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When is the First Day to Start Filing Taxes in 2024?
The Internal Revenue Service announced that the nation’s tax season will start on Monday, January 18, 2024, when the tax agency will start accepting and processing 2023 tax year returns.
But, if you file your taxes online with TurboTax, you can prepare your tax return early and have it automatically submitted on the day the IRS starts accepting tax returns.
Filing your Taxes on the First Day With TurboTax & H&R Block
With online tax filing, you can file your taxes on the first day of tax season and get your refund back as soon as possible.
Existing customers will find it even easier as they’ll be able to import last year’s returns. For those with simple tax affairs, it’ll take only a few minutes to begin preparing everything the IRS needs to file your tax return.
TurboTax Federal Free Edition
Like H&R Block, TurboTax has a Free tax filing option that allows you to file your federal return and one state return for free. However, the free option only supports simple returns with form 1040. The free option includes one free state return. In addition, TurboTax’s free option supports form 1040 with some child tax credits.
TurboTax Paid Editions
If you want to itemize your deductions with Schedule A (or if you need to use any other forms), you will need to upgrade to a paid plan. Three paid plans range from $59.99 to $119.99 for federal filing. State filing is always $44.99 per state, with paid plans.
The Deluxe option will be enough for most filers. However, it costs $59.99, which is $10 more than the Deluxe option from H&R Block. You get slightly more features for that additional cost, however. Small business owners and self-employed individuals will need to upgrade to the Self-Employed option, which costs $119.99 for a federal return.
TurboTax Discounts are also available.
H&R Block Federal Free Edition
The cheapest filing option is the free option. It lets you file your federal tax return and all state returns for free. This choice works best for basic returns. The primary tax forms it supports are the 1040, Schedule EIC for the earned income tax credit, and Schedule 8812 for the Additional Child Tax Credit.
You can also use this form with some other common tax forms: Form 1099 (B, DIV, INT, and R), 1098 (E and T), and 1095 (A and B). However, filing other forms will require you to upgrade to a paid plan.
H&R Block Paid Plans
Paid plans range from $49.99 to $104.99 for federal tax filing. All state filing costs are $39.99 per state, with the paid plans. Most filers can do their taxes with the Deluxe version, which costs $49.99 and includes software for maximizing tax deductions. However, if you do freelance work or own a small business, you’ll likely need to upgrade to the Self-Employed plan, which costs $104.99.
H&R Block Discounts are also available.
Start Filing Your Taxes for Free!
As mentioned, both services offer a free file option for simple returns. You can also file some additional schedules and forms with this option. However, H&R Block does cover more forms and schedules with its free option. It also allows you to file multiple state returns for free.
By contrast, the free plan from TurboTax includes only one free state return. This all gives H&R Block a slight advantage if you qualify for the free option.
