[Kettlepot]

Work just issued our W2s and I was just about to get started on my eFiling, but something gave me pause:

https://www.amazon.com/TurboTax-Deluxe-State-Software-Refund/dp/B00MYXTCGY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1422374850&sr=8-2&keywords=TurboTax+Basic+2014

This years’ TurboTax has 620 1-star votes out of 870 votes 😐

Apparently the Basic Version is cheaper but no longer covers itemized deductions and you can’t (?) file your state return with it. They also increased the price of the Deluxe version and it does pretty much what the basic version did last year, and you also have to pay an additional $20 on top of that to eFile your state taxes.

What software are you all going to use for eFiling?

Far: 49
BEC: 79 (Expired)
AUD: 51, 67, 64
REG: 59, 64, 59, 69

[Anonymous]

Are you really surprised? TurboTax is owned by Intuit, one of the greediest software companies in the U.S. Are you familiar with Lacerte? It's the professional tax software that's owned by Intuit (they bought it recently from the original creator). Do a Google search and you will see how Intuit has been jacking up prices significantly and losing customers fast….I try to avoid Intuit at all costs…

[Anonymous]

I'm with MalClam. I do my taxes by hand every year. I wish Minnesota would follow Maryland and allow filing for individual income tax directly on the DOR's website like they do for several other tax types.

[ijustwant76]

Here's the problem with the new version, especially Deluxe. Past versions of Deluxe had the ability to do investments. While this years' version is the same price, they removed the investment's component and put it into Premier. So effectively, you're paying $20 more than you had to in the past. People are flaming Intuit in the reviews b/c of the price.

Intuit has since recanted and is now offering some rebates:

https://americasmarkets.usatoday.com/2015/01/22/turbotax-admits-mistake-pays-customers/

[taxgeek83]

My state also allows you to file your state return directly from its website; however, it's a lot more efficient to have a program where you file both federal and state simultaneously. I used to do the Turbo Tax/State Website thing, and while it worked, it was kind of a pain. If two websites is the only way you can do it for free and you're comfortable doing your own taxes, I'd say go for it. There seem to be a lot of other little to no cost options out there, though, that allow you to just knock out both at the same time – something I personally would take advantage of. 🙂

[hunter32]

Still way better than “Get your billions back America!”

BEC - 80 (Becker)
AUD - 92 (Becker+NINJA MCQ)
FAR - 87 (Becker+NINJA MCQ)
REG - 90 (Becker+NINJA MCQ and Audio)

[Skynet]

Taxact is pretty inexpensive but only if you know what you are doing and don't need hand holding to do your taxes.

[TNCPA16]

I just filed my taxes this morning and only paid $24.99 for the Turbo Tax Deluxe version. Plus they had an offer where if you used part of your refund to get an Amazon gift card, they'd add an additional 10%.

[Pork Flavored Bacon]

I tried to use H&R Block software this year but when I imported my 2013 TurboTax file, H&R Block completely screwed up my depreciation schedules. I couldn't even go into the forms to manually make changes.

I'm going to stick with TurboTax from now on. I'm not happy with the price increase and their BS excuses as to why they did what they did to their products but at least they are consistent. In the future, I will gladly pay more for TurboTax and save myself the headache of trying to figure out why H&R Block decided to change my depreciable lives from 27.5 years to 40 years.

It was a waste of $40 but I learned my lesson. : )

FAR - 75 | REG - 87 | AUD - 82 | LAW - 81

[Lari Sa]

Great article to read if you're preping your own taxes and debating on which software to use:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/get-there/wp/2015/02/04/how-much-youll-pay-if-you-do-your-own-taxes/

AUD 85 (11.10 - expired), 0 (2.13), 82* (5.13)
BEC 49 (5.09), 38 (5.11), 75* (10.11)
REG 65 (2.11), 74 (11.11), 0 (2.12), 81* (4.12)
FAR 67 (5.12), 73 (12.12), 78* (2.13)

[Anonymous]

update: ended up doing my taxes with Turbo Tax for the first time and it went smooth sailing. The software is great! will use it next year. Last year I paid someone $65 to do it. And I have a simple return- 1 W-2, no mortgage, just tuition.

[Soon2beCPA]

Interestingly enough, I just got this email from Turbo Tax:

“We recently tried to explain the changes made to our TurboTax desktop software and apologized for the impact it had on you. Many responded and let us know our apology and rationale were not acceptable.

You want the TurboTax desktop product (CD or download) you've used in the past to do what it has always done—handle your tax situation. We heard you. It's time we make it right.

Beginning February 7, 2015, you can buy the same product you'd normally buy, and if you need to upgrade for your tax situation, we'll help you do that at no additional cost. This means you'll get all the forms you need, including Schedules C, D E, and F, without paying anything extra. Learn more.

If you're a returning TurboTax Deluxe CD or download customer and you've already filed using TurboTax Premier or TurboTax Home & Business, we're offering you $25 cash back. Simply visit TurboTax.com/25back to claim your money.

Next, we are committed to bringing back the product you know and love. By the time you are ready to prepare and file your taxes next year, the TurboTax desktop product you trusted in the past will include the forms you've counted on for years.

I understand our actions have caused anger and frustration, and our response has been far too slow. TurboTax is committed to regaining your trust and providing you with the level of excellence you have come to expect.

Thank you for your feedback and continued loyalty.”

BEC - 11/2015 - 82
FAR - 10/1/2016
AUD - 6/4/2016 - 80
REG - 12/10/2016

[Anonymous]

The big change for me was that schedule D was no longer included in the Deluxe program. Now I still haven't filed yet because I don't want to pay $30 to have to upgrade to Premier.

[Anonymous]

Turbo Tax has new problems. The state of Minnesota has stopped accepting TurboTax returns due to possible fraud.

https://www.revenue.state.mn.us/newsroom/Documents/20150205%20TurboTax%20filing%20issue.pdf

[taxgeek83]

And in further news….

https://www.accountingtoday.com/accounting-technology/news/intuit-temporarily-halts-state-e-filing-amid-fraud-concerns73585-1.html

[Author]

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