Filing Yourself vs. Having a TurboTax Expert Do Your Taxes

Updated

TurboTax offers two broad paths: you answer guided questions and file on your own, or a tax expert does the work for you. The right choice depends on how complex your return is, how much you want to stay involved, and whether you'd rather hand off the process entirely. Both paths are presented as ways to get your taxes done "100% right, guaranteed."

The two paths at a glance

Dimension Do it yourself Expert-assisted
Who does the work You answer simple questions and the software guides you through filing A tax expert does your taxes start to finish, or advises you as you file
Expert involvement None required Match with a local tax expert, potentially as soon as today; advice while you file plus a final expert review
Data entry You enter or import your information Tax docs and data can be imported for you
Best fit Straightforward returns where you're comfortable following prompts Situations where you want a professional to handle or check the return

Filing on your own

With the do-it-yourself option, you "just answer simple questions" and TurboTax guides you through filing. The site also notes you can ditch paperwork by snapping a photo, uploading docs, or importing them directly from your employer or financial institution.

This path suits filers who want to stay in control of each entry and whose return doesn't raise questions they can't answer themselves.

Having an expert do your taxes

The expert-assisted path lets a tax expert handle your taxes from start to finish, and you can be matched with a local tax expert potentially the same day. A middle option gives you advice from tax experts as you file, plus a final expert review before submission.

This suits filers who want a professional involved — either fully taking over or checking the work — without giving up visibility into the process.

How to decide

  • Choose do-it-yourself if your return is simple, you're comfortable answering guided questions, and you'd rather not wait on another person.
  • Choose expert-assisted if you want someone else to do the work, want advice while filing, or want a final review before you submit.
  • Consider the middle option if you want to file yourself but have an expert available for questions and a last check.

TurboTax also offers a free option for simple returns: simple Form 1040 returns only, with no schedules except for the EITC, CTC, student loan interest, and Schedule 1-A. The site states roughly 37% of filers qualify. If your return goes beyond that, you'd move to a paid tier.

Practical starting points

  • Use the TaxCaster calculator to preview your refund or what you might owe before choosing a path.
  • Check the document checklist to see which forms you'll need on hand.
  • If you're unsure which tier fits, the site's "Help me choose" and pricing pages lay out the filing options side by side.

One caveat: the site describes guarantees and options in general terms. Specific eligibility rules, pricing, and what each tier includes should be confirmed on the relevant product page before you commit.