Windows 10 for 2025

[VolvoGirl]

Your choice.   But the Online version has less features than the Desktop program.

If you used the Desktop program last year here’s How to transfer into the Online version, expand the blue link if you used the CD/download last year

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/entering-importing/help/how-do-i-transfer-last-year-s-return-into-...

If you used the Desktop program before you may notice several differences and not like the online version.  It has less features and no Forms Mode.  You can only do 1 return.  Your return is only saved online so be sure to save both the .tax2025 data file and the pdf file to your computer when you are done.  In case you need to amend in the future or if you need a copy to get a loan or something.  You might not be able to access your online return when you need a copy.

[KenWendt]

I'm planning to migrate to H&R Block after 14 successful years with TurboTax.

[dea44]

Well, I have been using TurboTax since it was MacInTax for Windows. But Intuit has finally convinced me to look at the competition since I use Win10 with support through next October and I am unwilling to load Win 11 for one program.  I also only use the forms mode to do my taxes. I am going to give HR Block a try since they claim to import TurboTax files. (Sheesh. Most companies try to keep loyal customers not drive them away.)

[user17570948549]

Wow. You're right, and it's all versions of H&R Block! A thumbs up for you! I didn't know this, so I Googled it and found this press release:

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Jan. 29, 2024 – H&R Block (NYSE: HRB) today introduced Direct Import, a fast, secure, and convenient way to simplify tax preparation for people who want to switch from TurboTax to H&R Block DIY. Today, nearly 65 million people choose to file their own taxes. This innovative integration accelerates the tax preparation process and minimizes the time spent searching for and manually inputting the information from last year needed to file their taxes.

Direct Import pulls in an individual’s prior year tax return data from TurboTax directly into H&R Block DIY online products. A tax filer simply inputs the phone number associated with their TurboTax account to make the switch. H&R Block’s innovative integration then leverages authenticated data retrieval to import up to 150 data fields, saving tax filers significant time and effort.

“We hear from consumers that switching is daunting because it is too difficult to move their data. The perception is that switching is too hard even when they know there are better options,” said Heather Watts, SVP of Consumer Tax Products, H&R Block. “Direct Import is designed to remove the barrier to switching and give consumers complete control to choose Block for their taxes and the ease to bring their data with them.”

Direct Import offers a secure and convenient way to transfer personal tax information. Direct Import is available today. It is offered across all of H&R Block’s DIY online tax filing options at no extra cost when people prepare their taxes with H&R Block Free, Deluxe, Premium, or Self-Employed Online Editions.

[dea44]

"Does it make one wonder if this explains why some taxpayers print and mail their returns? "

Well, I will only submit paper returns because I have had the IRS lie to me (they claimed I had not signed my return and wanted the entire package resent - total BS - I suspect they lost it and I would have sent it if they had been truthful) and paper is the only way I can prove what I sent them.

[M-MTax]

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@user17570948549 wrote:

It is offered across all of H&R Block’s DIY online tax filing options at no extra cost when people prepare their taxes with H&R Block Free, Deluxe, Premium, or Self-Employed Online Editions.

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They mentioned "Online" several times. Is the feature available in the desktop editions?

[M-MTax]

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@dea44 wrote:

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Was this an old picture or did you actually keep this for over 30 years? If the latter.....why?

[dea44]

Nope.  I just took the picture.  I bought my house in 1992 and part of it is rented out so I have been taking depreciation since then.  That means the IRS can audit me at least back to that return or when I sell and take capital improvements against basis (and as I said I have had some unpleasant experiences with the IRS in the past).  I don't keep all the boxes but I fill a box with the original TT disks until it gets full then start on  another one. (Not sure how I would actually get an older version running if I had to though although I do have lots of older Windows virtual machine images. I also have a USB 3.5in floppy drive somewhere <g>.)  Luckily that takes fewer boxes once they went to CDs so its not as bad as it seems.  

[M-MTax]

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@dea44 wrote:

That means the IRS can audit me at least back to that return...

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No they can't. All you need to preserve is the documentation with respect to the house.

[dea44]

Yes they cannot audit the tax  return from back then but they can contest the numbers in a current return based on older returns.  Much of the documentation of what I did is in turbotax  -- for example the split between schedule C and personal use as well as depreciation on the rental use. I doubt I would actually need to fire up TT from way back but I would hate to need to and not have it.  It does not take that much space.   

[M-MTax]

The PDF would suffice, without question.

Regardless, you need receipts/invoices, et al. to show the cost of improvements made to the property.

[baldietax]

also keeping software from 2019 onwards won't help unless you keep old computers running too, it won't activate older than current tax year and 3 prior years (currently 2022-5).

[M-MTax]

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@baldietax wrote:

also keeping software from 2019 onwards won't help unless you keep old computers running too, it won't activate older than current tax year and 3 prior years (currently 2022-5).

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I'm don't quite understand why anyone would keep old TurboTax software anyway.

First of all, taxpayers can't get a refund after 3 years, the SOL, or 2 years after the tax has been paid, whichever is later, and although the IRS may send a letter of proposed changes to a return and additional tax, they will only very rarely request that an amended return be filed.

In addition, unless an extreme mistake has been made or there are somewhat unusual circumstances, it is NOT in a taxpayer's best interest to file a return that is past the SOL (time-barred) even if additional tax is due (assuming the standard 3-year SOL applies). 

[HRBlockNOW]

Done with TurboTax.  Been using it for more years than I can remember.  Now that they have decided to join with Microsoft to try and force everyone to Windows 11, I am done.  I have been exposed to Windows 11 on two different laptops, Dell & HP, and it is NOT a good OS. As I understand it the reason Intuit has given for not supporting Windows 10 is lack of security updates.  I have Windows 10 running on a perfectly good Dell Desktop with Extended Security Updates.  Something Microsoft had said they were not going to offer and then changed.  It seems to me if Microsoft can bend so can Intuit.  Personally, I think Intuit is getting kickbacks from Microsoft.  I have been looking at H&R Block for several years since it was generally cheaper and have not been 100% pleased with TurboTax the last few years due to their steadily increasing prices, lack of software media, download only, virtually no support unless you pay extra, etc.  And most importantly my overall laziness to change.  Now they have given me no choice.  I know they offer online filing, which I think is their overall goal, but I do not want my personal data sitting on their cloud.

[M-MTax]

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@HRBlockNOW wrote:

increasing prices, lack of software media, download only, virtually no support unless you pay extra

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All DIY tax prep software for desktop use (installed) is download only; no one offers a CD any longer.

No other tax prep software vendor has free support (in the form of tax advice, et al), either.

Finally, if you buy any TurboTax desktop product at the right time through a reseller like Amazon, Costco, et al., the prices are not considerably higher than H&R Block. Moreover, TurboTax desktop prices are lower than TaxAct (check out their web site).