"We’re continually evaluating the way we provide assistance to our clients to ensure that they’re able to get access to help and that it meets their needs," an H&R Block spokesperson said when CR asked about the inconsistency. A user doing the same could miss out on the $500 credit. But when our reporter clicked on a link called “What’s gross income?” the Help answer that popped up wasn’t detailed enough about Social Security income to help her to complete the section correctly.
The guided H&R Block program properly asked whether the aunt had $4,150 or more in gross income. The new Tax Cuts and Jobs Act allows for a credit of up to $500 for taxpayers supporting an adult dependent, or “qualifying relative.” So our reporter investigated how the services would help a user determine the eligibility of an elderly aunt.Īmong the requirements for the tax break, the relative can’t have $4,150 or more in gross income-which includes only taxable Social Security income.Īn H&R Block rep contacted through chat incorrectly told the reporter that the aunt’s Social Security income was too high to qualify for the $500 tax credit, without mentioning that only taxable Social Security income counts.