Terrible automated system when trying to get suppo
on July 31, 2026
Posted by: Cilantro B
from CA
The experts make a genuine effort to help. But the automated system on the way to get live support is terrible and very frustrating. Several times, in spite of being entitled to live support and having a support ID, the system attempts to sell me support services... ; only after trials it advances - and having me spend 15 minutes spelling my name. Very bad experience.
I use Turbotax Business Desktop because I can choose between guided entry and putting numbers directly into the forms. The guided entries are mostly good but sometimes they will fail to bring up topics that I know need to be addressed or have a programing error that I can get around by direct entry. This year there were no glaring issues when doing a C corporation Federal return. On the other hand, the State tax returns, despite costing $55 each, are generally very poor when it comes to conformity adjustments and do no more than tell you that there could be needed adjustments and force you to research them yourself with no guidance. The same has always been true for the personal tax returns. I had issues with the software updating and hanging up the computer (twice) but that was resolved by re-booting a couple of times. I have no issue with the accuracy of calculations. I would not use Turbotax's online versions because, like Quickbooks (also owned by Intuit), they are vastly inferior to the desktop versions from a usability and speed perspective, plus, they are a prime example of putting all the eggs in a single basket. I have used Turbotax for at least the last 25 years because it does get the job done and, when you can find a support person, they have been helpful.
Turbo Tax asks about destructibility of Officer Life Insurance. I think it should ask about Non-Deductible Penalty expenses and handle correctly rather we are forced to figure it out on h M-1