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| Tuesday, December 19, 2006 |
| Tricky Tax Tantalizer |
 OK, maybe not my best alliteration attempt. But this apparently free tax prep software tantalizer is tricky!
This arrived in my mailbox yesterday from H&R Block and my first reaction was "Cool - free software". But on closer examination it was not free at all. While the CD states "Full Version H&R Block TaxCut Premium Federal + State" it is only when you look closely at the enclosed guide that you see the wording "Install now for $29.95 and get everything you need to prepare your return today."
As I posted last tax season: My TaxCut Deluxe Federal + State deal, I paid just $5.43 for TaxCut Deluxe Federal + State (purchased on sale and with rebates). So while I appreciate H&R Block wanting to make things more convenient for me by mailing me this (without my asking for it), I think I will wait and watch the sales in January for a better deal. However, I will keep the $10 off rebate form included in this mailing which may come in handy when I do purchase the software at a retail store...
H&R Block is also being tricky with early refund loans - NPR: Consumer Advocates Warn Against Paystub LoansLabels: Taxes |
| posted by Boston Gal @ 1:21 PM *
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| 7 Comments: |
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I've been using TaxAct for the past few years. Their standard federal e-filing is completely free, requiring NO rebates. They do charge for filing state taxes ($15-$20), but my state has its own free filing system, so I don't bother.
I've been told that it's less intuitive than TaxCut and TurboTax, especially for schedule filers, but I've found it fairly easy to use.
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I'm glad you noticed that small detail on the price. I was wondering why they were sending me free software until i noticed the catch.
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Ah, yes, I got one of these last week. I haven't opened it yet, but also noticed it wasn't as free as it looked. Thanks for the extra info.
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I got one of those too, and figured there was a catch. I didn't get a $10 rebate form. I got a $25 off coupon for tax preparation at an H&R Block office.
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Hi Lin,
Yes, you can see in the picture that I received the $25 off tax prep coupon as well. The $10 rebate was tucked in behind the booklet (which mentioned the $29.95 cost for activation of the "free" software).
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I got this too! I am definitely waiting until it comes out in January and will most likely be on sale. Good marketing tool on their part but many of us aren't that dumb! :-)
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Something to keep in mind - Congress passed several tax changes (including deductions) in the last couple of weeks that did not make it into the IRS tax forms printing or potentially any tax software that was recently shipped. So, regardless of what software you wind up using, be sure to download all updates before you begin or you may miss out on the changes. See wsj.com article (subscription may be required): Tax Tip
Congress Revives
Popular Deductions (12/17/06)
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB116630892411052721
Happy Holidays!
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I've been using TaxAct for the past few years. Their standard federal e-filing is completely free, requiring NO rebates. They do charge for filing state taxes ($15-$20), but my state has its own free filing system, so I don't bother.
I've been told that it's less intuitive than TaxCut and TurboTax, especially for schedule filers, but I've found it fairly easy to use.