My 2020 Federal Return

[sanjayb]

Hi, 

I am a US Citizen living in India and have Indian and US Income. I only file a Federal Return. I was a Turbo Tax user but started using a CPA because of my two country situation. A friend told me that Turbo tax had products with live CPA help which would work for me and save me hassle and money but I will have to do some filings like FINCEN myself but the TT CPA will guide me. Is this correct. Which TT product should I use and when can I get started on my 2020 return. 

[Critter-3]

When the ONLINE program goes live pick that option :  

https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/online/live/

 

What is Full Service by TurboTax Live?

In Full Service by TurboTax Live, a tax expert will prepare, sign, file and guarantee your tax  return for you, all from the comfort of your home or office.

Once your tax expert receives all your tax documents and information from you, it’ll take 5-7 business days to complete your return.

How does Full Service work?

1. Meet your tax expert: We’ll set up a one-way video call to meet your Line by Line Review tax expert. You’ll learn more about the process and have the opportunity to ask any questions you have. You'll get to know your tax expert and they'll learn about your tax situation.
2. Upload additional information: You may need to upload additional documents or other information before your tax expert can get to work on your return. It’s easy and can be as simple as snapping a photo with your phone. Your expert can help you identify what documents you’ll need to upload.
3. Your tax expert will prepare your return: You and your tax expert can message back and forth while they're working.
4. Review your return: After your tax return is finished, your tax expert will share it with you. You can even go over it together in a live video call.
5. Pay and check out: After you’ve reviewed your return and are ready to file, you’ll pay for TurboTax.
6. Download a copy of your return: Once you’ve paid, you’ll have the opportunity to download a copy of your tax return.

If you need to amend your return after a Full Service preparation, our tax experts will help you do so. You can also reach any of our tax experts year-round for help and advice. It’s all included with TurboTax Live.

Related Information:

• How do I schedule my review using TurboTax Live?
• How do I connect with a tax expert in TurboTax Live?
• What is MAX?
• What is My Docs?
• What is the TurboTax Free File program?

[sanjayb]

Thank you. How much does this option cost. Maybe the price is not set for 2020. If it is not 2019 pricing will give me an idea. 

[Critter-3]

https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/online/live/

[sanjayb]

Thanks this seems like a great value. I was paying 10 times this fee to the CPA firm that handled my return last year. I am retired and can do most of the work if pointed in the right direction. Will definitely try Turbo Tax this year. Looking forward to reviewing the offering for 2020 by Turbo Tax. Will also tell a few of my friends to check it out. Thanks @Critter-3 

[SteamTrain]

Just some warnings:

1)  When filled out completely and ready to file....If you owe the IRS taxes due, then you will need a US credit card with a US billing address to pay the full software fees.  These software fees are entirely separate frm what you may owe the IRS.....otherwise you will not be able to print, nor file the tax return, and will not be able to see any of the forms.

2)  IF you are due an IRS refund, then you "might" be able to use the refund to pay for the software fees....plus an additional ~$40 (last year's extra charge...but that could change ) to allow that to happen.  But  you likely must have a US-located Bank account, in order to do that....otherwise you are back to #1.

3)  We users have no idea if the EA/CPA help will have different days/hours....but it is possible that CPA's and EA's may only available during daytime hours in US time, so you would have to be aware of the time offset from your location....what days and how long each day have not been announced anywhere that I know of....but it's usually weekdays only during January & much/all of February...then some time in ~March, weekends would be included until 15 April, and perhaps the week after.   (unless there is a 15 April Covid delay again this year)

[fanfare]

you're better off with the live person you are already working with.

With TurboTax, IF you can get through, you will get a different cpa each time..