TurboTax Review

9.2

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This website is an informative comparison site that aims to offer its users find helpful information regarding the products and offers that will be suitable for their needs. We are able to maintain a free, high-quality service by receiving advertising fees from the brands and service providers we review on this website (though we may also review brands we are not engaged with). These advertising fees, combined with our criteria and methodology, such as the conversion rates, our team of reviewer's finding and subjective experience and product popularity, impact the placement and position of the brands within the comparison table. In the event rating or scoring are assigned by us, they are based on the position in the comparison table, or according to other formula in the event specifically detailed by us. See our How we Rate page and Terms of Use for information. The reviews, rating and scoring are provided “as-is” without guaranties or warranties regarding the information contained in our website, which shall not be considered as endorsement. We make the best efforts to keep the information up-to-date, however, an offer’s terms might change at any time. We do not compare or include all service providers, brands and offers available in the market.

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TurboTax Reviews

9.2

WRITTEN BY

Steven Walters

Free Filing for Simple Tax Returns

About TurboTax

TurboTax is among the most popular tax preparation software applications available. Founded in the mid-1980s, TurboTax is owned by Intuit, the same parent company of the financial tracking app Mint and a number of other financial service products including the popular accounting software Quickbooks. Over the several decades of its existence TurboTax has increased in popularity as it’s become both well-known as a DIY tax preparation program and accepted as trustworthy while still being easy to use.

9.2

LS SCORE

9.0

CREDIBILITY

9.5

SUPPORT

9.3

ACCESSIBILITY

Tax Relief

Tax Relief

TurboTax Tax Relief Review

TurboTax is among the most popular tax preparation software applications available. Founded in the mid-1980s, TurboTax is owned by Intuit, the same parent company of the financial tracking app Mint and several other financial service products, including the popular accounting software Quickbooks. Over the several decades of its existence, TurboTax has increased in popularity as it’s become both well-known as a DIY tax preparation program and accepted as trustworthy while still being easy to use.

TurboTax Tax Relief Highlights

MIN TAX DEBT REQUIRED

FREE CONSULTATION

POTENTIAL EXTRA FEES

Yes

RANGE OF FEES

Max $199

MONEY BACK GUARANTEE

Yes

BBB RATING

A-

Pros & Cons

Easy-to-use platform for tax filing
Excellent customer service
Fill out fields automatically with W-2 or 1099

Expensive DIY tax software option
Expert tax advice is extra

Tax Relief Service Types

Tax Preparation and Planning
Audit Representation
Federal tax
State tax

In-House Professionals

Tax Attorneys
CPAs
Enrolled Agents

Type of Fees

Flat rate

Associated Fees

While there is a free basic TurboTax edition, it’s really only suitable for the most basic returns. Many taxpayers will find that they need to upgrade, which comes with a cost. Here are the tiers of service and prices as of October 2022:

Do-it-yourself options

Plan	Federal Tax	State Tax (per state)
Deluxe (Allows itemized deductions)	$59	$49
Premier (Allows reporting of capital gains and losses. Allows reporting of income and expenses from rental properties and pass-through businesses)	$89	$49
Self-Employed (Allows reporting of income from a trade or business, contract work, and freelancing. Also works for the home office deduction)	$119	$49

TurboTax Live

Includes everything in the DIY options, plus on-demand help from a tax pro via video and a final review of your self-prepared return.

Plan	Federal Tax	State Tax (per state)
Basic	$79	$79
Deluxe	$119	$54
Premier	$169	$54
Self-Employed	$199	$54

Full-Service

Everything is included in the DIY version, but a tax pro prepares your return.

Plan	Federal Tax	State Tax (per state)
Basic	$199	$199
Deluxe	$249	$54
Premier	$359	$54
Self-Employed	$389	$54

Applying to TurboTax

Accessing TurboTax will allow you to compare the different levels of the software and decide which option is best for you. If you’re unsure, you can always start with the free version and upgrade if necessary during the tax preparation process. You are not charged for any of the TurboTax products or services until you file.

Step 1

Plans options

After creating an account and logging in TurboTax will ask you if you’d like to start your return based on the time of year. Note there is a link for live help in the upper right of the screen if needed. You’ll also have access to any prior returns or uploaded documents through this portal. And if you don’t want to file using the desktop version of TurboTax there are also mobile versions available for both Android and iOS operating systems.

Required Information

To use the TurboTax software, you will need all the basic information required for tax preparation and filing. These documents will differ based on your own unique situation, but the basic information you can expect to need includes the following:

Your name is exactly as it appears on your Social Security card.
Date of birth.
Social Security number.
Home address.
Copy of last year’s federal and state tax returns.
Bank account number and routing number to receive your refund by direct deposit.

Dependent Information

If you can claim someone else as a dependent, you’ll need the following information:

Dependent(s) name(s) (as it appears on their Social Security card), date(s) of birth, and Social Security number(s) (or tax ID number(s)).
Form 8332 if your dependent child’s custodial parent is releasing their right to claim the child as a dependent.

Other forms and information you might require fall under the following categories:

Sources of Income (W-2, 1099, etc)
Self-Employment and Business Records
Deductions
Tax Credits
Estimated Tax Payments
Proof of Losses
IRS Letters

State Availability

Available in all states

Privacy & Security

Using TurboTax means trusting the company with very personal financial information. Intuit claims to protect that data with industry leading practices and technology. With over 40 years in business the security technology used to protect that data is being built with extensive experience. You can expect full encryption of all stored data, anti-fraud technology, and multi-factor authentication. TurboTax is constantly testing its security technology and improving its security practices to provide the best protection.

In terms of privacy, TurboTax saves all your personal information (excepting tax preparation data) in a single Intuit account. This allows Intuit to customize your experience and connect you with a live professional when needed. None of the data collected is ever sold, and is only available to internal employees when needed to do their job. You can also download, update, or delete any of your data through the online Intuit Account at any time.

Customer Support

TurboTax is well known for their customer support, which includes the option to contact live professional tax preparation personnel for assistance. While we didn’t have a tax return to discuss, we did have a number of questions about the TurboTax product offerings. We started on the TurboTax support page, where we found TurboTax help articles, a community of other TurboTax users, video tutorials and more. It’s quite comprehensive and helpful for most basic questions.

Next, we contacted the TurboTax support team to see just how well they would respond to our questions.

We decided to reach out via the toll-free 800 number and were quickly connected with a live human support person. We quickly received answers to our questions in a friendly and professional manner. The support person then went on to ask if there was anything else they could help with and directed us to other resources we could use if we had further questions regarding the product.

Phone Support

(800) 446-8848

Mon-Sun

24/7

In Conclusion

TurboTax has extensive experience in tax preparation, making it a good choice for anyone interested in an easy-to-use platform. They also provide a guarantee to pay any penalties if you are audited, and will provide support during the audit process. That said, they are somewhat more expensive than competing products. With over 40 years of experience in the tax software business you are likely to have a good experience if you choose TurboTax for your own tax preparation.

FAQ

Can I file my taxes for free with TurboTax?

Yes, but you do need to meet certain requirements. Typically only those with very simple returns can use the free version of TurboTax. I.e. Basic W-2 income and standard deduction along with limited interest and dividend income reported on a 1099-INT or 1099-DIV, Earned Income Tax Credit (EIC), child tax credits, and student loan interest deduction.

Can I file my state taxes with TurboTax

TurboTax will calculate and file your state taxes for an additional fee. What happens if I am audited?

What happens if I am audited?

If the IRS audits a return prepared and filed through TurboTax you get free audit support. This means a tax expert will review any IRS correspondence and advise you how to prepare and respond. For an additional fee you can upgrade your audit protection and a TurboTax tax expert will represent you during the audit process.

TurboTax Disclaimer

This website is an informative comparison site that aims to offer its users find helpful information regarding the products and offers that will be suitable for their needs. We are able to maintain a free, high-quality service by receiving advertising fees from the brands and service providers we review on this website (though we may also review brands we are not engaged with). These advertising fees, combined with our criteria and methodology, such as the conversion rates, our team of reviewer’s finding and subjective experience and product popularity, impact the placement and position of the brands within the comparison table. In the event rating or scoring are assigned by us, they are based on the position in the comparison table, or according to other formula in the event specifically detailed by us. See our How we Rate page and Terms of Use for information. The reviews, rating and scoring are provided “as-is” without guarantees or warranties regarding the information contained in our website, which shall not be considered as endorsement. We make the best efforts to keep the information up-to-date, however, an offer’s terms might change at any time. We do not compare or include all service providers, brands and offers available in the market.

Disclosure

WRITTEN BY

Steven Walters

Steve has been writing in the financial products space for over a decade, with interests ranging from personal loans to investing. He is also deeply into the blockchain space. In his free time, you can find him in the kitchen preparing delicious meals, or outside hiking and biking.

9.2

LS SCORE

9.0

CREDIBILITY

9.5

SUPPORT

9.3

ACCESSIBILITY

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Mon-Sun

24/7

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