New User Question : I Have Both a W2 and (2) 1099's

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Hey there,

With the Coronavirus shaking things up here in the USA, I am considering doing my taxes myself rather then paying $400+ with my CPA in a effect to save money. I'm really hoping for this to be a painless as possible because I have other things to worry about right now.  I'm looking for the best solution and I'm guessing that the Self-Employed LIVE option is best for me because this year I have both a W2 and (2) 1099's for 2 smaller projects I worked on.

My question at this point it how can I translate the above filing categories in TurboTax? Please note that I have expenses for the 1099's.  Will it be easy or at least intuitive? Also, will the federal be easy to transition to State tax filing paperwork?

Lastly, when working with a CPA in the LIVE feature, can I select one person to work with through the entire project or will I just be able to work with whoever is available at the time?

Thank you. 

[JohnB5677]

All excellent questions.  There are two platforms that you can use.  We have an Online system where you can use web based software, and a Desktop system that resides on your computer. 

• The Desktop version has a few more bells and whistles (You can see your return and all the Forms at any time). 
  • You would need Home & Business - Live.
  • If you need a State, be sure that the box, or download include the state option.
• The advantage of the Online version is that you can access it from anywhere you can log in.  You would need Self Employed - Live.  

The software is intuitive, but many users do need some guidance.  If you need to contact us you will not get the same individual every time, but all of our experts are credentialed (CPA< EA or Attorney).

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Hello @JohnB5677  - Thanks for your input. 

• I am interested in the online platform.
• Please tell me more about how I would apply both the W2 and the 1099's.
• Also, can I work with one single CPA or will I need to work with whoever is available? 

Thanks!

[DavidD66]

TurboTax Online will guide you step-by-step to enter both your W-2 and your 1099-s.  Since you have 1099s and expenses to go along with them you would want to use the Self-Employed version.  TurboTax will guide you through setting up your "business" to report your income (1099s) and expenses on Schedule C.  If you want to use TurboTax Live, you can get either an offline review where you ask about a single issue at one time (would not be the same expert each time), or you can schedule a line by line review with a tax expert that will go through your entire return with you live.  

[VolvoGirl · Accepted solution]

Just a few points....

LIVE expert help feature is only available in the Online versions not the Desktop CD/Download program. Yes for Online you would need to use the Self Employed version to enter self employment expenses.

It might be cheaper to buy the Desktop program.  All the Desktop programs have the same forms. You just get more help and guidance in the higher versions. So you could buy a lower version like Deluxe.   And the Desktop program has more features than the Online version.  Like you can see and enter into the actual forms.  You can do unlimited returns.  State preparation program is included (it costs to efile state but you can print and mail state for free).  And other advantages.

A lot of us recommend Desktop over Online.  But you don't get the extra Live expert help feature.  You can call in for regular support or ask us here in the forum.

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Thank you both @VolvoGirl  and @DavidD66 for your input. I appreciate it and I'll think about my options.