TurboTax is like Judge Judy.

[Croney]

"You'll never know where I'm going, so don't try to guess, just answer the questions."

[Emile]

1. The last time I used Turbo Tax I got a letter from the IRS saying I

was going to be audit if I didn't fork up several thousand dollars. Took that letter and all my tax papers to a tax preparer and he got me a small refund instead.

[Midnight Writer]

4. I had a similar experience with H&R Block software. Still not sure where I stand.

I don't know what went wrong, but the IRS didn't like it.

[Vinca]

2. I looked at the software when I was in Staples and decided to stick with the accountant.

If they want to be sure people pay their taxes, they should make them so they're easily understood. Same for state tax authorities. I intentionally overpay to one of them so I don't have to fill out the underpayment form. The one time I encountered it I couldn't understand it at all. Finally I did the best I could and figured they'd send me a bill if it was wrong.

[dem4decades]

3. I use Tax Cut, my taxes are pretty cut and dry. SSN, deferred comp withdrawal and pension.

Since the most recent tax change I don't even reach the amount to use the personal deductions. That may be the only problem, I don't know how close I am to the threshold.

I've used an accountant twice in the past, once because of an inheritance and once because I thought I'd give it a try. Both times I had the software and did it myself for a comparison, they came out the same.

[mnhtnbb]

5. I've used TurboTax for years

including when I was married and our taxes were incredibly complicated because of my husband's insistence on running his psychiatric practice out of a home office, renting our garage apartment to a college student, investments, and a Trust which required separate software to file its taxes.

Never audited.

I used an accountant the year I separated from my husband and when I was reviewing his backup paperwork to the form he prepared, I discovered an error in a question about my SS that he had answered incorrectly. I had to fight with him to prepare an adjusted return, but he finally did, and the IRS refunded the $800. that I'd paid, no questions asked.

I went back to using TurboTax.

[Croney]

6. We do use it, and have for many years, with no problems.

But it does take you along the backroads and byways on the route to your destination.

[mnhtnbb]

7. I always use the option

to fill in sections myself, without going through all the questions.