Tips for using H&R Block's online tax software.

February 27, 2024|Updated: October 17, 2024

Doing your own taxes is a personal choice. On one hand, it might seem complicated and intimidating, while on the other hand it might seem convenient and cost effective. Maybe you’ve done your tax return by yourself in the past, but each time you do it, it might seem a little different. Whether it’s a change of income, marital status, or family members, these circumstances can impact what you need to do to file your return, as well as how much you may owe come tax season.

Thankfully, H&R Block offers their online tax software that gives you step-by-step guidance to find every deduction and credit you qualify for.

Do your taxes yourself, but with a little more Expert Help.

Whether you have a quick question or would like to have an H&R Block Tax Expert look over your completed return, H&R Block’s Expert Help allows users to receive extra support with experts on standby to give filers a helping hand.

Your Tax Expert can help you with your basic tax questions, from expenses, to RRSP's, to credits, and more. Plus, you can ask your Tax Expert an unlimited number of questions while you prepare your return.

Audit Protection and Priority Support.

No matter how long you spend on your taxes and how accurately you complete your return, the CRA or Revenu Québec may still review and audit your return. With our Audit Protection,
H&R Block will stay by your side if the government disputes your refund or the amount you owe. By purchasing Audit Protection, you’ll get personalized assistance from an online Tax Expert, regardless of how long the review takes. This includes:

Unlimited priority phone support
- You can jump to the front of H&R Block’s technical support phone line with a dedicated number, just for you.
Correspondence Management
- The Tax Expert assigned to you will help explain any mail you’ve received from the CRA/Revenu Québec on why they might be requesting more information.
Document Preparation
- H&R Block will help review the return to make sure it’s right as well as help clarify and validate changes the government may be making to your return or tax owing.

…and more!

Tips for doing your own taxes.

Don’t forget about your charitable donations – there’s a tax credit for those!

If you donated to a charity this year or within the past 5 years and haven’t claimed the donation on your tax return, consider doing that this year. Charitable organizations will provide you with an official receipt, which contains their registered charity number. You can also go on the CRA website to review their ongoing list of charities and associations that qualify.

Learn about different credits and benefits.

There are a wide variety of tax benefits available to help increase your return or minimize the amount you owe. Eligibility will vary for each benefit, but here are some examples:

Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
GST/HST Credit
Canada Dental Care Plan (coming soon) and Canada Dental Benefit
Canada Workers Benefit
Disability Tax Credit
and more!

What documentation do you need to file your taxes?

Slips

T4 slips (Employment income)
Employment insurance benefits (T4A or T4E)
T2202 Tuition and Enrollment Certificate
Social assistance payments (T5007)
Workers’ compensation benefits (T5007)
Interest, dividends, mutual funds (T3, T5, T5008)
All other information slips

Receipts

RRSP contribution receipts
Professional or union dues
Tool expenses (for Tradespersons & apprentice mechanics)
Office-in-home expenses
Other employment expenses
Teacher’s school supplies
Medical expenses
Home renovations (seniors and disabled)
Charitable donations
Political contributions
Moving expenses
Interest paid on student loans
Exams for professional certification
Digital news subscription
Labour Mobility Deduction for Tradespeople

Ready to get started? Check out our online software packages. If you have any questions about how to file your taxes, our Tax Experts are here to help! Take advantage of our Expert Help service.