TurboTax Deluxe 2008 (Federal + State)
Starting at: $12.00
CNET Editors' Review
CNET Editors' Rating
- Reviewed by: Jessica Dolcourt
- Reviewed on:
The good: TurboTax 2008's ability to import W2 and investment income details dramatically saves time and typing; free federal e-file for up to five returns is a new perk.
The bad: Already pricier than rivals, TurboTax 2008's extra services can add up quickly. It offers no free live tax advice, and printing the state return takes more effort than it should.
The bottom line: TurboTax 2008 is the most expensive tax app on the market, but it's also fast, complete, and straightforward. If finishing quickly is your goal, the extra cost is worth it. If you anticipate wanting live help support, look into TaxCut.
Nobody ever wants to do taxes, especially after a rough financial 2008. But as long as you have to, you'll need a straightforward tax-prep program to help you wade through tricky tax law. TurboTax 2008 continues to produce the most complete and understandable do-it-yourself tax software on the market, and it adds new features for 2008. For example, Intuit has adjusted the tax interview to make it easier for you to claim extra deductions and avoid penalties if you lost a job, foreclosed on a house, or survived a storm or wildfire this ... Expand full review
Nobody ever wants to do taxes, especially after a rough financial 2008. But as long as you have to, you'll need a straightforward tax-prep program to help you wade through tricky tax law. TurboTax 2008 continues to produce the most complete and understandable do-it-yourself tax software on the market, and it adds new features for 2008. For example, Intuit has adjusted the tax interview to make it easier for you to claim extra deductions and avoid penalties if you lost a job, foreclosed on a house, or survived a storm or wildfire this past year. TurboTax 2008 for the desktop also awards free e-filing for up to five federal returns and gains a new support feature that displays users' top questions per tax topic.
TurboTax 2008 isn't for everyone, though. Price remains TurboTax's biggest stumbling block, and live support costs extra. The rival software TaxCut charges less for its desktop software, and provides several forms of tax support for free with live agents, or with tax professionals in the H&R Block offices. To its credit, TurboTax includes a wider range of self-help tools to manage questions, risk, and audits on your own. However, any one-on-one support you want with a topic or an audit will cost you between $20 and $40. We think TurboTax's tools and new knowledge base will answer most taxpayers' burning questions.
Which desktop version?
This review covers the desktop version of TurboTax Deluxe, with State, but there's a version of TurboTax 2008 for everyone:
• TurboTax 2008 Free Edition: A free, online package that's ideal for those with simple 1040 EZ returns.
• TurboTax 2008 Free Deluxe ($59.95 with State): Used by the majority of people, it's aimed at those in the middle ground with some complexity, like home owners and casual philanthropists.
• Premier ($89.95 with State): For folks who own rental properties and have extensive investments.
• Home and Business ($99.95 with State): Tackles tax law for contractors, consultants, and sole business owners.
Each desktop version has a slightly cheaper online equivalent. Filing online stores your return on Intuit's servers and limits you to one free e-file.
Setup and interface
Sprightlier than past versions, TurboTax 2008 takes its time installing and updating the latest changes to tax law--about 10 minutes total. Make sure you're connected to the Internet, then go make a cup of coffee.
Jessica Dolcourt pits phone against phone in the ongoing epic battle of the latest and greatest smartphones. Before that, she sat in judgment of smartphone and desktop apps. In her personal life, Jessica remains tireless in her quest for the world's most perfect cheese.
User Reviews
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Most recent user reviews
Showing 3 of 13 reviews
"Not worth the risk of IRS penalties" By PLM68
Pros: There is nothing redeeming about Turbo-Error
Cons: * errors built-in to software--treatment of soc. security income
* user interface not as good as TaxCut
* overpriced with extraneous features
Summary: Nope. Will never use again after getting my letter from the IRS. I do not need the problems generated by Turbo-ERRORS.
"Organized and easy to use" By dgoldie86
Pros: The program has an logical layout and covers most forms and tax areas that most users will need.
Cons: It can take awhile to learn how to access certain functions quickly.
Summary: This is good software that enables many people to file their own taxes. It seems to get a little better each year.
Where to Buy
Specifications
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- License qty: 1 user
- License type: Complete package
- OS type: Windows MacOS
