I have used H&R Blocks tax program for many years and have always been happy with it. This year is no exception. It works great on my mac. My taxes are complicated because I have rental properties (and in the past my own business as well)--but it makes preparing my taxes a breeze---and way cheaper than hiring someone.
You can choose to import data or enter all data manually. I actually enter mine in manually as that is my preference. (actually, to clarify, i import previous years taxes but manually enter w-2s, charitable contribution, rental income and expenses, etc)
This includes 5 free federal efiles (which isn't as good, in my opinion, as when it included 1 state and 1 federal). The state program is included with this but if you want to efile you have to pay for that.
For anyone that has to pay state taxes in addition to federal, it is great to have the two programs. Essentially, the state taxes are filled out by the time you get done with the federal--with the exception of a few questions that you have to answer. You can always purchase the state later rather than getting them together, however, i have found that it is more expensive to do it that way.
If you haven't used tax software before or are new to this brand---it is super duper easy to use. They have questions and you fill in the blanks. You can get more information and help with any topic you need. You can also get the actual publication information from the IRS. Tax preparation may sound intimidating, but with a program like this it is very simple.
With H&R block you also get access to a tax advisor for free (for 1 issue)--which can be helpful and is an advantage of this vs. other brands.
In addition you get audit assistance with this if you efile--although hopefully you will never need it.
Even if you have difficult taxes, don't be scared to try this product before going to a professional. You will most likely find that it is much easier than you think. And H&R block offers a money back guarantee so you really have nothing to lose.
Updates are free and essentially automatic--it does ask you permission to update--but that is pretty much the extent of it.
For safety purposes I always back up my taxes to a CD AND load the tax software and my taxes on a second computer--perhaps a bit neurotic but i'd rather be safe. It is extremely easy to do back ups. Also, I have several years of taxes loaded onto my computer and when i switched from primarily PC's to primarily MACs i was able to transfer all of my taxes over without a problem or hassle.
Because you get 5 free efiles, you can do your friends taxes if you want to be nice. I always register the product in my name but usually do 4 different returns. You can also choose to print and file returns if you would like also.
Another feature I like is that i can do "what if" scenarios--i will go in and change numbers to see how it effects my taxes so i can better estimate for future years.
H&R Block also will give you tips/warnings/suggestions if there are any red flags or errors on your return.
UPDATE: as of 2/22 I have successfully efiled 3 federal and state returns. i did not have any issues with efiling at all. although, i realized i made an error earlier in this review because when i went to file, i realized you get audit support if you efile or paper file--as long as you used the program to help you on your taxes.