H&R Block E-File Review

People look forward to New Year's Day for many reasons. Festive New Year's Eve parties and a sense of new beginning are among the reasons. For many, receiving their W-2's and getting a tax return is great reason to look forward to a New Year.

Now that it's 2009, the days of mailing off and waiting for your tax return are long gone. More and more Americans are filing their tax returns online and having their returns directly deposited into their checking accounts. Many people get their tax return in as little as seven days. The innovations in tax returns have made the already pleasant experience of receiving a refund even better.

There are now many choices when e-filing your taxes. The IRS has over 25 authorized e-filing partners. There are so many choices; it may be intimidating to the user. It is very important to find an e-filer that complies with your tax situation.

This year, I went with H&R Block. Taxpayers can e-file their federal return for free with H&R Block if their adjusted gross income is less than $56,000 and are under the age of 50. I fit that criteria and was on my way.

Once you get to the H&R Block website, you'll want to create a username so that you can review your return. Once that simple step is completed, you begin filling out your 1040.

The 1040 is presented in a very straightforward manner. You are simply asked to input specific information directly from your W-2. Once you get to the itemized deductions, things can get a little wordy. Fortunately, there are very helpful links with further information next to every tab you need to fill in. My only question was immediately answered by clicking for more information.

Once you have completed your 1040 you have the option of directly depositing your funds, printing the form to mail in yourself, or pay any taxes that you owe right on the spot. Upon deciding what you'd like to do, you receive an email with information that will help you track the status of your return. Shortly thereafter, you will get your return.

The only bad part of this experience was that they charge $29.95 to file your state taxes. Fortunately, my state has its own free e-filing system. I simply declined the state option and moved forward with my federal return.

E-filing has never been more popular or easier to complete. With H&R Block, I had my best e-filing experience. I would recommend this company to any e-filer this tax season.