Overview

TurboTax is a tax return application used for preparing and filing U.S. Federal and State tax returns. It provides a step-by-step walkthrough that guides users through the tax return process. It also offers free community FAQs and expert assistance at an additional cost for users that desire professional help. When the tax return is complete, it can be printed and mailed or filed electronically online.

TurboTax is available online and in the following software editions:

1. TurboTax Basic
2. TurboTax Deluxe
3. TurboTax Premier
4. TurboTax Home & Business
5. TurboTax Business

User Interface

The TurboTax interface allows users to complete their tax returns using a simple step-by-step process called "EasyStep." This system asks the user basic questions and automatically fills in the tax forms with the information the user provides. The "EasyStep" process is split up into several sections, including Personal Info, Federal Taxes, State Taxes, Wrap-Up, and Print & File. The user can also manually enter information by clicking the "Forms" button. Throughout the return process, the interface displays the current calculated total tax refund amount.

Capabilities

TurboTax offers free live online advice with tax experts. This one-on-one service enables users to ask tax professionals questions that are tailored to their specific situation. The Live Community support Q&A also contains a large database of documentation accessible from within the program.

Intuit guarantees that TurboTax will provide the maximum refund for all tax returns. It uses the latest tax laws to help ensure that users' taxes are filed properly and guarantees 100% accuracy with each return. The TurboTax guarantee applies to all users, including individuals, home business owners, and multi-member LLC businesses.

TurboTax can import data from previous TurboTax returns as well as returns created by other tax programs. For example, data from TurboTax .TAX2010 files and H&R Block At Home .T10 files can be imported into 2011 tax year files, which are saved with a .TAX2011 extension. TurboTax can also import data from Quicken and other financial software programs. Additionally, the software can download and import financial information from a large number of online banking services.

User Community

The TurboTax community is comprised of individuals and small businesses, but it is most commonly used by individual tax payers. Since TurboTax provides a "Do-It-Yourself" model, the software includes a Live Community Q&A help section to aid individuals that do not have professional expertise. TurboTax also includes an "Ask a Tax Expert" option, which provides users with free professional advice.

Screenshots:

Welcome	Personal Info	Federal Taxes
State Taxes	Print & File	Ask an Expert

Features:

• Prepares U.S. Federal and State tax returns
• Free expert tax advice
• Live Community Q&A help support
• Imports data from multiple sources
• Uses a "Do-It-Yourself" model
• Includes "EasyStep" step-by-step guidance
• Guarantees the maximum refund
• Guarantees 100% accuracy

System Requirements:

Mac OS

• Mac OS X 10.4.11 or later
• Intel processor or PowerPC G3+
• 300MB free disk space for Federal Products
• 30MB free disk space for State Products
• 330MB free disk space for Federal plus State products
• 1024x768 display
• 2X CD-ROM drive
• Internet connection
• Mac-compatible printer

Windows

• Windows XP w/ SP3, Vista, or 7
• 1GHz processor
• 512MB RAM
• 500MB free disk space for Federal Products
• 15MB free disk space for State Products
• 2X CD-ROM drive
• 800x600 display
• Internet connection
• Microsoft .NET 4
• Adobe Reader 8 or later
• Windows-compatible printer