TurboTax - The Tax Filling App: Is It Really Worth It? (2023)

A valuable asset in your financial toolkit

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Key notes

  • TurboTax comes with an intuitive interface providing a seamless navigation experience to both new and experienced taxpayers but it has some drawbacks too.
  • Keep reading all about it to make an informed decision.
TurboTax - The Tax Filling App: Is It Really Worth It

Filling taxes can be a daunting task; however, with the right app like TurboTax to help you, things can get much smoother.

In this comprehensive review, we will talk about TurboTax features, user experience, different plans, and whether it lives up to all the hype in 2023.

What features should an ideal tax filing app have?

  • Should be easy to use and come with guided step-by-step instructions to navigate through.
  • Must allow users to import financial data from sources like investment accounts, W-2 forms, & other documents.
  • Assist in identifying potential deductions and credits for maximum tax savings.
  • Powerful security features to ensure all personal and financial information is safe.
  • Comes with e-file tax returns, direct deposit options, and automatic updates for Law changes.

What makes TurboTax the best tax-filing app?

1. Guided process to file taxes

TurboTax review

TurboTax asks you simple questions about your life, income, and investments, and then guides you throughout the process of filing taxes.

When it comes to inputting information related to your income, investments, and other changes in life, you can either fill out the form manually or upload a picture of the document to let the platform autofill the details.

If you have opted for the premium version, you can also upload the 1040 form in the same manner and get the information auto-filled.

2. Accessibility

Whether you are using a browser or have downloaded an app on your Android or iOS device, you can use TurboTax to file your taxes seamlessly.

Moreover, if you started the form on your computer and want to continue filling it on your mobile device, you can switch devices and pick up where you left off.

TurboTax also comes with a larger selection of videos, forums and knowledgebase to help you with your tax filing concerns.

3. Audit support & maximum refund guarantee

All the tax filed using the TurboTax app or platform comes with an audit support guarantee. So, If the IRS contacts you, the tax expert from TurboTax will help understand the audit and respond to it. However, the experts can’t represent you legally.

It also promises to provide the maximum refund you deserve and claims that you get a larger refund by using any other tax filing app; they will refund you the plan price.

Also, if you are not satisfied with the services, the app comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee; all you need to do is contact customer support.

4. Secure with data encryption

Filling in the information in the tax filing portal can be a concern for a lot of users as you need to mention all the sensitive and personal info.

However, with TurboTax, you can secure your account through multi-factor authentication, including a password and one-time code.

The platform or the software uses TLS encryption to keep your data safe when sending a return to the CRA.

5. Additional features

  • Instant refund ticker – When you enter the information into the app or portal, you will see the refund pr tax owning.
  • Pension optimizer – It helps you figure out how to split pension income between you and your spouse to optimize your tax return.
  • Year-Over-Year transfer – If you used TurboTax last year, you can import the information from the previous year, thereby reducing errors and saving you time.
  • Auto search for deductions – TurboTax stays updated with all the latest tax changes and searches more than 400 credits to find the relevant ones for you.

Pricing plans

Note icon NOTE
Prices are subject to change. Check the prices directly on the provider’s website before making any purchase.
Category Package NamePrice
DIY optionsFree Free filing for tax returns for qualifying users
DIY optionsDeluxeFederal -$69
$59 per State
DIY optionsPremierFederal -$99
$59 Per State
DIY optionsSelf-EmployedFederal -$129
$59 Per State
TurboTax LiveBasic$99 Federal & State
TurboTax LiveDeluxeFederal -$139
$64 Per State
TurboTax LivePremierFederal – $189
$64 Per State
TurboTax LiveSelf-EmployedFederal – $219
$64 Per State
Full-ServiceBasic
$219 Federal & State
Full-ServiceDeluxeFederal – $269
$64 Per State
Full-ServicePremierFederal – $379
$64 Per State
Full-ServiceSelf-EmployedFederal – $409
$64 Per State
Pros
Easy to use with simple questions to help file your taxes
Impressive chat, phone or email customer support
Upload your W-2 forms and the platform fills out the fields automatically
Updated with the latest tax laws
Cons
Free version has limitations and the paid one is very expensive
Tax expert assistance available for an additional cost
The website is slow and can be unresponsive at times

How do I use TurboTax to file for tax return?

  1. Download and install the TurboTax app on your iOS or Android phone. You can also use a browser on your PC to get started.
  2. Sign up and create an account to get started with.TurboTax- The Tax Filling App: Is It Really Worth It?
  3. Click Get Started and be prepared to fill out the questionnaire related to income, investments, purchases, charity, and more.
  4. You can either mention the details related to your W2 and investments or take a picture of the document and upload your tax slips to autofill the information.
  5. Explore the tax-saving opportunities and choose the one that suits you. Once you have filed in the information, the experts from TurboTax will review the work (if you have selected the Premium plan), and point errors if found.
  6. Once done, you can file your taxes. 

The whole process is split into simple steps, which makes tax filing much easier; however, the constant upselling prompts can irritate you sometimes.

If you want to learn about other tax-filing apps before making a decision, check out this list of tax-filing software.

TurboTax

Try TurboTax and let its experts fill in all the right tax forms without worrying about them anymore.
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Final thoughts on TurboTax 2023

TurboTax is a robust and intuitive tax filling app that is a convenient way to file taxes with complete guided instructions.

At the time of using it, we were able to seamlessly fill in the information and file the taxes, but it kept on trying to upsell my plan.

Also, we faced issues while logging in, and the website took some time to load while filling in the information.

However, when it comes to filing taxes, its intuitive interface, comprehensive features, and step-by-step guidance make the intimidating process more manageable.

Moreover, its ability to handle a variety of tax situations, from basic returns to more complex ones, further solidifies its appeal.

In case you are not able to e-file taxes using TurboTax as the portal is throwing you the error, read this guide to learn more.

What do you think about tax filing software? Tell us about your experience in the comments section below.

More about the topics: accounting software