Features

• Tax preparation software with step-by-step guidance and free electronic filing
• Extra help for mortgages, charitable contributions, and other important deductions
• Assistance from official IRS publications and expert video advice
• Updated life events planner; medical expense expert; complete tax library
• Double-checks return for accuracy; compares last year's deductions to this year's

Features

• Software for corporation, partnership, and fiduciary income taxes
• Step-by-step guidance; easy-to-understand language; simplified navigation
• Prepare and print W-2 and 1099-MISC forms for employees and contractors
• Automatically import and easily edit QuickBooks data for 2003 or higher
• Comprehensive Business Tax Library; checks for accuracy

Features

• Tax preparation software with step-by-step guidance and free electronic filing
• Help and advice for investments, Schedule C businesses, and rental property
• Extra guidance on business asset depreciation and home-office deductions
• Assistance with reporting stocks, bonds, and mutual funds
• Maximize 401(k) contributions without decreasing take-home pay

Features

• Step-by-step guidance for completing state taxes
• Asks simple questions and completes state-approved forms
• Transfers data automatically from TurboTax federal return
• Automatically performs all calculations for convenience
• Double-checks for errors and omissions

Features

• Tax software guides users through IRS returns
• Interview-based wizard system
• Up-to-date with latest federal tax law
• Checks math and audit flags
• Includes tax publications and expert advice

Reviews (164)

Computes Passive Loss Limitations incorrectly
In computing the passive loss accumulation for rental property, it adds in all other passive losses, not just those in the same category.

Surprised at all the negative reviews
I am so surprised to see all the negative reviews. My turbotax worked fine. I usually do my taxes by hand, but I have used turbotax in the past. I did download any updates that became available. I also got the state version and e-filed for both. All of it went incredibly smoothly. If you just have to fill out 1040EZ it isn't worthwhile, but the auto fill in is a big time saver for 1040 filers, especially if you have to do the capital gains calculations.

Turbo Tax 2003 was a COMPLETE RIP OFF!!!
I have used TT for the past 5 years with no problems. This year, however, due to it's software glitch, I received a message on April 18 that the IRS had not accepted my return because it didn't match the info from my 2002 return (which was also filed using TT) and my PIN was incorrect. I had already gone through the update procedures, received verification of my PIN and no changes had been made to my 2002 return. I ended up filing by snail mail and included a letter to the IRS listing all the problems I'd had with TT. I don't even know to this day what is happening with my Fed return. Fortunately, I'm supposed to get a refund (although that may now be eaten up by penalties for late filing).

I also had trouble with the 2003 State version of TT and ended up filing that by snail mail, as well. I just received my State refund so guess that went okay (so far, anyway).

I will be demanding a refund from Intuit for the Fed and State versions of 2003 TT as soon as I find out what happened with my Fed return. I will also demand a refund of the charge they applied to my credit card for e-filing, which never happened. I know others who have had the same problems with the 2003 TT. If Intuit doesn't refund our monies, perhaps a class action lawsuit will persuade them otherwise.

Incredible waste of money
I bought this product after using Taxcut for years. Taxcut has gone rebate crazy and I thought I'd give Turbo Tax a try. Bought the product in December of 2003 for some tax planning. It would not read Tax cut files - how incredible. The update to read Taxcut files wasn't available until Jan 2004 and then it would not read state files from Taxcut. Then there was a printing problem where the solution was to manually search font files and manually delete them and reinstall the program. I wound up buying Taxcut to do my taxes. Just for comparison I entered the same data into both programs - TurboTax came up with different results- owed more taxes. Now I remember why I stopped using Quicken and anything else to do with Intuit. How this company stays in business with putting out this kind of software is hard to explain. Stay away.

Terrible Customer Service System
We had problems with TurboTax this year due to the fact it was issued before all the necessary data was available and we experienced complications with downloading the needed info.

As there is no way to contact Intuit via phone, I used the "Chat's Care System" - instantaneous emailing. They told me to return the product for a refund - I was impressed. My return package arrived at Intuit - with confirmation of receipt - but no refund was issued. I contacted Customer Service, via the chat's system again. Customer Service said it could do nothing, had no fax machine at which to receive info, and that Returns has no phone at which I could contact them. Customer service suggested I send a letter to Returns and ended the chat session.

Due to the TurboTax downloading complications, we worked with a tax accountant for the first time this year. I planned to return to TurboTax next year but no longer think so after my experience with Customer Service. Ultimately, I invested time, talked with no one, and left with my problem unresolved. For me, paying a little extra to sit down face-to-face with an accountant who is not only service-oriented, but able to educate me on taxes in the process, is a far better choice than TurboTax. ... Read more

Features

• Tax software for self-employed guides users through IRS returns
• Interview-based wizard system
• Up-to-date with latest federal tax law
• Checks math and audit flags
• Easily print W-2 and 1099 forms

Reviews (11)

Fair deal considering
I've used TurboTax several years in a row now and once used TaxCut. Frankly, Turbo is easier to use for me after all is said and done. The download for the free state forms was a bit tricky this year, though the reasons are still unclear, but they did eventually download. Our taxes were completed in just a couple of hours, we'll get back a nice tidy refund as always. I've never been too particularly fond of Microsoft's TaxCut with all it's pushy pitches to get their other software programs so this was the best answer for me.

A no hassel software program
After a diasterous last year with Tax Cut, several computer crashes and rollbacks to 98SE, I did not think I had much of a chance with TurboTax this year. Although I could not transfer my last years Taxcut info to Turbotax this year, I could not even open last year's saved Taxcut data with Taxcut! I had to enter my basic information and from then on I had no problem with the downloads, electronic filing and direct deposit. The schedule C, depreciation and deduction information were all very helpful. Highly recommended

Beware E-Filing With TurboTax
I'm a sole proprietor who has used this version of TurboTax for a few years and liked it immensely in the past. This year though, I got caught by a software glitch that made an unauthorized $2,300 direct debit for this year's first estimated tax payment from my bank account. I'm in graduate school and working less this year, so this hurt. Luckily my bank stuck with me to get the claim processed, but my initial customer service from TurboTax was horrible. They've finally realized their snafu and sent me an email with an actual customer service number to call that doesn't have a $20 fee attached to the call. I called and they promised to refund any overdraft charges and give me a free version of the product for 2004. They say they're fixing the problem, that only .25 percent of their customers had the problem, but I will never e-file through them again. Not sure yet about using TurboTax again.

complicated returns? this is your best choice
PC version on Win XP. I only used for my personal return and this is my 3rd year with turbotax product. It is the only one that has any chance of handling more complicated returns with business income- none of the others even listed the forms I need. This year there was a glitch with form 6252- it imported data from last year but did not prompt me in the interview. I called support on tax day and had a live person within a few minutes. Later I used the chat for a follow up question.
service- 5 stars
software- 4 stars
overall value- 5 stars
I completed a complex return and 2 others a little less complex in less than a day. The help window on the side and other pop-ups (on request) answered every question I had (other than software issue) I also recommend "It's deductible" which integrates wonderfully with turbo and pays for itself many times over.

opaque and useless
If you need to file a schedule C, or live in New York State, I would suggest spending your money on the services of a tax professional rather than this cripplingly flawed piece of software. (Based on my past years' experiences and several comparative reviews I've seen of the 2003 software packages, TaxCut is even worse!) The interview questions are confusingly worded for Federal, but are completely opaque for State, as if the questions were pulled directly off the state IT-201 form. I thought these programs were supposed to explain things. The help links skip definitions of many key terms, and are almost wholly absent from the State questionnaire, where examples and explanations are most needed, especially when tax is computed differently from the federal rates. What's worse, the State program asks for data that was already entered in the Federal questionnaire without even giving a worksheet or line number to refer to! If you go back to Federal and look it up, watch out: you'll have to answer every State question again to get back to the screen you had reached. There is absolutely no point to using this program. Go see an accountant -- you will thank yourself. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

For most users, TurboTax Deluxe 2002 will make April 15 just another day. This incarnation of the most popular tax-preparation title is as streamlined and simple as before, and its integration with Quicken is better than ever. Intuit has striven to make the software easy to use even for those with an aversion to both tax forms and computers. The wizard-based system guides users through each step with plenty of context-sensitive advice.

Installation of TurboTax is just as easy as it's always been. The activation procedure requires an Internet connection, but overall the brief procedure is transparent and painless. Quicken users can swiftly import their financial data, as can those who've used previous versions of TurboTax. Each copy offers free (after rebate) electronic filing and TurboTax State, which can be ordered from within the program. The preparation itself is almost as simple and reliable as going to an accountant; each step and each piece of information required is fully explained. If some financial data is temporarily unavailable, it's a snap to skip ahead and complete the rest while waiting on that information. Once the numbers are all in, TurboTax does the math and instantly releases the news, good or bad. Printing is simple, as is e-filing, and all data can be saved for future reference.

The Tax Library feature is comprehensive and well worth exploring, as it contains all the information users need to save countless dollars and hassles. From IRS documents to professionally produced videos explaining key concepts, the materials are sharply focused and helpful to the broadest range of taxpayers.

For 2002, Intuit has instituted a licensing system that, while mostly harmless, has caused enough problems to become controversial. Each package requires an activation that links the full product irrevocably to one machine and installs background software to monitor licensing compliance. People who want to use more than one computer may do so, but they will have to settle for one fully functional product and one in trial version mode (only printing and e-filing are disabled in trial version). To enable trial version users just need Internet access. This functionality makes it easy to prepare in multiple locations-for example on a laptop and a home PC. When users are ready to file they just need to return their data file to the computer with printing and e-filing capability. This multiple-PC issue shouldn't affect most buyers, and should not alter the opinion that TurboTax is still the best tax preparation package available. --Rob Lightner ... Read more

Reviews (603)

Yet another bad review with some history
I started using TT in 1998 by using a friend's disk (stole it). It worked great. Turbo Tax didn't cost too much so starting in 1999 I started buying it. They got me as a customer because they had a good product at a good price and because I was able to try it once free before I bought it. Nothing I hate worse than buying something you can't return only to find out it is junk. The 2002 printer thing made me sware to never use TT again. Thing is they fixed it for 2003 so should we reward their fix this year or punish them for what they did last year?

2003 - No Better than 2002!
Turbo Tax was good last year. But now I have CG (capital gains) and find TurboTax Deluxe doesn't even collect the information. I got so angry so started clicking all over the map and got some message that if I had bought a different version of TurboTax, it would have collected CG information.

I gave up and tried to print my completed return (w/o CG)so I could transfer the information to paper forms that do ask about CG, only to find Turbo Tax won't print!!!!!! My printer and PC are new. There is nothing wrong with them.

Software doesnt work properly
Please wait while we find an agent to assist you...
You have been connected to D. Trance.
D. Trance: Hello Joe how may I help you today?
Ted Gibson: It's Ted
Ted Gibson: I'm getting an error with one step update
Ted Gibson: and when downloading tax info
D. Trance: Yes, Ted. I am sorry there was a connectivity error.
Ted Gibson: "The server returned an invalid or unrecognized response Error 67186552
Ted Gibson: how do you fix it?
D. Trance: Okay Ted, in an effort to provide you with an accurate solution to your specific issue, I need to refer to my resources. This may take a few minutes. Are you available to wait?
Ted Gibson: im not going anywhere. Can't finish my taxes until this is resolved
D. Trance: Thank you for staying online.
Ted Gibson: ok
D. Trance: Ted can you please tell me which form are you trying to update?
Ted Gibson: one click update or partner information. none of it works
Ted Gibson: yet. i obviously have a connection since we are chatting
Ted Gibson: what does the error code mean?
D. Trance: Ted, I am sorry to inform that all updates is expected to work from 28 Jan. 2004.
Ted Gibson: i cant even download my tax info from my broker or employer. does that have until the 28th to work also?
D. Trance: Actually Ted, any info. that needs update from the Turbo Tax server is having the issue as if now.
Ted Gibson: After all the trouble last year and now this? Intuit product is going downhill fast. Who do I talk about about a refund for the State product I purchased on;ine? I'm taking this back and buying another product.
D. Trance: Ted, to resolve the issue you will need to contact our Sales and Service department. Please logon to www.support.turbotax.com and then login to chat choosing Ordering and Order status as the main category. You will then need to complete the form and then you will be connected to a Sales and Service Agent who will give you the appropriate resolution to the issue.
Ted Gibson: Which issue? The connection problems or my refund?
D. Trance: Refund.

Stay away!
Turbo Tax has indeed become one of the nightmare products of the year. Their tech support is, well, it isn't. There simply isn't any. No phone number, very weak knowledge base, no email to send to - all they appear interested in is selling lots of their product. They have Chat support, which, so far has never responded to me. Here is, verbatim, the cheery messges you will see while you sit wondering what to do this tax year:
"Please wait while we find an agent to assist you...
All agents are currently busy. Please stand by.
An agent will be with you in a moment. Thank you for your patience.
The next available Agent will be with you in a moment.
All agents are currently busy. Please stand by.
An agent will be with you in a moment. Thank you for your patience.
The next available Agent will be with you in a moment...
Please wait while we find an agent to assist you...
All agents are currently busy. Please stand by.
An agent will be with you in a moment. Thank you for your patience.
The next available Agent will be with you in a moment.
All agents are currently busy. Please stand by.
An agent will be with you in a moment. Thank you for your patience.
The next available Agent will be with you in a moment.
All agents are currently busy. Please stand by.
Currently experiencing network delays, one moment please....
Your session has ended. You may now close this window."

I never have reached a support person. The above message is all I get. Don't waste your time and money!! I cannot even get a copy of last years return which is now critical as TurboTax appears never to have sent in my State return. You are far better off filing a return by hand or with using a competing product.

Intuit removes TTax spyware/junkware
"In a victory for consumers everywhere, Intuit recently announced that it will drop the product activation that it initiated in its Turbo Tax product this year. The activation was much like the one used in Windows XP, which scans that user's computer for hardware components and ties the software to that computer. This prevents users from installing the software on more than one computer, and/or lending a copy to a friend or neighbor.

Intuit initiated the activation to try to squelch illegal copying and borrowing. The activation plan, however, did not go as smoothly as the Windows XP activation. Intuit used a program called SafeCast to enable the product activation. When some users saw the SafeCast program being installed without any notice from Intuit, they assumed that SafeCast was a spyware program. Consumers also had a myriad of installation problems with the activation. Many were outraged. At least one purchaser filed suit against Intuit. Customer backlash to the activation plan is said to be the main reason why Intuit will pull the plug on its product activation scheme in next year's version of TurboTax.

This is a victory for consumers everywhere proving that the voice of consumers is heard by large corporations, and that the end-users can make a difference in the way they are treated."

... Read more

Features

• Step-by-step guidance for filing State tax returns
• Automatically transfers info from 2004 TaxCut federal return
• Access state instructions directly; entry manager for staying organized
• Refund/owe meter monitors amount-due changes
• Option of filing electronically or printing ready-to-file state forms

Features

• Accurately value donations in compliance with IRS guidelines
• Values based on extensive research of resale outlets and market data
• Powerful search tool provides value based on condition and style
• Instantly transfer into TurboTax; auto-fills donation tax form
• Easily access IRS publications; prints reports and receipts

Features

• Tax software guides users through state tax returns
• Interview-based wizard system
• Up-to-date with latest state tax law
• Checks math and audit flags
• Contains all the forms users will need

Reviews (14)

If you TurboTax for Federal, you have to try this!
If you use TurboTax to assist you with your Federal income tax return and haven't yet tried the State version, you have to try it. It is definitely worth it!

The State version will automatically read in everything you've already done for the Federal version - which cuts down your time immensely! You have to answer a few State-specific questions, like your county of residence - but you'll be done with the whole thing in about 5 to 10 minutes. Well worth the price to save me that much time and hassle!

A word of caution, however: Although it is labeled "multistate" you actually only get to use it for one state for the license fee; if you want more than one state you will need to call Intuit, pay another fee, and they'll give you a code for the next state.

TURBO TAX STATE FOR VIRGINIA ROCKS!
You're a fool if you don't use Turbo Tax State in Virginia. This is my second year using TT and it was even easier the second time around. The new addition imports everything you punched in the year before and therefore takes less time to complete. Since you can't do state without having loaded TT Deluxe, the video on the CD walks you through the process and sends you to the answer if you type in a search. I had absolutely no trouble using TTS in Virginia and had my state and federal refunds within a week of e-filing. Yeah, within a week. (...)

Additionally, by going through the step by step questionnaire TTS reminded me to include charity work and charitable contributions, which increased my refunds. You don't even need to buy the physical product. Once you've loaded TTD or the federal variation, you can download states off the internet.

This product is better than last year. I highly recommend it. You won't be sorry.

My only criticism of TT products is you can only e-file one time per purchase. (...)The secret to fast returns is e-filing.

Piece of cake!
Flawless and no problems. I have switched to Intuit because prior programs (Tax Cut and Tax Act) would not allow me to e-file my state return (Arizona), because they did not contain a form I needed for a state credit. Turbo Tax solved that issue last year and this year as well. State program installs with a blink of the eye, and complements Turbo Tax Deluxe beautifully. This was only my second year with Intuit, but plan to 3-peat next year.

correcting information in state tax form not possible
I did my federal tax with turbotax delux and my state tax also with turbotax.
I made some errors entering information. The federal form allowed me to make corrections after I was done.
However, the state interview denies me access. Maybe I need to start all over or do it by hand.
The State program is grap. I send an email to the company but did not get any reply.

New York Commuter / New Jersey Resident Still Wrong
ATTENTION INTUIT: A BAD free state download is worse than no state download.

Unfortunately, this year's version still does not know how to back out taxes paid to NY State (where I work) and apply them to New Jersey (where I live).

Will you guys just fix this already?!?!?!!!!! ... Read more

Features

• H&R Block Premium Tax Tips – Better tips to save you money with more than 25 new topics including Charitable Deductions, Rentals, Dividends, Interest, Capital Gains, and more.
• Home Ownership Tools and Advice – Extra guidance for homeowners with tools for Home Basis, Mortgage Refinancing, and more.
• Investment Tools and Advice – Tax-saving tips and tools for managing your investments, stock gains/losses, deductions, and more.
• Premium Retirement Tools and Advice – Make the most of your retirement savings with our collection of retirement resources and tools.
• Kiplinger Tax and Financial Planning Library – Manage life's biggest financial opportunities with advice from the experts at Kiplinger's.

Features

• Step-by-step guidance for filing Federal tax returns
• Take advantage of the newest tax breaks and save money
• Kiplinger's tax and financial planning library; up-to-date IRS publications
• Retirement savings enhancer; helpful tax-law assistants
• Error Check automatically reviews for common errors

Features

• Tax preparation software with step-by-step guidance and free electronic filing
• Imports data from Quicken, QuickBooks, and Microsoft Money software
• Puts answers on IRS-approved forms; double checks return for accuracy
• Includes latest tax law changes; download and import W-2 and 1099 forms online
• Assists calculating optimum withholding situation for personal needs

Amazon.com Product Description

TurboTax Premier is a powerful personal tax preparation tool for optimizing tax savings now and in the future. Take advantage of a suite of features that address the unique tax needs of investors, rental property owners, retirees, and those planning for retirement. The program includes all the time- and money-saving features of TurboTax Deluxe, plus tax resources to help you plan for a brighter tax outlook.

The 401(k) Maximizer tool reveals ways to increase your 401(k) contribution without decreasing your take-home pay. Plus, the Retirement Tax Advisor provides tax-smart advice for long-term care insurance, employment taxes for a nurse, reverse mortgages, gifts and inheritance, contributing to a grandchild's education, two-year allowance for sale of home, and more. The Early Retirement Forecaster, Retirement Age Analyzer, Social Security Trade-Off Calculator, and the Retirement Distribution Calculator are included in Premier as well.

The software has extra resources for rental property owners, too. The Depreciation Expert helps you choose optimal ways to depreciate property and assets--from vacant rental properties to converting your personal residence to a rental, and more. A Rental Property Expense Expert reveals which expenses are deductible in areas such as travel, car, entertainment, advertising, and insurance.

All federal versions of TurboTax desktop products for Windows include product activation to better ensure customers use the product in accordance with the License Agreement. An independent test of product activation technology in Intuit Inc.'s TurboTax desktop software products confirms the technology does not negatively impact computer performance or compromise customer privacy. The findings of the tests, performed by PCTest Corporation, an independent software-testing lab can be found at http://www.pctest.com/intuit/index.htm. You can still prepare multiple returns from one computer, and install and prepare your return on multiple computers. To fully uninstall the the SafeCast/C-Dilla element of TurboTax, you m ust download the free uninstall application at the TurboTax Support website. For additional information about product activation, go to http://www.turbotaxsupport.com and refer to TurboTax Product Activation in the News and Tips section.

Note: Free download of TurboTax State is good for one return only. Additional copies are needed for additional states. One free 1040 e-filing is also included after rebate. ... Read more

Reviews (31)

Dont even think about it. TurboTax is useless junk now.
This is just unbeleivable. Whatever they did to the software this year has made it downright useless. I cannot get any updates over the Internet and without them the return is well, useless to me. Never again will I fiddle with anything from Intuit, Inc. Preparing my taxes is too important.

Man, what a disappointment. Time to shell out [$$$] and let my neighbor prepare my taxes from now on.

Intuit took a really good product and totally screwed it up.

Good Bye Intuit
After many loyal years with Intuit, I have such a bitter taste in my mouth that I have vowed not to use this product ever again. Advertising and badly implemented copy protection. Buy this only if you have the MOST BASIC computer system.

no complaints here
This is my first time to use TurboTax. I followed the installation directions EXACTLY, which included some odd things like making sure absolutely every program on the computer is closed and deactivating the virus protection software (temporarily) for the installation period. I also was on a cable modem connection to the net, so when it was time to activate the software, & to update anything, it was instant and easy. I bought TurboTax because I knew I needed many schedules & forms that I've not used in the past, and the interview process made it easy - the program decides which forms to use. Also, when I discovered & entered a change that saved me hundreds of dollars, the software made the change throughout all forms in both federal & state returns instantly. I'm pretty happy with it overall, & I plan to use it again next year.

Goodbye Turbo Tax!
This will be my last year (assuming I get through it this time.) Imagine my surprise when I tried to import my data from Quicken (2000) and was told I would have to upgrade to at least Q2001 to have this work! No warnings that this software was not backwards compatible with past versions of Quicken! In adition the software is filled with plugs for other products and services. I think Intuit has forgotten their customers in their greed to squeeze every nickle out of them. Dissatisfied? That hardly seems strong enough!

so many problems
I have used turbo tax for the last 8 years. This year has been a nightmare. I tried to install on my laptop in addition to my desktop, so I could work on the taxes from my others (I do hers also) and it would not install at all (I knew I would not be able to print). This required several phone calls to turbo tax to resolve. When I tried to do the update, it never would update. Next I tried to install a 2nd state package. I had purchased two state packages. The installation process kept required that I pay for it a 2nd time. After trying to resolve online, no luck. So I have paid for software that will not work. NEVER again will I buy Turbo Tax ... Read more

Features

• Tax software guides users through IRS returns
• Interview-based wizard system
• Up-to-date with latest federal tax law
• Checks math and audit flags
• Very simple to use

Reviews (34)

hopelessly annoying,needlessly confusing,potentially expensi
I've never used tax software before. While it has some advantages, there are sufficient traps,confusions and incompletions to make this a potentially hazardous undertaking. Little things like being very obtuse about including your estimated tax in total taxes. Big things like not having the rules for underpayment penalty of taxes in the software. Come on guys, it's not that hard they're in IRS Pub 17. Dumb things like trying to assess a premature IRA withdrawl penalty for a 1099-R pertaining to a matured life insurance policy. Then there's the mess with Sched K-1. None of these are ready yet, try downloading. 5 hours later, it gets all the way through and crashes. In some ways it was better than manual. At least it would have been if I could control it and or complete it. I guess I'll just use this as a set of crib notes for manual prep. Oh well

Updates a pain, but TurboTax did its job
I didn't have a problem using TurboTax last year (even with the software activation) so I used it again this year. The software with its interview format worked for me, was able to save my return as pdf and e-file without a hassle. The only real pain was getting the updates. I had to go to Intuit's website to look for info and play around with my broadband connection to get the updates to download.

My return has gotten easier over the past few years but with the update annoyance, I may just buy TaxCut next year. I don't import last year's stuff so Intuit - give me a reason to get TurboTax 2004.

Worth it if you're going to itemize...otherwise forget it
Okay, the download process was a nightmare as described by my earlier review. However, three hours later I have a very comprehensive itemized return, which would have been way too complex to do on my own without the guidance of the filing questions. The good news is that I had done my taxes by hand last night and came up with a large amount owed, and after using the deductions calculator in TurboTax ended up with a refund instead. So it more than paid for itself.
My major complaint is that there appears to be no way to review the content of your return until the very last "print and submit" step, and I wanted to check the numbers prior to actually submitting it.

Frustrating download errors!
After 20 or 30 attempts to run the V-box installer program after dowloading it from the Amazon digital library, I was just about to request a refund when my boyfriend starting doing some troubleshooting research for me. Here's what he figured out:
Once you download the installer and try to run it, if you keep getting the error: "3001 Encountered unexpected error when trying to locate product...etc.", there is a browser setting you need to change. (This applies to IE 6.0+, Windows 2000 and XP at a minimum, since I attempted the install on 2 different machines).
Go to Tools-->Internet Options in your browser menu, then to the Connections tab and the LAN Settings button. Uncheck the "Automatically Detect Settings" box if it is checked and try running the installer again. Worked for me. Just be sure to recheck the box and close your browser afterwards.
Seeing as how frustrating just OBTAINING the software was, I'm really skeptical about using it, especially after reading all the other reviews...

The Last Time I Will Use Turbo Tax
When it imported my information from 2002 it also picked up internet connection data that is no longer valid. Since then I have gone to broadband with a new ISP. It simply refuses to recognize my new connection information. When I tried to update the program by going to their support site through my browser, I simply could not get on despite repeated attempts. I guess everyone is trying to get support for this buggy software. As a result, I can't print out some of my forms because it tells me I must update first. Now it is totally useless. BEWARE ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

TurboTax Basic guides you through preparing and filing your taxes quickly and easily. The EasyStep Interview process guides you through your return step-by-step, then double checks for errors and overlooked deductions. Information can be instantly imported from your Quicken or QuickBooks program (2001 or later) and quickly transferred from last year's federal return. You can even file your return electronically.

The software also allows you to retrieve and input your wage, mortgage interest, and investment data with instant data entry by automatically retrieving W-2 wage data, 1098 mortgage interest, and 1099 investment data from participating employers and financial institutions. It then enters the data into the right forms, reducing manual data entry and simplifying tax preparation.

TurboTax Basic also helps you 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. In addition, TurboTax Basic helps you make the most of the changing tax laws: it is up-to-date, with all the latest tax law changes.

All federal versions of TurboTax desktop products for Windows include product activation to better ensure customers use the product in accordance with the License Agreement. An independent test of product activation technology in Intuit Inc.'s TurboTax desktop software products confirms the technology does not negatively impact computer performance or compromise customer privacy. The findings of the tests, performed by PCTest Corporation, an independent software-testing lab can be found at http://www.pctest.com/intuit/index.htm. You can still prepare multiple returns from one computer, and install and prepare your return on multiple computers. To fully uninstall the the SafeCast/C-Dilla element of TurboTax, you must download the free uninstall application at the TurboTax Support website. For additional information about product activation, go to http://www.turbotaxsupport.com and refer to TurboTax Product Activation in the News and Tips section. ... Read more

Reviews (125)

C-Dilla, in detail
Here's a quote from extremetech.com. (ExtremeTech &sister publication PC Magazine're industry leaders. You've probably heard of their most famous writer, John C. Dvorak.) (Note:Intuit-TurboTax-2002's C-Dilla wasn't different from other versions of C-Dilla. It just got lotsa attention because TurboTax *was* very popular software until C-Dilla became a part of it.)

From ET's article:
"Likely the biggest problem users have expressed, is the level at which the TurboTax licensing agreement is managed and protected with the SafeCast/C-Dilla technology. People believe C-Dilla infiltrates their system in a very insidious manner, and uses memory and resources even when TurboTax is not loaded. And some believe it has caused them serious compatibility problems with non-related CD writing operations. (PC Magazine and ExtremeTech will be conducting some tests next week to see if we can duplicate some of these problems). [....] or your customers still looking to exit TurboTax for good, the uninstaller at this link now fully removes components of SafeCast/C-Dilla that were previously mostly impossible to remove."... If you're planning on using this product at work, forget it... your Info Technology manager will have a cow if he/she knows that you're installing destructive trojan/spyware (C-Dilla) on the company PCs. If you've already installed this software on a PC at work, let your IT manager know IMMEDIATELY, so he/she can take whatever steps are possible to remove C-Dilla.

In the 2002/2003 version of TurboTax, a great protest rose up from prominent computer-industry magazines and users, which led to Intuit/TurboTax somewhat apologizing, and offering a program that uninstalled C-Dilla after you'd uninstalled TurboTax2002. (The original uninstaller didn't remove C-Dilla.)

2004...does it have C-Dilla ? I don't know. It's not out yet. Approach with caution.

Spywhere everywhere on my pristine machine :(
In the past I've used and enjoyed Inuit's products - good user interface, useful features, but lately I've grown wary of their marketing masquerades. After installing TurboTax2002 I am finally fed up. I hate spyware. Good bye Intuit. I'll be using Microsoft Money (instead of Quicken) and the associated online tax preparation software next year.

Beware of Intuit C_Dilla
I have been a consistent Turbo Tax user for the last 10 years, but what Intuit did this year with the installation of C_Dilla, aka Spyware, is unconscionable. As a result, I have switched to Tax Cut, and it works fine. There is no way I will install spyware on my PC. Intuit blew it big time on this one!

Spyware in purchased products? NO MORE!
What Intuit has done is completely unacceptable and has alienated many of their users. I'll be forever skeptical about any product that doesn't have a "DRM" (Digital Rights Management, aka C_Dilla) with a giant red X through it on the box. I'm all against piracy, but the methods used by Intuit have screwed many users who depended on their product to do their taxes.

TurboTax really blew it this year!!
Reviewer: A software user from Miami, FL
I have been using Turbo Tax for 10 years, and up until this year, had no problem with it. However, this year frankly [stinks].
The product could not find my internet connection to go to online help. Took me 10 minutes to correct this. The product could not find my Quicken Deluxe 2000 tax information and offered to sell me Quicken 2003! This is NOT freeware or shareware, so why do I have to put up with all the sales and marketing [stuff] the program contains? Every other screen is trying to sell me something or get you to pay more for something else! It is annoying as hell! Also the infamous C_Dilla directory. I am all against software piracy, but for TurboTax to install software without my knowledge, and to run processes in my computer that I am not aware of and that run even when TurboTax is not running, is just totally wrong in my book! To me this is called "Spyware", period! I really hope Intuit reconsiders their tactics, because there are plenty of options out there for Tax preparation software, and honestly, this will be the last year I used TurboTax, because I am fed up with all this! ... Read more

Features

• Customized Tax Interview – Answer questions that pertain to your specific tax situation.
• Error Check – Automatically double-checks your return for errors or omissions.
• Life Events Advice – Helpful tax and financial advice for handling topics such as marriage, new home purchase, retiring and more.
• Seamless Imports – Quickly and easily import last year's tax and financial data from TaxCut, TurboTax ®, Quicken, Microsoft Money and H&R Block DeductionPro .

Features

• Free e-file and free TaxCut State after mail-in rebate
• Access IRS publications and the H&R Block interactive video library
• New convenient paperless payment options for taxes due and e-filing fees
• New tax-saving tips on saver¿s credit, overlooked deductions, and more
• Updated Tax Law Assistants help get the most from tax breaks

Reviews (77)

Disappointment after TurboTax
After having to put up with all kinds of TurboTax registration B.S. last year I read the reviews of TaxCut purchasers who said it was a 4-star product with less hassles. This made me swear off ever using TurboTax again (couldn't use on more than one computer and I originally installed the software at work on a laptop that was leased etc. long story).

This year I made certain to buy TaxCut and avoid any registration hassles at all. What I received was a half-rate basic version of a tax program. This review wouldn't be that bad if I had purchased TaxCut Standard, but for the extra $20 I bought Deluxe. TaxCut Deluxe was a waste of money. No deduction help was included and the "extra features" were merely tax advice sections that mostly talked about preparing for next year.

As much as I hate to say it, I will be returning to TurboTax deluxe next year. It's ease of use, more intelligent screens and comprehensive deluxe version are all worth paying the extra $5 and dealing with the registration issues.

I recommend TaxAct for anyone who recently purchased this product. TaxAct is free and has 100% the functionality of this program.

Not as polished at Turbotax, but better value!
I have been a loyal Turbotax user for years and decided to tryout TaxCut this year. I was EXTREMELY unhappy after last year's fiasco where Intuit installed Spyware without users knowledge in order to cutdown on copyright infringement of their product. Unfortunately, they ticked off the loyal users like myself. I believe they have lost/will lose more sales based on that fiasco than they could've possibly saved by catching a few people trying to copyright infringe!

Anyway, I was impressed with TaxCut especially for the price. I paid about 40% less for TaxCut Deluxe & TaxCut State than I would have paid for Turbotax Deluxe & Turbotax State.

For the most part, the programs are very similar. TaxCut does the usual interview process just like Turbotax and it makes it very easy to work with. Where TaxCut needs a bit more polish is in the fine details. Missing was the ability to save your tax returns into Adobe Acrobat format. I love that feature in Turbotax and really missed it.

In addition, I had a little trouble with form 4767 because I claim deductions for a home office and sold my house/moved this year. It worked out after some reading of the help file and IRS.gov site, but it could've been more intuitive.

Other than those couple of items, I was very happy with the program(s). I ran my return through Turbotax's website (without purchasing or filing it) and the numbers came out the same so I am satisfied with the accuracy of the software as well. Overall I'm glad I switched to TaxCut this year. I doubt I'll look at Turbotax in the future.

TaxCut Deluxe and DeductionPro
I had none of the problems that several have complained about using TaxCut Deluxe 2003. I have used TurboTax before. I switched to TaxCut last year because of the many complaints TurboTax was getting about their registration program, spyware, etc. I had no problems completing my taxes, no duplications of W-2's, no problems getting updates. I found my experience with using this tax program not much different from TurboTax. I do have a problem with H&R Block though. TaxCut Deluxe offers a rebate for DeductionPro. The tax program will even take you to the H&R Block website to give you an opportunity to download the product to help with non-cash charity donations to calculate what should be claimed. The problem with downloading DeductionPro is that the rebate for the product is not honored if it is downloaded. It has to be purchased at a retail store to get the rebate. No where on the website, on the rebate coupon, or in the program does it state that the rebate is not good if the program is downloaded directly. It does indicate to send in the UPC code from the box of the product, but if I downloaded it directly from their website, they should have a record that it was purchased legally. They gave me some bogus excuse "that due to customer buying habits, we have elected not to honor rebates unless purchased from a retail store", or something to that effect. I think the product is good, but I don't like their business practices. I may well go back to TurboTax next year. I am giving the product two stars because of their business practices. Overall, I thought the way it handled my taxes was acceptable.

Tax Cut Doesn't Cut it
Tax Cut imported an 1099 DIV form that wasn't mine. It doubled my Schedule C income by including last year's 1099 MISC income when I ran Error Check (This generates errors rather than fixing them). The 2-year comparison sheet wasn't even close on last year's numbers. To get a useful return, I had to delete all previous depreciation expense and then enter it by hand. Depreciation shows up on the worksheets but not on my tax form. This product increases your taxes, makes all kinds of errors and doesn't explain anything so it hard to tell if something that doesn't look right is another Tax Cut goof or really should be there. Give yourself a break (tax and otherwise), don't buy this product.

buggy
I used TaxCut last year, and had no problems, though it was a bit more difficult to use than TurboTax. This year the interface is much slicker, but bugs prevented me from efiling.

I'd started doing my taxes a few weeks ago, and gave up when I got to the State section and was told to enter the information directly into the forms. Tomorrow is the deadline, though, so I went back, worked through the forms, and ran the error check - all was fine. Then when I went to efile I was told I couldn't because I hadn't entered information about investment income from a dependant. There was nothing in my return about dependants, so I don't know where that came from, and I can't turn it off.

There was also a problem with a 1099-MISC. It passes the initial check, but not the efile check. There isn't enough information to help me decide if there's a mistake in the return or whether the efile option just isn't available for me. If I "fix" the problem, I'm pretty sure I'm classifying the income in the wrong way. So now I'll just have to print everything out and go stand in line at the post office. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

H&R Block financial planners assist you in determining if your investments support your financial goals and if your asset allocation matches your risk tolerance. You can also create what-if scenarios for future savings. Nine-year tax preview shows you all the ways that the tax legislation of 2001 will affect you now and in the future. Home Office Assistant walks you through a series of questions to see if your home office qualifies for tax purposes. Retirement Savings Enhancer provides ways to increase your tax and retirement savings to ensure you get the most out of your 401(k).

The improved Error Check feature catches mistakes or omissions that could cost you money or flag your return for an IRS audit. Entry Manager tracks where your data originates, guides you to related forms, and itemizes your entries. It also allows you to flag entries as tentative, so you can go back and review them before you finalize your return. The H&R Block tax law assistant helps you understand the implications of changing tax laws, provides information about how the changes affect your taxes, and ensures you get the maximum tax benefit possible under the new laws. Auto entry automatically imports W-2 and 1099 information from participating employers and financial institutions. Auto entry saves you valuable time and prevents costly data entry errors, and makes it easy to deal with multiple W-2s.

Listen to H&R Block and Kiplinger experts share tips on how to get the most out of your tax return. Learn how changes in your life affect your taxes, and save money by following simple strategies. The H&R Block home mortgage advisor provides customized advice based on your current tax situation, including advice on consolidating debt under a home equity loan. If you are a renter, TaxCut tells you how much you could save in taxes by purchasing a new home. ... Read more

Features

• No more wading through paperwork for hours -- the simple Tax Assistants bring you the financial assistance you need, step-by-step
• Work out the total taxable value on your stock portfolios, options, and capital gains with no trouble
• Find out how you can increase your tax and retirement savings with sound advice from H&R Block and Kiplinger
• Once you're done, just print out your statement and mail it off, to get your refund faster than ever!

Reviews (154)

how do I download it
I just wasted 22 bucks. I have no way to download this product

The End
I went to TaxCut because of the spyware problem in TurboTax last year. The program started out fine, but would not end, and could not make electronic submissions to Fed or State. Talked to everyone in TaxCut and I felt I was debuging the program. Had to snail mail the State after finally getting the Fed return to work. Took an extra two weeks to do this.

Tax Cut has no Spyware C-Dilla, Turbo Tax Does!
H&R Blocks Tax Cut doesn't use the Spyware tool C-Dilla. Intuit introduced this Spyware, C-Dilla, tool to it's longtime customers last year. The Spyware, C-Dilla, prevents you from doing your taxes on your notebook, then transfering them to your desk-top for printing. The Spyware, C-Dilla, prevents you from retrieving your taxes, in case of an audit, if you buy a new computer. Don't have a hard drive failure near tax filing time with the Spyware, C-Dilla, installed. Intuit made the choice between Turbo Tax and Tax Cut easy when they introduced the Spyware, C-Dilla. They sent their customers in droves over to buy H&R's Tax Cut. Thats why I started using H&R's Tax Cut!!!

No sweat taxes
Wow, the reviews are quite spotty for a very good and capable program. I am always wary of reviews, and it appears Intuit (Turbo Tax) may have required its employees to submit competitive reviews. I am not affiliated with either product and have used both, but last year switched to Tax Cut for several well publicized reasons--see previous posts.

Tax Cut is cranky about using TT's data, so be prepared to fill in some data. Had worse problems when I switched from Tax Cut to TT three years back and needed to re-enter all the previous year's data. These programs do keep improving each year.

I run XP, have broadband cable, run a wireless home network, and have had no issues with initial loading, downloading updates, or getting the program to work. The rebates for upgrading, free state program, on-line filings, other included freebies, all showed-up within 60 days. I also used the call-a-consultant service for advice on a real estate question and was charged the the nominal fee.

Tax Cut handled all the forms on my 1040 fine, which included capital gains, carryovers, etc., and I had no repercussions from the IRS or worse, California. The program doesn't have as much "fluff" as TT, and is pretty straightforward, with not as much hand-holding, but is not invasive either.

The only negative was it was a little baulky in getting the Fed return co-odinated with my CA State return, but this could have been "pilot error". Overall, a competent product.

2002 Tax Cut
I have no idea how this program works. It will not download. Went back and it said it had downloaded and would not let me try again. ... Read more