this year.
Stefani says
I like to do my own taxes too. This year I used TurboTax but I might try the H&R Block next year.
Kathleen says
How cool, I never knew they had an at home program.
Rachel @ Following In My Shoes says
I would get a second opinion too if ours vowed we owed; like you, we have never had to pay and it would definitely throw us for a loop.
Lolo says
I still need to get mine done.
Lolo says
It never hurts to double check.
Jenn @therebelchick says
Double checking is always important, you never know what you might miss!
Ty @ Mama of 3 Munchkins says
I’ll definitely use this for next year, thanks!
Colleen says
UGH this just reminds me I really need to finish up my taxes.
Jenn says
Looks user-friendly. We’re calling in the pros this year though.
Lolo says
I need to check this out.
Shell Fruscione says
That looks like a great tool! We hired someone this year because of how complicated our taxes are mixed with the wedding planning taking all of our spare time, but I’ll be looking into this next year.