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It’s that time of year again. Are you one that files their taxes as soon as possible, or do you wait until April 15 to file? Either way, when preparing taxes yourself, you might be looking into doing them online. Turbo Tax vs H&R Block Income Tax Software – 2020 Comparison makes that process so much easier.
I compare two TurboTax Tax Software Programs with two similar H & R Block Tax Software Programs in this income tax product comparison. Following each comparison is an easy-to-read, side-by-side comparison table.
Turbo Tax Basic vs. H & R Block Basic 2020
TurboTax Basic 2020 Tax Software
Suitable for simple straight forward tax situations, want to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit and only need to file a federal income tax return.
System Requirements
- Available in PC/MAC CD ROM and also PC download and Mac download
- Platform: Windows 8 / 8.1 / 10, Mac OS High Sierra 10.14, Mac OS Catalina 10.15
- Note: As of January 14, 2020, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates or support for PCs running Windows 7. This means that computers running on Windows 7 will be more vulnerable to security risks and viruses.
- RAM: 2 GB or more recommended
- Internet Connection: 1 MBps modem (Broadband connection highly recommended). Required for product activation and updates
- Hard Disk Space: 1 GB
Features
- 5 Free Federal E-files
- State Preparation available at extra cost
- Question and answer format
- Imports Last Years Data and W2s From Turbo Tax and Other Tax Software
- Encryption technology
- Free U.S. Based Support Through Phone
- If you pay an IRS or state penalty or interest because of a TurboTax calculation error, TurboTax will pay you the penalty and interest.
- Audit Support Center But TurboTax Will Not Represent You Or Provide Legal Advice
- 60-Day Satisfaction Money Back
- ASIN: B08H3GZ586
Pros
- Easy question and answer format
- If you pay an IRS or state penalty or interest because of a TurboTax calculation error, TurboTax will pay you the penalty and interest.
- 60-Day Satisfaction Money Back
Cons
- Some dissatisfaction reported with trying to get through prompts to a “live” person on the phone to customer support.
- Quicken and QuickBooks import not available with TurboTax installed on a Mac (subject to change).
H&R Block Tax Software Basic 2020
Suitable for simple straightforward tax situations.
System Requirements
- Available in PC download and Mac download
- Platform: Windows 8.1/10, Mac OS X 13.1.2
- Hard Disk Space: 170MB
- Internet Connection for updates, state downloads, e-file.
- RAM not stated
Features
- 5 Free Federal E-files
- State Preparation available at extra cost
- Import your W 2, 1099, 1098, Last Year’s Personal Tax Return
- Drag and drop last years personal return from Turbo Tax, Quicken, or Tax Preparer
- Help Center has more than 13,000 articles, frequently asked questions, and tips
- If audited, Worry-Free Audit Support provides an enrolled H&R Block agent to guide you through the process.
- 3.5% refund bonus if all or portion of the refund is put on an Amazon. com gift card (stipulations)
- Non Returnable/Non Refundable
- ASIN: B08JNR18GK
Pros
- Price Point
- 3.5% refund bonus available (read stipulations)
Cons
- Non Returnable/Non Refundable
- No CD Disks
Comparison Table
| Features | Turbo Tax Basic | H&R Block Basic |
 | | |
| Suitable For | Suitable for simple straight forward tax situations, want to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit and only need to file a federal income tax return. | Suitable for simple straight forward tax situations. |
| Computer System | PC and Mac Download or CD Rom | PC and Mac Download |
| Platform | Windows 8 / 8.1 / 10, Mac OS High Sierra 10.14, Mac OS Catalina 10.15 | Windows 8.1/10, Mac OS X 13.1.2 |
| Hard Disk Space | 1 GB | 170MB |
| Internet Needed | Yes | Yes |
| Federal E-Files | 5 | 5 |
| State Preparation | Extra Cost | Extra Cost |
| Import Data | Imports Last Years Data and W2s From Turbo Tax and Other Tax Software | Drag and drop last years personal return from Turbo Tax, Quicken, or Tax Preparer |
| Audit Support | Audit Support Center But TurboTax Will Not Represent You Or Provide Legal Advice | Audit Support P An Enrolled H & R Block Agent To Guide You Through The Process |
| Returns | 60-Day Satisfaction Money Back | No |
| Extras | ___ | 3.5% Bonus If Refund Is Put On An Amazon Gift Card |
| Price | Click For Price | Click For Price |
Turbotax Software Deluxe vs. H&R Block Tax Software Deluxe
TurboTax Tax Software Deluxe + State 2020
Recommended if: you own a home, have charitable donations to deduct, have high medical expenses, and only need to file a Federal Tax Return. Filing a State Return is available for an added cost.
System Requirements
- Available in PC/MAC CD ROM and also PC download and Mac download
- Platform: Windows 8/Windows 8.1/Windows 10 / macOS Mojave 10.14, Catalina 10.15
- Note: As of January 14, 2020, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates or support for PCs running Windows 7. This means that computers running on Windows 7 will be more vulnerable to security risks and viruses.
- RAM: 2 GB or more recommended
- Internet Connection: 1 MBps modem (Broadband connection highly recommended). Required for product activation and updates
- Hard Disk Space: 1 GB for TurboTax
Features
- Includes 5 free Federal e-files
- One download of a TurboTax state product (e-file is extra)
- Imports W-2s, investment & mortgage information from participating companies (may require free Intuit account) and imports prior year data from TurboTax and other tax software
- Product support via phone
- Audit risk meter
- Audit support tools – General information should you be audited – TurboTax will not represent you or provide legal advice.
- If you get a larger refund or smaller tax due from another tax preparation method, TurboTax will refund the applicable TurboTax federal and/or state purchase amount paid.
- If purchased through Amazon, receive a free 1-year subscription to Quicken Starter Edition 2021 ($35.99 value) applies to new Quicken subscribers only
- 60-Day Satisfaction Money Back
- ASIN: B08H48X4WQ
Pros
- Audit Risk Meter
- 60-Day Satisfaction Money Back
- If you pay an IRS or state penalty or interest because of a TurboTax calculation error, TurboTax will pay you the penalty and interest.
- Free 1-year subscription to Quicken Starter Edition 2021for New Subscribers if Purchased Through Amazon.
Cons
- Some reported issues of activation problems
- Not Compatible With Older Mac Computers
H&R Block Tax Software Deluxe 2020
Recommended if you have a home, have children, have investments, itemized deductions or file federal and state income tax.
System Requirements
- Available in PC/MAC CD ROM and also PC download and Mac download
- Platform: Windows – 8.1/10, Mac – OS X 13.1.2 or higher
- Browser: Safari 13.1.2 or higher – for Mac
- Internet Explorer or Higher – for Windows
- Hard Disk Space: 170MB
- Internet Connection for updates, state downloads, e-file.
- RAM not stated
Features
- 5 Free Federal E-files
- 1 State Download (e-File Available For An Extra Cost)
- Import your W 2, 1099, 1098, last year’s personal tax return
- Drag and drop last years personal return from Other Tax Software Providers
- Accuracy Review
- If audited, Worry-Free Audit Support provides an enrolled H&R Block agent to guide and represent you in person.
- Help Center with more than 13,000 articles, frequently asked questions, and tips
- 3.5% refund bonus if all or portion of the refund is put on an Amazon. com gift card (stipulations)
- ASIN: B08L97BHNL
Pros
- 3.5% refund bonus available (stipulations)
- Audit Support
Cons
- A few reports of software download problems
- Non Returnable/Non Refundable
Comparison Table
| Features | Turbo Tax Deluxe | H & R Block Deluxe |
| | |
| Suitable For | If you own a home, have charitable donations to deduct, have high medical expenses, and only need to file a Federal Tax Return. Filing a State Return is available for an added cost. | If you have a home, have children, have investments, itemized deductions or file federal and state income tax. |
| Computer System | PC/MAC CD ROM and also PC download and Mac download | PC/MAC CD ROM and also PC download and Mac download |
| Platform | Windows 8/Windows 8.1/Windows 10 / macOS Mojave 10.14, Catalina 10.15 | Windows – 8.1/10, Mac – OS X 13.1.2 or higher |
| Hard Disk Space | 1 GB | 170MB |
| Internet Required | Yes | Yes |
| Federal E-Files | 5 | 5 |
| State Preparation | Yes – 1 | Yes – 1 |
| State E-File | Additional Cost | Additional Cost |
| Import Data | Imports W-2s, investment & mortgage information from participating companies (may require free Intuit account) and imports prior year data from TurboTax and other tax software | Drag and drop last years personal return from Other Tax Software Providers |
| Audit Support | General information should you be audited – TurboTax will not represent you or provide legal advice | provides an enrolled H&R Block agent to guide and represent you in person. |
| Extras | Free 1-year subscription to Quicken Starter Edition 2021for New Subscribers if Purchased Through Amazon | 3.5% refund bonus if all or portion of the refund is put on an Amazon. com gift card (stipulations) |
| Price | Click For Price | Click For Price |
I hope in reading, Turbo Tax vs H&R Block Income Tax Software – Comparison, you have been able to decide which program best fits your needs.
What are your thoughts on preparing your own taxes? Have you used Income Tax Software? Do you want to but are afraid to dive in? I would love to read your comments.
