Filing your taxes early gives you more time to track down all your documents and fix any mistakes on your return. But despite what many people think, simply filing early won’t help you secure a larger refund.
The size of your refund isn’t based on when you file; it’s largely determined by your income, deductions and any tax credits you qualify for. If you want to make sure you don’t overlook potential money-saving opportunities, H&R Block’s tax tools can help you understand your tax situation and correctly identify the credits and deductions you’re eligible to claim.
H&R Block was also the CNET Editor’s Choice for best overall tax software. Here’s what to know.
How to get a head start on your tax return
When it comes to tax season, some people wonder what documents they need and whether they’ll receive a refund or owe money. That uncertainty is often what makes tax season feel stressful before it even begins.
H&R Block’s free tax calculator is designed to help remove that guesswork. Instead of jumping straight into filing, the calculator lets you preview your tax situation first. By answering a few basic questions, you get a quick estimate of your potential refund or balance due. If you choose to share more details about your income, dependents and deductions, the calculator can provide a more accurate estimate, along with a personalized checklist of tax documents you may need.
Two important aspects to your tax return that can help you save money are deductions and credits.
- Deductions: Amounts subtracted from your taxable income that are based on expenses, such as mortgage interest or charitable contributions.
- Credits: Amounts that directly lower your tax bill because of life events, such as having and raising children (Child Tax Credit).
This early insight can play an important role in maximizing your refund (or owing less, if you end up owing money). When you know what factors are affecting your return, you’re better positioned to gather the right documents, review possible deductions and credits and make sure nothing important is overlooked before you file.
Why you may overlook certain deductions
Deductions lower your taxable income, so you’ll pay taxes on a smaller portion of what you earn. This can reduce how much you owe overall or increase your refund. While deductions usually don’t change a return as dramatically as credits, many more taxpayers qualify for them, often without realizing it.
The challenge is that deductions depend heavily on how you spent money and how you earned your income during the year. Unlike credits, which are often tied to life events, deductions are tied to your financial activity. If you don’t realize that certain expenses or types of income affect your taxes, it’s easy to assume they don’t matter.
This is where working with an online tax filing software or tax professional like what H&R Block provides can make a big difference. Tax filing software often asks you questions about your household, income and financial activity. As you answer, the software checks those details against current tax rules and highlights deductions that may apply to your situation.
For example, borrowers paying off their student loans may qualify for the student loan interest deduction, but many don’t realize it. This is where H&R Block’s guided tax software can help connect those dots. When you report student loan payments, the software can automatically check whether you qualify for the deduction and apply it if you’re eligible.
Why it’s easy to miss tax credits
Tax credits work differently from deductions, and can be one of the most valuable parts of any tax return because they reduce your tax bill dollar for dollar. If you owe $3,000 in taxes and qualify for a $1,000 credit, you now owe $2,000. Some credits are even refundable, meaning they can increase the size of your refund.
The challenge to doing your taxes on your own is that you’re responsible for figuring out which tax credits you qualify for based on your income, family situation, educational expenses and retirement contributions. As a result, many taxpayers never realize certain credits apply to them.
H&R Block’s online filing tools help taxpayers identify credits they might not have thought to claim on their own. With features like guided questions and AI Tax Assist for follow-up questions, users can find credits they qualify for.
How H&R Block helps you secure a larger refund
H&R Block’s tools are designed to help you identify opportunities you might otherwise miss.
- Approachable: The interview-style software connects your real-life financial details to current tax rules.
- Helpful: AI Tax Assist allows you to ask questions you may not have realized you had, like «Can I deduct classroom expenses?», and receive guidance as you file.
- Easy uploads: Features like document imports for W-2s and 1099s reduce manual entry and help improve accuracy.
- Extra help: H&R Block also offers access to tax professionals both online and in-person so you can get help when your return feels complicated.
What sets H&R Block apart is its Maximum Refund Guarantee. H&R Block guarantees that you’ll receive the largest refund you’re entitled to based on your information. If you discover that an error in H&R Block’s preparation would have resulted in a larger refund elsewhere, H&R Block will refund the fees you paid for that return and file an amended return for you for free.
Whether you’re starting with the free tax calculator, filing online with guided support or working directly with a tax professional, H&R Block gives you multiple ways to approach tax season and save the most money possible on your taxes this year.