Turbo tax -- worth it?

**Preston** · 01-08-2010, 06:26 PM

Hello.

I have been considering using Turbotax to do this year's return. This is the first year we are homeowners, have significant medical expenses, etc and it's confusing to me.

i have done my taxes in the past. For the past two years have been simple -- renting with steady paychecks and standard withholding.

before that I was self employed sole proprietorship for four years. Audited once, survived it (but missed something that ended with the audit giving me more money).

But I really don't have as much time as I have in the past, would TT be a good way to go or should I just suck it up, brew some coffee and grab a tub of ice cream and barrel through it manually again?

**Contrary Housewife** · 01-08-2010, 06:41 PM

We found it very worth it. Since KC straddles a state line DH works in either or both states, which means multiple forms to file, plus city taxes (which TT doesn't do, but they help get the basic numbers figured out). We have investments, retirement, and for a while had children and student loans to claim and tax time was a nightmare. We'd get it done and instead of a refund we'd get a letter from one or both states saying we'd made errors.... and our refund would come in September.

First year we used it we couldn't believe how simple it was. And our refund was huge! Will gladly shell out the $$$ for it (I think it is $80 for the package we need) rather than hassle with it again.

I think if you have to do more than the basic form then TT is worth it.

**Russ** · 01-08-2010, 06:55 PM

and you can write off the cost of the software.

**Greebo** · 01-08-2010, 07:04 PM

Use TurboTax Online - it's free to do everything right up until you actually have to file the taxes and/or print them. Then you can decide if it's worth it or not.

**JenMarie** · 01-08-2010, 07:55 PM

We've used the H&R Block software for several years... love it and so worth it!!

**AmyBoz** · 01-08-2010, 08:06 PM

We use Turbo Tax every year and LOVE it. Dh does the taxes and he said it makes a world of difference. I say definitely go for it.

**mombottoo** · 01-08-2010, 09:34 PM

I did our taxes by hand for years, now I use TurboTax online and I think it is well worth the money spent. They ask lots of things you would never think of and you have numerous chances to change things. They haven't failed me yet!

**Luckybustert** · 01-08-2010, 09:43 PM

Yes, Turbotax is definitely worth it! I got to try the H&R Block software in my tax class when I was working on my accounting degree, and I like Turbotax much better.

**sinopa27** · 01-08-2010, 10:01 PM

I may try Turbo Tax. I used a different online program that says it can do 2 states and when I get to the end, I can only file one state. I didn't realize this 2 years ago and now I am in trouble about it.

**awr914** · 01-09-2010, 12:03 AM

I have used Turbo Tax for last 9 years - it takes you step by step, asking questons that determine what forms you need and deductions you are entitled. I had done my taxes manually for years, but now love TT. I went to TT when my husband inherited a family trust and the family banker told me I could do our taxes - he personally took the time on a Saturday afternoon and walked me thru the process. It is a great tax software.

**MaryCarney** · 01-09-2010, 12:23 AM

LOVE TurboTax online - highly recommend it!

**MomToTwoBoys** · 01-09-2010, 12:19 PM

We did Turbo Tax last year. On Dec 26 2009, we received a letter stating that the tax had been miscalculated and that we owe Canada Revenue $310.00... and there were no errors in the Turbo Tax program itself before I submitted it.

So I think I'd rather go back to the way I did my taxes before.

**beks37** · 01-09-2010, 12:24 PM

You should try the H&R Block software or go to see a tax preparer there. I am quite biased since I work there, but that way you can get all the tax benefits allowed to you and not have to spend hours preparing it. They also have a program where you can prepare yourself at home on the software or online and then H & R Block will review it for you. It's called Best of Both.

**Contrary Housewife** · 01-09-2010, 12:55 PM

Originally Posted by MomToTwoBoys

We did Turbo Tax last year. On Dec 26 2009, we received a letter stating that the tax had been miscalculated and that we owe Canada Revenue $310.00... and there were no errors in the Turbo Tax program itself before I submitted it.

So I think I'd rather go back to the way I did my taxes before.

Turbo Tax guarantees they will be 100% accurate or they will pay your tax and the penalty. You should look into that.