Is TurboTax Advantage worth doing?

[SweetieJean]

I believe that TT Advantage has a special phone number for tax questions.  Retailers can offer lower prices because they do not have to provide staff to answer program and income tax questions. Just be sure it's from an Authorized Reseller.  And check to see whether it's Federal only, or Federal + State.

[tcd29485]

I see that there is a charge for annual subscription to Turbo Tax on my credit card that will be taken out on Jan 29, it is for $115. Will I have to pay another fee to E-file federal and state taxes? I tried calling customer service, but can't speak to a person because it is an automated system. 

thanks for the input.

[VolvoGirl]

@tcd29485   Huh?  The Advantage plan is to get the Desktop program each year.  It is not charged until November for the next year's Desktop program.  Don't know what you are being charged for on Jan 29.  

How to contact Turbo Tax
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/using-turbotax/help/how-do-i-contact-turbotax/00/26991

What is the Turbo Tax phone number
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/using-turbotax/help/what-is-the-turbotax-phone-number/00/25632

[Simpleton]

The key reason I use TurboTax Advantage is access to the dedicated phone line for technical support. 

When I used two weeks ago, I dialed the based customer service number, had to wade through the frustrating voice prompts twice, waited forever, and then got hung up on 2 times. I remembered how to get to the advantage number, had almost no wait, got to a human that cared and helped me answer my question. That is just what I need and will continue to pay for.

I would always watch for TT to lower their prices and at minimum use their $10 discount when offered, so it seems Advantage pricing is on target to me.

[karra]

Not sure it is worth it but doesn't advantage include the audit defense which otherwise is $60.

[Critter-3]

It does now ... it did not in the past.   https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/cd-download/advantage/

However that feature is really worthless ... the chances of your getting an audit are slim at best and most audits are done thru the mail asking for missing information to be provided which is something you can do for yourself for free. 

[mjharchitect]

The "advantage" is (1) early release access, and (2) full audit support which is a $45 value.  All that said, you can still purchase it at a vendor for less, and then add audit support if you want prior to filing for $45.