Filing taxes can be stressful, especially if you are self-employed or have income from investments, rental properties, or cryptocurrency. This TurboTax full service review will help you understand if this service is right for you.
With TurboTax Full Service, you don’t have to worry about tax laws, deductions, or calculations. A tax professional will prepare, review, and file your tax return for you. All you have to do is upload your documents and answer a few questions. This service is ideal for people with complex tax situations who want peace of mind.
But is TurboTax Full Service worth the price? Does it make tax filing easier? And how does it compare to other tax preparation services? In this review, we’ll break down the features, pricing, pros and cons, and comparisons to help you decide if TurboTax Full Service is the right choice for you. Keep reading to make a smart choice for your tax needs.
What Is TurboTax Full Service?
TurboTax Full Service is a premium tax preparation option for people who don’t want to file their own taxes. Instead of using the software to do it yourself, you upload your tax documents, and a TurboTax expert handles everything for you.
How It Works
- Upload Your Documents – Take pictures or scan your W-2s, 1099s, investment statements, and other tax documents.
- Meet Your Tax Pro – TurboTax matches you with a tax expert based on your tax situation. You can schedule a call or chat with them online.
- Review & Approve – The tax pro prepares your return and explains everything before filing it.
- File with Confidence – Once you approve the return, the tax pro files it for you.
How is it Different from Other TurboTax Plans?
- DIY TurboTax Plans – You do your own taxes with TurboTax’s step-by-step guidance.
- TurboTax Live – You file your taxes yourself but can chat with an expert for help.
- TurboTax Full Service – A tax pro does everything for you from start to finish.
Key Benefits
- You don’t have to worry about mistakes.
- A real tax expert ensures you get every deduction and credit.
- You can request the same expert next year if you like their service.
TurboTax Full Service starts at $89, but the price depends on your tax situation. We’ll break down the pricing in the next section.
Pricing Breakdown for TurboTax Full Service
TurboTax Full Service pricing starts at $89, but the actual cost depends on how complex your tax situation is. The more tax forms and details you have, the higher the price.
TurboTax Full Service Pricing Tiers
- Basic Tax Returns (W-2 income, standard deduction) – Starts at $89
- Self-Employed or Freelancers (1099 income, business expenses) – $169+
- Investors (stocks, rental property, cryptocurrency) – $209+
- Small Business Owners (LLCs, multiple income sources) – $359+
Note: These prices are for federal tax filing only. State tax filing costs extra.
Additional Fees
- State Tax Return – $54 per state
- TurboTax MAX Add-On (Audit defense, identity theft protection) – $49
- Priority Support – Extra cost for faster help and response times
Is TurboTax Full Service Expensive?
TurboTax Full Service is more expensive than DIY tax software, but it’s cheaper than hiring a local CPA. If your taxes are simple, using TurboTax Free Edition or TurboTax Deluxe can save you money. But if you’re self-employed, own rental property, or trade crypto, paying for expert help could save you more in deductions than the cost of the service.
Discounts & Promotions
TurboTax sometimes offers early-filing discounts, and some credit card companies or banks provide coupons. Check their website for current deals.
Key Features of TurboTax Full Services
TurboTax Full Service is designed for people who want expert tax help without doing the work themselves. A tax professional handles everything from preparing to filing your return. Below are the key features that make this service stand out.
1. Hands-Off Tax Filing
With TurboTax Full Service, you don’t need to fill out forms or do calculations. Just upload your tax documents (W-2, 1099, receipts, etc.), and a tax expert takes care of the rest. You can track progress online and get notified when your return is ready for review.
2. Expert Matching
TurboTax connects you with a vetted tax expert based on your tax situation. Whether you’re a freelancer, investor, or small business owner, you’ll get a professional experienced in handling similar cases.
3. Live Consultation with a Tax Pro
You get two meetings with your tax professional:
- First meeting – Review your tax situation, discuss deductions, and share documents.
- Final review – Go over your completed return before it’s filed. You can ask questions and request changes.
4. Audit Support
TurboTax Full Service includes free audit support, meaning a tax expert will guide you if the IRS has questions about your return. For full representation, you can add TurboTax MAX ($49), which covers IRS communication and defense.
5. Local Pro Option (For Select Users)
In some areas, you can choose a local tax expert for in-person help instead of using an online pro. This is useful for people who prefer face-to-face discussions.
6. Integration with QuickBooks & Credit Karma
If you use QuickBooks Online, your tax data can sync automatically, saving time and reducing errors. TurboTax also works with Credit Karma, helping you check your refund status and plan for next year’s taxes.
TurboTax Full Service makes tax filing easy, but is it the right choice for you? Let’s look at the pros and cons.
Pros and Cons of TurboTax Full Service
TurboTax Full Service offers expert tax preparation with minimal effort from you. But is it the best choice for your needs? Below are the advantages and drawbacks to consider.
Pros
Cons
How Does TurboTax Full Service Compare to Competitors?
When choosing a full-service tax preparation option, you might wonder how TurboTax Full Service stacks up against competitors like H&R Block Full Service or Jackson Hewitt Online Tax Pro. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide.
TurboTax Full Service vs. H&R Block Full Service
| Feature | TurboTax Full Service | H&R Block Full Service |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Starts at $89 (varies by complexity) | Starts at $85 (varies by complexity) |
| Tax Expert Support | Virtual tax pros available via chat, call, and video | Online and in-person tax pros available |
| Tech & Ease of Use | User-friendly interface with guided steps and AI-powered recommendations | Good interface, but less automation than TurboTax |
| Audit Support | Free audit guidance; TurboTax MAX available for full representation | Free audit assistance; extra fee for full representation |
| Best For | Self-employed, gig workers, investors, rental property owners | Online and in-person tax pros are available |
Key Takeaway: If you want an easy-to-use online service with powerful automation and seamless integrations, TurboTax Full Service is a better choice. But if you prefer in-person tax help, H&R Block may be a better fit.
TurboTax Full Service vs. Jackson Hewitt Online Tax Pro
| Feature | TurboTax Full Service | Jackson Hewitt Online Tax Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Starts at $89 | Starts at $99 |
| Tax Expert Support | Personalized tax pro assigned to you | Works with any available expert, not a dedicated one |
| Local Office Option | Limited availability | Over 5,000 physical locations |
| Best For | Users comfortable with fully online service | People who need walk-in support |
Key Takeaway: Jackson Hewitt provides physical office locations, which is great for those who prefer face-to-face help. But if you want a more tech-driven, fully remote experience, TurboTax Full Service is a better option.
Which One Should You Choose?
- If you want an easy, all-online experience with top-notch automation, go with TurboTax Full Service.
- If you prefer in-person help, H&R Block or Jackson Hewitt may be better.
No matter what, always check pricing and features before deciding.
Who Should Use TurboTax Full Service?
Not sure if TurboTax Full Service is right for you? Here’s who will benefit the most from this service:
TurboTax Best for:
Self-employed individuals & freelancers – If you run a business, work as a freelancer, or drive for rideshare companies, TurboTax Full Service ensures you claim every deduction while handling complex tax rules.
Gig workers & independent contractors – Whether you sell online, deliver food, or provide services on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, a tax pro can help track expenses and maximize deductions.
People with rental properties – If you own rental units, TurboTax Full Service will help you report rental income, calculate depreciation, and find the best tax advantages.
Investors & cryptocurrency traders – TurboTax Full Service supports crypto transactions (up to 20,000 trades) and handles stock, real estate, and other investments to ensure accurate reporting.
Who Might Not Need It?
W-2 employees with simple tax returns – If you only have a salary and don’t claim many deductions, a DIY version of TurboTax (or a free option) may be enough.
Those looking for in-person help – If you prefer face-to-face interactions, H&R Block or Jackson Hewitt may be a better fit.
Frequently Ask Questions
What is TurboTax Full Service?
TurboTax Full Service is a tax preparation service where an expert handles your entire tax filing process. You just upload your documents, and they do the rest.
How much does TurboTax Full Service cost?
It starts at $89 for federal filing, but the total cost depends on your tax complexity and additional state filing fees.
Does TurboTax Full Service include audit support?
Yes, it provides free audit support, and you can upgrade to TurboTax MAX for full IRS representation.
Can TurboTax Full Service handle cryptocurrency taxes?
Yes, it supports up to 20,000 crypto transactions and helps report gains and losses accurately.
How does TurboTax Full Service compare to H&R Block Full Service?
TurboTax offers better technology and ease of use, while H&R Block has more physical locations for in-person help.
Can I file my taxes on my phone with TurboTax Full Service?
Yes, the TurboTax app allows you to upload documents, chat with a tax pro, and review your return from your phone.
Final Verdicts
TurboTax Full Service is a great choice for people with complex taxes, like self-employment, rental income, or cryptocurrency. It saves time and stress by letting a tax expert handle everything. If your taxes are simple, though, you might not need this service. A cheaper option or free filing could work just as well.
This TurboTax Full Service review highlights how the service combines convenience, expertise, and peace of mind. While it comes at a higher cost compared to DIY options, the value it provides justifies the investment for many users. If your tax situation is straightforward, however, you might find better value in TurboTax’s simpler plans or free filing alternatives.
What do you think about using tax software? Have you tried TurboTax or another program before? Share your thoughts in the comments below-we’d love to hear about your experience. If you found this article helpful, please share it with friends or family who might need guidance this tax season!
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