Anyone plan using Quicken 2018 for their 2017 Taxes?

[tripods68]

I've had my taxes done for us for the last 14 years by the same CPA. This year I am re-evaluating that--thinking of doing our own taxes for 2017 using Intuit ( a bit scary).

If so, what's your PRO and CON using Intuit turbo product?


Thanks in advance!

[phantom]

I've been using TurboTax for the past several years and web-based software of some sort since I started my first full time job 13 years ago. I've never had a reason to use a CPA. (I feel they're really only justified when you're trying to make decisions with tax consequences, not so much for helping you figure out how to fill out forms.)

I used to shop around for the least expensive tax software. But, that was a time consuming process because the price of the software was often unclear until I had everything filled out. So, eventually, I decided I liked TurboTax and would just stick with that. It's fast and easy to use. A lot of information can be carried over from year to year, and it can import a lot of information automatically.

My only complaint is that the cost keeps creeping upward. They keep raising their prices, and I keep doing things that require more expensive versions of their software to file properly. Last year, I had to report ESPP income, and that meant I needed a more expensive version of their software, which was annoying.

[titlelo]

I wouldn't recommend it

Back in the days, TurboTax was the go-to software for me. Everything about their service was appealing to me: their price, their brand, and their easy-to-use website.

That all changed this year when I did my taxes. Every time I filled out a section and clicked "next", I was constantly harassed with an up-sell. The whole reason I switched to TurboTax in the first place was because it was free.

Nevertheless, I was forced to upgrade on some sections because something I needed to itemize or deduct required a different level of service. To my surprise, I ended up with the most expensive tier at the end. Needless to say, I will not be using TurboTax for this upcoming season. It's no wonder their consumer affairs profile boasts 1 star out of 5. Wow.

[tripods68]

To my surprise, I ended up with the most expensive tier at the end. Needless to say, I will not be using TurboTax for this upcoming season. It's no wonder their consumer affairs profile boasts 1 star out of 5.

Sorry to hear that.

It's been an almost 20 years since I used Turbo Tax so I am not familiar with the different level of service based on what you can deduct or itemize. This is one the reason we've used our CPA for very long time. Do you mind telling us how much you end up paying and the type of service needed? Kinda give us hints if it is worth staying with our CPA?

[titlelo]

If I remember, it was about $119. All I wanted to do is complete a 1099-MISC, which is just reporting income I received as an unincorporated sole proprietor. I had no problem upgrading to their Deluxe package for $39. I thought it was fair since I wasn't the standard tax payer filing a W2. But for $119, that's a bit much.

If you ask me, TurboTax has become so big that competing on price is no longer an objective. It seems their mission is to convert all their free users to paying users. The problem is they go about it the wrong way. After using their website, you feel like you've been robbed. This year I may give H & R block (online) a try since it's being powered by Watson IBM. This may just be another marketing gimmick but anything is better than TurboTax at the moment.

As for you switching from a CPA to TurboTax, I wouldn't recommend it. Unless you're paying your CPA $250+ to file a simple tax return, it isn't worth the trouble.

[sblatner]

I use Turbotax every year and have for years. There was an issue a couple years ago where they removed some forms from the deluxe version and made you upgrade. They fixed that and I have been able to use deluxe. They make offers to upgrade but I decline and my taxes are still done correctly.

[scfr]

I've used Turbo Tax for a long time now. Home & Business (Self-employed) version. I have consulted with a CPA about a tax-related question, and DH used to use one for his business, but I've never used a CPA to prepare our taxes. (For the record, I'm not even close to a CPA, but I did take several accounting classes in high school, one accounting course in college, and took a tax prep course at one of the big-box tax preparation companies. I feel moderately comfortable with finance-related numbers and how taxes work.)

I'm not anti-CPA. Far from it. A good CPA when you need one is money well spent. I can imagine using one when we transition to taking RMDs.

I find Turbo Tax pretty easy to use. Sometimes it feels like I end up spinning my wheels (answer the same questions over and over) when I have to go back and change something, or when I skip something and go back to it later. I've learned that it's better to just go through the "interview style" questions in order, and if I come across something where I need to wait to get some more information, just stop and wait to resume when I have the information I need. [Sorry if this doesn't make sense to someone who has never used Turbo Tax.]

Part of the reason I stick with it is inertia. Because I've been using it for so long, it's easier to carry data forward from the previous year. But also, as I said, I find it pretty easy and accurate to use. We've been through one mail-style mini-audit since using TT and all was fine.

One thing I do is look around for the best discount I can find. Last year we paid $69.99 plus tax for the Home & Business on-line version.

I think it comes down to how comfortable you feel doing it yourself.
Have you thought about trying TT on-line this year but NOT filing through them (I don't think you have to pay until you have to file but I'm not 100% sure about that), hiring your CPA as usual, and then comparing the results? Give it it trial run without any commitment?