TurboTax Online Federal

Editor's Review

TurboTax Federal Free Edition is perfect for individuals with relatively simple tax returns that don't need an extensive list of features to help guide them through the process of filing their taxes. The software acts as a basic virtual tax return agent, only asking questions that apply to the user. TurboTax then uses the answers to these questions to automatically fill out several forms including the 1014EZ, 1040A, and 1040 forms.

The software also uses the users answers to find virtually every possible deduction, thereby maximizing the amount of money users receive on their tax returns. Some of the credits recommended by the program can even boost the tax return amount by up to several thousand dollars. Users also don;t have to worry about being asked questions that don't apply to them, as the software will first acquire the users occupational and living status.

After the forms have been filled in based on the provided answers, the software will then present each form to the user and verify that all of the information is correct. If the user needs help understanding a certain form field, they can use one of many tips offered by the software to learn about the entire tax filing process.

The software even provides information about the effects of certain life changes on tax returns, for example marriages and house purchases. For this reason the software is not only a tax filing tool, but also an educational tool for novices. All of the information provided by the software is straightforward and does not involve any technical jargon or unfamiliar terms.

Single individuals with no children and people who are new to the tax filing process will find this software especially beneficial. Users that are not sure which version of TurboTax would be best for them can start by using the free edition, and the software will automatically recommend the correct edition of TurboTax based on the information provided. Once the user has upgraded to the proper version of TurboTax, the information they provided in the free edition will be transferred to the new edition.

The accuracy of all TurboTax software is backed by the guarantee that no user will ever be penalized on their taxes when using TurboTax to file their taxes. The software developers are so confident ion this truth, that they've promised to pay any penalties incurred (plus interest) as the result of using TurboTax. Starting with the free edition of TurboTax is an excellent way to trial the software and find out which version of Turbotax would be best for you.

TurboTax Online Federal Free Edition: What We Liked

Is a great learning tool and provides a basis to find which version of TurboTax is suits the users needs.

So simple even a first time tax filer can file their tax returns confidently. Users can configure their tax returns to receive the highest possible return amount by comparing the benefits of filing for "sales tax paid" or "stat and local income tax paid".

The tips included in the software are written in easy to understand phrases with no technical jargon or elite language involved. The software does a good job of walking novice tax payers through the process.

TurboTax Online Federal Free Edition: What We Didn't Like

This software is not nearly as capable as the high-end versions of TurboTax.

Intuit Support

Free tech support is included with this product via email, phone, or live chat. Intuit offers customer support via FAQ's, forums and a comprehensive online knowledge base. All of this information can be found at the Intuit customer support center.

About Intuit

Intuit software is the leading developer and distributor of financial and tax preparation software for small businesses, accountant firms and individuals. Intuit has built it's reputation with programs such as TurboTax, Quicken, Intuit Eclipse and more. The company was founded in 1983 and is headquartered in Mountain View, California, USA.