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TurboTax by Intuit Tax Software Review


ConsumersAdvocate.org Rating: 4.7 / 5 (Excellent)
27 Customer Comments & Reviews - see all comments
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First introduced in 1986, TurboTax is one of the oldest and most trusted do-it-yourself tax preparation software packages on the market. The software has been optimized and updated ever since to provide a simpler user experience and comport with new federal and state tax regulations. Intuit, the company that makes TurboTax is located in Mountain View, California.
 
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TurboTax by Intuit - Overview

TurboTax by Intuit gets our nod for best tax preparation software simply because it is the most complete tax preparation package and has the most no-nonsense and intuitive interface out there. TurboTax also provides excellent tools and guidance for helping taxpayers create accurate returns, while taking into account all relevant information to maximize their deductions. TurboTax by Intuit is simple enough for first-time users and detailed enough for seasoned tax professionals. In addition, TurboTax Live, an add-on support feature, is available with all online plans. Expert help is available in Spanish, as well. 

Finally, for those who want nothing to do with filing their own taxes, TurboTax offers a Full-Service option. Prices for this service vary according to the complexity of your tax return. Currently, TurboTax is offering a limited-time early filer discount of $20 off its prices for all paid federal tax plans. Self-employed taxpayers will receive a $30 discount during this promotion.

Platforms

Cloud-based
Software
Mobile app

TurboTax DIY Software Features and Pricing

TURBOTAX FREE Edition - $0 (State Filing Additional)

  • ~37% of taxpayers qualify-Simple Form 1040 returns only (no schedules except for Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and Student Loan Interest)

TURBOTAX DELUXE Edition- $69 (State Filing Additional)

This plan is TurboTax's most popular edition, and it's ideal for everyday people looking to maximize deductions and credits. 

  • Search over 350 tax deductions and credits
  • Special guidance for homeowners to maximize mortgage and property tax deductions
  • ItsDeductible program for charitable donations

TURBOTAX PREMIUM Edition- $129 (State Filing Additional)

The Premier Plan is specifically designed for those looking to make the most out of their financial investments and rental properties. It includes everything in the Deluxe Plan, plus:

  • Get investment income automatically imported from thousands of financial institutions
  • Accurately report stocks
  • Calculate capital gains/losses 
  • Set up rentals and report depreciation
  • Schedule D assistance
  • Import last year's return from TurboTax or a competitor
  • Accurately account for gains and losses from cryptocurrency transactions

TurboTax Live-Starting at $69

In 2018, TurboTax launched TurboTax Live, a product that allows you to do your taxes side by side with a live, onscreen tax expert. TurboTax Live is available starting at $79 with TurboTax Live Basic. Customers can ask as many questions as they need along the way to filing. Your assigned tax expert will suggest changes as necessary and sign off on all work before you file. Once your return is officially approved for filing by TurboTax Live, it is backed by the company's 100% Accuracy Guarantee. 

  • Talk to tax experts in real-time—simply click to connect when you need advice 
  • Unlimited, on-demand answers from a tax expert
  • Year-round support
  • Automatic import of your W-2 
  • Final Review — TurboTax’s tax experts can review your return line-by-line and guarantee it for 100% confidence.

Features

Federal Tax Preparation with state tax included for an additional fee

Data import

  • Previous year’s tax returns
  • Company information
  • W-2 and 1099

Accuracy

  • 100% accuracy guarantee
  • Life events (instantly change your status, personal information)
  • Tax review
  • Professional tax preparation assistance

Refunds

  • Direct deposit to your bank account
  • Check refund
  • Use deductions to pay for tax preparation services

Support

Expert support available
Audit support
24/7 AnswerXchange Hotline

TurboTax Live Full Service

Filing taxes is mandatory by law, of course. But taking the time to fully understand tax filing requirements and preparing tax forms isn't for everyone. TurboTax has introduced its own full-service tax preparation for taxpayers who want to take a hands-off approach to filing. You can opt for full-service at any time while using a TurboTax Live version by clicking a button.It's a great escape route if preparing your own taxes proves too frustrating or overwhelming.

New for the 2021 tax year, TurboTax uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to match you with the right tax expert based on your unique situation. With a network of thousands of tax experts, TurboTax can connect you with an expert with just the right knowledge base and experience and give you greater confidence that your taxes are done right.

 

TurboTax by Intuit Tax Preparation Summary

TurboTax by Intuit offers a comprehensive tax preparation package for cloud, mobile, and computer-based use. All of their plans are filled with features designed to streamline difficult steps when preparing your tax returns. We found it quite capable of handling both simple and complex tax returns, while ensuring accuracy each step of the way. With TurboTax, you can be assured that all of your important information is collected and you get the maximum refund on your tax return.

**Maximum Refund Guarantee - or Your Money Back: If you get a larger refund or smaller tax due from another tax preparation method, we'll refund the applicable TurboTax federal and/or state purchase price paid. 

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27 Customer Comments & Reviews

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richard m
5/12/2021
Have used TTax over 20 years and this was the last. State tax was supposed to be free download but after hours on line and phone with tech support, could not get State! Concluded that they were guilty of either or both misleading advertising or incompetent tech support. Will be using some other tax prep software next year.

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Roger L
4/23/2021
What happened to Turbo Tax? It use to be a good program. Not any more. First irritant was that it no longer works with windows 7. It does say that on the "back of the package" in very small print. On the front of the package it just says it is for Windows and Mac OS. The worst part about the Turbo Tax program is that now you have no idea how you information relates to the actual Federal Tax forms. In the past you could look at the forms and see just exactly how Turbo Tax was filling in the forms for you. Now it seems to be totally disconnected from the forms and you are just flying blind and hoping things are going to come out OK. Then there was the problem with the fact... Read More

asrainey1
4/21/2021
Probably our last year using Turbotax. Have e-file problems for NYS taxes and can't get any support after already paying.

bbauguste
4/3/2021
I feel this software has gotten worse this year. It is as if by design! How do you figure this software could not find Santander bank to download interest information? Nor could it find Vanguard! VANGUARD! plus at every turn it tries to trick you into paying for a more expensive package. This year it could not even fully populate info on my W2...on my eighth year filing with this company. It has not improved enough for the money they are charging. There has got to be a better alternative out there.

yyqelsa
3/14/2021
I don't like Turbo Tax. It has many hidden tricks and you can not do step by step except you agree to pay more.

wilkening10
3/4/2021
TurboTax used to be good software, but now it is lowsy. ItsDeductible is not integrated with TurboTax and other items are difficult to use. It's time for a serious competitor to get in the tax software business

Jim P
1/23/2021
I have used Turbotax for over 20 years but this will be the last year. I do not like being lied to. Free, free, free their ads say! In the past the federal version was free and they charged you to file state. I understand that but this year just because I had a 1099 they charged me $90 for the basic version - standard deductions, no complicated forms. Well I thought that must include state. Nope! When I went to file state they charged me $50! I called a "support person" and complained. She said that she'd give me a $20 credit when I went to file state. Was it there? No it wasn't. I'm tired of bait & switch and now you see it, now you don't tactics. I sued them this year because... Read More

Carole N
1/23/2021
I recently discovered that neither my 2018 or 2019 taxes were actually filed. I started using the service because of my math anxiety. I hired tutors to get through graduate statistics and avoided math by taking science courses. Intuit charges you, you pay them, then they take your bank routing information, and then submits it. I did not realize that they were not accepted. I count not find payments to IRS in bank statements. You had to look at one section of the TurboTax site to notice that rather important information about the return not being accepted instead of it being on screaming large letters on the front page. The help screens are FAQs and reader immunity suggestions. Since... Read More

gowan67
7/3/2020
I have purchased Turbo Tax every year since at least 2013. An issue came up and I needed to reprint by 2018 tax return. Unfortunately, the document wouldn't open. I tried everything, but couldn't open it to print. The information would upload to 2019, but I couldn't print 2018. Called customer service and even though they could see my history on their system, the only resolution was to make me buy 2018 AGAIN. I had no choice. I did, and when I tried to install the download, it first told me I had to uninstall the 2018 software that was already on my computer. After reinstalling the new 2018 software, I could open my tax file. Ridiculous!! In these times where people are out of... Read More

gary.hoffman63
4/11/2020
This is NOT FREE they say it is to fool you; however, once you start using it they will charge you fees at the end to be able to submit. You then have to reset and start from scratch only to find out that the version you picked at the beginning (free) is now on self- employed or some other one. Read all the reviews not sure how they got to number one when 8 out of 10 say the same as me. If you are going to pay then you might as well pay a CPA in your local community.

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  • Match with local tax experts who can do your taxes, start-to-finish
  • Pay only when TurboTax is ready to file with the IRS
  • 100% accurate calculations, 100% lifetime audit support
  • Every return filed securely with IRS e-file
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