TurboTax is easy to use. Every question is addressed. The format is a simple Q&A. Answer the questions and you are on your way. On the other hand, the explanations in some areas are not easy to understand. It took me an hour to figure out how to add in our self-employed health insurance. Overriding a line means taxes may not be filed electronically but trying to understand how to enter the info was a crazy maze. We use TurboTax because we are not accountants.
What's great about it: I love the east with which I can do my taxes. TurboTax walks me through every item with an easy Q&A format.
What's not so great: Hate the "tax speak" explanations. Sometimes they are not complete enough to be understood by the regular guy.
I am a CPA with a Masters Degree in Taxation and over 25 years of accounting and tax experience. The Turbo Tax product does an amazing job of covering, explaining, and to a certain extent "leading" individuals through the various stages of preparing their return.
It performs the dual functions of preparation and checklist and does a really good job covering the issues that most taxpayers would encounter.
I've used it to prepare returns for myself and my family for several years now, and am still very impressed.
What's great about it: Step by Step process very well thought out
Turbotax should show an example in easy step of how to use the actual "form" to identify and correct errors. The Review only tells you an error but doesn't take you to the "form". Very hard to locate in the easy step application where to go to correct an error if you don't realize you need to go to forms
The error identification and correction in Forms is brilliant
What's great about it: Generally Very user friendly
I have used Turbo Tax for the last 10 years and find it a definite advantage to be able to transfer information from prior years automatically and review current tax information versus last years. I started a small business and the step by step instructions allow me to understand what deductions are allowed and why. The error checker helps ensure that my return is complete and accurate and the audit analyzer identifies my risk of being audited. Also, I keep my tax information on a thumb drive and can access it at any time without feeling the information is not secure.I believe Turbo Tax has improved every year.
What's great about it: Step by step instructions for both my small business and personal filing.
What's not so great: Difficult to print forms for e-mailing and personal records.
Pros: My job status changed this year (switched jobs, lost a job, got a raise or promotion)