I think Turbotax works great for many people. If your IRS return is simple you can save money using this service. I frequently advise tax clients with simple IRS returns to use this service. I want to give my clients the best service and advice possible and if they can save money using a free website I let them know.
There are usually specialists in every IRS center who review Turbo Tax Returns. Recently I was at the IRS and I saw a senior agent I knew from a previous IRS audit. She had 30-40 files on her desk and I asked what she was doing. She said she was
auditing turbo tax generated tax returns that had obvious errors such as double deducting interest expense.
When reviewing your Turbo Tax generated tax return look for deductions entered showing up more than once.
As a general rule, use Turbo Tax if you have a few W-2s and simple itemized deductions and interest income. If you are trading stocks, have rental properties or a business, its time to check in with a CPA. The tax savings will outweigh the tax preparation service cost.
Down load IRS forms: http://www.irs.ustreas.gov/sitemap/index.html
Free Turbotax Online: http://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/online/free-edition.jsp
don says
How can I know my taxes are “simple”? Can I make mistakes with Turbotax?
accountantcalifornia says
Yes you can make mistakes with Turbo Tax. During the summer I was at the IRS and was talking with a senior IRS auditor. I asked her what the stack of returns were on her desk. She said those were all the turbo tax returns prepared incorrectly. Of course I asked her how that happened. She said sometimes people double deduct items; they put deductions in advantageous places; they take deductions they’re not legally entitled to etc.
What makes a simple income tax return? I can’t answer that. A qualified professional should be willing to have a look at your deductions and recommend Turbo Tax or suggest a personalized professional return. Ignorance may be bliss, but when a letter from the IRS comes, it’s very frightening.