Intuit TurboTax Deluxe 2007 Review

Intuit's premier tax software provides the tools and the advice, and you take care of the sweating, the cursing, and the angst that comes with all do-it-yourself projects.   When it's all over, you'll realize that it wasn't so bad after all, and you'll bask in the glow and pride of having done it all yourself for, well $49.99, plus the price of electronic filing (e-file) your taxes, which has risen to a mind numbing $17.99!      

Getting Started

Having used TurboTax in the past, I found this year's version to be just as easy to install and use.  The program has been stable on my computer system, updating the software was glitch-free, and downloading the state file was also without incident. 

Within the software itself, you'll find plenty of instructions and tutorials to get started.  A list of "Common Questions" is conveniently located on the right side of the screen to provide ready access to questions you may have about a particular screen.  You can view IRS Publications and the TurboTax Handbook.  There is also video advice, FAQs, a Help & Info Center, and a Product Overview.  Navigating through the program couldn't be easier.  At any time, you can move to a different portion of the Interview simply by selecting a button at the top of the screen.  There, you will find the "Easy Step Navigator" which lists sections of your tax return so that you can easily review or make any necessary changes.

Once you've completed the Interview, the program will do a final calculation and run an error check.  I always run the TurboTax tools which include a Deduction Finder, Audit Alerts, and the US Averages comparison.  These tools help alert you to potential deductions or inconsistencies regarding your return.  There are also future tax planning calculators and forecasting tools that uses this year's data to help you plan for next year taxes.

eFile

Of course we eFile (electronically file) our tax returns (Federal and State) every year, and I have notice that the price to eFile Federal returns has been steadily climbing, but I didn't sweat it because Intuit always included a rebate firm in the box for eFile users.  Not this year!  Not only did the price climb to $17.95, but there was not rebate form!  This would not stand.  I called Intuit and after some passing the buck from department to department I finally got them to give me a rebate.  Why should I, or anyone, have to pay to electronically file their taxes?!        

My Viewpoint

Doing ones taxes can be a daunting, frustrating, hair pulling, government cursing experience that any sane person dreads like a Chicago commute. TurboTax Deluxe 2007 with its unique brand of tools make that pain more bearable, and dare I say enjoyable? Okay perhaps not, but it beats coming to the table alone, and running receipts in hand the nearest H&R Block.