TurboTax Tax Software Review, 2020

After many years in the market as the leading product, TurboTax remains the gold standard of tax software.  The company owns one of the most well-known brands and comes equipped with fancy design and interface features you want from a high-powered program come tax time.  TurboTax makes complex tax situations feel manageable and provides great functionality for you to prepare your return at your own pace. Of note, TurboTax provides the following major points of strength:

• Ease of use with with power to handle complicated tax returns.
• Added cost (compared to competitors) comes with extra features and a secure tax return.
• Product provides great interface and flow with a visually appealing and intuitive design.  On-screen Q&A prompts with simple-to-understand explanations.

TurboTax Review

TurboTax is the choice for you if you want a premium tax software with style and substance without compromise nor fear of making a mistake.  The product offers superior service, has a highly intuitive design and interface, utilizes a simple Q&A format for inputting information, and provides robust customer support options for those willing to pay a premium price. TurboTax has also begun offering a refund advance product, allowing you the opportunity to expedite your tax refund at no cost by receiving it on a prepaid debit card. TurboTax Overview This TurboTax tax software review will go over the most important things you need to know for those considering this product. TurboTax is a tax software originally developed by the Chipsoft Company in the mid-1980s, later merging with Intuit to become Intuit TurboTax in the 1990s.  To this day, the product is the top-selling tax software on the market. In fact, as of 2016, TurboTax boasted over 30 million taxpayers who used its product.  The software has grown as popular as it has by differentiating itself as a product which provides both style and substance without compromise.

TurboTax Pros

• Ease of use: TurboTax makes tax filing a breeze.  By offering easy-to-understand explanations of what each section of your tax return requires from you, it makes any return, whether simple or complicated, easier to handle.
• Worth the premium price: Because the tax software can handle complicated returns well, it makes sense to pay the extra money to secure yourself a safe tax and accurate return.  The tax software provides plenty of support to make sure your tax return is done right.
• Great user-focused design and interface: TurboTax focuses on making an appealing interface to file your tax return.  To the point, the TurboTax product has great design and flow and offers a visually appealing and intuitive user experience.  Whether it’s the software’s on-screen prompts offering simple-to-understand explanations or animating numbers when you change an item on your return, the user-focused design makes filing taxes more bearable and enjoyable.  Who doesn’t want to see the anticipated return (or dreaded payment) animate as you populate the numbers on your return?

TurboTax Cons

• More expensive than competitors. TurboTax generally comes at a higher price point than other tax software packages on the market.  Not everyone may need this high horsepower found beneath TurboTax’s hood.
• Difficulty justifying price with a simple return. If you don’t need the fancy add-ons or additional services TurboTax provides, the cost might not justify the benefits received on simple returns.  Despite the intuitive interface, if your tax return has little more than W-2 income (e.g., 1099, investment income, rental property, etc.) and only claims the standard deduction, it might be best to consider cheaper alternatives for your best value.
• Deceiving pricing. While the software offers a free federal version to file a 1040EZ and a state return, if you have anything above and beyond a simple W-2 income and the standard deduction, prepare to meet a rude surprise when the price shoots up.  However, if you know going in your return will not be free, this should not come as a shock.

TurboTax Conclusion TurboTax remains the king of tax software.  If you choose to do your taxes by yourself, the tax software you choose should make the process easy.  TurboTax does this well and makes it stand out from its competitors.  Whether you’re preparing a simple or complex tax return, TurboTax has the tools you need to get it done right and on time.  It has one of the most well-known brands, comes equipped with agreeable design and interface features you would want from a high-powered program, and offers an intuitive Q&A format which makes tax preparation a breeze. However, this functionality comes with a price.  TurboTax remains the most expensive option on the market compared with other options.  If your return has even a few complicated elements, you could easily spend over $100 on your federal and state returns with TurboTax’s more complex offerings. However, if the features offered appeal to you and you can afford the premium pricing, TurboTax is the best tax software package for you.  By the sales numbers, many appear to value the combo because in the tax software space, it is unquestionable TurboTax stands out from the pack.   The Bottom Line TurboTax offers live support, comprehensive design, and the highest functionality of all the tax software programs reviewed.  In many ways, TurboTax represents the highest standard for the DIY tax-prep industry. And if the premium price tags many of its products offer concern you, confident filers who don’t have a need for all the bells and whistles may get a better value elsewhere.

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About the Site Author and Blog

In 2018, I was winding down a stint in investor relations and found myself newly equipped with a CPA, added insight on how investors behave in markets, and a load of free time.  My job routinely required extended work hours, complex assignments, and tight deadlines.  Seeking to maintain my momentum, I wanted to chase something ambitious. I chose to start this financial independence blog as my next step, recognizing both the challenge and opportunity.  I launched the site with encouragement from my wife as a means to lay out our financial independence journey and connect with and help others who share the same goal.

Disclaimer

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