HR Block Best of Both Worlds?

[BrooklineBiker]

Hi everyone,
I am looking to do my US and Massachusetts income taxes ASAP. I am considering using HR Block's "Best of Both" service. Their advertising copy says "A Little Guidance Goes A Long Way. Prefer to do your own taxes but want the assurance of a Tax Professional's expertise? Best of Both gives you the flexibility to first prepare your returns yourself then pass them along to us to review, correct as necessary, sign and file. Start by answering simple questions in H&R Block Best of Both. Once you’ve provided the necessary information, you’ll be able to send your return to a Tax Professional who will review it for accuracy and search for any deductions or credits you may have overlooked… [The] tax professional will review your return, look for additional tax breaks, make any corrections if needed, sign and e-file for you. " Has anyone used this service? How did it work? If you have problems, can you go to a retail location and get them fixed? Thanks!

[jubilantjill]

I haven't used Best of Both Worlds, I just use the free HR Block or Turbotax version. Are your taxes particularly complicated? I bet you could figure out how to do them. Even though it's a pain to do your own taxes I always learn so much in the process- and use what I've learned to increase my refund the next year. My taxes aren't horribly complicated though, so maybe I'd think differently if I had many income streams, owned my own business, or was going through a divorce. Good luck to you!

[Eric]

Sorry, haven't used H&R Block.  I do my own as well, but mine are really simple as far as taxes go -- standard deduction, don't own a home, no kids, etc.  But I did have to fill out the long form this year because my dividend income was too big for the short form. #firstworldproblems

Even though it's a pain to do your own taxes I always learn so much in the process- and use what I've learned to increase my refund the next year.

Shouldn't you be trying to minimize your refund?  Any refund you receive is just a no interest loan to the government after all.

[mcneally]

I worked at Liberty Tax in college (similar to H&R). These places hire people at slightly above minimum wage with limited training. If they're charging you something like $30 for this service, sure go for it if you're uncomfortable with just filing on your own, but don't expect it to add much value.

[HopetoFIRE]

Yeah... sister's ex worked at HR Block.  No background in accounting at all.  I know they are cheap compared to our CPA though

[Thegoblinchief]

I find TaxAct (online) is far more thorough than the minimally trained people at HR Block. If your taxes are really too complicated to figure out, plug for a CPA.

[BrooklineBiker]

Hi,
Thanks for the advice everyone. I will look into TaxAct.