TurboTax is very user friendly and provides details explaining tax rules that allow the average user to complete very complicated tax returns. The software is well-worth the money. I do not believe any professional preparer could have looked at all of the options as thoroughly as I did especially since a hired professional does not have a vested interest in the outcome like I do. After getting my records together, I spent about 8 hours completing the return, but I have a lot to consider and am confident it has been entered accurately.
What's great about it: Thorough analysis of all credits and deductions
What's not so great: Felt I was entering the same information too often
TurboTax has helped me for several years. It covers most of the topics that affect me except for information about being overseas. As a Missionary, I spend much of my time overseas and that makes it more difficult. It also does not highlight the exclusions for ministers.
Some of the data I had should have been easily entered on just one form (data on a trust fund. TT didn't really need to spread this across a 1099-int, 1099-div, and a K-1. But that's what it did, to the amazement of my brother, CFO of a major corporation, and a tax expert... But while cumbersome, it does seem (to me) to be essentially correct. Still, no computer program can fully understand it's input, so people with more complex returns might consider a pro instead, even if it's more money. Cheaper than an audit...
What's great about it: cheaper than a tax pro.
What's not so great: slower than a human preparer, and if you're not careful, programs like Turbotax can allow you to get into real trouble
I always did my own returns but having opened a new business I chose Turbo Tax. Overall, it's a good program but I found it difficult to navigate between types of deductions (e.g., when I had credit card statements containing both medical deductions and business expenses). Preparing the return took a lot longer than it should have if it were easier to navigate between deduction categories. Overall, the program was helpful and I never would have been able to prepare the return myself without it. The fee for filing the state return is too high.
What's great about it: does the math for you, figures out what forms you need
What's not so great: hard to navigate
Pros: My job status changed this year (switched jobs, lost a job, got a raise or promotion)