What Is TurboTax and What Does It Do?

TurboTax is Intuit's online tax preparation and filing platform. It lets you either file your own federal and state tax return by answering guided questions, or hand the whole job to a tax expert who prepares and reviews your return. The site's own promise is that taxes get done "100% right, guaranteed," however you choose to file. It fits most individual filers, from someone with a single W-2 to someone with investments or self-employment income, though the right product depends on how complex your return is.

The two main ways to file

TurboTax splits its offering into do-it-yourself and expert-assisted paths.

Do it yourself. You answer simple questions and the software walks you through filing. Documents can be imported directly from your employer or financial institution, or you can snap a photo or upload them. This path includes a Free Edition for simple returns.

Have an expert do it. You can match with a local tax expert to handle your taxes start to finish, or get advice from tax experts as you file plus a final expert review. The Expert Assist line covers this.

The site also lists a Desktop version, prior-year filing, and extension filing as separate options.

Which product tier applies to you

The tiers differ mainly by the complexity of return they cover. The site lists these filing options:

The Free Edition is described as covering simple Form 1040 returns only — no schedules, except for the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, student loan interest, and Schedule 1-A. The site states roughly 37% of filers qualify. If your return needs any other schedule, you'd move up to a paid tier. The Premium tiers are the ones the site links to for pricing, so check those pages for current figures rather than assuming a price.

What it helps you do beyond filing

• Estimate your refund before you file. The TaxCaster calculator previews what you'll get back or owe.
• Know what documents you need. A checklist tracks the docs to gather before you start.
• Track your refund after filing.
• Find a prior year return or amend a return.
• Use calculators for tax brackets, self-employed expenses, and W-4 withholding.
• Get year-round tax advisory and read tax tips and videos on the TurboTax Blog.
• Find a TurboTax office if you'd rather work in person.

What to check before you commit

The guarantee language ("100% accurate," "biggest tax refund") is the site's own claim, not an independent assessment. Two practical things to verify for your situation:

1. Does your return fit the tier you picked? The Free Edition's schedule limits are the most common trip-up. If you have freelance income, rental income, or itemized deductions, you likely need a paid tier.
2. What does your chosen tier cost this year? Pricing is not stated on the pages summarized here — follow the Premium pricing links or the main Pricing page for current numbers.

If you want a human to handle everything, start with the expert-assisted comparison. If you're comfortable answering questions yourself and your return is straightforward, the do-it-yourself tiers or the Free Edition are the faster route.