what is the number 1 tax preparation service?

Public Comments

1. probably H&R Block.
2. TurboTax.
3. For my financial situation, Turbo Tax. For others H&R Block may be fine if you are looking solely at wages and itemized deductions but if more than that see a CPA. I am not an H&R Block fan. Years ago I was asked to review returns prepared by them. The returns covered individuals working in a state with an income tax. However, they were prepared in a state where they was no state income tax, and as a result the preparer missed the whole concept of deducting state income taxes as itemized deductions. It all boils down to the preparer's training and inquisitiveness.
4. H&R Block
5. Define "number 1"--size? revenue? accuracy? benefit to the taxpayer? Maybe I'm biased (okay, I'll admit it), but I think an experienced tax-focused CPA (not all of us are tax people) provide the best value for most people. That being said, I've often counseled potential clients that they'd be just as well served using H&R Block or doing their returns themselves.
6. I've worked for H&R Block, Jackson Hewitt, and I've done returns myself through TurboTax and web-based programs. I have to say that I think Jackson Hewitt has taken several steps UP in the last few years, while H&R Block is on a downward spiral. TurboTax is a good way to do returns yourself, for those people who have the time and energy to sit down and do it. Web-based programs can get tricky, sometimes the program won't let you go back unless you delete something else, it's kind of odd. I'd say, at this point in time, Jackson Hewitt and Turbo Tax are the best.