ConsumersAdvocate.org
27 Customer Reviews - see all comments
Disclosure: We receive advertising revenue from this partner. Learn more.
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.
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.
Same-day filing service available
- 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
Latest TurboTax by Intuit Reviews
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.
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
Probably our last year using Turbotax. Have e-file problems for NYS taxes and can't get any support after already paying.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
There personal tax products are pretty good.
However, Turbo Tax Business is a total waste! Would be better of doing it by hand!
Been using Turbo Tax for 8 years. Always qualified for the free version. This filing year 2018 after completing the entire federal and state it came up stating I would have to upgrade to the Deluxe for $39,99. Although irritated I upgraded. After printing out the receipt I noticed I was also charged separately for the state filing . So my total was 79.98. Quite upset I tried to find the customer service email address and couldn't find it. Called the 800 # spent 15 minutes while the rep tried to find the email address. She said she found the contact info and would send it via email. It was the same info (no email address) that I already found. Why are they making it difficult to contact... Read More
Beware of the hidden fees if you pay your taxes by credit card as urged by this software program. They are their third-party vendors charge a 2.49% fee on top of the high price of using their software. In my case, that meant an additional $407 was charged w/o my knowledge, when I could have just written a check and only paid for a stamp. I had no idea this fee would be charged and their customer service gave me all kinds of conflicting stories and information when I complained about the hidden charge.
TurboTax "Free Edition" only covers 1040-EZ and 1040A users, which they fail to mention excludes anyone who has contributed to an HSA account (personally or through employer). They do not clarify that they will not allow you to file your taxes for free until the very last step before filing, and then they extort you for a $54.99 upgrade fee. There is no way to waive claiming this deduction, no way to bypass - if your W2 box 12 has a code 'W', you cannot file your taxes using Free Edition. HSAs are extremely common, especially for workers that have a low enough income to qualify for free file. This was a very intentional and dishonest attempt by TurboTax to force people into giving them a... Read More
Turbo Tax is totally useless for selling ESPP stock. I saved $15,000 by going to a tax professional after being frustrated by the Turbo (less than) "Deluxe" edition, then paying an additional $30 for an "upgrade". It still couldn't report the proper basis. Import errors from my bank and brokerage. Errors were numerous in the AZ State version but somewhat easier to correct (another Turbo Tax fee for state then another fee for state efile). Save yourself a lot of time and money by NEVER using this garbage. The tack on fees are endless as is the errors. GARBAGE SOFTWARE!
I have been doing my taxes with Turbo Tax for many years. This year was different. My tax situation had not changed from last year and they increased their fee by $20. Will consider an new service next year!