TURBOTAX Changes Spark Customer Uproar

[Xcobra]

the username is good for a year, you have to renew it, then they say they don't keep your previous years returns, etc.

This is false. I've done it with them for the past 3 years under the same username. They do give you only a year so you can access your returns online. After that, you better have a saved copy.

 

[MustISO]

I switched over to HR Block tax software this year. Newegg had the Premier version which we needed for $32, cheapest version of TT was $62. Certainly $30 isn't a big deal but their constant changes and deceptive business practices was what pushed me to another company.

 

[z1ggy]

Just so I am clear.. The "Free" version of TT where I end up paying like... $50 for state return and the fee to direct deposit to my checking account, is now actually $20-30 more? Or is this something different?

 

[CPA]

TaxAct is way less expensive, and very similar quality. TurboTax is bit more refined, but experienced person can make with TaxAct just fine.

One annoyance with TaxAct is that they force you to create new username each year.

um, they do? I've been using TaxAct since it's inception, when they were giving it out for free (even had some back and forth emails with one of the founders of the company), and have never had to change my username.

I should add that I don't file online, always download their software. Maybe that's the difference.

 

[Riverhound777]

Hmmm dunno why but I got some email promotion from TurboTax a couple weeks ago and picked up the Premier version for $30. No complaints here.

 

[Elganja]

i've been using taxslayer for years.... but my taxes in general is very simple

 

[JM Aggie08]

I just use their website every year...

Are there any REAL benefits to purchasing a super duper awesome package?

 

[drbrock]

I just use their website every year...

Are there any REAL benefits to purchasing a super duper awesome package?

Not really they just include more forms.

But at that price point you might as well look at a CPA. I only charge 100 for a reasonably simple 1040. Most of my clients like it because all they have to do is send me a scan or picture of their information from their phone. Takes them less than 5 minutes and they will get their taxes done.

I would imagine there is a person in your area that would have similar pricing. Just make sure you don't go to places like Jackson Hewitt or HR Block. You might as well be using the software(plus they are not CPAs)

I wish they would limit the amount of people who can prepare returns for others. This garbage of letting EA's or other non cpas prepare returns should stop.

 

[Demo24]

Been using TT for a couple years and that make investments easy to manage, but not happy with the upcharge ($36 for state alone??). Looks like I'll go to taxact this year, shouldn't be all that much different.

 

[Jimzz]

Been using TT for a couple years and that make investments easy to manage, but not happy with the upcharge ($36 for state alone??). Looks like I'll go to taxact this year, shouldn't be all that much different.

Yea TaxAct has got its act together the last year or so. Much better than when they first came out. That and still a fair price, esp now.

 

[Linflas]

I switched over to HR Block tax software this year. Newegg had the Premier version which we needed for $32, cheapest version of TT was $62. Certainly $30 isn't a big deal but their constant changes and deceptive business practices was what pushed me to another company.

I've been using that since the last TurboTax dustup when they implemented the product activation crap. Not quite as polished but I've had no issues with it.

 

[ghost recon88]

$20 for TaxAct (includes state form), or $30 for TurboTax? What are the odds TurboTax can get me an additional $10 worth of refund :hmm:

I have energy credit tax forms to do, as well as regular W-2, mortgage interest, and capital asset forms. I also need to write off business expenses like cell phone bills and parking permits.

 

[sswingle]

Every year Turbo Tax users get their panties in a bunch over some minor detail. I'll continue to use it, because it gets the job done and I like how it works.

 

[brianmanahan]

Every year Turbo Tax users get their panties in a bunch over some minor detail. I'll continue to use it, because it gets the job done and I like how it works.

same here :thumbsup:

here at ATOT we all make over 100$k per year, so 10$ extra on our taxes wont break the bank

 

[videogames101]

I just get my taxes done professionally for like 25 bucks. Can't really beat that. They keep up with all the tax rules and government programs and all that jaz and know all the terminology and all the various situations and forms and all the stuff to get the maximum return and to avoid having to pay, etc.

Seriously, why would I pay $50 for software that allows me to make significant mistakes (thousands $) when I can pay $50 to get a professional to do it. Makes no sense to buy software imo.

 

[brianmanahan]

Seriously, why would I pay $50 for software that allows me to make significant mistakes (thousands $) when I can pay $50 to get a professional to do it. Makes no sense to buy software imo.

have you ever used the software? it guides you through everything. gotta be pretty dumb, or have a REALLY complicated tax scenario, to mess it up.

i was paying an accountant to do my taxes until i found out that she was just having some people with hardly any financial training just enter all my info into a similar program

 

[TheSlamma]

Hmm, seemed mindlessly easy to me.. setup my $$$$$ to go to the IRS in April already

 

[clamum]

um, they do? I've been using TaxAct since it's inception, when they were giving it out for free (even had some back and forth emails with one of the founders of the company), and have never had to change my username.

I should add that I don't file online, always download their software. Maybe that's the difference.

I've used TaxAct the past few years and I'm pretty sure I've had the same username the whole time.

Never had a problem with TaxAct, either. Cheap and simple to use (online version).

 

[IronWing]

Just finished filing my fed return using the IRS' free fillable forms. I'm pretty sure it took less time than buying, downloading, and installing TurboTax or TaxAct. Certainly less time than inputting my info into either of them.

 

[KLin]

I've used http://express1040.com since 2003. Free fed efiling, 12.95 state efiling. Works great

 

[notposting]

Yeah, another vote for Taxact, same username for years here. (But you do need to pay to "archive" previous years returns online, though it will import info automagically.)

 

[edro]

Here are the product comparisons:
https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/compare.jsp
http://www.hrblock.com/online-tax-filing/help-me-choose.html

 

[cabri]

Link

Responding to a barrage of customer complaints, Intuit INTU +1.39% is apologizing to customers who used its TurboTax Deluxe software on their desktop computers last year and may face higher charges to prepare their 2014 returns.

Beginning Friday Intuit will communicate directly via email with prior-year TurboTax Deluxe customers. The company is offering a $25 rebate to customers who must upgrade to Turbotax Premier or TurboTax Home & Business in order to file their 2014 returns.

They seem to be admitting that they screwed up.:thumbsup:

But not everyone that is being forced will be able to get money back.
And only those that filed with the Deluxe last year.

And you have to request it.:thumbsdown:

Seems like dragging their feet and minimal damage control.:\

 

[SP33Demon]

Does TaxAct have free State filing?

 

[kranky]

They seem to be admitting that they screwed up.:thumbsup:
Seems like dragging their feet and minimal damage control.:\

That's their typical M.O. Pull a fast one, and if it blows up in their face then back off and try to appease the rabble.

I use Quicken and even though it would save me time to use TT because of the integration with Quicken, I still use H&R Block for taxes simply because I don't want to give them any more money than I have to. I can't give up Quicken.