Novice-Friendly:  

Most taxpayers are still intimidated by the daunting task of preparing their own tax returns because they don't have a background in accounting. One of the strengths of TaxCut is you don't need tax preparation experience of any kind to feel comfortable with the software. H&R Block has years of experience preparing taxes and have implemented what you need in online tax software.

Simply answer the questions in the interview process. If at any time you get stuck, there is a Learn More button for a deeper explanation. TaxCut continually audits your return for common errors; the errors are presented at the end of the interview process. You can then quickly return to the appropriate screen and make the necessary corrections. However, if you are still unsure of yourself, you can ask an H&R Block professional for customized tax advice—free of charge. You can have a tax professional call you for a one-on-one phone call or correspond via e-mail. There is the only online tax program that offers this service at no extra charge. It could save you hundreds of dollars on your return.

Ease of Sign-up:  

Sign-up is as simple as providing a valid email address, choosing a user name and supplying an answer to a secret question—it just doesn’t get any simpler. You can even start your return without creating an account. TaxCut will occasionally remind you, while you prepare your return, to create an account. And remember, in order for TaxCut to save your information and file the return, you have to create an account.

Feature Set:  

TaxCut Premium offers a comprehensive feature set that includes at-your-fingertips tax advice and has the ability to import tax or financial data from TaxCut Online, TaxCut Software, and TurboTax Software. TaxCut provides an extensive explanation of tax regulations and tax law to help you, as the taxpayer. In fact, there is an online video explaining the 2008 tax law changes. The service also has many features for future planning, including a Retirement Savings Enhancer and Tax Planning reports.

After your return is filed, you can check the status of your return to see where it’s at in the IRS and have the refund deposited directly into your bank account. One unique feature we found interesting is the comparisons against national averages. You are able to see how your return compares to others. TaxCut has added Worry-Free Audit Support through H&R Block, so if you get audited, an H&R Block representative will guide you through your dealings with the IRS, and even represent you, the taxpayer. Though this feature may seem redundant, it becomes priceless in the event of an audit.

In addition to the Worry-Free Audit Support, TaxCut also guarantees the calculations and that you will receive the maximum refund possible. The calculations on your tax return guaranteed accurate. If an error does occur, H&R Block will reimburse resulting IRS penalties and interest charges. As for the Maximum Refund Guarantee—if you find another online tax preparation method that results in a larger refund, or smaller liability, TaxCut will refund your tax preparation fees.

The only feature we found missing in TaxCut is year-to-year deduction comparisons. If this feature is important to you, you may want to look at TurboTax.

Help/Documentation/Search:  

Perhaps the most important attribute of a good tax service is the information and help the application provides. TaxCut provides comprehensive information during each step of the process. Relevant questions (FAQs) are located on the screen at all times so you can quickly find answers to common tax questions. The FAQs change to match the information on each screen, so you’ll never have to search for the answer you need. Multimedia help is also available to explain recent tax law changes and tax term definitions. In addition to the FAQs and multimedia help, there is also a Help Center on every screen. Here you will find the top issues other preparers have experienced, articles by category, IRS information, tax forms and the TaxCut contact information. You can reach H&R Block support by phone, email or live chat at any time during your return.

Possibly the most comforting feature is the free one-time consultation with an H&R Block tax professional. This helpful resource will give peace of mind to those with one or two pressing questions.

We found TaxCut to be an excellent tax product at a low price; TaxCut Premium + E-file with a state return is just $69.90. TaxCut took the simplistic approach when designing the user interface and it works. You will never encounter a confusing or overwhelming screen. TaxCut Premium is also available in a boxed software version for those who may not have an Internet connection or who want to file more than one return. The boxed software also includes DeductionPro and WILLPower—two applications that will aid in preparing your return and ensure you get the biggest refund possible.

Whether you choose the online or the boxed version of H&R Block TaxCut, the Ask a Tax Advisor will ease the worries that come with tax time.