@oiselet , I cannot comment on your experience of a few years ago., However, my considered opinion is :
(a) TurboTax Windows downloaded / CD version of Home & Business is my favorite for preparing and filing reasonable complex returns,
(b) All the forms required for the situation you are describing -- ExPat with NRA spouse living abroad & filing joint or MFS-- are available and Step-by-step questions works quite well. These are not perfect in some cases but between the software and the volunteers/ experts there are no gaps/ issues in [prep[aring a correct return. In specific situations , can it be improved ? Absolutely. Is it sufficient ? Yes.
(c) many of us volunteers are retired tax professionals while others are extremely well versed in the use of the software tool. Thus you have a good support system, if you want to ;prepare a return by yourself.
(d) obviously there may be areas where it could have been done better, but this is common for all DIY tax prep. software ( geared towards the uninitiated masses ).
Full disclosure --- I am a volunteer, do not have any relationship / interest ( financial or otherwise ) with Intuit / TurboTax, do receive a free copy of TurboTax of my choice ( if I request ) and occasional "de-minimus" gifts but I do spend , hundreds of hours helping users of TurboTax. Ny comments above are purely based on my own experience using the product of my choice
Is there more I can do for you ?
