- TurboTax
TurboTax
TurboTax is a leader in the tax prep industry. It is secured with bank-level encryption, multi-factor authentication, TLS technology, Dedicated Security tax, risk assessment/audits, and limited access to data. This ensures the utmost security for customers.
TurboTax's software comes with audit defense, and the company offers 100 percent accurate calculations guaranteed with the service. Customers can file taxes with TurboTax on tablets, mobile devices (apps for Android and iOS), online, or through CD-software.
TurboTax is part of the larger Intuit company. This is a software firm that emphasizes financial, accounting, small business, and tax-related programs. It is built around small business and individual software needs and is currently one of the S&P 500.
TurboTax began in the 1980s when two software designers in the Silicon Valley area of California began to look at ways of creating computer software that could eliminate the drudgery of "pen and paper" accounting practices. This led to the birth of "Quicken" bookkeeping software and a rapid expansion of other small business and tax-related products.
By the late 1990s, the company was a major force in software and was able to offer QuickBooks, TurboTax, and web-based components. Today, the company is worth more than $4 billion and is considered one of the finest software producers in the world.
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The Good
- Guarantees
- Easy to Fill Out
- Automatic Suggested Deductions
- Automatic Information Retrieval
- Mobile App
- Supported Forms
Guarantees
Essentially, the premise behind any version of TurboTax (whether for the individual, small business, etc.) is that it is going to walk the user through the process of completing their IRS and state tax documents.
The software also finds all the potential deductions and credits that a taxpayer may qualify for. This means that there is very little risk of overlooking deductions or failing to report everything with accuracy.
TurboTax provides a Maximum Refund Guarantee, an Audit Support Guarantee, a 100% Accuracy Guarantee, and a Satisfaction Guarantee.
TurboTax offers free filing for simple tax forms. However, if you taxes are more complicated, you may have to pay a fee for using TurboTax's filling process.
Customers who use the software don't have to pay until they receive their tax return. If a customer did not file with TurboTax, even if they started with the software, then there is no charge.
Taxpayers can elect to receive their tax refund via a direct deposit to their bank account.
TurboTax also promises people a maximum refund, as well as error checking all tax work before it is submitted to the IRS.
If the company does make a mistake with the IRS, it will pay for any state penalties and interest. TurboTax's guarantees are helpful and are made to best help consumers.
Easy to Fill Out
The "step-by-step" filing process is done like an interview and offers explanations for each item as it appears. The questions are made to be very clear. The built-in "EasyGuides" offer detailed explanations for all major issues.
There are also community forums that can direct someone to even further answers and information.
Additionally, some of the advanced versions of the software will also provide professional tax advice from a tax expert around issues such as investments or business related questions. It even walks the user through such traditionally complex issues as depreciation, donations, cost basis in stocks, and special 401k tools.
Automatic Suggested Deductions
TurboTax automatically suggests deductions and credits to users. In fact, members have the ability to enter charity donations on-the-go with the TurboTax ItsDeductible app.
Automatic Information Retrieval
Because the software is able to automatically retrieve information from previous year's filings (when done using previous versions of the software), it can streamline the entire taxation process dramatically. It also pulls all necessary data from any linked versions of QuickBooks, and this means that individuals and businesses can speed up the entire tax return process while also eliminating risks of error.
Mobile App
TurboTax has a mobile app which makes doing taxes convenient. You can login and start where you left off anytime and anywhere. It doesn't matter if you're using your phone, tablet, or desktop; all your information will be saved.
Supported Forms
Free:
- 1040A
- 1040EX
- Schedule B
- Schedule EIC and More
Deluxe:
- All Free Forms
- 1040
- Schedule A
- Schedule C
- Schedule CE
Premier/Home & Business:
- All Deluxe Forms
- Schedule D
- Schedule E
The Bad
- Limited Information
- Federal and State Prices
- Customer Support
Limited Information
While TurboTax does readily give information on how to input charity locations on the main homepage, the website does not upfront offer information on other types of deductibles. However, these pop-up as customers go through the questionaire.
Federal and State Prices
TurboTax is not "cheap" software, and it does have additional fees for filing state returns online.
Federal Price:
- Federal Free Edition - This product is ideal for simple tax returns and costs $0.
- Deluxe - The Deluxe costs $34.99 and is meant to maximize one's tax deductions
- Premier - For rental property and investments, this is the way to go. It costs $54.99.
- Home and Business - This option is best for small business owners, and it costs $89.99.
State Price
- Federal Free Edition - This product is ideal for simple tax returns and costs $0.
- Deluxe - The Deluxe costs $36.99 per state and is meant to maximize one's tax deductions.
- Premier - For rental property and investments, it costs $36.99 per state.
- Home and Business - This option is best for small business owners, and it costs $36.99 per state.
Customer Support
TurboTax offers a couple of ways to get in touch with them:
- Twitter: @TeamTurboTax
- Live Chat: Live support is offered in programs to paying customers.
However, they do not offer support over the phone and through email. These are both popular forms of customer support and can be a big problem if customers are not familiar with social media or live chat options.
The Bottom Line
In the end, many people choose TurboTax because of how well the software works.
The intuitive nature of the software, the use of the interview format, and the access to previous returns tend to keep people coming back year after year.
There are also many other features that are built into the different packages that make this software a truly ideal solution, such as access to W-2 forms or 1099 forms that have been filed online.
This sort of comprehensive access ensures one of the simplest methods for doing one of the most dreaded chores.
While taxes can seem confusing at times. TurboTax provides access to answers given by tax professionals as well as a community forum. On these forums users can ask questions and have them answered by a TurboTax representative or tax professional. The library of resources is really effective and useful across the board.
TurboTax is a well-recommended tax preparing company.
User Reviews
Star Rating
585 Reviews
Review Breakdown
Sentiment Criteria
William
I used Turbotax this last year and had mixed results. The paperwork wasn't sent to the irs correctly so that caused some issues and confusion. The actual filing process and costs are very reasonable though.
J Paul Wright
I used to do all my taxed by hand, up until about 5 years ago. At that time I started using Turbo Tax and it has been a huge time saver, especially considering that it calculates everything for you and easily considers all tax alternatives. For a simple tax program, I would highly recommend it. Even when I have had a couple of small business related expenses, it covered these items easily in my return. I especially like the discount I get at Costco at the beginning of each year.
Phyllis & Larry Goldsworthy
Kept up with changes. Like the ease but had to call on a software bug.
Rick Eddy
Quick, fast, & easy. Excellent value for the money.
Shanna
Easy to use, great explanations but I prefer to use an accountant
Mali
great experience. fast, easy and simple. It is straight forward and everything is included in the package.
Kristiane R Durfey
I have used Turbo Tax in previous years. It was easy to do, it saved your progress and we were able to submit our taxes in a timely manner. Would definitely use them again.
Robin
love it. i use this every year and i have had no problems submitting my taxes. not to mention the price is very affordable as well.
Jr
i like that i can do my own taxes on my own. very simple to follow with the instructions that is provided. user friendly for first time users AND cheaper.
tini mapu
I really like turbotax! You can do it yourself online for a fee. you don't have to go in, they have help available for you and it gives step by step instructions. They really are fast. The customer service is very helpful. They are very kind. I would recommend them to anyone.
Rashida Laumatia
Easier and Cheaper to go through someone else. When I tried to use TurboTax one year it said I owed. Went through another agency and all worked out. Didn’t cost me too much and I got my return fast.
Meliame Selu
I have done taxes with this company for 4 years and it has been the best. Easy way to do taxes.
NT
quick, easy, user friendly, and you do it on your on from the comfort of your own home! no hassle waiting in long lines. do it yourself is the best. very simple product to use.
Kyrstin
My husband and I love TurboTax. It’s so easy to use and it’s cheap! We feel good about the tax returns we get and feel like TurboTax has a great platform for helping you get your money’s worth!
Nik Anderson
They are a great tool for info taxes and keeping track of finance. They have saved us a ton of money.
Kristin G
We buy our Turbo Tax box from Costco every year. It’s reasonable for the money you spend. It’s clear on the instructions as you walk through the tax return process.
RACHEL RODARTE
If you're a first time user, turbotax will explain everything to you, they also have a "HELP" section where you can ask them questions
Dawnell
Like everything about it. Easy to use, explains everything well also
Nelcy
Good value and easy to use. Good explanation of each question and answer portion.
Phillis Bruchmiller
They are GREAT! always up to date, let you know about any updates while you are prepring your taxes, and even throughout the year. EXCELLENT
Troy Millett
I have used TurboTax to complete my tax returns for probably 10 years or more. I like their easy step by step process, and how easy it is to file electronically. Would definitely recommend to anyone.
James Wheeler
Easiest and most intuitive of all the tax softwares.
Liliuokalani.T
TurboTax website is completely user friendly. They walk you through each tax item and possible tax situation to ensure you are filing the correct tax forms. The software allows you to import employer and previous tax returns. Overall easy to use and highly recommended.
David Roberts
great service like it fast easy like it alot best of all of them
Mary Perry
I have been using this product for over four years and I have never had a problem. Very easy to understand and use.
Calcine Harris
Love the software. Very easy to use and explains all areas in questions
Jacob Johnson
I thought that I would need to get help from my accountant friends to do my taxes, however they were incredibly easy to do with this. TurboTax genuinely impressed me with it's intuitiveness and simplicity.
John P Montz
I have had good experience with Turbo, using them for 10 yrs. They are trustworthy. Could do a better job of keeping their q&Am more current.
Vickie Wright
Very user friendly, the service is free and if you have a question they are immediately accessible
Cynthia Toth
Turbotax is easy to use. It guides you step by step if you need it. And, you can file electronically from the software.
Sade Makinde
They make filing my taxes nearly painless. They make sure I take all the deductions I deserve.
Betty Johnson
They make filing taxes super easy and make it seem like everyone can do it
Derrick
Been using the free student services for 3 years now. Software is simple and straightforward. Never had any issues. In fact, the one time I had questions I got the help I needed from a representative almost as soon as I called.
James Nelson
The product instills confidence in your ability to file. Recommended!
Eric
Good simple software. Taxes done quickly. Good value.
Sarah
I have used TurboTax for many years and really appreciate their software for the most part. Unfortunately, when I've had questions that don't quite fit in the mold it takes some time/effort to get to the right answer, but overall I think they provide a simple way to complete taxes.
Brian McNamara
I have used TurboTax for nearly 20 years. The software is great at explaining the line items on a tax form. I could do without the audit protection and other "ad-on" services they try to sell you as you go through the steps to complete your tax return
Cody Linden
I've used Turbo Tax to do my taxes for the past few years. It has made the process of doing my taxes easier. But at the end of filing my taxes, I always end up paying more than expected. I'm happy to pay for the service, but I don't like it when I feel like random fees and expenses are tacked on at the last minute.
Karen Nelson
This is a Super Product. They could not make the Tax Task any easier. They are very user-friendly. We have used this for years and it has made a huge difference in getting the job done.
Darci Jensen
Incredibly user friendly. I’ve used turbo tax for years.
Katherine Smith
ALways use Turbo. It's the most user-friendly for us and has always been our favorite to use.
Anne Kimball
I used TurboTax the first few years of filing my taxes and it made it so simple. I thought taxes were going to be so daunting, but it really simplified it for me to make it way less complicated!
Kimberley Hirt
Turbo tax made doing my taxes super easy. I'm definitely not a numbers person, but I was able to do it on my own. I also thought the price was super reasonable.
Mary g Lobue
I've used Turbo tax for the last 3 years and every year it gets easier to use this software to do my taxes, I am not an account by any means and I have successfully been able to use the software and learn from it each year. its a step by step system that can walk anyone through to get your taxes done. I love it!
Reena Kivlehen
TurboTax is a simple to use product for basic tax filings.
Maria Echevarria
The program is user friendly and customer service is available when you need them. Lower the rates, in the past three years the cost has gone up.
Keith English
The program is easy to understand and follow
Danielle R
They're great...............nothing needs to change maybe the fees can be lowered cause they aren't kind of extreme
Tyler Dean Graham
Intuitive- easy to use. Feel confident that product is thorough and provides a good deal.
James B nelson
This is a very easy way to do your taxes but it is the most conservative possible approach. They basically give on any questionalbe call with the IRS so as not to have any possibility of disagreement. If you have simple taxes--great. But if you have a more complicated situation, figure it out yourself or with an accountant.