Why We Like It
TurboTax Deluxe is our top pick for easy-to-use online tax software. Its simple interface lets you easily navigate your tax return as you enter all the necessary information. We loved how easily you can import your tax documents directly into the platform.
As you prepare your tax return, TurboTax Deluxe offers many helpful tools, such as explainer videos, questionnaires to help you identify tax deductions and credits, and explanations for why you might owe taxes. This would be useful for someone who feels mostly confident filing their taxes but still wants some reassurance they’re doing it right.
What We Don’t Like
TurboTax comes with one major downside: upsells. TurboTax constantly tries to sell add-on products throughout the filing experience, such as help and support packages to assist with audits or amended tax returns, and one-on-one time with specialists.
Most filers don’t need to pay for these extras to complete their taxes successfully, but the upsells may sow doubt in their minds that they need to spend extra to do so, and may force them to take time away from filing to opt out of each offer.
TurboTax also can be more expensive than its competitors, depending on the time of year. Its prices fluctuate and—without promotions or add-ons—can range from $69 to $129 for federal income tax filing, plus an additional $64 or more for each state tax return.
Who It’s Best For
TurboTax works well for people with more than a basic W-2 (for example, those who itemize deductions and have investment income). It may be right for you if you feel comfortable filing your own taxes—but also think you may need a little assistance here and there.
TurboTax helpfully provides a list of items required to complete your tax return accurately, and the navigation menus direct you to specific tax categories, such as income, deductions and credits.