Tax filers can initiate the data transfer by entering the telephone number associated with their TurboTax account. The direct import capability can import up to 150 data fields. The integration is offered for all Block online options—H&R Block Free, Deluxe, Premium and Self-Employed Online Editions—at no additional cost.

Block developed the tool to entice TurboTax users to switch products.

“We hear from consumers that switching is daunting because it is too difficult to move their data,” Heather Watts, Block’s SVP of consumer tax products, said in a prepared statement. “Direct Import is designed to remove the barrier to switching and give consumers complete control to choose Block for their taxes and the ease to bring their data with them.”

Block is also touting the newly introduced AI Tax Assist, which provides DIY filers who are using paid versions, instant help via technology from Microsoft Azure OpenAI.

Bob Scott

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Bob Scott has provided information to the tax and accounting community since 1991, first as technology editor of Accounting Today, and from 1997 through 2009 as editor of its sister publication, Accounting Technology. He is known throughout the industry for his depth of knowledge and for his high journalistic standards.  Scott has made frequent appearances as a speaker, moderator and panelist and events serving tax and accounting professionals. He  has a strong background in computer journalism as an editor with two former trade publications, Computer+Software News and MIS Week and spent several years with weekly and daily newspapers in Morris County New Jersey prior to that.  A graduate of Indiana University with a degree in journalism, Bob is a native of Madison, Ind