Is buying Turbo Tax a waste of money?

[tatradingco]

Is buying Turbo Tax a waste of money?

[xmasbaby0]

ONLINE vs. DESKTOP

When you use Online TurboTax, you get one return per fee.  Each return needs its own account and user ID.   If you use the same account and user ID for a second return, you overwrite the first one and lose it forever.

 When you use Desktop TurboTax, which you install from a CD or download to your own hard drive, you can prepare and e-file multiple returns for the cost of the software.  You can e-file up to 5 Federal returns—more if you mail the additional ones.  If you have multiple returns to prepare for family members, Desktop is more cost effective.

Desktop --unless you specifically buy federal  Deluxe only from a retailer-- will include the software for one specific state.   You can prepare as many returns for that state as the number of federal returns you prepare.  E-filing state returns is an extra fee which can be avoided by printing and mailing the states.   Additional--other--state software is an additional fee for the software.

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[Mike9241]

you certainly have the right to paper prepare your return and mail it in.

or you could use a pro that would probably have a minimum fee several times what Turbotax costs.

[xmasbaby0]

TurboTax provides tax software that you use instead of sitting down with paper tax forms, a sharp pencil with a good eraser, a calculator and a 114 page IRS instruction book.    You have to decide if that is a waste of your money.

[tatradingco]

Assuming that it works (which it does not).

[tatradingco]

CRAP

[catsonkeys]

If you prefer the bit of peace of mind that comes with using a fairly comprehensive program, then I would recommend it.  It is very helpful in taking you step-by-step if you need it, or helping less if you don't need a lot of help.  And you can EFile for direct deposit to your bank, to avoid someone possibly stealing the check in the mail.

[JaCulver5]

Dont bother it is a waste of money