Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

This device is too small

If you're on a Galaxy Fold, consider unfolding your phone or viewing it in full screen to best optimize your experience.

Skip to main content
Advertiser Disclosure Many of the offers that appear on this site are from companies from which The Motley Fool receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear), but our reviews and ratings are not influenced by compensation. We do not include all companies or all offers available in the marketplace.
    |    Accessibility Options

TurboTax Software Review: Sophisticated Design Combined With Ease of Use

Review Updated
Dana George
By: Dana George
Dana George
Dana George
Writer

Dana George has a BA in Management and Organization Development from Spring Arbor University. For more than 25 years, she has written and reported on business and finance, and she's still passionate about her work. Dana and her husband recently moved to Champaign, Illinois, home of the Fighting Illini. And though she finds the color orange unflattering on most people, she thinks they'll enjoy Champaign tremendously.

See Full Bio

Our Taxes Expert

Nathan Alderman
Check IconFact Checked Nathan Alderman
Nathan Alderman
Nathan Alderman
Fact checker

Nathan Alderman has worked with The Motley Fool since 2005, making errors his arch-enemies in a variety of roles including a six-year stint as the dedicated fact-checker for The Motley Fool's premium newsletter services. As The Ascent's Compliance Lead, he makes sure that all the site's information is accurate and up to date, which ensures we always steer readers right and keeps various financial partners happy. A graduate of Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, Nathan spends his spare time volunteering for civic causes, writing and podcasting for fun, adoring his wife, and wrangling his two very large young children.

See Full Bio

Many or all of the products here are from our partners that compensate us. It’s how we make money. But our editorial integrity ensures our experts’ opinions aren’t influenced by compensation. Terms may apply to offers listed on this page.

TurboTax has been helping people complete their tax returns at home since 1984. Through the years, the software has become known for its sophisticated and easy-to-use technology. Overall, TurboTax is one of the most popular tax software programs on the market and is the top choice for self-employed taxpayers. While it's more expensive than other tax-prep software, TurboTax is worth the price for anyone who wants a simple Q&A format that walks them through the entire process. Read our full review to learn more about what TurboTax software has to offer and whether it's the right option for you.

Ratings Methodology

TurboTax

Best for: Most robust tax prep provider

Learn More for TurboTax
Logo for TurboTax
Learn More for TurboTax
Pricing

Federal: $0-$219 | State: $0-$64

When it comes to ease-of-use, it would be tough to find a tax software easier to use than TurboTax. From attractive graphics to clear prompts, TurboTax offers one of the best tax software programs we've come across.

Ease of Use
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Support
Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
4.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Pricing
Rating image, 3.50 out of 5 stars.
3.50/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Features
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
  • Expert, on-demand assistance available
  • Easy to follow prompts
  • Thriving user forum
  • Free version available
  • One of the most expensive tax software options
  • Extra fees for upgrades, like live assistance

TurboTax is a good fit for: The taxpayer who prefers to be walked through a return, line by line.

Alternatives to consider

If you're looking for a less expensive option: TaxAct prices range from free to $34.95 for federal returns. Each state return costs $44.95. In addition, for filers with questions, TaxAct also offers free live tax advice.

If you’re looking for a tax-prep company with in-person support: Jackson Hewitt not only offers tax preparation software, but the companyadlso provides in-person support in more than 6,000 locations. As a bonus, you can file your taxes for a flat fee of $25, including both your federal and state return.

Offer
Rating
Pricing
Next Steps
TaxAct
Rating image, 4.30 out of 5 stars.
4.30/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor

Federal: $0-$34.95 | State: $34.95-$44.95

Learn More for TaxAct
Read Full Review
Jackson Hewitt
Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
4.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor

Federal: $25 | State: $0

Read Review

Full TurboTax review 

Top features

Intuit TurboTax is chock full of up-to-date features that set the software apart from the competition, no matter what your tax situation is.

Crypto support

If you're a cryptocurrency investor, TurboTax software is built for you. One benefit is the ability to import up to 4,000 transactions at once.

Spanish-speaking services available

TurboTax offers a Spanish version of its software and customer service.

Ability to import

For taxpayers who used other tax preparation software last year, TurboTax makes it easy to import previous returns via PDF.

Experienced tax professionals

You don't have to go it alone with TurboTax. There are experienced, professional tax experts who will walk through a return with you or take over entirely, if that's what you prefer.

Great for those who are self-employed

Whether you're building an empire of your own from home or making a little extra money through a side hustle, TurboTax helps you find every tax deduction you're eligible for.

TurboTax software pricing

The cost of software is based on the complexity of the return. If you don't have a simple tax return, you'll need an upgraded version. Here's a rundown of TurboTax tax software costs in 2022:

Product Federal Fees (through 2/28) Federal Fees (3/1 and later) Additional State Fees (through 2/28) Additional State Fees (3/1 and later)
TurboTax Free Edition Free Free Free Free
TurboTax Premium $89 $119 $39 per state $59 per state
Data source: TurboTax

TurboTax support

TurboTax offers customer support via phone, online chat, or live assistance. Basic TurboTax Live ranges from free to $89, but could prove priceless for the filer who needs a confidence boost.

For $169 to $609 per federal return and $39 to $64 per state return (prices rise after March 1), TurboTax tax pros will complete your taxes for you. Your only job is to upload all necessary documents.

Support Option Availability
Phone Support Yes
Email Support No
Help forums Yes
Online chat Yes
In-person branches No
Access to licensed tax pros Yes
Data source: TurboTax.
Expert Assistance Through TurboTax Live Cost
TurboTax Basic Free
TurboTax Premium $169

TurboTax is right for you if: 

  • You have a simple tax return and are eligible for the free version of TurboTax software.
  • You want access to an on-demand tax professional for more complex tax issues.