TurboTax Review 2024 (Tax Year 2023)

Our experts answer readers' tax questions and write unbiased product reviews (here's how we assess tax products). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners; however, our opinions are our own.

Offers a high-quality user interface and access to experts and is especially valuable for self-employed filers who use QuickBooks integration.

starting at $0

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Can be good for relatively complex tax situations that may require help navigating deductions and forms
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers step-by-step guidance
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Ability to upgrade for instant access to an expert

• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Not all users will qualify for a $0 filing option
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Most expensive option for many tax situations
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No brick-and-mortar locations to meet with a tax pro

TurboTax is among the most expensive options for filing taxes online, but offers a high-quality user interface and access to experts. It's especially valuable for self-employed filers who use QuickBooks integration.

• Tell TurboTax about your life and it will guide you step by step. Jumpstart your taxes with last year’s info.
• Snap a photo of your W-2 or 1099-NEC and TurboTax will put your info in the right places.
• CompleteCheck™ scans your return so you can be confident it’s 100% accurate.
• You won’t pay for TurboTax until it’s time to file and you’re fully satisfied.
• TurboTax is committed to getting you your maximum refund, guaranteed.

The bottom line: TurboTax is among the most expensive options for filing taxes online, but offers a high-quality user interface and access to experts. It's especially valuable for self-employed filers who use QuickBooks integration.

Who Is TurboTax Best For?

TurboTax is a good option for those with complicated tax situations who need expert help preparing their returns and are willing to pay a premium price for that service. It also can be a good choice if you'd like to hand off your tax documents to a professional and have them do all the work for you. Small business owners who use QuickBooks for their accounting may also like TurboTax, as both services are provided by the same company, with integration between them.

TurboTax Details

• Cost of DIY filing: $0-$359 (+$39 for each state return)
• 3 ways to file taxes online
• Basic free option for qualified simple tax returns only at any income level (not all taxpayers qualify)
• Mobile-friendly
• Upgradeable for instant access to a tax expert
• In-person tax assistance available in most states
• Option to hand off documents to a tax pro for full-service filing

TurboTax Pros & Cons

TurboTax Pros

• Can be good for relatively complex tax situations that may require help navigating deductions and forms
• Offers step-by-step guidance
• Ability to upgrade for instant access to an expert

TurboTax Cons

• Not all users will qualify for a $0 filing option
• Most expensive option for many tax situations
• It can be difficult to know if you qualify for a free or low-price option until you've completed the process

How Much Does TurboTax Cost?

TurboTax generally costs more than other tax-preparation services. Packages beyond the basic version can run at least $100 total for a federal and state return.

TurboTax online offers four different ways to file your taxes, depending on your unique tax needs. With all versions except desktop computer software, you can start and enter your information at no cost. You only pay at the end when filing your federal and state tax returns.

Note: Tax prep companies frequently offer discounts on products early in the season, and prices often change. You can check the company's website to see current offers.

Cost of TurboTax DIY Options And What They Include

• Do-it-Yourself: $0 (for simple tax returns only, not all taxpayers qualify)-$89. The basic edition covers W-2 income, unemployment income, retirement distributions, limited 1099 interest and dividends, the earned income tax credit (EITC), and the child tax credit (CTC), but doesn't allow itemizing your deductions. If you want to claim student deductions or credits, this package isn't for you.
• Live Assisted: $0-$169. This tier of service includes everything in the basic edition, plus the option to itemize deductions, account for mortgage interest, and other more complex tax scenarios. The basic version only applies to those with more simple tax situations. State returns at this level of service are $49. 
• Full Service: $169-$359. TurboTax's top-tier plan connects you with a local expert matched to your situation to get your taxes done as soon as January 8. You can speak with the tax pro one the phone or video conference. With this option, the tax professional does your taxes for you, signs the return, and files it on your behalf. 

Extra Fees You Might Have to Pay With TurboTax

• You need state filing. If you live in one of the majority of states that require you to do state income taxes as well, you'll have to pay an additional $39 or $49 per state, depending on your tax situation. If you lived or worked in more than one state, you may have to pay for multiple state returns.
• You upgrade to TurboTax Live. For a premium price, you can pay for instant, live access to a tax expert.
• You opt for TurboTax Live Full Service: For about double the cost of filing yourself, you can hire a tax expert to take care of it all for you. The cost is between $169 and $359 for a federal return.
• You pay TurboTax from your refund. If you're expecting a tax refund, TurboTax will ask if you want to use part of it to pay for its tax prep services. It sounds more convenient than pulling out a debit or credit card on the spot, but beware: a $40 processing fee applies.

Offers a high-quality user interface and access to experts and is especially valuable for self-employed filers who use QuickBooks integration.

starting at $0

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Can be good for relatively complex tax situations that may require help navigating deductions and forms
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers step-by-step guidance
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Ability to upgrade for instant access to an expert

• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Not all users will qualify for a $0 filing option
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Most expensive option for many tax situations
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No brick-and-mortar locations to meet with a tax pro

TurboTax is among the most expensive options for filing taxes online, but offers a high-quality user interface and access to experts. It's especially valuable for self-employed filers who use QuickBooks integration.

• Tell TurboTax about your life and it will guide you step by step. Jumpstart your taxes with last year’s info.
• Snap a photo of your W-2 or 1099-NEC and TurboTax will put your info in the right places.
• CompleteCheck™ scans your return so you can be confident it’s 100% accurate.
• You won’t pay for TurboTax until it’s time to file and you’re fully satisfied.
• TurboTax is committed to getting you your maximum refund, guaranteed.

How Does TurboTax Work?

TurboTax tells you what you need to enter to do your taxes based on your unique circumstances. The interface provides step-by-step guidance and directions for most tax forms. You can also work on your taxes on the mobile or web versions, or switch back and forth.

You can import many tax forms directly from banks and investment companies into the TurboTax system. With the mobile app, you can take a photo and upload supported forms. You can also upload your tax return from last year. You also have the option to upgrade at any time during the process for live support.

There are multiple ways to get your refund. You can get your federal refund deposited into your bank account, sent as a check, or loaded onto a prepaid debit card. TurboTax also offers refund advance loans at the beginning of tax season. The company also offers an accuracy guarantee and says it will pay IRS penalties and fees related to calculation errors. If it's determined that you entered information improperly, the guarantee does not apply.

TurboTax FAQs

Some of TurboTax's product support and customer service lines that are included in the cost of prep for the lower-tier products are not as helpful as they could be. The best way to get specialized help is usually to upgrade to a more expensive TurboTax Live package. 

TurboTax packages up the things most people need to file their taxes. While some people with very complex or unique situations may feel more comfortable with the direct assistance of a tax professional, the majority of tax situations are easily covered by TurboTax.

TurboTax has a free option for qualified customers for both federal and state simple tax returns only, and you can use it at any income level when you file with the Basic Edition (not all taxpayers qualify). The basic version supports W-2 income, retirement account distributions, unemployment income, interest and dividend income, the earned income tax credit, and the child tax credit. Active duty military and reservists can file free using any of TurboTax's DIY online packages.

For most tax situations, TurboTax does a great job of covering your needs. TurboTax can be expensive, but you get intuitive forms and interfaces, good customer and confidence that you got an accurate tax refund with the maximum cash in your pocket. You may be satisfied with cheaper options if you have a simple tax situation. 

Compare TurboTax

TurboTax vs. H&R Block

TurboTax and H&R Block are two of the most widely used tax-prep platforms offering a wide range of services. Both have highly refined user interfaces and provide access to help from tax professionals. You can also hand off your tax return to a professional to handle for you with either TurboTax or H&R Block. Pricing options between the two providers are similar, although H&R Block has free options available for more scenarios and may charge less for some services like filing state returns.

TurboTax vs. TaxSlayer

TaxSlayer is best for those who don't need a lot of assistance when filing their taxes. It can be a much lower-cost alternative to TurboTax depending on your individual circumstances and how comfortable you are filing your taxes.  For instance, at if you're self-employed and tax savvy, TaxSlayer can be an especially good value, with a package designed for self-employed tax returns priced at $52.95, compared with $89 for a comparable package from TurboTax. Keep in mind, however, that you'd be paying a lower price at the cost of a less sophisticated user interface. 

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Rated TurboTax

We rate tax software on a 1-5 scale. The overall rating is a weighted average that considers five different categories when reviewing each platform, some of which are judged more heavily than others. They are:

• Cost (30%): Is there a free filing package? How does the cost of the paid tax preparation software compare to similar offerings from competitors?
• Value (20%): Does the cost justify what you get? Can you get the same features elsewhere for a lower price?
• User experience (20%): Is the tax prep software easy to use? Can you seamlessly upload or import documents? Is the guidance clear and non-jargony? 
• Expert help (20%): Can you chat, email, or call a tax professional when you have questions? Is this feature included with the standard packages or does it cost extra?
• Support (10%): Is there an accuracy guarantee or audit support? Is customer service reachable and helpful?

We also considered the breadth of tax forms included in the various packages offered by each tax software company, with an emphasis on what's available at no cost.

Offers a high-quality user interface and access to experts and is especially valuable for self-employed filers who use QuickBooks integration.

starting at $0

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Can be good for relatively complex tax situations that may require help navigating deductions and forms
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers step-by-step guidance
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Ability to upgrade for instant access to an expert

• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Not all users will qualify for a $0 filing option
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Most expensive option for many tax situations
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No brick-and-mortar locations to meet with a tax pro

TurboTax is among the most expensive options for filing taxes online, but offers a high-quality user interface and access to experts. It's especially valuable for self-employed filers who use QuickBooks integration.

• Tell TurboTax about your life and it will guide you step by step. Jumpstart your taxes with last year’s info.
• Snap a photo of your W-2 or 1099-NEC and TurboTax will put your info in the right places.
• CompleteCheck™ scans your return so you can be confident it’s 100% accurate.
• You won’t pay for TurboTax until it’s time to file and you’re fully satisfied.
• TurboTax is committed to getting you your maximum refund, guaranteed.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards.

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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