- 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
604 Reviews
Review Breakdown
Sentiment Criteria
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.
Tom Walker
I have used their software for 20 years and have been very satisfied. The last few years it has been getting harder to find where to find forms and other information so they need to be more responsive to people that know and understand taxes, perhaps have a knowledge channels for people that have different levels of understanding, three would be good.
Heather Walker
Super easy to use and reasonably priced.
Anna Hu
Being a single, young adult I have always used TurboTax to file my taxes by myself. I love this product and it has been so easy! I have always just used their free online version and in a short 2 hours I have my taxes filed away. They very clearly walk you through step by step and I never have any questions or confusion when filing. I will definitely continue to use TurboTax for my taxes in the future.
Cubnelson
It was a convenient service but I messed up my taxes when I used it that year and ended up with a bill for $10,000. It would be nice if they had access to people that could consult about how to file. I also had trouble getting back on the website in order to print off my tax return after the fact. It required that I file for the next year before they would give me access to my previous year. So I wasn't super happy about that.
Bob Conley
It's easy to use. I usually get a refund. I do my taxes minutes after I have the proper paperwork available. I wont do my taxes any other way.
Sharon Reed
Because I am not super good with computers I worried that I could do my taxes online. Bu this product is super easy to use and responsible priced.
Jordy Cooley
Super easy to use their online version. Worked great and was easy to e-file so I could get my return super fast.
Sara Jane
Turbo Tax is easy to use. The help hints make doing your taxes a breeze.
Jenny whipple
I have done my own taxes with Turbo tax for about 15 years. It couldn’t be simpler and I love how easy it is to access my past returns.
Calista Huber
TurboTax makes taxes so easy and fast! I would just say, read all the words carefully... we missed something once and had to do an amendment. It's also easier if you keep your tax papers organized throughout the year.
Taylor Vance
So quick and easy. They explain everything very well. I have used them ever since I started filing my own taxes and I have never had an issue.
Chris Alonzo
I love being able to do my own taxes by following the easy steps. Turbo tax is low cost and convienent when trying to get your taxes done just about anyone can do it.
Kristy Williams
Have used Turbo Tax many times and am impressed with the ease of use and accuracy of our tax preparation.
Omar Perez
We have been doing our taxes with Turbo Tax for the past 4 years and always have a fast, convenient time getting through it. We would highly recommend them to friends and family who do taxes on their own because you'll save money, instead of having to pay someone else to do them for you and TT makes it easy to navigate online. They provide step by step questions on how to prepare you taxes to make sure you are doing it correctly before you move forward. We plan to continue using TT since it's so fast and easy.
Alicia Holman
Easy to use for someone looking to get their taxes done quickly. However, if you have extensive deductions or questions, I felt lost. Wish there was more customer support.
Danuel Allen
Super easy to use their online version. Even someone like me without a lot of tax experience was a breeze. Works better if you use year after year as it transfers data from previous years.
Vickie Kingsford
We use Turbo Tax every year to prepare our taxes. It is easy to understand, use and feel like you have been very thorough in every aspect of preparing your taxes.
L
I have been using TurboTax for about 18 years. The software is very reliable and efficient and deals with most every tax situation for individuals.
Blake Olson
I have been a Turbo Tax user for the past 19 years! It has always been straight forward to use and I have never had any issues either with the program or my tax returns. This has been a great product and I will continue to use it going forward.
Foote
We have used Turbo Tax for the last few years with no problems. Great and easy to use, especially with the wizard.
king
simple and quick to use online ive heard good things from others
Kaleb Herbert
I have used turbo tax every year for the past 6 years. It is very easy to follow and I love that you can ask questions, and look for help while working on your taxes. It is easily downloaded on to your computer. I love that I can e-sign and can pay or be paid direct from my bank account.
Rhonda stewart
Good value for the money. Software easily navigated. Got to be more expensive than I thought it was worth
Leilani Jones
I love using Turbo Tax it makes filing taxes an simple and easy experience.
Kymberlea Burnau
We have been using turbo tax for 5+ (or more) years. We find it to be very user friendly & helpful on prompting questions on these we may have overlooked as possible deductions. Since we do not own any property & file short form, we were tired of paying some of the big brand prices, for such little service. Turbo tax has been perfect for us & is either free to use or a minimal fee based on your needs for that year. Super simple!
Jim Stewart
Very easy software to navigate. A little pricey.
Juliet
Has done well for us every year. Easy to use.
Amy Stewart
We purchase Turbo Tax every year to do our taxes at home. We love the step by step instructions that allows us to get the most back on our taxes. It has been a wonderful product and i would highly recommend it.
James Winnie
I'm a CPA and for most people it really doesn't get easier than Turbo Tax if you're doing it yourself. Price is very reasonable, can be purchased anywhere, walks you all the way through your tax return, and offers assistance after filing to guarantee work and represent you if you're audited for a fee. If you have questions through your return it's easy to contact them online or on the phone. Really couldn't ask for a better program. I've been using them for years just because of how much easier it is than to find all the forms and stuff myself.
Troy Siren
By far the easiest, cheapest and most convenient way to file your taxes!
Taylor Siren
TurboTax is a great company that helps you file your taxes for less.