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4 Types of Tax Preparers

Written by a TurboTax Expert • Reviewed by a TurboTax CPAUpdated for Tax Year 2024 • October 15, 2024 2:26 PM
OVERVIEW

There are four general types of tax preparers: certified public accountants, enrolled agents, tax attorneys, and non-credentialed preparers. Here's a quick guide on some of the differences between them, and some tips on finding the right tax preparer for you.

 

Man and woman consulting with a professional tax preparer.

Key Takeaways

  • CPAs can offer a wide variety of services, including tax preparation, tax planning, and financial statement audits. CPAs can represent clients before the IRS on any federal tax matter and are often the best choice for preparing complex tax returns.
  • Enrolled agents are tax professionals authorized to practice before the IRS. They focus primarily on tax preparation and planning. They’re usually less expensive than CPAs, but they can’t provide general accounting services that CPAs can handle.
  • Tax attorneys can represent clients before the IRS and in court. While some attorneys prepare tax returns, they typically focus on tax litigation and providing legal advice.
  • Non-credentialed tax preparers generally have no formal educational or credential requirements, but they can handle basic tax returns. They are often the most affordable option for tax preparation services and are generally suitable for straightforward tax situations.

Options if you need a tax preparer

If you’re looking for a person who does taxes, you’re likely to run across a few different types of tax preparers. For the most part, you can choose between a CPA, enrolled agent, tax attorney, or non-credentialed preparer. But which one is right for you depends on your specific needs and circumstances.

Most tax preparers have a unique set of professional requirements and standards. For example, there are different educational and training requirements for each type of credentialed tax preparer. As a result, the tasks they can handle and their level of expertise can vary widely. That can make it trickier to match your needs with a particular type of tax preparer.

To help you figure out whether a CPA, enrolled agent, tax attorney, or non-credentialed preparer is best for you, let’s take a quick look at each one of these tax preparers. We’ll also provide some tips on how to choose a tax professional that fits your needs. Hopefully, this will put you in a better position to find the right person to complete your tax return.

Certified public accountants (CPAs)

A certified public accountant, or CPA for short, is a professional accountant who has met specific education, experience, and licensing requirements for their state. They’re also held to ethical and professional standards set by their state board of accountancy.

CPAs can provide a variety of accounting services, including financial statement audits, tax preparation and planning, and consulting for businesses and individuals.

Educational and training requirements for CPAs

To earn a license, a CPA must meet their state’s education, examination, and experience requirements.

First, CPA candidates have to earn a college degree with at least 150 credit hours (which is typically hours more than a bachelor's degree requires).

They then must pass the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination, which is a rigorous test administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Most states also require CPA candidates to pass an ethics exam.

CPA candidates in most states also have to gain a certain amount of experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA. At that point, they can receive a state CPA license.

However, once licensed, a CPA still has to take continuing education classes to maintain their license.

What services can a CPA provide?

CPAs can provide a variety of services, such as:

  • preparing tax returns
  • tax planning
  • maintaining financial records
  • examining financial statements
  • providing auditing services
  • business consulting

They’re also allowed to represent clients before the IRS on any federal tax matter, including:

  • audits
  • payment and collection issues
  • appeals

When a CPA might be your best choice as a tax preparer

CPAs who specialize in taxes are often the best choice for preparing your tax return, including returns for corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, and other businesses. This is because of their high level of education and training, which also makes them even more helpful if you have a complicated tax situation.

Picking a CPA to prepare your taxes might also be a good idea if you need assistance with other financial tasks, such as accounting, auditing, or tax planning. This is especially true when it comes to assisting businesses, which might need help preparing financial statements, creating a budget, performing business valuations, and the like. Since CPAs are generally skilled in these areas, you might be able to hire just one person to provide a wide range of services, instead of having to find multiple people to fill your needs.

Their broad skill set also makes CPAs a good choice when it comes to preparing returns for gift taxes, payroll taxes, sales taxes, and other taxes beyond just income taxes.

Enrolled agents

An enrolled agent is a tax professional who is authorized to represent taxpayers before the IRS. They’re trained to handle tax preparation and other tax issues.

Like CPAs, enrolled agents must follow a set of ethical and professional standards. However, their rules and regulations are established by the IRS, not by the state or a state-level board.

Educational and training requirements for enrolled agents

While there are no educational requirements for enrolled agents – such as having a college degree – they generally have to pass the IRS’s Special Enrollment Examination before being certified by the tax agency (although certain former IRS employees don’t have to take the exam). This comprehensive test covers:

  • preparation of both individual and business tax returns
  • representation of clients
  • other aspects of being a tax professional

Enrolled agent candidates also have to pass a “suitability check,” which includes a background check for tax compliance and criminal convictions, and obtain a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) from the IRS.

They’re also required to complete at least 16 hours of continuing education courses each year (including at least two hours of ethics training), and a total of 72 hours over a three-year period, to maintain their certification.

What services can an enrolled agent provide?

Enrolled agents generally focus solely on taxes. As a result, they tend to focus on tax preparation and tax planning.

As with CPAs, enrolled agents are also allowed to represent taxpayers before the IRS on all federal tax matters, including collections, IRS audits, and tax appeals.

When an enrolled agent might be your best choice as a tax preparer

An enrolled agent can be a great option if you need tax preparation services, especially if you have a relatively straightforward tax situation. Ditto for tax planning. 

Enrolled agents can also help with other federal tax issues – such as a collection problem or a tax audit – since they can represent you before the IRS.

Also, as a rule of thumb, enrolled agents generally cost less than CPAs. So, if you want to save some money on tax preparation and your tax situation is not complicated, an enrolled agent might be a better choice.

Just remember that enrolled agents can’t do everything a CPA can do, such as compile, review, or audit financial statements. So, if you need additional services beyond tax preparation and planning, an enrolled agent might not be able to satisfy those needs.

Tax attorneys

An attorney (or lawyer) is a person who is licensed by the state to practice law. A tax attorney is an attorney who specializes in the interpretation and application of tax laws, regulations, and procedures.

Educational and training requirements for tax attorneys

Most states require an attorney to have a degree from an accredited law school. They must also pass a test administered by the state bar association (bar exam).

Some attorneys also have a master of laws (LL.M.) degree, which is obtained after law school. This is an optional degree for lawyers interested in pursuing advanced study in a particular area of the law, such as taxation.

In addition, most states require licensed attorneys to take continuing education courses to ensure that they remain up to date on new laws and changes to existing laws.

What services can a tax attorney provide?

Like CPAs and enrolled agents, many tax attorneys prepare tax returns and offer tax planning services. They also have unlimited rights to represent clients before the IRS. But you can also hire a tax attorney for other things that CPAs and enrolled agents usually don’t (or can’t) handle.

For instance, tax attorneys can represent clients in court (not just before the IRS). This includes defending clients against tax-related criminal charges. They can also draft legal documents, provide advice about gray areas of the law, and challenge the constitutionality of tax laws.

When a tax attorney might be your best choice as a tax preparer

In most cases, you’re probably better off having a CPA or enrolled agent do your taxes instead of a tax attorney. CPAs and enrolled agents typically have more tax prep experience, and their fee will likely be lower.

However, if you’re already working with a tax attorney on a tax matter, then having them prepare a related tax return (if they do that kind of work) might make sense. For instance, if you’re in court fighting the IRS on a tax matter, the attorney who handled your case might be able to file an amended return that needs to be filed once the litigation is completed.

Non-credentialed tax preparers

A non-credentialed tax preparer is a person who prepares taxes without any professional credentials or certifications from an authoritative organization, such as the IRS, AICPA, or a state bar association. This often includes seasonal tax preparers that work in tax stores and IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) volunteers.

Educational and training requirements for non-credentialed tax preparers

Generally speaking, there are no formal educational or training requirements for non-credentialed tax preparers. However, there are a number of tax preparation training courses available, including the IRS’s Annual Filing Season Program.

Companies or other organizations that bring in non-credentialed tax preparers for seasonal work may have their own standards that preparers must satisfy. For example, the IRS offers annual training for VITA and TCE volunteer preparers. They must pass a test administered by the IRS, too.

In addition, some states require non-credentialed tax preparers to take tax education courses and/or register as a tax preparer with the state.

What services can a non-credentialed tax preparer provide?

For the most part, non-credentialed tax preparers only prepare basic tax returns. They can generally answer routine tax questions, too. But it’s important to keep in mind that they’re not experts and generally don’t have the same level of expertise as credentialed tax preparers, such as CPAs, enrolled agents, and tax attorneys.

It’s important to note that non-credentialed tax preparers are not allowed to represent you in front of the IRS. This means they cannot communicate with the IRS on your behalf or handle any tax-related issues or disputes.

Tax preparers who pass the IRS’s Annual Filing Season Program can represent clients before the IRS in limited circumstances. First, they must have prepared and signed the client’s tax return. They also can only represent clients before revenue agents, customer service representatives, and similar IRS employees (including the Taxpayer Advocate Service). However, they can’t represent clients for appeals or collection issues.

Other non-credentialed tax preparers can’t represent clients before the IRS at any time.

When a non-credentialed tax preparer might be your best choice

If you're on a tight budget and have a simple tax return, you may want to consider using a non-credentialed tax preparer. They often charge lower fees than credentialed tax preparers, and some even volunteer their services through the VITA or TCE program.

If you know and trust a non-credentialed preparer – such as a family member or close friend – you also might feel more comfortable working with them, rather than handing over your financial information to a stranger with professional credentials.

However, carefully consider their qualifications and experience before choosing to work with a non-credentialed tax preparer. For more complex tax situations, it may be best to seek the help of a credentialed tax preparer who has the knowledge and expertise to handle your taxes accurately and effectively.

FAQs on how to choose a tax preparer

When you’re ready to find a tax preparer – whether it’s a CPA, enrolled agent, tax attorney, or non-credentialed preparer – you don't want to make an uninformed decision. That's why it's important to arm yourself with as much information as possible before diving in.

So, before you start your search, check out our answers to the following common questions. They should help you land a tax pro that's just right for you.

Should I hire a tax preparer near me?

You might be asking yourself: “Should I only look for tax preparers near me?”

With today’s technology, it’s possible to work with a tax professional who’s hundreds – or even thousands – of miles away. Many tax preparers will work with you online, instead of making you come to their office and meeting face-to-face. As a result, you can hire a tax preparer in any part of the country to do your taxes – and you never have to leave your home. 

However, while online and remote tax preparation services have become increasingly popular, hiring a local tax expert can have its advantages, too. For example, tax preparers near you will likely be more knowledgeable about the tax laws and regulations where you live. Plus, they probably have experience working with the state and local tax agencies in your area.

Tax preparers near you will also have a better understanding of the local business environment and might be able to provide insights and advice specific to your industry or region. They might also have a network of local professionals – such as financial planners and bankers – who they can connect you with if you need additional financial services.

And, of course, if you feel more comfortable discussing your personal finances with someone sitting directly across from you, you’ll want to find a tax preparer nearby. It’s typically easier to build a personal relationship with someone you can meet face-to-face, too.

TurboTax Tip:

Whether you prefer online services or in-person meetings, a TurboTax Verified Tax Professional can file your taxes this year, next year, and for as long as you like. You’ll be matched with a tax professional in your area who’s screened to make sure they have the necessary qualifications to handle your tax needs.

Should I seek out recommendations?

If you decide to hire a local tax preparer, think about checking with friends and family members first to see if they can recommend a person who does taxes in your area. If so, ask them about the services they received, the fees paid, and their overall satisfaction with the tax preparer's work. If you like what you hear, consider moving that local tax preparer up on your list of potential candidates.

You can also ask a tax preparer that you’re considering to provide references. Just keep in mind that the references provided are likely to be favorable, since the preparer will typically choose clients who had positive experiences. So, you might not get the full picture of what it’s like to work with that preparer.

How much do tax preparers charge for tax preparation services?

The short answer is “it depends.” Tax preparation fees can vary widely based on a number of factors.

For instance, expect to pay more if you have a complicated tax return. If that’s the case, it’s going to take the tax preparer more time to complete your return, so it makes sense that it will cost you more.

Where you live can make a difference, too. If you hire a tax preparer in a big city or other urban area, you’ll likely pay more than if you have a tax pro in a rural area do your taxes.

The tax preparer’s level of expertise can also impact your fee. Someone with years of experience is generally going to charge more than someone who is just getting started in the tax prep business.

Your timing can also affect the fee you’ll pay. If you’re looking for a tax preparer in April – when income tax returns are normally due – you might end up paying more than if you line up a preparer at the beginning of tax season.

The fee can also depend on the type of tax preparer you hire. For instance, CPAs often charge more than enrolled agents and non-credentially tax preparers.

How are tax preparation fees structured?

There are a few common fee structures used in the tax prep industry:

  • Flat fee. With a flat fee, the tax preparer charges a fixed amount regardless of the time spent or the complexity of the return. This is typically used for straightforward tax returns with no complex tax deductions, credits, or additional forms required.
  • Hourly rate. Some tax preparers charge an hourly rate for the time spent preparing your return. This fee structure is often used for more complex returns or when it’s hard to predict the amount of time it will take to complete your return.
  • Form-based fee. In this case, your fee is based on the number and type of tax forms required for your return. Some preparers will present a menu of services with different prices for each form, such as a specific fee for Schedule C, another fee for Schedule D, and so on.
  • Combination fee. Some tax preparers use a combination of the above methods. For example, they might charge a flat fee for basic forms and an hourly rate for more complex tasks. This method can provide a flexible pricing structure based on the specific needs and complexities of your tax situation.

Whichever fee structure is used, always ask for a written estimate before committing to a tax preparer. This estimate should outline the fees and any circumstances that might lead to additional charges.

You also want to make sure you understand what’s included in the fee. For example, does it only cover the tax preparation, or are other services – such as audit support or tax planning – also included?

How can I check a tax preparer’s credentials?

It’s relatively easy to check the credentials of a tax preparer. Perhaps the fastest way is to search the IRS’s online directory of tax return preparers. This database lists tax preparers who hold professional credentials recognized by the IRS, such as CPAs, enrolled agents, and tax attorneys. It also includes who have completed the IRS’s Annual Filing Season Program.

There are other ways to verify a tax preparer’s credentials, too. For a CPA, contact the state board of accountancy.

You can confirm an enrolled agent’s credentials by sending an email to the IRS at epp@irs.gov. In most cases, the IRS will respond within three days. The email should include the enrolled agent’s:

  • first and last name
  • complete address (if available)
  • enrolled agent number (if available)

To check a tax attorney’s credentials, contact the state bar association where they practice law.

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  • Loan details and disclosures for the Refund Advance program: If you expect to receive a federal refund of $500 or more, you could be eligible for a Refund Advance loan. Refund Advance loans may be issued by First Century Bank, N.A. or WebBank, neither of which are affiliated with MVB Bank, Inc., Member FDIC. Refund Advance is a loan based upon your anticipated refund and is not the refund itself. 0% APR and $0 loan fees. Availability of the Refund Advance is subject to satisfaction of identity verification, certain security requirements, eligibility criteria, and underwriting standards. This Refund Advance offer expires on February 28, 2025, or the date that available funds have been exhausted, whichever comes first. Offer, eligibility, and availability subject to change without further notice.

    Refund Advance loans issued by First Century Bank, N.A. are facilitated by Intuit TT Offerings Inc. (NMLS # 1889291), a subsidiary of Intuit Inc. Refund Advance loans issued by WebBank are facilitated by Intuit Financing Inc. (NMLS # 1136148), a subsidiary of Intuit Inc. Although there are no loan fees associated with the Refund Advance loan, separate fees may apply if you choose to pay for TurboTax with your federal refund. Paying with your federal refund is not required for the Refund Advance loan. Additional fees may apply for other products and services that you choose.

    You will not be eligible for the loan if: (1) your physical address is not included on your federal tax return, (2) your physical address is located outside of the United States or a US territory, is a PO box or is a prison address, (3) your physical address is in one of the following states: IL, CT, or NC, (4) you are less than 18 years old, (5) the tax return filed is on behalf of a deceased person, (6) you are filing certain IRS Forms (1310, 4852, 4684, 4868, 1040SS, 1040PR, 1040X, 8888, or 8862), (7) your expected refund amount is less than $500, or (8) you did not receive Forms W-2 or 1099-R or you are not reporting income on Sched C. Additional requirements: You must (a) e-file your federal tax return with TurboTax and (b) currently have or open a Credit Karma Money™ Spend (checking) account with MVB Bank, Inc., Member FDIC. Maximum balance and transfer limits apply. Opening a Credit Karma Money™ Spend (checking) account is subject to eligibility. Please see Credit Karma Money Spend Account Terms and Disclosures for details.

    Not all consumers will qualify for a loan or for the maximum loan amount. If approved, your loan will be for one of ten amounts: $250, $500, $750, $1,000, $1,500, $2,000, $2,500, $3,000, $3,500, or $4,000. Your loan amount will be based on your anticipated federal refund to a maximum of 50% of that refund amount. You will not receive a final decision of whether you are approved for the loan until after the IRS accepts your e-filed federal tax return. Loan repayment is deducted from your federal tax refund and reduces the subsequent refund amount paid directly to you.

    If approved, your Refund Advance will be deposited into your Credit Karma Money™ Spend (checking) account typically within 15 minutes after the IRS accepts your e-filed federal tax return and you may access your funds online through a virtual card. Your physical Credit Karma Visa® Debit Card* should arrive in 7 - 14 days. *Card issued by MVB Bank, Inc., Member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc.; Visa terms and conditions apply. Other fees may apply. For more information, please visit: https://support.creditkarma.com/s/article/Are-there-fees-with-a-Credit-Karma-Money-Spend-account.

    If you are approved for a loan, your tax refund after deducting the amount of your loan and agreed-upon fees (if applicable) will be placed in your Credit Karma Money™ Spend (checking) account. Tax refund funds are disbursed by the IRS typically within 21 days of e-file acceptance. If you apply for a loan and are not approved after the IRS accepts your e-filed federal tax return, your tax refund minus any agreed-upon fees (if applicable) will be placed in your Credit Karma Money™ Spend (checking) account.

    If your tax refund amounts are insufficient to pay what you owe on your loan, you will not be required to repay any remaining balance. However, you may be contacted to remind you of the remaining balance and provide payment instructions to you if you choose to repay that balance. If your loan is not paid in full, you will not be eligible to receive a Refund Advance loan in the future.

  • Pay for TurboTax out of your federal refund or state refund: Individual taxes only. Subject to eligibility requirements. Additional terms apply. A $40 service fee may apply to this payment method. Prices are subject to change without notice.

  • TurboTax Help and Support: Access to a TurboTax product specialist is included with TurboTax Deluxe, Premium, TurboTax Live Assisted and TurboTax Live Full Service; not included with Free Edition (but is available as a paid upgrade). TurboTax specialists are available to provide general customer help and support using the TurboTax product. Services, areas of expertise, experience levels, wait times, hours of operation and availability vary, and are subject to restriction and change without notice. Limitations apply. See Terms of Service for details.

  • TurboTax Live - Tax Advice and Expert Review: Access to an expert for tax questions and Expert Review (the ability to have a tax expert review) is included with TurboTax Live Assisted or as an upgrade from another TurboTax product, and available through December 31, 2025. Access to an expert for tax questions is also included with TurboTax Live Full Service and available through December 31, 2025. If you use TurboTax Live, Intuit will assign you a tax expert based on availability. Tax expert availability may be limited. Some tax topics or situations may not be included as part of this service, which shall be determined at the tax expert's sole discretion. The ability to retain the same expert preparer in subsequent years will be based on an expert’s choice to continue employment with Intuit and their availability at the times you decide to prepare your return(s). Administrative services may be provided by assistants to the tax expert. On-screen help is available on a desktop, laptop or the TurboTax mobile app. For the TurboTax Live Assisted product: If your return requires a significant level of tax advice or actual preparation, the tax expert may be required to sign as the preparer at which point they will assume primary responsibility for the preparation of your return. For the TurboTax Live Full Service product: Hand off tax preparation by uploading your tax documents, getting matched with an expert, and meeting with an expert in real time. The tax expert will sign your return as a preparer.

  • TurboTax Live - Unlimited Expert Support: Unlimited access to TurboTax Live experts refers to an unlimited quantity of contacts available to each customer, but does not refer to hours of operation or service coverage. Service, area of expertise, experience levels, wait times, hours of operation and availability vary, and are subject to restriction and change without notice.

  • TurboTax Experts - Years of Experience: Based on experts' self-reported years of tax experience.

  • TurboTax Live - Expert Availability: TurboTax Live experts are available on nights and weekends for certain expanded hours during tax season (from January to April) and in the weeks leading up to tax extension deadlines. Outside of tax season, regular hours are Monday through Friday 5am to 5pm PT. Service, area of expertise, experience levels, and wait times vary, and are subject to restriction and change without notice. Unlimited access to TurboTax Live experts is included with all TurboTax Live products.

  • TurboTax Live Full Service - File your taxes as soon as today: TurboTax Full Service experts are available to prepare 2024 tax returns starting January 6, 2025. One-day preparation and filing availability depends on start time, the complexity of your return, is based on completion time for the majority of customers, and may vary based on expert availability. A tax preparation assistant will validate the customer's tax situation during the welcome call and review uploaded documents to assess readiness and ability to file same-day. All tax forms and documents must be ready and uploaded by the customer for the tax preparation assistant to refer the customer to an available expert for live tax preparation.

  • TurboTax Live Full Service - “Local”: For purposes of virtual meetings, “Local" experts are defined as being located within the same state as the consumer's zip code. Not available in all states.

  • Smart Insights: Individual taxes only. Included with TurboTax Deluxe, Premium, TurboTax Live, TurboTax Live Full Service, or with PLUS benefits, and is available through November 1, 2025. Terms and conditions may vary and are subject to change without notice.

  • My Docs: Included with TurboTax Deluxe, Premium TurboTax Live, TurboTax Live Full Service, or with PLUS benefits and is available through December 31, 2025. Terms and conditions may vary and are subject to change without notice.

  • Tax Return Access: Included with all TurboTax Free Edition, Deluxe, Premium, TurboTax Live, and TurboTax Live Full Service products. Access to up to seven years of tax returns we have on file for you is available through December 31, 2025. Terms and conditions may vary and are subject to change without notice.

  • Easy Online Amend: Individual taxes only. With TurboTax Deluxe, Premium, TurboTax Live, TurboTax Live Full Service, or with PLUS benefits, you can make changes to your 2024 tax return online through October 31, 2027. For TurboTax Live Full Service, your tax expert will amend your 2024 tax return for you through November 15, 2025; after that date, TurboTax Live Full Service customers will be able to amend their 2024 tax return themselves using the Easy Online Amend process described above. TurboTax Free Edition customers may amend 2024 tax returns online through October 31, 2025. Terms and conditions may vary and are subject to change without notice.

  • #1 best-selling tax software: Based on aggregated sales data for all tax year 2023 TurboTax products.

  • #1 online tax filing solution for self-employed: Based upon IRS Sole Proprietor data as of calendar year 2024, for tax year 2023. Self-Employed defined as a return with a Schedule C/C-EZ tax form. Online competitor data is extrapolated from press releases and SEC filings. “Online” is defined as an individual income tax DIY return (non-preparer signed) that was prepared online and either e-filed or printed, not including returns prepared through desktop software.

  • 1099-Ks: Those filing in TurboTax Free Edition, TurboTax Live Assisted Basic or TurboTax Live Full Service Basic will be able to file a limited IRS Schedule 1 if they have hobby income or personal property rental income reported on a Form 1099-K, and/or a limited IRS Schedule D if they have personal item sales with no gain reported on Form 1099-K. Those filing in TurboTax Deluxe, TurboTax Live Assisted Deluxe or TurboTax Live Full Service Deluxe will be able to file a limited IRS Schedule D if they have personal item sales income reported on Form 1099-K. If you add other schedules or forms, or need to report other types of income on Schedules 1, D, E, F, or Form 4835 you may be required to upgrade to another TurboTax product.

  • 1099-K Snap and Autofill: Available in mobile app and mobile web only.

  • 1099-NEC Snap and Autofill: Available in TurboTax Premium (formerly Self-Employed) and TurboTax Live Assisted Premium (formerly Self-Employed). Available in mobile app only. Feature available within Schedule C tax form for TurboTax filers with 1099-NEC income.

  • Year-Round Tax Estimator: Available in TurboTax Premium (formerly Self-Employed) and TurboTax Live Assisted Premium (formerly Self-Employed). This product feature is only available after you finish and file in a self-employed TurboTax product.

  • Refer a Friend: Maximum of $500 in total rewards for 20 referrals. See official terms and conditions for more details.

  • Refer your Expert (Intuit's own experts): Maximum of $500 in total rewards for 20 referrals. See official terms and conditions for more details.

  • Refer your Expert (TurboTax Verified Pro): Maximum of $500 in total rewards for 20 referrals. See official terms and conditions for more details.

  • Average Refund Amount: $3,207 is the average refund amount American taxpayers received in the 2024 filing season based upon IRS data as of February 16, 2024 and may not reflect actual refund amount received. Each taxpayer's refund will vary based on their tax situation.

  • More self-employed deductions: based on the median amount of expenses found by TurboTax Premium (formerly Self Employed) customers who synced accounts, imported and categorized transactions compared to manual entry. Individual results may vary.

  • TurboTax Online Business Products: For TurboTax Live Assisted Business and TurboTax Full Service Business, we currently don't support the following tax situations: C-Corps (Form 1120) and entities electing to be treated as a C-Corp, Trust/Estates (Form 1041), Tax Exempt Entities/Non-Profits, returns that require more than 5 state filings, and other issues unrelated to the preparation of a tax return or unrelated to business income/franchise taxes. TurboTax Live Assisted Business is currently available only in AK, AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, ID, IL, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, NC, NE, NJ, NV, NY, OH, PA, RI, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI, WY.

  • Audit Defense: Audit Defense is a third-party add-on service provided, for an additional fee, by TaxResources, Inc., dba Tax Audit. Audit Defense is included at no added cost with business returns filed with TurboTax Live Business (excluding Sole Proprietor). See Membership Agreements at https://www.intuit.com/legal/terms/ for service terms and conditions.

TURBOTAX DESKTOP GUARANTEES

TurboTax Desktop Individual Returns:

  • 100% Accurate Calculations Guarantee - Individual Returns: If you pay an IRS or state penalty or interest because of a TurboTax calculation error, we'll pay you the penalty and interest. Excludes payment plans. This guarantee is good for the lifetime of your personal, individual tax return, which Intuit defines as seven years from the date you filed it with TurboTax Desktop. Excludes TurboTax Desktop Business returns. Additional terms and limitations apply. See License Agreement for details.

  • Maximum Refund Guarantee / Maximum Tax Savings Guarantee - or Your Money Back - Individual Returns: If you get a larger refund or smaller tax due from another tax preparation method by filing an amended return, we'll refund the applicable TurboTax federal and/or state software license purchase price you paid. This guarantee is good for the lifetime of your personal, individual tax return, which Intuit defines as seven years from the date you filed it with TurboTax Desktop. Excludes TurboTax Desktop Business returns. Additional terms and limitations apply. See License Agreement for details.

  • Audit Support Guarantee - Individual Returns: If you receive an audit letter from the IRS or State Department of Revenue based on your 2024 TurboTax individual tax return, we will provide one-on-one question-and-answer support with a tax professional, if requested through our Audit Support Center, for audited individual returns filed with TurboTax Desktop for the current 2024 tax year and, for individual, non-business returns, for the past two tax years (2022, 2023). Audit support is informational only. We will not represent you before the IRS or state tax authority or provide legal advice. If we are not able to connect you to one of our tax professionals, we will refund the applicable TurboTax federal and/or state license purchase price you paid. This guarantee is good for the lifetime of your personal, individual tax return, which Intuit defines as seven years from the date you filed it with TurboTax Desktop. Excludes TurboTax Desktop Business returns. Additional terms and limitations apply. See License Agreement  for details.

  • Satisfaction Guarantee/ 60-Day Money Back Guarantee: If you're not completely satisfied with TurboTax Desktop software, go to refundrequest.intuit.com within 60 days of purchase and follow the process listed to submit a refund request. You must return this product using your license code or order number and dated receipt. Desktop add-on products and services purchased are non-refundable.

TurboTax Desktop Business Returns:

  • 100% Accurate Calculations Guarantee - Business Returns: If you pay an IRS or state penalty or interest because of a TurboTax calculation error, we'll pay you the penalty and interest. Excludes payment plans. You are responsible for paying any additional tax liability you may owe. Additional terms and limitations apply. See License Agreement  for details.

  • Maximum Tax Savings Guarantee - Business Returns: If you get a smaller tax due (or larger business tax refund) from another tax preparation method using the same data, TurboTax will refund the applicable TurboTax Business Desktop license purchase price you paid. Additional terms and limitations apply. See License Agreement  for details.

  • Satisfaction Guarantee/ 60-Day Money Back Guarantee: If you're not completely satisfied with TurboTax Desktop software, go to refundrequest.intuit.com within 60 days of purchase and follow the process listed to submit a refund request. You must return this product using your license code or order number and dated receipt. Desktop add-on products and services purchased are non-refundable.

TURBOTAX DESKTOP DISCLAIMERS

  • Installation Requirements: Product download, installation and activation requires an Intuit Account and internet connection. Product limited to one account per license code. You must accept the TurboTax License Agreement to use this product. Not for use by paid preparers.

  • TurboTax Desktop Products: Price includes tax preparation and printing of federal tax returns and free federal e-file of up to 5 federal tax returns. Additional fees apply for e-filing state returns. E-file fees may not apply in certain states, check here for details. Savings and price comparison based on anticipated price increase. Software updates and optional online features require internet connection. Desktop add-on products and services purchased are non-refundable.

  • Fastest Refund Possible: Get your tax refund from the IRS as fast as possible by e-filing and choosing to receive your refund by direct deposit. Tax refund time frames will vary. The IRS issues more than 9 out of 10 refunds in less than 21 days.

  • Average Refund Amount: $3,207 is the average refund amount American taxpayers received in the 2024 filing season based upon IRS data as of February 16, 2024 and may not reflect actual refund amount received.

  • TurboTax Technical Support: Customer service and technical support hours and options vary by time of year.

  • Deduct From Your Federal Refund: Individual taxes only. Subject to eligibility requirements. Additional terms apply. A $40 Refund Processing Service fee applies to this payment. method. Prices are subject to change without notice.

  • Data Import: Imports financial data from participating companies; Requires Intuit Account. Quicken and QuickBooks import not available with TurboTax installed on a Mac. Imports from Quicken (2022 and higher) and QuickBooks Desktop (2023 and higher); both Windows only. Quicken import not available for TurboTax Desktop Business. Quicken products provided by Quicken Inc., Quicken import subject to change.

  • Live Tax Advice: Access to tax experts to obtain answers to tax questions and to assist with tax year 2024 return(s) prepared with TurboTax Desktop software. Additional fees apply. Must be purchased and used by October 31, 2025. Excludes TurboTax Desktop Business. See License Agreement for details.

  • Audit Defense: Audit Defense is a third-party add-on service provided, for a fee, by TaxResources, Inc., dba Tax Audit. See Membership Agreements at https://turbotax.intuit.com/corp/softwarelicense/ for service terms and conditions.

All features, services, support, prices, offers, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice.

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