TurboTax Basic Review

We highly recommend that you use the TurboTax online filing program to work on your return. You can start right now, and pay nothing until you decide to file, while using the program's extensive features and help files.

Click here to start

If you prefer to work on your return using software installed on your computer, then TurboTax Basic will fulfill this function on a budget.

TurboTax Basic, at a glance:   • price: 19.95   • step-by-step filing guide   • free e-filing w/rebate   • free Next-Day Delivery

Our review of TurboTax Basic

Overall rating: (out of 5)


TurboTax Basic is Intuit's entry-level tax preparation software, which has been used by millions of people over the years.

Should you use it?

Honestly, only if you live in a state with no personal income tax.
All of the other versions of TurboTax include a coupon for a rebate on Turbo Tax State, except this Basic version. So if you are filing state taxes, why not kill two birds with one stone and get the version with the rebate?

Also, even if you are not filing state income taxes, but your federal return is more complicated by deductions, investment income, etc. forget TurboTax Basic. Buy at least the Deluxe version, which for ten bucks more offers a lot more features.

Click here to order TurboTax Basic from Office Max

Or

Start or working on your return right now, for free, with TurboTax Online.

TurboTax Basic product information

Note: the following is Intuit's own product description.

  • Answer simple questions
The EasyStep® Interview asks you simple questions and places your answers directly onto IRS-approved forms. All calculations are performed automatically.

  • Find deductions you might overlook
Deduction Finder points out overlooked deductions, saving you valuable time and money.

  • Get your refund faster by filing your return electronically
FREE* Electronic filing after mail-in rebate included with TurboTax Basic. E-filing is the easiest way to file your return and the fastest way to get any refund you may be due. One 1040 e-filing is yours FREE after rebate – a $14.95 value!

  • Identify entries that could trigger an audit
Audit Alerts check your return for items that might raise a red flag with the IRS – and provide information on key documents you should keep.

  • Make the most of the changing tax laws
TurboTax Basic is up to date with all the latest tax law changes.

  • Retrieve and input your wage, mortgage interest, and investment data
Instant Data Entry automatically retrieves W-2 wage, 1098 mortgage interest, and 1099 investment data from participating employers and financial institutions, then enters it in the right forms – reducing manual data entry and simplifying tax preparation.

  • Import Quicken® or QuickBooks® data quickly
The Just-in-Time Import feature helps decrease tax preparation time by importing data from Quicken or QuickBooks programs (2001 or higher). You can bring in separate categories of transactions, like deductions, and preview your entries one at a time. Plus, it's easy to edit imported data.
Note: If you are a QuickBooks user, than Turbo Tax for Business is the product for you.

  • Transfer last year's federal data to this year's return
Transfer tax data instantly from last year's tax return prepared with a TurboTax or TaxCut® program for additional time-saving convenience.

  • Transfers federal tax data to your state return
Instantly transfers TurboTax federal data to your Turbo Tax State return to complete your state taxes quickly and easily. (TurboTax State is sold separately, or buy Turbo Tax Deluxe to get the state software free)

  • Calculations guaranteed accurate!
If you pay an IRS or State penalty because of a calculation error in TurboTax, we'll pay you the penalty plus interest.

  • Get all the forms you need
All the forms you're likely to need for filing your federal taxes are included.

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