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TurboTax Deluxe 2003

TurboTax Deluxe 2003

List Price: $39.95
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Rating: 1 stars
Summary: Constant Errors
Review: I have been using TurboTax Deluxe for several years now and this is the first time I ever had problems. Each time I try to update, it locks up my computer and crashes. I can not get it to update, but was able to manaully do it online. But, the state portion of it...I can not update it at all and now have to find an alternative way to file. The 2003 software is NOT recommended!

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: did the job accurately, quickly and saved me cash
Review: I have to say I had a great first experience with TurboTax Deluxe after basically getting it and the state version for free after all the rebates and various special offers. My wife's and my return was relatively simple though we did have a few investments, graduate school credits and a move to factor in ... bottom line: the program seamlessly moved me from one subject to the next, tabulated everything correctly, and I had my refunds, filed online, within a couple weeks. Only problem I had was an initial malfunction in downloading the necessary fonts, but that was easy enough to correct after I chatted online with a service person (had to wait for about 20 minutes, however, it's true). All in all a very satisfying and cost-saving alternative to H&R Block in my opinion.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Doesn't get easier than that!
Review: I have tried previously Tax Cut Deluxe and Tax Act, overall both with no problems, though I would favor Tax Cut. Last year I decided to pay the extra ten bucks and try TT deluxe for my 2002 taxes. It was so smooth and complete, and e-filed both federal and state. Previously, Tax Cut and Tax Act would not support AZ state filing, since both lacked a form I needed for a state tax credit. Turbo Tax had it and it went very slick. So I decided on TT deluxe again for 2003. It was even better. The program installed very easily and quickly, and it is so user-friendly. All the forms I needed were there, and e-filing again went with no problems. Also all their rebates were fast (less than a month). Definitely recommend, and I plan to stick with Intuit next year.

Rating: 1 stars
Summary: Turbo Tax 2003 was a COMPLETE RIP OFF!!!
Review: I have used TT for the past 5 years with no problems. This year, however, due to it's software glitch, I received a message on April 18 that the IRS had not accepted my return because it didn't match the info from my 2002 return (which was also filed using TT) and my PIN was incorrect. I had already gone through the update procedures, received verification of my PIN and no changes had been made to my 2002 return. I ended up filing by snail mail and included a letter to the IRS listing all the problems I'd had with TT. I don't even know to this day what is happening with my Fed return. Fortunately, I'm supposed to get a refund (although that may now be eaten up by penalties for late filing).

I also had trouble with the 2003 State version of TT and ended up filing that by snail mail, as well. I just received my State refund so guess that went okay (so far, anyway).

I will be demanding a refund from Intuit for the Fed and State versions of 2003 TT as soon as I find out what happened with my Fed return. I will also demand a refund of the charge they applied to my credit card for e-filing, which never happened. I know others who have had the same problems with the 2003 TT. If Intuit doesn't refund our monies, perhaps a class action lawsuit will persuade them otherwise.

Rating: 1 stars
Summary: TurboTax Basic
Review: I have used TurboTax Basic for a number of years and until I used TurboTax Basic 2003, I didn't have any problems. First, I had problems connecting TurboTax State to the Federal File. And, there is no way to edit ANY of the forms once they are entered. And the worksheets are not printed and are inaccessable. I ended up using Adobe Acrobat and the PDF downloads to do my taxes. I would not buy TurboTax again !!!

It was a waste of money.

Jim Karzes

Rating: 1 stars
Summary: Use this software, and pay a penalty!
Review: I live in one state and work in another. I used TurboTax Deluxe for tax year 2002. TurboTax is supposed to be able to perform multi-state tax returns. Unfortunately, the calculations that put a value in the "Credit for taxes paid to other states" didn't work properly and overstated the credits. One state audited the return, which resulted in a penalty + interest. Repeated contacts via voice and email to Intuit have not been returned. A bug report was submitted to Intuit which detailed the incorrect calculation formula and a calculation that should have been used, again with no response from Intuit. I will be looking for another source of tax software for my 2003 returns.

Rating: 1 stars
Summary: Computes Passive Loss Limitations incorrectly
Review: In computing the passive loss accumulation for rental property, it adds in all other passive losses, not just those in the same category.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Back to the Product I love
Review: Last year was a nightmare but I am back. After using the TaxCut version and realizing how bad it was, I just bought my TurboTax and loaded it up. No problems and NO DRM!!!

I was angry last year but TurboTax did the right thing and got rid of their "product registration."

I though the grass would be as green on the TaxCut side of the fence but it was not as good as TurboTax. Several times TaxCut actually made me do calculations manually and even once told me the software couldn't handle my situation. TurboTax has never left me hanging and I am back. (...)

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: Generally good, but BEWARE
Review: THE GOOD: Decent user interface, logical flow, easy to move around between forms independently of the interview. Installs and e-filing have always worked fine for me.

THE BAD: Form 6251 (alternative minimum tax) handling bug. TurboTax fails to include the form in your filing package if you turn out to owe no AMT, but do have one of the tax preference items that requires form 6251 to be prepared (such as private activity bond income - very common for folks who hold municipal bond mutual funds). Plan to receive a letter from the IRS if you are in this situation. Incredibly, the Intuit website blames the IRS for mistakenly sending out letters (I read the 1040 and 6251 instructions and it is very clear that this form is required) and tells you to ignore their request!

THE UGLY: Support - forget about it. It's a joke. You have to pay $20 just to talk to someone even if the reason for your call is a bug in their application.

Rating: 1 stars
Summary: Stunning drop in quality
Review: There are serious problems with EasyStep, the way TurboTax takes you through filling in the information for the return. It is only because I'm knowledgeable about taxes and a software developer that i managed to get my return correct. And deviation from simply stepping through, one item after another, leads to trouble. Simply going back, using to back button, to change something can cause important screens to be skipped.

It is a real disappointment. Intuit used to be one of the very best software companies.

I certainly don't want to recommend that people by the Microsoft product. I'm sure one reason Intuit is letting quality drop is the price competition from the convicted monopolist.

My suggestion is to use a tax preparer.


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