But other Turbo Tax reviewers have described installation problems. Their criticisms are very well written and clear. I can't judge the accuracy of those criticisms because I haven't had any serious installation problems.
I recommend Turbo Tax. I've been using it for roughly 20 years. I can't imagine how I could "do my taxes" without a computer assist. I've never had to try out any of TurboTax's competitors. (I have read criticisms of Turbo Tax and I've read praise for other tax-assist programs. I haven't read any opinions yet that would make me switch.)
It's my guess that most people ordering the current Turbo Tax program have used Turbo Tax before. (If you have, please take the time to post your criticisms of this review. Your input would help the newcomers.) This review is intended mainly to benefit those taxpayers who are considering the purchase of Turbo Tax for the first time.
If you're going to use Turbo Tax for the first time (and especially if you are using computer-assisted tax preparation for the first time), start well before the filing deadline - buy it and install it before the end of the calendar year! (For example, Amazon has Turbo Tax 2010 for tax year 2010 available around **Thanksgiving 2010.**) It is true that some IRS forms and some IRS regulations would be incomplete at that time, but subsequent startups of Turbo Tax in early 2011 would automatically download these items. In any case, your exact tax-related information (e.g., withholding tax, mortgage interest, investing dividends and interest, bank interest, credit card interest, etc.) would not be available to you so soon.
If you're new and you start early, you can get acquainted with Turbo Tax's layout, the different screens requiring input from you, the different screens offering help, the different screens which can give you the exact rule or regulation that you're dealing with at the moment, the sequence of computer commands to SAVE your work when you set your work aside for awhile, the computer commands necessary to pick up where you left off ... and much more. Follow the flow of the Question and Answer routine. You can pretty much rely on it not to overlook anything. But when you're done, look over your return carefully just the same. When you're completely finished, you can save your printed return and the companion supplementary pages in .pdf form. If you do that, you'll only need a .pdf reader to read the file at some future time.
Suppose you have many years' experience doing your taxes by hand. If you have confidence in your tax preparation experience and you are comfortable with using Turbo Tax to enter your numerical information on the proper line on the proper form, don't do it. Instead, follow the flow of the Question and Answer routine. Then, afterward, when the return is complete, use your experince to check the entries line by line. If you find a discrepancy, track it down. I've seen discrepancies like that. In every case, Turbo Tax turned out to be right. Turbo Tax does unseen calculations and then makes entries on supplementary schedules and forms based on figures that **you** provided. If you see one of these entries and it seems to be absurd, don't just OVERRIDE it. Check the figures that you entered. Make sure that you answered the questions accurately. Make sure you checked the right boxes. It is not likely that Turbo Tax would "make a mistake."
I was shopping around for the best price for TurboTax Premier 2010 and read these reviews. I have used Turbo Tax for 10 years and find it easy to understand but somewhat cumbersome to change once you have entered data. However, they are not perfect. Several years ago I noticed the amount owed did not appear to be correct on my state form. Since I had manually done this form for years I figured out what was wrong (itemized/standard deduction) and over rode their calculation. I then reported the problem to TurboTax and was informed that they were aware of the problem and working on it. They did not notify me of this problem and had I filed my state tax form based on the original calculations I would have had to pay an extra $200+ to the state. The state would have eventually caught the error and I would have received a refund.....but still Turbo Tax made a mistake......so use due diligence on your state forms....all forms for that matter.
TurboTax Premier was designed to help you make the most of your investments and rental property deductions, so you get the biggest tax refund possible. Premier double-checks for accuracy to ensure your taxes are done right, and includes a free Federal E-File.
Why TurboTax Premier is the easiest choice for you...
TurboTax Premier was designed to help you make the most of your investments and rental property deductions, so you get the biggest tax refund possible.
Choose TurboTax Premier if any of the following apply to you:
If you own an S Corp, partnership, C Corp, or multiple-owner LLC, choose TurboTax Business.
Why make the switch?
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.
Everything you need to do your taxes with ease.
Helps You Get the Most from Your Investments
Imports Your Investment Info
Saves time by automatically importing your investment info directly from your financial institution.Helps You Accurately Report Investment Sales
Walks you through reporting sales of stocks, bonds and mutual funds. Automatically calculates capital gains/losses and keeps track of those that carry over to future tax returns.Determines Your Cost Basis
Finds your accurate purchase price for stock sales, in three easy steps.Helps with Employee Stock Plans
Guides you through reporting sales and automatically determines your correct basis for selling shares purchased at different times or different prices.401(k) Maximizer
Shows you how to increase your 401(k) contribution without decreasing your take-home pay.Helps You Find Every Rental Deduction
Finds over 20 deductions for landlords, from travel to advertising to repairs to insurance.Shows Your Best Rental Depreciation Method
Simplifies reporting rental property depreciation and shows which depreciation method will get you the biggest tax deduction.Maximizes Refinancing Deductions
Guides you through deducting points, appraisal fees, recording costs, and more so you don't miss a single chance to save.Helps with New Rental Properties
Shows you step by step how to set up new rental properties.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.Why TurboTax Premier is the easiest choice for you...TurboTax Premier was designed to help you make the most of your investments and rental property deductions, so you get the biggest tax refund possible.
Choose TurboTax Premier if any of the following apply to you:
- You sold stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or options for an employee stock plan
- You own rental property
- You are the beneficiary of an estate or trust (received a K-1 form)
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 | |
Does the Hard Work for You
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.
TurboTax guides you through your taxes, like a GPS, with extra help for first-time users.
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 brands and tax stores.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.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.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 or state 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 and state 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 both your federal and state 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 stocks, bonds, mutual funds or rental properties, TurboTax Premier makes it easy to keep more money in your pocket. Includes free state preparations and Federal e-File—receive IRS confirmation and get your refund in as fast as 8 days. State e-File available in certain states for an additional fee. 
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