I am a college student, and I do a bit of part time job. I don't have any complicated tax related expenses/donations etc. Which version of these offerings should I be buying?

if you just have a basic return I wouldn't buy anything- many of the major companies offer a free basic return on their websites. the website isn't quite ready but you can find out more info here http://www.irs.gov/uac/Free-File:-Do-Your-Federal-Taxes-for-Free

Basic is what you need... File a 1040EZ

If your not comfortable putting your financial info on someones website, I would recommend the deluxe + state. For $22 you get the federal forms and one state forms. Federal E-file is included (not state) or you can file via paper to the IRS and/or state.

I've used the Basic version for years without any problem and I see it is not listed. This included mortgage interest, charitable contributions, etc. on the return. One year I had to use the Deluxe version when cashing out my 401K early. Bottom line is file for free or use the Basic for most people.

I picked up the Basic (federal) edition at Wally-World last week for around $14.. Would have bought the $16 Deluxe edition on sale today otherwise. (Not that I really need it for my little bit of taxes).

You really only need Basic, but since the Deluxe is actually cheaper than Basic, because of this sale, go with the Deluxe, if you want to give this software a try. I've used H&R Block software for several years and had good results.

If your return is simple look for a VITA/TCE site near you. There are trained tax preparers for low to moderate income filers who will prepare federal and state taxes, e-file and there is no charge. We are currently going through our initial 2012/2013 training, it will have to be updated with the recent tax law changes. Our site requires all preparers to be qualified at the expert level before we can prepare the first return.

@Azu, Many colleges offer free tax preparation. Some of these people have only the most rudimentary training, but if all you need is the "short form," you can have them do it (if your campus offers it) and it will be filed electronically for free. If not, go to the IRS web site on-line or Turbo-tax on-line. Intuit's Turbo Tax On-line will let you submit electronically for free if you gross under a certain amount.

Also, a bit off the subject, but military members and their family members who still have a dependent ID (if one of your parents is military, you would qualify) can obtain free tax consulting and electronic filing through the military's VITA (I think it is still called VITA) program. I believe VITA stands for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance. I wouldn't trust them with a complicated filing, but for a simple 1040EZ or 1040A, I would.

r/Jim

I have used H&R Deluxe + State for years since it was called Taxcut. Never had a issue. $22 was a great deal.

However, use one of the many free on-line providers if you qualify.
http://dor.mo.gov/personal/individual/vendors.php (not just for Missouri)
Look at the bottom of the page for a longer list of online providers.

I think this is $3 cheaper than the last time it was on sale. I guess I should have waited.

Bought this last year for $24.99, so $21.99 is a better deal :) for plus state.

Isn't it a version meant for filing taxes in 2012 (Financial Year 2011)? Can it be used for 2013 taxes (FY 2012)?

The year mentioned on the box is the "tax year" not the year in which you file. Even though it is now 2013, you will be filing taxes for 2012 of which this software is made.

I went on Amazon this morning to check out the Instant Video sale, and was very happy to find the H&R Block special. I buy that software every year anyway (Premium plus state because I have a mortgage deduction), and this is the lowest price ever. I tried Turbo Tax one year, but it seemed clunky and not as intuitive as H&R Block. From what I have read in the news, some or all of us may not be able to file right away because of the problems the Fiscal Cliff situation has caused, which somehow impact 2012.

You can easily handle a mortgage deduction with Basic, but the Deluxe edition gives you a bit more guidance with home and investment related issues (even though most of them can be handled by Basic). Premium is intended more for people who are self employed, run a home business, maintain rental properties, etc.

I used turbo tax last year. Does anyone know if the H&R block product will import turbo tax data from the prior year?

I bought the 2011 Deluxe + State last year for $18.99 in March. If you don't plan to use it for a couple months, you might consider holding out for a better price. Of course, the better price is not guaranteed.

Last year, I bought from Amazon, deluxe with state for $19.99. This year I pay 21.99, but it is ok

Yes, it will import from Turbo Tax. Turbo Tax will also import from H&R should you want to go the other way as well.

Good deal here...tried Turbo Tax one year, but like the H&R Block option better. Thanks Amazon!

I do my elderly father's taxes every year with HRB and this year he received the software in the mail. The case says "what would you pay?" "name your price*" The fine print says you have to pay at least $.95! This is for the deluxe + state version whcih the case says is valued at $99.

Yes you can import your prior year tax data from Turbo Tax.

Can this import last year's data if it was entered via H&R Block's online system instead of through locally-installed software?

Does any one know if this covers multi state. Thanks