I like TurboTax a lot. But, the payment portion is unclear and frustrating. Also, the update did not work because it did not restart or tell me to restart after applying the patch. This was extra frustrating because it was at the final step of filing and I did not know if it had filed or what.
What's great about it: Works well. Most of the bugs worked out.
What's not so great: Payment and add-ons are not clear.
I've been using Turbo Tax for at least 4 years now and the application of part of my refund to next year's tax has always been difficult or unable to accomplish for me. The help feature has improved and I was able to designate part of my federal refund after finding the "Other Tax Situations" button. I think it would be vastly improved if Turbo would ask the question of application to next year's tax after the refund is calculated as part of a step by step program. I was unsuccessful in finding a way to apply part of my state refund to the following year's tax. There was no "Other Tax Situation" button for the State portion.
Regarding capital gains, the capital gains I reported was taken directly from the 1099-DIV form Line 2a. Although the amount was considered Long Term Capital Gain, Turbo Tax didn't ask me what portion was long term. It reported all of it on Form 1040 line 13 and stated Schedule D wasn't required. I wonder whether Turbo treated it all as short term gain and thereby increased my tax.
What's great about it: imports from prior years and quick calculations
What's not so great: State refund application to next year; capital gain accuracy.
Pros: My job status changed this year (switched jobs, lost a job, got a raise or promotion)
SINCE 2005, I HAVE BEEN USING TURBO TAX. PRIOR TO THAT I WAS PAYING ACCOUNTANTS. TURBO TAX IS STRAIGHT FORWARD EASY. I RECOMMEND IT TO ANYONE WANTING TO LEARN HOW TO PREPARE THEIR OWN RETURN AND GET A REFUND WITHOUT PAYING HEFTY FEES.
What's great about it: VERY HELPFUL, EASY TO UNDERSTAND AND STRAIGHT TO THE POINT. NO GUESS WORK OR DICTIONARY REFERENCE NECESSARY
What's not so great: IF YOU'VE ADDED A SIMILAR $$ AMOUNT OR ITEM BY ANOTHER NAME THE SYSTEM DOESN'T FLAG IT FOR COMPARISON