Completing Your Tax Return

The H&R Block tax software main window is divided into two sections; the main Interview pane and the FAQ pane to the right of the Interview pane.

H&R Block's Interview is the fastest way to enter data and complete your tax return. The Interview gathers all the information for your federal and state return by asking clear, direct questions. It is divided into topics that deal with specific tax subjects, such as medical expenses, home mortgage interest, or IRA contributions.

The program's FAQs provide answers to commonly asked questions related to the Interview topic you are working on. Simply click the FAQ and the Help Central window opens with an answer to the question.

Federal Interview

As you answer the questions in each topic of the federal Interview, the program automatically enters the information on the correct form for you and performs the calculations. If you're curious about where the numbers are going, you can always display the form in the bottom pane of the program window and follow along as the program fills out the form.

The H&R Block software also enters information on any other form where it's needed, so you only have to enter information once.

State Interview

The state Interview operates similar to the federal Interview. However, before you can begin the state Interview, you must get your state program. Since the program transfers information from your federal return to your state return, you must complete your federal return before you begin preparing your state return.

Leaving the Interview

Don't worry about losing your place. If you leave the federal or state Interview or exit the system, the program remembers your place and returns you to the same topic the next time you click on the Federal or State tab.