Common Tax Mistakes DIY Filers Make—and How H&R Block Helps You Avoid Them

Filing your own taxes can be empowering and cost-effective—but it’s also easy to make mistakes if you’re not careful. Even small errors can reduce your refund, delay your filing, or in some cases trigger IRS attention. That’s why using a trusted platform like H&R Block Online can make such a difference.

Here are some of the most common mistakes DIY filers make:

• Forgetting to report all income – Many gig workers forget 1099-K or 1099-NEC forms, especially from side hustles.
• Overlooking valuable credits – Students and families often miss out on education credits or the Child Tax Credit.
• Math and calculation errors – Even with software, manual entries can cause mistakes.
• Not tracking deductions properly – Business expenses, mileage, and HSA contributions are commonly under-reported.
• Missing deadlines or quarterly tax payments – This can lead to penalties and extra costs.

H&R Block Online is built to prevent these issues. Its guided process prompts you for additional forms of income, automatically checks for credits and deductions, and runs error checks before you file. It doesn’t just ask what you think you need—it helps uncover what you may have overlooked.

Another advantage is its ability to educate you along the way. Instead of simply filling in blanks, H&R Block explains why a deduction or credit applies. This not only helps you file correctly now but builds confidence for future years.

If you’re worried about accuracy, H&R Block backs its software with guarantees and offers professional support add-ons. You can even upgrade mid-filing to have a tax pro review your return, giving you extra reassurance before you submit.

Compared to other DIY software, H&R Block is both forgiving and proactive. TurboTax may get the job done, but its higher cost often comes with the same pitfalls of missed credits if you don’t know what to look for. Budget options like FreeTaxUSA don’t provide the same depth of error checks or explanations.

Tax mistakes are common, but they don’t have to be costly. H&R Block Online helps you avoid errors, maximize refunds, and file with confidence—making it the smartest DIY choice for 2025.