Intuit - TurboTax

Intuit - TurboTax Reviews

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Overall Rating2.9 out of 5
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About Intuit - TurboTax Reviews

TurboTax is a user-friendly tax software program for individuals, self-employed filers and business owners. Choose from three levels of tax help: do-it-yourself, assisted and full-service. TurboTax is available in every state, and it covers every tax situation, including free basic files. TurboTax is also available in Spanish, though it does have some limitations with filing in that language.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Free audit support
  • Spanish-language service available

Cons

  • No in-person locations
  • State return extra

Bottom Line

TurboTax offers downloadable and online tax prep software for everyone. It makes the process easier, with W-2 import, free audit guidance and a tax return lifetime guarantee.

Featured Reviews

Verified
Reno, NV

It costs a bit more, but at least TurboTax has never, ever lost our data. We had a question about our taxes at one point and the live chat person on TurboTax was available almost ...

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Porter, TX

At first I did my taxes on TurboTax and then decided to take them to the CPA, since I retired and moved during the year. … CPA Charged me $897 for the exact same outcome that Turb...

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What is TurboTax?

TurboTax is a popular tax preparation software designed to simplify the process of filing federal and state income tax returns. Like many of its competitors, the software provides users with intuitive prompts and detailed instructions to help them identify the best deductions and credits for their tax situation. TurboTax offers multiple versions of the software, including both online and desktop options, and provides additional support via live assistance and audit support services.

TurboTax is available for Spanish speakers, but there are limitations. The full-service tax plan is available in Spanish for both federal and state returns. Individuals can file federally in Spanish with the DIY and assisted options, but some content will be in English. These two plans do not support state returns in Spanish.

How does TurboTax work?

The TurboTax software coaches you through filing taxes by asking about your:

  • Job(s)
  • Filing status
  • Income
  • Homeowner status
  • Children and dependents
  • Charitable donations
  • Investments

From this information, TurboTax determines what tax bracket you fall in and what forms you need to complete. Filing electronically will get you the fastest refund possible.

TurboTax products

TurboTax has three different levels of service: do-it-yourself, assisted and full-service. Basic filers can also qualify to do their taxes for free.

You can file your taxes for free with TurboTax by yourself. For a limited time, TurboTax might offer free filing with live assistance, too. Taxpayers with basic files are eligible, even if they have student loan interest deductions. However, if you need to file itemized deductions, you will need to use the paid version of the software.
With the DIY plan, you can use the software to guide you through your filing, uploading and importing your documents via mobile device. This level of filing comes with audit support and a maximum refund guarantee.
With this plan, you will prepare your taxes yourself with the help of the guided software. A tax expert is available for unlimited support and does a final review before you submit your return.
With the full-service tax help, a tax expert will schedule a quick call with you to get you organized. You will then upload all your tax documents securely, and your tax expert will prepare your return and work with you in real time. When the taxes are done, you will have a final meeting to ensure everything is ready to sign off on.

TurboTax FAQ

Can you file back taxes with TurboTax?

Yes, taxpayers can file the previous two years of returns online with TurboTax. However, you will need to buy the right software for that year, and it costs more than the current year’s pricing.

Can you pay for TurboTax with your refund?

Yes, most e-filers can pay for TurboTax with their refund. Prices vary based on the plan you use, and you will see the price before you file.

Can I import my previous tax returns into TurboTax?

If you can save your past 1040 or 1040-SR as a PDF, then you can import it to TurboTax, even if it is from a competitor company or certified public accountant (CPA).

Does TurboTax offer a refund advance?

TurboTax does offer refund advance loans for early filers (typically between January and February). Eligible taxpayers can receive up to $4,000 without any fees, interest or impact on credit.

Is TurboTax legit?

TurboTax is a legitimate tax preparation software that is trusted by millions of users worldwide. Intuit, the company that owns TurboTax, also owns QuickBooks, Mint and Credit Karma. It stands behind its software with multiple accuracy and satisfaction guarantees.

Intuit - TurboTax Reviews

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Page 1 Reviews 0 - 10
ReliabilityEase of Use

Reviewed July 11, 2023

Easy to use, but unreliable when it comes to payment. TT support confirms that a payment was issued, but IRS never received it. TT then instructs me to contact the vendor, WorldPay, Inc., who handles the money. Why does the customer have to deal with the vendor?? The vendor is unreachable and to this day I have not been successful in getting a hold of a rep. I made a payment on time using TurboTax software, but the IRS has no idea where my payment is? After using TurboTax for several years, this may be the year we part ways.

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Customer ServiceStaff

Reviewed May 30, 2023

I've used TurboTax for years and always thought it was helpful if pricey. But this year has been abysmal. Their "experts" have no knowledge of tax preparation and admit to just googling answers. I can google questions, but I want the assurance of a tax professional to back up what I'm finding. Story: I had a bit of a complicated situation this year, so while trying to fill out the online version, I had an "expert" call me. It took 40 minutes for him to figure out what to do (which was a pretty simple deal) and was clearly unsure about the answer for any question I posed. I decided instead to go to a real tax service by me and got professional results. During that real visit, though, the advisor noticed a mistake in my 2020 and 2021 returns (which were my fault, although caused by poor software design). I went to TurboTax to amend the returns, was able to submit federal 2021 but had to mail in both state and 2020 federal.

One TurboTax agent confirmed that the rejection was due to mail-in requirements. I called back a few days later to ask what supporting documents I would need to submit along with the 1040-X and was told by the agent that all they do is just google my question. I ended up going back to the local advisor for the question. I then tried to contact TurboTax again just to get written clarification that the packet they generated would contain all the documents I needed to submit outside of supporting documents (W2s, etc.).

The first agent told me that I could not file 2021 federal amendments online and adamantly held to that despite the first agent say it was fine and the online software showing that it had been accepted. I had to go to a supervisor to get clarification that TurboTax was not lying about the status of my amendment. After 20 minutes, I was able to ask my original question about the completeness of the packet, which the supervisor just sent me back to the poorly laid out IRS website instructions...

For the amount of money TurboTax charges (and tries to upsell), I have never received trustworthy support when I needed it. I always end up spending significant amounts of time to receive answers that are no better than what I googled. But since this is the IRS and taxes, I don't trust my googling, which is the whole reason to pay TurboTax in the first place. I'm honestly not sure that they would support any audits as they claim rather than just saying that it's somehow my fault if things went wrong. I'd recommend going somewhere else unless you know for certain you're only filing with a W2.

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    Reviewed May 9, 2023

    Paid for the "Deluxe" level of service. My "30-year tax expert", Gimela, made a mistake on my taxes - in excess of $6000. Then got audited by the IRS...I can make my own mistakes on my own taxes for free... Wtf...? I cannot possibly recommend Turbo Tax to anyone - Will be using a different tax prep service in the future.

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    Reviewed April 18, 2023

    I've used TurboTax successfully for about six years prior to this tax season. This year, a combination of higher fees, more annoying animation and endless 'lookback' loops have made me determined to seek out another avenue next year. I've gone from paying $79 my first year to $219 this year, despite a financial situation that has changed very little.

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    Reviewed April 12, 2023

    Throughout the process of filing you are clearly given the option to add filing options for additional expenses or opt out. This is true until the very end of the process where the screens are ambiguous until you input your payment method then you suddenly see what you were charged and how much. Specifically, I repeatedly declined any additional coverages. Until the very end states there is clearly an option to ONLY use the basic form of Turbo Tax. THEN on the page it shows the deluxe option and price breakdown. There is a button to add, continue, or go back.

    Considering I did NOT add anything I clicked "continue". The subsequent page showed the cost for BASIC FILING at $39. Again, only options are to continue or go back. I submitted to continue. The next page showed only the option to select a payment method. I put in my card information under the impression that I would get a summary of charges prior to being charged as I still had NOTHING showing what I was about to pay for. Of course the next page showed I was charged $118 for the deluxe versions of state and federal. AT NO POINT did I add this or consent to be charged this amount.

    Additionally, I still have not finished filing my taxes. I submitted a request for a refund and was DENIED because (direct quote from the email) "Turbo Tax Online is designed not to charge the customer until after they choose to file, so it not covered under the "Satisfaction Guarantee". Then WHY ARE MY TAXES NOT FILED AND I AM OUT $118! To add to ALL OF THIS I don't even have an income, so NO RETURN MONEY. The ONLY reason I had to file is because I cashed in savings bonds. SHAMEFUL SCAM. I hope to see them run into the ground and the leaders serve time. I am CERTAINLY not the only person this has happened to. This is not 2001. No one is new to the internet. This scam of a company.

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    Reviewed April 10, 2023

    As I began my search for a trustworthy tax filing service, I couldn't help but stumble upon Intuit TurboTax, a popular tax software provider. While it's widely recognized, I've discovered several alarming issues that I believe prospective users should be aware of before making their decision. To begin with, Intuit has been known to lobby politicians to prevent the creation of a free, government-run tax filing system in the United States. This is a stark contrast to the tax filing process in most other first-world countries, where citizens can file their taxes directly on government websites, without cost. It's clear that Intuit's primary concern is preserving its profits rather than providing a service that benefits the American public.

    Furthermore, TurboTax advertises its "free" tax filing service, which, in reality, is anything but. The platform is designed with dark patterns, making it nearly impossible for the average American to navigate the system and file their taxes without eventually being pushed towards paid options. This misleading marketing tactic leaves users feeling cheated and frustrated. My personal experience with TurboTax was a disheartening one. After switching to a different tax filing service, I started receiving an additional $800 in tax refunds, despite my income remaining the same. This substantial difference raises concerns about the behind-the-scenes practices at Intuit and whether they have their customers' best interests at heart.

    In conclusion, I cannot recommend Intuit TurboTax as a reliable or ethical tax filing service. Their lobbying efforts to block free government tax filing, misleading "free" filing advertisements, and questionable business practices have left me deeply disappointed. There are better alternatives available, and I urge anyone considering TurboTax to explore other options for a more transparent and trustworthy tax filing experience.

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    Reviewed April 8, 2023

    Last year they did my taxes for free. This year I have the same filing (2 Social Security, & 2 Retirements) and they want $89. All I wanted was copy last year's filing and update the values. For six weeks I worked with their "Experts" and could not find my financial companies (they were same as last year). I finally called their 800 number and found a person who showed me how to enter my data. I did all the work; they were incompetent. Then they want to be paid for all my hard work. Plus $59 for my state filing; Delaware offers a free online filing. I asked their "Expert" and person on the 800 number to define why my filing was not simple - no answer. I filed using pen & ink and USPS.

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    Reviewed April 4, 2023

    I have been using Turbo Tax since 1991 (yes I still have the floppy disks). Now I go to install it on a second computer and get the message that I am over the number of licenses. So you can only install it on one computer now? So ridiculous.

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    Reviewed April 3, 2023

    Opted for the Self Employed version which is the highest category since I have a business. The website is flawed and does not let you enter the basic information correctly. They constantly want you to upgrade the service into Live help. The voice assisted version which is the Self Enter version has voice help included but they made it harder to get to and when I was successful in getting someone on the phone, that person had no basic idea about doing self employment taxes. Turbotax is becoming more like a scam. I will be moving on with someone else to do the taxes. Completely waste of time.

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    Reviewed April 2, 2023

    Got the "live chat" support product only to have one of TurboTax's "experts" tell me COMPLETELY INCORRECT information, and have me make a bunch of changes to my forms only to then have issues filing, with me having to go back and correct everything wasting hours of my time between the call and all the corrections I had to make on my own. I called customer service asking for a refund of the "live support" product given their rep only did harm, and was told "no problem, we'll get that resolved," and to fill out a form and I'd get a refund.

    I filled out the form as requested and a few hours later got an email that my request was denied, despite the agent I spoke with earlier telling me I'd get a refund. Called and waited to talk to someone else who wasn't able to help me but connected me to the "resolutions desk". Was met with complete hostility by this person who pretty much shrugged her shoulders and said TurboTax wasn't willing to do absolutely anything and that I would still have to pay the $200 for the completely incorrect information from one of their "experts" gave me. In what world is this acceptable?! Awful experience, awful service. Pretty much theft at this point, TurboTax, you should be ashamed.

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    Intuit - TurboTax Company Information

    Company Name:
    Intuit - TurboTax
    Website:
    turbotax.intuit.com