BenK91

Looking for opinions/experiences on who uses what and why?

Can't really seem to find a difference between the two and I'm just about to start filing mine and my wife's taxes. Anyone have a preference?

Southy_SWFC

Having used both, I'd recommend H&R Block. It's more expensive, but they're trained in this stuff and they take all the hassle away from the whole ordeal.
With having English/American bank accounts it can get tricky so IMO you're better off having someone to talk it through with.
Plus for a little extra you can get a kind of insurance so that if something was filed incorrectly then they sort it out for you.

Owen778

I used taxact for several years, but they are now no cheaper than HR Block, though that may have changed in recent weeks. I would not use turbotax, they're just so expensive.

That said, I have heard good things about freetaxusa.com, though there is probably less hand-holding.

Owen778

I think you might be confused. Ben is asking about software, not offices, which HR Block have, but turbotax don't. And turbotax has always been more expensive.

And a comment on your last paragraph - if the only difficulty with your tax forms is the forms for reporting foreign assets, you should probably take the time to learn it yourself. They are not difficult.

tom169

TurboTax has worked for me and navigated dual US/UK income very well.

SpoogleDrummer

I prefer TurboTax, H&R Block might be about $10 cheaper for me but for the last 2 years I've got Quicken for free when I bought TurboTax from Amazon so if I ever get around to using it I'll be ahead.

username.exe

We use Tax Act. Nice UI, works very well.

Credit Karma launched a tax filing product last year; might end up using that one this year.

Bob

Front line people in the stores are no more trained than someone is to read a play book and the ability to tick a box.

They're both much of muchness.

Giantaxe

I use TaxAct. I used to use Turbotax but TaxAct is a little cheaper and it is fine for the level of complexity of my return. I do think it's UI is less intuitive (pun intended...) than TurboTax, but with my level of knowledge of the personal taxation system that is not an issue for my particular return. If you have a complex return and little knowledge of the tax system, TurboTax may be a better bet.

Marc_ely

I am doing my taxes myself for the first time this year. I used an overpriced CPA for the last few years and she always made errors...

You can create logins with Turbotax AND TAXACT and fill out the details pretty fast. You can do this without paying a bean. I did it to double check that they were on the same wavelength.
In the end I opted for Turbotax as it was more intuitive and seemed more thorough in the options and prompting for stuff.

BenK91

I actually just finished filing ours this afternoon, used H&R Block in the end.

Really nice UI and was a reasonable price.

mrken30

I found that the H&R block missed out some foreign asset aspects that Turbo tax did capture. A lot depends on how complex your taxes are. Also turbotax allows me to file electronic 1099-miscs.

jackcharles

Not tried Turbotax, but I I did just usedH&R Block's online service. Uploaded my W2 and answered a few of their questions, and now they've submitted it for me. Was very easy.

If it all goes pear-shaped, I'll update!