Free H&R Block Software
Turbotax, the largest maker of tax software in the United States, made some changes to their Deluxe & Premier versions. It seems they decided to pull out key features of those versions in order to force customers to a higher level of the software.
H&R Block has stepped in with an effort to take customers away from Turbotax. They are offering the H&R Block Deluxe software for free to anyone who has already purchased the 2014 version of Turbotax. (Click here to see the features of H&R Block Deluxe and here is the official press release.)
I have used both versions of the software in the past, but had just decided to purchase Turbotax when I read about this promotion. In my opinion H&R Block’s software is just as good so I was excited at the prospect of getting it for free.
How to get the Free Software
In order to get the H&R Block software for free you have to email: SwitchToBlock@hrblock.com with the following information:
- Name, address & phone number.
- Which operating system you use.
- Proof of purchase (a photo or scan of their store receipt or the email showing their download code).
I saw this deal a couple of days ago, but wanted to see how it worked in practice before writing about it. Fortunately I can report that I wrote to them on January 10 and received an email the next day that they were processing my request. The download link and activation code came a few days later on January 14.
Higher Level Version
It doesn’t appear H&R Block is offering a version higher than Deluxe. I tried to find a way to upgrade since they tout the premium version as having advanced Schedule C & E guidance, but I have yet to find a way. Since the Deluxe includes both schedules C & E and since I am pretty good at this tax thing, I will probably try to make due. If it isn’t possible I can always give it away to a friend.
Conclusion
I am sure creative people can find a way to get the software for free. Either way, this is a good deal for people who need more features than Turbotax offers since H&R Block software is every bit as good in my opinion.
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It’s “free”, after you purchased (the often-more-expensive) TurboTax. Because everyone needs 2 tax softwares.