In nearly all cases, TT gives good guidance and good supporting information, I first starting using TT in 2010 after a paid tax provider in VA made gross errors on my return, he didn't even fill in the boxes from my W-2 form correctly, lost so much time fixing those errors decided it was better to do things myself. Along the way, found that TT and the on line forum was able to answer all my questions with a high degree of confidence.
What's great about it: the way TT shows my progress and expected refunds as I work through the return
What's not so great: the section on use of a vehicle for business purposes, I traded in a vehicle this year and some items were confusing.
When you have lots of receipts, have these in order (totals) so your ready to type in the info. But, be careful, I was not able to return later to input the correct totals. Had to start a whole new return and so I lost the first several hours that was done the day before.
However, I will be better prepared for next year. I will be using Turbo Tax again.
(:
What's great about it: Your system did not leave anything out to report.
What's not so great: Could not return and correct input once entered );
I really love having the choice to use the guide or proceed through a section on my own. Everything is well-organized and simple to handle, even for a novice. And for us non-novices, we can easily flip around to the areas we want to work on. I've recommended it to several people already!
What's great about it: Easy to use; guidance where needed; let me do my own thing when I'm comfortable doing so!
What's not so great: Finding some of the rules with Investments was a little challenging.
After 10 years of using TurboTax, the navigation from spot to spot does not improve or get more intuitive. The embedded help isn't extensive enough--like with the HSA 1099. It did not walk me through the changes with that as helpfully as possible. I had to use google and search on my own. Then, when it was time to submit, it was glitchy on my Mac and downloaded the updates several times. Again, I had to go to google to find help. Turns out it is a known problem. Then help for it should have been included. Filing one small Schedule CEZ shouldn't cost so much more for the upgrade, either. The transfer from last year is the biggest asset to TurboTax. I guess it is why I am a legacy customer.
What's great about it: transfer from last year smooth
What's not so great: Submitting from Mac didn't work
Have been a faithful user of TurboTax since 1989. First year to be disappointed. The program hung up numerous times, would not work properly, gave inconsistent instructions when going through my return for the second time and it left me uncertain of and lacking confidence in my return. Sorry, but I just did not feel I got my money's worth this time after 25 good years.
What's great about it: Continuity. Once you start you want to keep using this process
What's not so great: My return was just too complicated for you this time, TT just can't keep up with my needs anymore
Totally procrastinated doing this years return due to the complexity of the return...wasn't as bad as I thought. Home and Business made it one of the easiest year to complete to date. So glad I didn't take it to a "professional" and saved hundreds doing it myself.
What's great about it: Most complex return i have done to date and I did it w/Turbo tax
What's not so great: More fees to pay to file on top of software purchase.
Pros: My job status changed this year (switched jobs, lost a job, got a raise or promotion)