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6.2

Overall Score

Author: Kaitlyn Short

LAST UPDATED: October 26th, 2024

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
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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.

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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.

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Star Rating

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4.7

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925 Reviews

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3 grade

6%

2 grade

2%

1 grade

3%

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Chris

It is so easy to use, you can always search and find the answer. They make it to where they give you examples of everything you enter. I have used it for about 8 years and the only negative thing is the price gets higher every year.

3 months ago

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Kimberly

I love TurboTax, I can finally do my taxes by myself. TurboTax makes it so easy to do your taxes each year and I even help do other people's for them with turbo Tax.

2 months ago

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scotty Saint Paul, MN

I am using TurboTax for several years now, to Do my taxes as well as help some others with their taxes and from my experience it's pretty bulletproof. Well if you let them they will import all your information from last year and the new year, Take all that information off your new W-2 and import it for you into your tax forms and everything. You really just going through and double-checking and verifying all information is correct. It will even walk you through some tax breaks that you might never have known about if you done them on your own paper style. They also offer assistance from tax specialists so if you ever feel like you miss something or you doing something wrong you can click the button and they can check in and help. It's a great service

2 years ago

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Mandi Colorado Springs, CO

I used turbo tax for many years before getting married and loved it. The online platform is very easy to navigate and can even walk you easily through every section and step in filing out tax paperwork without undue stress. Turbo tax also offers their audit guarantee which guarantees that you won't be audited or they will assist in the auditing process if you do free of charge. They offer different levels of services but the basic service is usually more than enough to get you through tax season. I also enjoy being able to log in any time in the year and be able to access my previous year's tax documents.

2 years ago

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Brittney Mac Gregor Louisville, KY

I have had nothing but good experiences with Turbo Tax. I have been using the company to do my taxes for many years and it only get's easier each year. The software has memorized certain things in my account to the point that when I file my taxes at the end of the year, I only have to click a few buttons and I'm done. I like how the software now has visual infographics to inform you on the progress of your return and how much of a refund to expect. Also enjoy the little question mark info buttons that pop up detailed information on what certain things mean or do. I highly recommend using Turbo Tax for your taxes, even if you own a business or have a complicated return. Turbo Tax makes it so easy!

3 years ago

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Hank Ricardo

I used turbo tax many years ago. I got my cash back right away and there was never mistakes made on my paperwork. They charged average for the price. Now I do my own, but highly recommend TurboTax.

6 months ago

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Stephanie Bloniarz

We have used Turbo Tax for many years, to prepare our families tax returns. It is easy to use, and appreciate how easy it is to have a question answered if we get stuck. It's reliable and affordable! Highly recommend! A+++

8 months ago

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Amy R. Toronto, OH

I have used Turbo Tax Home & Business for several years now. I just wish that the price was not so high, and I don't understand why the state taxes e-file are no longer included in the price. However, although doing taxes is never fun, I feel confident that Turbo Tax is as reliable as the information that I give it. This year I looked into a free service and wasn't comfortable enough to allow them to fill in my information for me. I also always use their Audit Defense, which gives a little more peace of mind.

9 months ago

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Dawn Grover

This is a great service for most Americans, who don't own businesses or have complicated taxes. It walks you through step-by-step, it asks all pertinent questions to get the most refunds. Everything is easy to set up. And I always got back what it predicted, my refund would be if not more. This is my favorite tax service.

10 months ago

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Sharon Las Vegas, NV

I have been using TurboTax for the past 5 years to prepare my tax return and have found the website to be user friendly. Turbotax software makes it easy to prepare your return and does most of the work for you including searching for tax breaks. I would definitely recommend this tax software to anyone looking to prepare your return with ease.

10 months ago

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Dianna Carter

I like the convenience of being able to do our taxes at home

1 month ago

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TC B Florissant, CO

My go-to for tax preparation. I love how the program steps you through everything as you file your taxes! It is just so easy to do! Why 4 instead of 5 stars?! Don't waste your time upgrading the program to get personal assistance from Turbo Tax....the people do not know what they are talking about and literally google the answers. One person told me she was actually doing that. So, why pay to upgrade when you can google yourself?!?! So, if you just want to file a basic tax return with no "weird" things or questions- Turbo Tax is your go-to....but for more complicated situations...go to a CPA. And don't pay for add-on's on the site!

1 year ago

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mary martin Bossier City, LA

I have used TurboTax for the last 7 years for my tax return. It is very easy to navigate and it is quick simple and cheap even if you have to buy the self-employed tax prep which is under $100 and worth it! Their system figures everything out for you and is foolproof! It keeps up with my deductions etc and quickly and easily imports w 2's etc to your account to make tax filing even simpler. Also, they have a really fast turnaround on getting your money to you! I will not use anyone but TurboTax in my future and you will not be sorry if you do the same!

1 year ago

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Sockergirl888 Villa Park, CA

I used TurboTax for the last probably 5 plus years and it is very user friendly you just enter in what it asks for and if you're not sure what is asking for you can click on a little side button that'll give you more information about where to find what it's asking for or explain what it is exactly that it's asking for and it was just been very easy every time

1 year ago

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Tammy Dietsch Burlington, IA

My husband and I have used Turbo tax for the past 10 years. We find it very user friendly. But If I have ever had a question with filling out something unusual on my tax they are just a phone call away. They have always been helpful and stayed on the phone as long as I needed them. I can’t say enough about turbo tax and doing my taxes in my own home.

1 year ago

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David Adrian Morales Weslaco, TX

This is my go to for both personal and business tax preparation. Easily accessible for personal taxes online and the Software can be found to purchase at retail stores for the business side. Very affordable do it yourself software. Detailed and accurate. I like that it saves info so you can continue the tax journey year after year like clockwork. They stay in contact to let you know about promo offers as well.

1 year ago

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Jewelleah Kempers Los Angeles, CA

I have used Turbo Tax as a do it yourself software program for 4 years and was relatively satisfied with the results. Their refund estimator was very helpful as I went along and I could see the changes in my refund for each entry I made into the return questionnaire. This helped me to utilize a combination of deductions and credits to maximize each year's return. Plus they offer audit insurance protection which gave me peace of mind. Their price was typical of any do it yourself tax program, ranging from totally free to over a hundred dollars, with various extras offered and they provided instant e-filing for each of the return types offered, so I felt good about knowing my return reached the IRS safe and sound! Plus getting my refund was quick and there were several options of how I could choose to receive my money.

2 years ago

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Mario Martin Montgomery, TX

I was introduced to Turbo Tax service several years ago. I had used a private tax preparer for a few years before until the unthinkable happened and I was audited by the IRS. Without realizing that I had absolutely minimal information about my tax preparer, I was at risk of some hefty penalties for what I had discovered were "inaccuracies" in my tax preparation. After having my taxes prepared by Turbo Tax services, I no longer had to experience the anxiety of tax preparation and the worries that some "inaccuracies" would be problematic. Now, I experience the benefit of TurboTax professionalism, transparency, and knowledgeable tax preparers.

2 years ago

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Dana Hatfield Bullhead City, AZ

I just finished doing my taxes with TurboTax for the second year, and am for the most part very happy with the service I've received. The process is fairly easy to follow especially since I had to deal with specific situations where I had no experience or knowledge of what to do. They are thorough in their gathering of information, which gives me confidence in my returns. i was a little shocked at the increase in fees from last year to this year, but still feel I got a good deal. Will use their service again for sure.

2 years ago

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JJ Jenkins Phoenix, AZ

We are super satisfied with turbo tax . It is a simple kit of software to use with tori own home computer and pro term it gives you step by step easy to follow instructions to complete and file your own income tax. We have used it for over 30 years. It is very reasonably priced at between $30-$50. The program is updated every year and can be purchased online or on a store.

3 years ago Edited January 1, 2022

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KimDugan Kailua, HI

My goodness, TurboTax has saved my life in many instances. Whether you are a "real adult" (unlike me) and you have several investments, multiple mortgages and properties and kids, or you are like me and barely understand anything financial, TurboTax is a brilliant go-to. First off, it is simple and breaks everything down into simple language. It is very transparent and explains what exactly you are claiming and what ever little bubble or box you check is. Secondly, their customer service is fast and responsive. I have yet to get through my taxes without having questions, because I have constantly moved for work. I have never been anywhere longer than 3.5ish years, so there are always complications with state and federal tax paperwork. Third, it is fast. I think my husband and I were able to file in less than two hours each time, and that was with us double-checking our paperwork and asking questions. The cons: - If you fill out a form and it turns out that it's the wrong one, it makes you start the whole section over again. (This probably won't happen if you aren't as ignorant as I am.)

3 years ago

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Eddie Rios Ogden, UT

TurboTax is absolutely the best tool online for tax preparation. This tool takes complex tax issues and simplifies it enough for anyone to handle filing taxes. It is fully tax comprehensive, all the laws and regs are complied with. And if you can follow simple instructions, you can file taxes successfully and easily with Turbotax. No situation is too complex as it handles all tax issues with ease.

4 years ago

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Whimsy067 Cordova, TN

I've been using TurboTax for many years & have never had difficulty completing or filing my taxes. I like that the program guides you through the possible deductions (though I always end up using the standard) and recommends any deductions you may be qualified for so you can at least look into it. I love that I can exit the program and it saves my work so I don't have to start over. I have 2 complaints: Recently married but with no dependents, we were trying to decide if we should file jointly or separately. TurboTax recommended jointly & said they could help us determine which option would be most beneficial. "Help" is a stretch as we had to complete our returns separately to determine the amount of our individual refunds AND THEN start all over and complete the return jointly (that's 3 completions of the process) to determine that our joint return would net us an extra $30 (plus the $40 we save by filing one return). I just think TurboTax should have a quick way of making the comparison if the customer indicates that they don't have dependents. Also, if you want to pay the fee FROM your refund, there is an additional fee of $39.95. So, for the simple tax return, that is a $39.95 fee for the return AND a $39.95 fee for the convenience of having the first fee deducted from your refund. I was able to back my way out of that & charge it with my debit card but still...how many people don't notice it?

5 years ago

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Bekah W

Alexander was incredibly helpful yesterday when I needed assistance finishing my taxes. He stayed on the phone to make sure my issue was completely resolved. The software itself has been very easy to use. The web help has always gotten me through in the past but phone assistance was needed in this case. I really appreciate everything Alexander was able to do for me and will continue to use TurboTax for all my tax needs. Thank you again!

7 years ago

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Review Source

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Alicia Mesa, AZ

I have used the free online version of Turbo Tax for a few years to do my taxes and overall, the experience has been a good one. I love that it's online and super simple to just fill in the boxes. Especially after using it for a few consecutive years, a lot of the information carries over and I simply have to update it, which makes it very convenient and less of a chore. My only frustration with it is that the FAQs don't always answer my questions about how the program works, making it difficult for me to complete my taxes, but not because of the taxes themselves. I would love to see more opportunity for a customer service option where I can reach out and ask questions without having to upgrade the service I'm using. Overall, however, I really enjoy using this program and plan on using it now and in the future!

2 years ago

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Janessa P Logan, UT

TurboTax did a great job at walking me through all of the information needed for my tax form. At the end, in the review section, things did not add up. It seemed like we were supposed to get more than double the refund we were already getting. We had to print out the tax form and look at the break down to understand what was going on and the refund money was correct even though TurboTax did not make it look like it was correct in their review section

9 months ago

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Erinjean87 San Diego, CA

I've used turbo tax for two years now. In very impressed with how simple they make using their services. I've been able to file early and receive an advance on my refund both years.

10 months ago

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Moureen Meggers

I use TurboTax every year now. They make the completion and guide you through every little step. If you make a mistake, you are taken back to fix this mistake. They have a great audit prepareness program. I have never had to use this, but wouldn't mind this if I was audited.

1 year ago

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Russ Hamstring Lake Havasu City, AZ

We've been using TurboTax for many years now and they make it so easy to file. They walk you all they way through the tax filing process so anyone can do it. If you have all of your numbers just plug them in and watch the magic happen.

1 year ago

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Dee Blackstone, MA

I have been using TurboTax for about 10 years now. It is so easy and I like the upgrades that give you more assistance if you have a complicated texture. I also like that they keep your information so you can easily download returns if you need them for some reason.

1 year ago

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Teresa Bills

I've use TurboTax for over 10 years and highly recommend. It's easy to follow and it takes you step by step. I've recommended the service to many people and will continue to do so. It's a wonderful service. If you haven't tried it please do

1 year ago

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Amy Baker Richmond Hill, GA

I HAVE FILED MY TAXES WITH TURBO TAX FOR YEARS, I SEE NO REASON WHY I SHOULD STOP NOW. I LOVE THE EASE OF BEING ABLE JUST LOG IN WORK AT MY OWN PACE AND THEN BEING ABLE TO ACCESS THEM YEARS DOWN THE ROAD AND HAVE THEM DIGITAL AT MY FINGERTIPS

1 year ago

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Heather H Sanford, FL

TurboTax is reliable, accurate, and up to date with excellent communication. I have been using TurboTax since before they were online and have not been disappointed once. Count on TurboTax for easy, guided processing of your taxes!

1 year ago

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Amanda Wilson Charlotte, NC

TurboTax is one of the best tax service companies that I've dealt with except they have a high percentage charge or getting back your refund although they do get a bag quickly within 7 to 14 days now it's e-file all about the e-files so they are good company to go with but they do charge an adequate fee.

1 year ago

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Who Knows Baltimore, MD

I love TurboTax. Their services are very affordable, and help you get the best experience out of doing your taxes. I will always encourage my family and friends to file through TurboTax. Customer service is the absolute best!

2 years ago

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Robert Mott

I've been using TurboTax for 20 years. I tried another service and quit halfway through and finished with Turbo Tax. I'll be using it til the end of my days. Their website guides you through the whole process and you can access help from customer service really quick and easy.

2 years ago Edited April 20, 2022

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Queen Shavy Miami Beach, FL

first time that I did my taxes myself and I thought I will be overwhelmed. The website is so simple and user friendly as soon as I logged I saw how simple it actually is! I had a question for customer service and the response was immediate friendly and helpful.

2 years ago

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Dave Fortin Kingston, PA

My absolutely favorite! It's soooooo user friendly and easy to process your taxes. It's also very thorough, goes through every step of the tax preparation process, offers tons of bundle options depending on what you'd need, and offers the option to pay immediately or to be deducted from your return. Love this site! I tell everyone about it.

3 years ago

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K.M. P. Charlotte, NC

Love this app/website for preparing my taxes. I have been using this for over 10 years & love the savings, ease, as well as tracking my refund. I always get my refund fast & it does right into my account. They have a lot of FAQs and help online if you get stuck, plus it checks your application for errors.

3 years ago

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John Anthony Delgado The Bronx, NY

I started using Turbo Tax to do my personal taxes. I personally dont love going to see a tax accountant, as my financial situation is pretty simple (one income, not a ton of assets). I find the software pretty easy to use and walks me through the questions to ensure my taxes are done right.

3 years ago

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Elisabeth Kinghorn Bangkok, 10

Doing taxes for the first time is extremely intimidating, but TurboTax made my experience super easy and stress free! It was easy to follow along with and put in a lot of the information automatically. Definitely recommend for anyone looking to simplify taxes!

3 years ago

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Sean Clayton City of Saint Peters, MO

I've been using TurboTax since I started filing. It is pretty simple and easy to use. I also like the options they have in which you can have a live CPA help you. Being in the military, it was furthermore nice to get a free upgrade.

3 years ago

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Beverly Schacher Long Beach, MS

My husband has been doing our taxes using TurboTax for the past 3 years. He has been very satisfied with the ease of use and quality of product. Our taxes are fairly simple since we don't have alot of deductions but having the ability to do it accurately without paying a tax preparer is a great way to save some money.

4 years ago

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John Burnside Colorado Springs, CO

I've used Turbotax Home & Business Schedule C edition every year for the past 12 years. I don't like the upsell prompts for audit defense and having to pay to send in my state taxes which can be performed for free in Colorado. However, it walks me through all the issues and it's updated with the latest edition of the tax law. Very easy to use.

5 years ago

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LindseyL Cary, NC

I am single, do not own a home, do not itemize, etc. - very basic filing. I used TurboTax from 2015-2017 with limited issues that were solved before filing. This year, however, I had a 1099-G and as soon as I added the form, I was forced to select the Deluxe version for $39.99. Because I moved out of state in the middle of the year, I had to pay that three times - once for Federal, then for each state - amounting to $120. I stopped right there and tried H&R Block which allowed me to file 100% free and had the identical returns that TurboTax found. The best thing about TurboTax is how user friendly it is. They ask lots of questions to make sure you're really getting the highest refund. You can't miss anything because of how easy and straight-forward it is. However, they do seem to be charging for more and more features, as I was unable to retrieve my previous returns without paying.

5 years ago

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Kara

The company does free military taxes which is greatly appreciated. Its also one of the most user friendly and helpful online tools to use while doing taxes. It offers great explanations to help make doing your taxes less steessful.

5 years ago

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Angie L Hanzel Saratoga Springs, UT

Turbo Tax is the software we have used for the past 15 + years to do our taxes. It is very user friendly and I feel like the price of the software is fair. We have never had any problems filing our taxes with Turbo Tax and will continue to purchase this in the future.

6 years ago

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Thomas Hullinger Pleasant Grove, UT

I have used Turbo Tax for many years and I am amazed at how easy it is to use. They walk you through every step of the way, check it for errors and give you the peace of mind that you are getting the highest tax refund possible.

6 years ago

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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

6 years ago

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Pamelia Koss

Simple to use, literate and complete instructions on simple tax problems, retirement taxes, taxes on 401K interest and dividends and they have the option of having an expert review your tax filing, which is cheaper than having a tax preparer do your taxes.

6 years ago