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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)

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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H P
3/16/2020
I used TurboTax for years and was happy with it. However, last year, as I went through the program, they kept adding fees for things I never had to pay for in previous years. I am single, rent a home, with very few deductions and they still found ways to try to stick it to me. I chose NOT to take some of the deductions because it would cost me MORE to pay TurboTax than the deduction would save.

Danny R
2/27/2020
Do not waste your time and money on this site. I found their interview format cumbersome to use. It took me quite a while to go through one page at a time and just to say "N/A". As I went along they added on first one fee then another. When I got to the last page, where I agreed to pay them and file, I read the agreement. In it was another $40 fee that I had not seen before. When I reached the end, they wanted $120 for a typical form for a family using the standard deduction. I did not agree. I gave them two stars instead of one because their end result was pretty decent, even if my user experiences was not. Instead, I looked for another tax service site that would tell me... Read More

A
Andrew
1/20/2020
I used TT for years. Then last year I got an audit on my state tax and had to payback my 2015 return plus interest and penalty. I reached out to TT to see what the mistake was and found a difference in my State and Federal on my personal income. Apparently I needed to put a different amount in my state then what I entered in my Federal. I reached out to TT for support on paying the interest and penalty and got none. They said it was my mistake. That was tough for me to swallow since the TT software is supposed to guide you through these technicalities, check and highlight mistakes, and support you. I did not get that with TT and I will no longer use their product. That is why I am on this... Read More

baliswd
1/3/2020
I have used TT for 30+ years. Every year until last year (2018 tax year), all the Step-by-Step screens worked. Last year, and again, this year (2019 tax year), the Deductions screens for Property Taxes, Personal Property Taxes, Medical Expenses, and Estimated Taxes (both federal and state) are totally blank. I "know how" to go to "Forms" and fill them out properly. But I can only do that just so long. However, I complained to TT last year, was told they were waiting for the IRS to update the rules (new tax law). So I downloaded/updated 2018 software 1/2/2020 and it's still not fixed. For a "complete package", TT has missed the boat both last year and this.

M
Marie
4/15/2019
First of all nothing is really free...I went from free to $19.99 to $39.99 to $59.99 to being forced to pay $106 ($60 fed & $40 state) to file simple 1040A and simple state without any itemized deductions...should’ve seen that coming! I think it’s free just to enter all your personal information...Then after you pay TurboTax and any taxes you owed you need your AGI from last years taxes, (spent 20 minutes finding those) and then you need your spouses drivers license number! He’s at work of course...They have a list of docs needed in the beginning however fail to mention this info! Also after I entered all income & taxes paid for the year it computed $995 refund..which became $304 in the... Read More

E
Ed D
3/11/2019
When I started turbo tax deluxe it was 39.99 for federal, when I finished they charged me 59.99. Their customer service said the prices went up on March 1 . I did a search online and I can get the software for 39.99 or less. I had been using turbo tax for a long time but I guess it's time for a change

Milton B
3/7/2019
I have used TurboTax for years, but this is my last! It took me five days to file my return using their Premier software. They have numerous problems with their software. I called their assistance line four times and spent hours with them as they tried to figure out a way to help. They were useless. I finally contacted Senator Cotton's office to complain about how difficult it was to file this year. Their response was the problem is Intuit has not spent the time to update their software. They said it is easier to call the IRS and order the forms and file directly with the IRS. They suggested not bothering to use TurboTax any longer as filing directly with the IRS has bee n... Read More

Andrew H
2/23/2019
After 25 years of good service from Turbo Tax they finally dropped the ball bigtime..due to a software engineering error Form 2210 populated into the 2018 version and after 5 hours on hold I gave up and called support again and was told sorry but I’d not be able to efile because of that nasty form..they did refund 20 bucks for my state efile fee but it’s goodbye Turbo..lost a customer for life

panard1978
2/11/2019
This year my taxes were much more simple than in the past so I thought I'd do them myself as i did long ago before starting a business. I've used TurboTax in the past and was always satisfied with the product until this year. The program would not take any input amounts for my deductions. i had to go to the form and fill in the amounts which was very arduous. Also the program kept minimizing every time it had to do calculations. When I hit continue I always had to hit the key twice before it would go to the next step. And the final blow was when I had to pay for e-filing the state form. The packaging gave me the impression that it would e-file both Federal and Sate. I'll be using a... Read More

David B
2/2/2019
There personal tax products are pretty good. However, Turbo Tax Business is a total waste! Would be better of doing it by hand!

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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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