Friday, January 7, 2011

Tax Software. TurboTax Deluxe Federal + e-Ffile 2010

Tax Software. I love Turbo Tax. Each year they use customer feedback to improve the program. I started buying the federal only program a few years ago instead of federal and state in order to save money. The federal version does all the work for me and all I have to do for the state version is get a free 2-page state form from my local library, transfer the numbers to the state form, and mail it in. I skip the extra expense of purchasing the state program and the state e-file charge by doing everything on paper and by mailing it in early February. I got both of my returns within 10 days using e-file for the federal and regular mail for the state. I would highly recommend Turbo Tax Federal only with e-file. I haven't needed the state version so far.




 We have used TurboTax since it was produced by Chipsoft. It has been a required purchase every year since & continues to be an invaluable tool for us. Some of it is annoying (I don't need all the offered financial services, etc.), but we put up with it and just delete them. A couple of years ago it even found a new deduction for us that saved us more than $300 in taxes just last year.

I am VERY thankful that Amazon offers a discounted version of Deluxe that does not have the state tax module. My state does not have income tax, so why should I pay for it? The versions that have the state package are very clearly listed on Amazon. In fact, it takes some time scrolling through the listings to find one that doesn't have it.

To Bob Meighan (Intuit VP) - please don't stop offering the Deluxe version that DOESN'T have state tax! Those of us in the states without state income tax appreciate it!

This review is for TuboTax 2010 Deluxe for Federal Returns. Fortunately I live in Texas and there is no state income tax so I don't have to worry about the state portion.

TurboTax has had its share of issues but I came back to it because it does seem to be the best there is, but I'm knocking off a star because of the history of issues I've had with the program in previous years (like it not calculating tax correctly until I deleted some assets and then re-entered them). However, I was a little shocked to read that it requires 500MB of HD space PLUS up to 620MB more if Microsoft .NET 3.5 SP1 is not installed (Mac is only 255MB). Wow! That could be over 1GB to do taxes. How inefficient we have become!

Fortunately the system requirements says it works on 64-bit systems, but doesn't specifically mention Windows 7 64-bit, but if it works with Vista 64-bit then it should work with Windows 7 64-bit.

I may be working with this to help estimate my 2010 taxes before I pay may Jan 15th estimated tax payment.

NOTE: Deluxe will do a Schedule C just fine, but it may not provide as much help as the Home & Business version. If you have been doing taxes yourself for awhile then you might not need to pay the extra money for the additional help.

I will update this review as I continue to use the product.

Pros:
* Works on 64-bit versions of Windows XP and higher (of course that includes Vista and Windows 7)
* Probably the best tax program there is
* Price includes federal E-File
* Deluxe version can do a Schedule C for the self-employed - but it doesn't provide as much guidance as the Home & Business edition

Cons:
* Not perfect (but how can US taxes ever be perfect)?
* Have encountered bugs in previous years that caused me to have to delete and re-enter assets
* Might take up to 1.12GB of HD space on Windows according to the system requirements


TurboTax Deluxe was designed to make it easy for you to get the biggest tax refund possible, checking for accuracy and uncovering 350+ deductions and credits. Includes free Federal Efile.

Everything you need to do your taxes with ease.


Finds All Tax Deductions and Credits You Deserve to Get Your Biggest Refund


Maximizes Your Tax Deductions
Asks simple questions about your income, family situation and changes in your tax situation and credits. Then, based on your answers, searches for more than 350 deductions and credits to get you the biggest tax refund—guaranteed.
Looks for Deduction Opportunities as You Go
Shows you which deductions you've taken. Which deductions you haven't. And tells you how to qualify for just about any deduction, so you don't miss any opportunities to save.
Gets You the Maximum Deduction for Donations
ItsDeductible (included) helps you accurately value items you donate to charity–no more guessing. Plus, it tracks other donations such as cash, mileage and stocks, to help you get every charitable deduction you're entitled to.
Handles Your Life Changes
Changed jobs? Got married? Bought a home? Had a baby? TurboTax guides you through common life changes, explains how the changes will impact your taxes, and tells you what you can deduct.
Helps with Medical Expenses
Does all the math and tells you if you qualify to deduct your medical expenses for maximum tax savings.

Helps You Reduce Audit Risk

Tracks Your Audit Risk
Audit Risk Meter checks your tax return for common audit triggers. Shows whether your risk is high or low. And provides tips to help you reduce your chance of an audit.
Includes Downloadable Audit Support Center
Gives you step-by-step guidance on everything you need to know and do if the IRS contacts you.
Also Available: Audit Defense
Provides full-service representation by a trained tax professional. You will never have to meet with the IRS, unless you want to.

Does the Hard Work for You

Asks Easy Questions, Tailored to You
Guides you step by step through your tax return and puts your answers on the right tax forms for you. Skips interview questions that don't apply to you, so you can finish your return faster.
Automatically Fills in W-2 and 1099 Info
Gets your W-2 and 1099 data directly from over 100,000 participating employers and financial institutions and automatically puts it in the right tax forms. A brief summary lets you review and edit downloaded information if necessary.
Transfers Last Year's Tax Info
No retyping necessary. Fills in information from your previous year's return to save time and increase accuracy. Shows you what you're importing and where it goes in your return. You can also import from other tax software including TaxACT and H&R Block's TaxCut.
Imports a PDF of Last Year's Tax Return
Easily imports prior year tax data/documents from TurboTax, other tax software brands4 and tax stores.5 Imports Your Financial Data — Imports information from your financial software (including Quicken, QuickBooks 2007 and higher, and Microsoft Money) so you can skip the cut and paste this year.
Makes it Easy to Hold Your Place
Flag areas in your tax return so you can get back to them easily.
Why TurboTax Deluxe is the easiest choice for you...
TurboTax Deluxe was designed to make it easy for you to get the biggest tax refund possible. Choose TurboTax Deluxe if any of the following apply to you:
  • You own your home
  • You donated to charity
  • You have significant education or medical expenses
  • You have childcare expenses
  • You have lots of deductions
If you own investments or rental property, choose TurboTax Premier. It has everything in Deluxe PLUS will provide extra guidance so you get the most from your investments.
If you are a sole proprietor, consultant, 1099 contractor, or single-owner LLC, TurboTax Home & Business has everything in Premier and will help you make the most of your business and personal deductions.
If you own an S Corp, partnership, C Corp, or multiple-owner LLC, choose TurboTax Business.

Why make the switch?
TurboTax is easy and it could save you money.

Leading Tax
Store
TurboTax
Asks you questions and fills in the right tax forms
Gets you every deduction and credit you deserve
Tips and advice tailored to your unique tax situation
Support in case of an audit (fees may apply)
Handles tax impact of changes in your life
Years of expertise to help answer your questions
Up-to-date with all the latest tax laws
Federal efile included at no extra charge
Prepare and file your taxes anytime, 24/7
Do your taxes yourself, without leaving home

Provides Help and Advice When You Need It

Live Tax Answers
Get live answers online from TurboTax experts and other TurboTax users in our Live Community2. Plus you'll have instant access to answers to commonly asked tax questions on every screen.
Straightforward Guidance & Advice
Find help on any tax topic from anywhere within TurboTax. Get plain-English explanations of specific tax areas and helpful examples when you need them.
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Start your return and efile with Turbotax today. Intuit will submit your return when the IRS starts accepting them on January 14, 2011. The IRS will email you a confirmation within 48 hours.
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TurboTax guides you through your taxes, like a GPS, with extra help for first-time users.
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Guide Me
Not sure how to answer a tax question? We'll guide you to the right answer, making your taxes even easier.
Explains Your Return
Shows you a summary of your return, including income, tax, credits and payments so you know your taxes are accurate. Provides recommendations to help you get an even bigger refund next year.
Free Technical Support
Got a software question? No problem! Get answers from a TurboTax expert via e-mail, phone, or live chat.

Spots Errors and Shows How to Fix Them

Smart Check Scans for Mistakes
Smart Check double-checks your return for errors, so you can be confident your taxes are done right.
Guaranteed Accurate Calculations
If you should get hit with an IRS penalty or interest due to a TurboTax calculation error, we'll pay you the penalty and interest.
Keeps You Up-to-Date with the Latest Tax Laws
With a single click you can check for updates each time you start to ensure your return includes the latest IRS tax forms. No more disruptions while you work on your return.

Get Your Refund Faster with Included Federal Efile

Shows Your Tax Refund in Real Time
Watch your refund add up as you complete your return. Our Dual Refund Monitor constantly displays and updates your federal refunds (or taxes due) as you complete your federal return.
Federal Efile Included
Get your refund in as few as 8 days with efile and direct deposit. Free federal efile is included with TurboTax at no extra charge. If you're a returning user, we'll automatically transfer your efile information from your previous year's return to save you even more time.
New Options to Get Your Refund Fast
Direct deposit your tax refund on a TurboTax Refund Card, a reloadable Visa prepaid card that can be used everywhere Visa debit is accepted. Or put your refund on a prepaid card you already have.

Here's how it works:

Special guidance for first-time users
TurboTax works like a GPS, walking you step by step through your taxes, with guidance designed especially for people who are new to tax software. We ask you questions in plain English and put your answers on the right tax forms. Then, just e-file or print your tax return. It's that simple.
All the help you need
Answers to your questions are just a click away in the Solve it Center:
  • Online chat
    Get real-time help from TurboTax expert via online chat. (available 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Pacific)
  • Ask the community
    Get your tax questions answered by our Live Community of tax experts and TurboTax customers like yourself.
  • FAQs and answers
    Browse or search our award-winning support website.
  • Talk to a person
    Free product support from our Customer Care representatives is just a phone call away (Basic and above). Additionally, with our Ask a Tax Expert feature, you can get personalized, one-on-one tax help by phone (fees apply).
Get Your Refund Fast: Efile Your 2010 Taxes with TurboTax
Here's how efile works: Start your return and efile with Turbotax today. We'll submit your return when the IRS starts accepting them on January 14, 2011. The IRS will email you a confirmation within 48 hours.

Compare TurboTax Products


TurboTax TY 2010 Disclaimers
100% accurate calculations guaranteed
If you pay an IRS or state penalty or interest because of a TurboTax calculations error, we'll pay you the penalty and interest.
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. TurboTax Federal Free Edition customers are entitled to payment of $14.95 and a refund of your state purchase price paid.
Claims must be submitted within sixty (60) days of your TurboTax filing date and no later than 6/18/11. E-file, Audit Defense, Professional Review, Ask a Tax Expert, Refund Transfer and technical support fees are excluded. This guarantee cannot be combined with the TurboTax Satisfaction (Easy) Guarantee.
You're never alone with TurboTax; you can get answers with free product support when you need it through chat, online community, and by phone.
Technical support (phone and chat) hours are limited and vary by time of year.
#1 Rated, Best-Selling (tax software)
Based on aggregated sales data for tax year 2009 and press reviews for TurboTax Deluxe and Premier for tax year 2009.

Product Description

If you own a home, made donations or have medical expenses, TurboTax Deluxe will easily get you every tax deduction you deserve. Includes free Federal e-File—receive IRS confirmation and get your refund in as fast as 8 days
 

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