TurboTax Review

Written by Lisa Rennie
Fact-checked by Caitlin Wood

Updated May 12, 2021

TurboTax Review

Categories

Review Tax Tax Software Turbotax

When it comes to DIY tax preparation software, perhaps the most well-known is TurboTax. It’s also among the more extensive tax preparation software products out there, but the features and ease of use might make it worth the few extra dollars. 

That said, it’s still a relatively affordable tool for Canadians to use to file their taxes, especially when you consider everything that you get with it and what accountants charge for tax preparation services. Ideal for both simple tax filings and more complex situations, TurboTax is fully equipped with all the features needed to file accurately and with ease. 

With TurboTax, you can file your taxes online and submit your tax return directly to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Millions of Canadians have already used TurboTax over the past couple of decades that the tool has been around, and as such, it’s developed an excellent reputation. 

Let’s take a closer look at TurboTax and scope it out in more detail to help you determine if this is the right tax preparation software program for you. 

What Does TurboTax Offer?

Expert advice from tax experts. TurboTax has real tax experts available to answer questions and give advice as you move along your tax filing. They’ll also work with you line-by-line to make sure you don’t miss anything. 

Maximum refund guarantee. TurboTax offers a 100% guarantee that you get the highest tax refund possible. If you can get a larger refund elsewhere, TurboTax will give you a refund. 

NETFILE certified. Tax returns filed online are submitted directly to the CRA thanks to NETFILE, which means you can get your tax refund shortly after you’ve completed your tax return. 

Accuracy guarantee. If the CRA finds any discrepancies in your tax return and you are charged a penalty as a result, TurboTax will reimburse you whatever you have been charged thanks to its 100% accuracy guarantee.

Data protection. Your sensitive information will always be protected so you can file your taxes online with peace of mind. 

Compatibility. Switch between desktop, mobile, or tablet quickly and securely and pick up where you left off.

Flexible pricing structure. TurboTax offers varying levels of service, each with its own price point. You can choose among any of them and select the one that makes the most sense for you.

RRSP optimizer. The RRSP optimizer will show you examples of various contribution amounts and how they will impact your tax refund or amount owing.

Instant refund ticker. This tracker will keep you updated throughout your tax filing so you don’t have to wait until you’re almost done to see what the final total is. Instead, you’ll get real-time information that shows you how it affects your refund or tax owing as you enter your information.

Full service. While you will have all the support you need to file your taxes on your own, you can always get a TurboTax tax expert to prepare your tax return for you and file it on your behalf.

Pension splitter. Split up to half of your CPP or other pensions with your spouse to save on taxes owed. 

Audit support. If you are ever audited by the CRA, TurboTax will provide you with professional representation and deal with the CRA for you. 

How Much Does TurboTax Cost?

No Expert Help

Expert Help

Have An Expert Do Your Taxes

What Support Is Offered By TurboTax?

There are a few ways to get support from TurboTax experts: 

• Live assist and review (tax experts help you as you file your taxes, but not with free version)
• Contact form on website
• Phone: 1-888-843-5449

There is also the AnswerXchange tool that you can use that offers many resources that may provide the answer to your questions. 

Pros And Cons Of Using TurboTax

Pros 

• Easy to use. Just answer a few simple questions and TurboTax will help fill in the gaps. 
• NETFILE certified. You can safely submit your tax return via the internet directly to the CRA thanks to NETFILE.  
• Quick Notice of Assessment. Get your Notice Assessment within minutes to see how much you’ll be getting back or how much you owe, and any tax refund you’re eligible for will be yours within 8 business days.
• Mobile app. TurboTax is compatible not just on a laptop or desktop, but on your mobile device too. Just log in via the mobile app for iOS or Android.
• Real-time tax support. Get access to professional advice from an expert on-screen and in real-time. 
• Guaranteed accuracy. TurboTax guarantees that your tax return will be filed with complete accuracy. If for whatever reason, that doesn’t happen and you are charged a penalty by the CRA, TurboTax will reimburse you for the full amount. 
• Instantly see your refund. With the Instant Refund Ticker, you can immediately see what your refund (or amount owing) is at all times. 
• Optimize your RRSP contributions. TurboTax’s RRSP Optimizer helps you make better decisions about your RRSP contributions to maximize your tax refund. 
• Split your income with your spouse for a better refund. If you have CPP or pension income, you can divide it with your spouse so that you pay less in taxes overall. TurboTax will suggest the ideal distribution of your income.
• Find out about all possible deductions. The Deduction Toolbox will inform you of all the possible deductions you are eligible to make. 
• Save time and accuracy by importing last year’s data. If you used TurboTax to file last year’s return, you can transfer that information into this year’s return for faster and more accurate filing. 
• Audit representation. In case you’re audited, a tax professional still deals with the CRA on your behalf. 

Cons 

• More expensive than other software platforms.

How Do You Create An Account Using TurboTax?

Creating an account with TurboTax is easy. All you’re required to do is enter and confirm your email address, choose a secure user ID and password, and provide your name. You can also provide your phone number, which TurboTax recommends, but this is optional.

Is TurboTax Safe?

Yes, filing your taxes with TurboTax is safe. Your sensitive information will be kept confidential and will be protected against potential hackers thanks to NETFILE certification that ensures secure transmission of your information to the CRA. 

What If TurboTax Makes A Mistake On Your Tax Return And You Have To Pay A Penalty?

TurboTax offers a 100% accuracy guarantee, which means you will be fully reimbursed for any penalties or interest paid if the software makes any mistakes in calculations when you file your taxes. TurboTax also promises to give you your money back if you are able to get a higher tax refund using another platform.

Is TurboTax Right For You? 

Whether you’ve got a simple tax return to file or have a more complex situation that involves running a business, being self-employed, or having investments or rental income to claim, TurboTax may be suitable for you. The software offers a variety of plans to suit different situations, so your needs will likely be covered under one of these plans. If you’re the type to file your own taxes, TurboTax makes it easy to file while having expert support along the way. Otherwise, if you prefer to have an expert handle filing your taxes entirely for you, TurboTax can do that too.