I would recommend TurboTax for the simple returns that most Americans have . Those that are self-employed or have extensive investments, etc. I would recommend TurboTax only if they also have some accounting experience. The tax laws are so very complicated. I appreciate that you do give the counsel to seek professional advice in certain areas.
What's great about it: It helps me not forget things to include
None of my previous 5 years of filing with Turbo Chef appeared. I finished the return, paid with credit card, filed electronically and then found a piece of info that I thought would compel me to file an amended return. AFTER sending return electronically, I opened the amended return function. After a thorough reading of IRS directions I realized I did not need to amend my return. I checked on the status of the return only to find that it had not been sent. I have spent 30 frustrating minutes trying to send the return. I cannot remove the "amended" function. The "help" section has the same wrong answer it posted 3 months ago.
What's great about it: Not Many
What's not so great: Doesn't Import Data from Previous Year, Electronic File Failed
I always feel confident using Turbo Tax. We've been using this product since the 2nd year it was released and we've always been please with the software, the knowledge base and the help features. I really like the security of the on-line filing and the personal information privacy Intuit has maintained over the years.
What's great about it: Covers every situation I encounter during the year
What's not so great: Preferred earlier versions of forms access/lists