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EnglishHow Does TurboTax Guarantee 100% Accuracy?
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TurboTax advertises that your taxes will be done "100% right, guaranteed," whether you file on your own or have a tax expert do them. The guarantee is a promise tied to the accuracy of the tax return TurboTax helps you prepare: if a calculation or preparation error on TurboTax's side leads to an IRS penalty or interest, TurboTax covers those costs. The guarantee applies to returns prepared and filed through TurboTax, and it comes with terms and conditions you should read before relying on it.
What the guarantee actually covers
Based on TurboTax's own site language, the accuracy guarantee is framed around two things:
- The return is prepared correctly — TurboTax states your taxes will be done "100% right," and this applies however you choose to file (doing it yourself, getting advice from an expert as you file, having an expert do it start to finish, or a final expert review).
- Penalties and interest are covered — if an error attributable to TurboTax results in an IRS penalty or interest charge, TurboTax pays those amounts.
The guarantee is about accuracy of preparation, not about the size of your refund. TurboTax separately markets getting your "biggest tax refund," but that is a different claim from the accuracy guarantee.
Who the guarantee applies to
The guarantee is described as applying across the ways you can file:
| Filing method | How it works | Guarantee applies |
|---|---|---|
| Do it yourself | You answer questions and TurboTax guides you through filing | Yes |
| Expert advice as you file | You file yourself with access to tax experts | Yes |
| Expert does your taxes | A tax expert handles it start to finish | Yes |
| Final expert review | An expert reviews your return before filing | Yes |
The site also notes that simple returns can be filed 100% free, with roughly 37% of filers qualifying. Free filing eligibility is a separate condition from the accuracy guarantee — qualifying for the free tier does not change whether the guarantee applies.
What you need to do to rely on it
The guarantee is conditional, so the practical steps are:
- Prepare and file through TurboTax — the guarantee is tied to returns prepared within TurboTax, not returns you prepare elsewhere.
- Provide complete and accurate information — the guarantee covers TurboTax's preparation errors, not errors from information you entered incorrectly or documents you failed to provide.
- Keep your records — retain your filed return, supporting documents, and any IRS notice showing the penalty or interest.
- Contact TurboTax if a penalty or interest charge arises — you'll need to show that the charge resulted from a TurboTax error.
- Read the specific terms — the guarantee has terms and conditions, and those terms define exactly what is and isn't covered.
Common points of confusion
- "100% accurate" vs. "biggest refund" — these are two separate promises. The guarantee addresses correctness, not refund maximization.
- Free Edition and the guarantee — filing for free doesn't remove the guarantee, but free eligibility depends on having a simple Form 1040 return (no schedules, except for EITC, CTC, student loan interest, and Schedule 1-A).
- Expert-assisted filing — having an expert involved doesn't change the guarantee's scope; it still centers on preparation accuracy.
- What triggers a payout — the trigger is an IRS penalty or interest charge caused by a TurboTax error, not a change in your tax outcome.
How to verify the current terms
Guarantee terms can change, so confirm the details on TurboTax's site before you file. Look for the guarantee language on the main filing pages and any linked terms and conditions. If you're deciding between filing yourself and having an expert do it, the guarantee applies either way — the choice comes down to how much help you want, not to whether you're covered.