TurboTax
How does the W-2 photo scanning feature work in TurboTax?
You just hold your phone over your W-2 form, and the app uses your camera to scan and automatically fill in all the numbers. It takes about two seconds and saves you from having to type everything by hand.
Can TurboTax help me find deductions I didn't know about, like for student expenses?
Yes, the app asks you a series of simple questions about your life, like whether you're a student or paid tuition. Based on your answers, it can identify deductions you might have missed, such as claiming tuition fees, which can increase your refund.
What should I do if I accidentally close the app in the middle of filing?
No worries—TurboTax saves your progress automatically. You can close the app and come back later, and it will pick up right where you left off, so you never have to re-enter information.
Why did my simple tax return end up not being free on TurboTax?
TurboTax offers free federal filing only for very simple returns, like those with just a W-2 and student loan interest. If you have additional forms like investment income or self-employment earnings, you may need to upgrade to a paid version to file.
How does TurboTax compare to using a service like H&R Block for simple taxes?
Both offer free filing for simple returns and have similar step-by-step question formats. TurboTax is known for its very polished mobile app and easy photo scanning, while H&R Block sometimes offers more in-person support if you prefer to talk to a human.
