TurboTax Update: Great Stuff!
A couple of weeks ago, I posted a whiney message about how TurboTax was available via retail channels and I was kind of confused about why I could not get a review copy. I have officially stopped whining after getting a tour of TurboTax, and I am really impressed with a some new features that truly add to the value of this tax prep software.
I'll be updating my review soon, but I wanted to pass on my first impression right away:
Interface: TurboTax still navigates using tabs, but the Q & A portions are more interactive with tips being offered on a clean and uncluttered interface.
Live Community: Integrated with TurboTax Online, but also accessible through a browser for those using TurboTax desktop software. Live Community is monitored by full time tax professionals and provides a better way to get answers immediately.
Audit Tools: The Audit Support Center is very well done. Once a return is analyzed for audit potential, the analysis is provided in a more visual format than in past years, with quicker access to pro active information on avoiding an audit and tax record keeping. The Audit Support Center gives step-by-step guidance if get an audit notice by explaining what IRS communications mean and how to respond with templates for response letters to the IRS. Chances are you won't get audited, and TurboTax is reliably accurate (likely more accurate than you, a pen and your calculator), but this feature adds another layer of security to an audit situation, at no additional cost in TurboTax Deluxe and higher.
Charitable Contribution Tracking: ItsDeductible is fully integrated with TurboTax now. I also found out that anyone can use TurboTax ItsDeductible Online for free to track charitable contributions.
TurboTax Free Edition: There is also a basic, free TurboTax Federal Online version that includes free e-filing for those who have very simple returns. TurboTax Online Free Edition is separate from the Free File program.
Comments
Re: Turbo Tax - I purchased and attempted to install the desktop version for 2007 taxes (due in 2008). The installation failed and “Turbo Tax Support” recently sent me an E-Mail stating “Unfortunately, we’re unable to resolve this issue in the desktop version of Turbo Tax.” They did offer a refund or free use of the equalivalent online version. I would stay away from Turbo Tax until they solve the problem.
Thanks for sharing your experience. I’m looking into this.
shelley
I used Turbo Tax last year and it was a nightmare - completed forms wouldn’t transmit for filing; hours - and I do mean hours - on the phone to Support to solve the problem that wasn’t solved until the third conversation; incomplete tax credit allowances that weren’t updated until mid-February after I had finally been successful in filing and that cost me $200 in energy tax credits without refiling. I complained through their website and never received a response. So, why, you are asking, would I consider this program again? Because I used it for years and loved it! I got away from it in 2005 and 2006 and met it again in 2007 - see above for details. I know you aren’t a complaint resolver or a therapist but I would like your opinion on if Turbo Tax is reliable to use in 2008. Thank you.
Hi Laura. You had a very trying time wiht your income taxes last year, and I am sincerely sorry to hear that, because I know I would have been very stressed out.
I recall that last year, there were some problems with Intuit’s file servers getting overtaxed when hit with a surge of returns. While I cannot guarantee this won’t happen this year, I would be very surprised if it did because Intuit has the resources to fix such things.
As for TurboTax software, I think it is very good again this year, and it is reliable. Some TurboTax users are having trouble installing the software, but this is due to a Microsoft .NET problem and not TurboTax and not everyone has trouble with it. TurboTax is looking into creating patch for this issue. I am advising people to go ahead and use TurboTax, and if it will not install right, follow this procedure to uninstall .NET and reinstall TurboTax.
I advise people not file their taxes until after mid-February, when the IRS has finalized all forms. Your problems last year were certainly NOT caused by your actions, and to be safe wait until mid to late-Feb. to file. I bet you are already thinking about doing that anyway.
shelley
I have been using TurboTax since 1993 and have never been disappointed with the software.
I’ve used TurboTax since the late ’90s and think this is the best year ever for the software
We have used Turbo Tax since 1996 and we have NEVER had a problem with updates. This year (2008) we have had nothing BUT trouble trying do update. Even tried the manual update with NO improvement. I wish someone would fix that so we can get on with life!!!
I also have been using Turbo Tax for years with no problems. However, this year I cannot get the software to update after many tries. It keeps giving me “error 40″ which is described as a firewall problem so I completely disabled my firewall and I still got the same error. Their help/support is lacking in many ways so I finally ordered the CD undate from Turbo tax yesterday. The mannual update is worthless, a waste of time trying.
I’ve used TTax since it first came out. I’m also having problems with updating 2008. Tried on 3 computers. I got off phone with tech support. They seem to be having a problem but will not say so directly. Make sure to use the “Ask Me before updating” when installing. Two calls later I still have no solution. They asked me to uninstall XP service pack 3 and other programs like I Tunes. Sure sign of larger problems on their end. I’m waiting for the fix…
I just bought Turbotax 2008 and cannot update it. I’ve been on the phone with three different techs and have send e-nmails.
I tried to install, unsinstall, take down fire walls and anti-virus software, and nothing. I tried to install IE7, because I read that that helped someone, still nothing.
I installed it on my Lap Top and the updates are working. Unfortunatley, all my files are on the other computer and I’m not networked. Now I have to get networked, what a nightmare!
Efiled (Free) version of Turbo Tax is a pain I could not do it I received error message. Stay away from Turbo. How do I get a refund?
I filed a paper return for 2007 so I don’t have a pin # for that year. I can’t e-file because my correct AGI is not accepted. I always file a joint return so I don’t think there should be a space for my wife’s AGI. Every way i’ve tried to enter the number is rejected
Like some of you, I’ve sucessfully used & loved TurboTax each & every year since early to mid ’90s. Never a single problem UNTIL THIS PAST WEEK when it’s become impossible to download updates to Premier addition no matter what I do. (error 40)Including, but not limited to; disabling all antivirus & security (is that a smart thing when working on your taxes???X#*!), taking directions from TT tech support to use Mozilla & downloading Foxfire (almost 6 hrs!!!), thereby getting rid of Microsoft Internet Explorer (???), etc., etc. ALL TO NO AVAIL. Still, after days & hours upon hours of downloading, cannot obtain updates. Ordered update CD online this evening, finally, but will it arrive in time to file before 4/15??? Your guess is as good as mine! A nightmare, yes, but will I continue using TurboTax, guess it depends …..