Posted By Wade Michels

Turbocharge your Return

Wondering which tax software suits you best? Charge through your taxes with TurboTax.
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There’s a gazillion companies who offer tax preparation software. Everyone from TaxACT to TaxBrain to TaxSlayer (I’m not making that last one up), offer some version of tax preparation. But there’s one that stands above the rest. It’s the most popular & the most reviewed, it’s called TurboTax and it’s truly a dominant platform.

The Guarantee

Simply put, TurboTax guarantees you the fattest refund you’re entitled to without breaking the law. It covers 350 deductions and searches your return at every step to ensure you get what you deserve.

It covers everything, even things you normally wouldn’t think of. Did you donate something to charity? TurboTax knows the retail value of the 1000 most commonly donated items. Did you have a lot of medical expenses? TurboTax breaks them down and simplifies them. If it makes a mistake crunching your numbers, they will pay any fines and penalties. If you get a bigger refund using any other tax preparation method, TurboTax will give you your money back.

It’s a Snap

TurboTax sidesteps all that crazy tax jargon, by asking you easy, plain-english questions. Don’t know what AGI means? - Don’t worry you won’t need too. AMT? May as well stand for ATM; their platform is so intuitive it will only ask questions that pertain to you and your unique situation. Did you have children or get married? Start a new job or buy a new home? TurboTax handles it all.

In fact, the software actually collects data for you. It can download W2 information directly from over 100,000 companies and can gather investment material from many financial institutions. Got a question? It a features a live online community filled with tax experts ready, willing, and able to help.

Audit?!

One of my favorite features is the audit risk o-meter, which minimizes the likelihood of a visit from the IRS. If something doesn’t quite jive, it brings it to your attention, flagging it long before you’re ready to electronically file.

In the unlikely event you do get audited (shudder), TurboTax features an IRS audit center which offers step by step guidance on what to do and when to do it. These folks will help to ensure that even if the IRS tags you, it won’t be able to bag you.

Safety

Your identity is your most prized possession and its safety is TurboTax’s number 1 priority. If you choose to use the online version your data is locked away on a firewall-protected server. Then when you’re ready to e-file, TurboTax uses the same encryption technology used by banks to send in your return.

The Rest

Don’t get me wrong, TaxCut, TaxAct, CompleteTax and even the aforementioned TaxSlayer are all solid programs. Every tax software features its own set of bells & whistles as well as its own price point. But pound for pound, TurboTax remains one of the best ways to charge through your tax return.

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