How to use H&R Block to file your taxes in 2018

Tax season is upon us.Lazarenko Svetlana/Shutterstock

• Tax season officially begins January 29, with a final deadline of April 17.

• The IRS recommends e-filing your taxes and requesting your refund via direct deposit.

• Business Insider decided to try the free version of H&R Block’s service.

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Monday marks the start of tax season.

After that, Americans will have until April 17 to file their taxes for the year. And, while the new tax plan is the law of the land, the changes won’t affect your tax return this year.

So what’s the surest way of avoiding any trouble with your taxes this year? Filing as early as possible, according to Business Insider’s Lauren Lyons Cole. There’s no reason to procrastinate — and, if you qualify, there are even services that’ll help you do it for free.

H&R Block is one such tax company offering free services to eligible taxpayers. Its website estimates its clients “prepared more than 7.4 million tax returns” using its digital services in 2016.

I decided to check it out, to see how it works and report.

Keep in mind, I didn’t actually file my taxes. I just went through the motions, to get a better feel for H&R Block.

Here’s how it works: