Feeling a bit overwhelmed by your taxes? You're not alone! Many people find tax preparation daunting, and sometimes, a little expert guidance can make all the difference. That's where TurboTax's screen sharing feature comes in, allowing you to connect directly with a tax expert who can see exactly what you're seeing on your TurboTax screen and guide you through the process.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about sharing your screen on TurboTax, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience.
Navigating Your Taxes with Expert Vision: A Step-by-Step Guide to TurboTax Screen Sharing
TurboTax offers an incredible feature, often referred to as SmartLook™ or simply "screen sharing," that allows you to get real-time assistance from a tax expert. This isn't just about someone telling you what to do; it's about them showing you, often by drawing or highlighting directly on your screen. It's like having a tax pro sitting right beside you!
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| How To Share Screen On Turbotax |
Step 1: Are You Ready to Get Started? Understand When Screen Sharing is Available
Before we dive into the "how-to," let's clarify when you can typically utilize TurboTax's screen sharing feature. It's usually associated with their TurboTax Live and TurboTax Live Assisted products, which offer access to on-demand tax experts.
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TurboTax Live Assisted: With this option, you prepare your taxes yourself, but you have unlimited access to tax experts who can answer questions, provide advice, and even review your return before you file. Screen sharing is a key component of this support.
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TurboTax Live Full Service: Here, a tax expert actually does your taxes for you from start to finish. While direct screen sharing with you might be less frequent in this scenario (as they are doing the work), they might still use similar visual tools internally or for quick clarifications.
Important Note: Screen sharing is primarily available for the online and mobile app versions of TurboTax. If you're using the CD/Download desktop software, the capabilities might differ, though some forms of visual assistance can still be provided.
Step 2: Initiating Contact with a TurboTax Expert
To begin a screen sharing session, you'll first need to connect with a TurboTax expert. This process is generally straightforward:
Sub-heading 2.1: Locating the "Live Help" or "Connect with an Expert" Option
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Within the TurboTax Online Interface: As you navigate through your tax return, you'll typically find a "Live Help," "Connect with an Expert," or similar button prominently displayed. This is often in the navigation bar or within specific sections where you might encounter complex questions.
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TurboTax Mobile App: The mobile app also features an intuitive way to connect with experts. Look for icons or options related to "Help" or "Live Expert" within the app's interface.
Sub-heading 2.2: Signing In (If Required)
Tip: Pause whenever something stands out.
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If you're not already signed in to your Intuit account, you'll likely be prompted to do so. This ensures a secure and personalized connection. If you don't have an account, you'll need to create one.
Sub-heading 2.3: Briefly Describing Your Issue
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Before connecting, you might be asked to briefly describe the nature of your question or the section of your return you're struggling with. Being clear and concise here can help the expert prepare to assist you effectively.
Step 3: Enabling the Screen Sharing Feature
Once you're connected with an expert, they will guide you through the process of enabling screen sharing. It's designed to be user-friendly, but here's what to expect:
Sub-heading 3.1: Receiving the Screen Share Prompt
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The TurboTax expert will initiate the screen sharing request. You'll see a prompt on your screen asking for your permission to share your view. It's crucial to acknowledge and accept this prompt to proceed.
Sub-heading 3.2: Understanding SmartLook™ / Glance Technology
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TurboTax often uses technology like SmartLook™ (powered by Glance) for its screen sharing capabilities. This technology is designed with your privacy in mind.
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SmartLook™: This feature allows the agent to see only your TurboTax window. Crucially, all Personal Identifying Information (PII) is blocked out by default. This means your Social Security Number, bank account details, and other sensitive data should not be visible to the expert unless you actively edit a field containing such information during the session. Even then, it's generally only visible while you are actively typing or changing it.
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Glance (Full Desktop Share - Less Common for Tax Help): In some very specific technical support scenarios, an agent might ask to use a full Glance screen share, which would allow them to see your entire desktop. However, for tax preparation assistance, SmartLook™ is the standard and highly recommended method for security and privacy. Always be cautious and understand what you are agreeing to share.
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Sub-heading 3.3: Granting Permissions
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Depending on your browser and operating system, you may need to grant specific permissions for screen sharing. This could involve:
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Browser Permissions: Your browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, etc.) might ask you to select which screen or application window you wish to share. Always select the TurboTax application or browser tab.
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Operating System Permissions: On some operating systems (especially macOS), you might need to go into your System Settings/Preferences to allow your browser or the TurboTax application permission to record your screen. You'll typically be guided through this.
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Step 4: Interacting During the Screen Share Session
Now that your screen is shared, the real magic happens!
QuickTip: Scan quickly, then go deeper where needed.
Sub-heading 4.1: Expert Guidance and Annotation
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The TurboTax expert will be able to see your TurboTax screen. They can:
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Point and Click: Visually guide your attention to specific fields, buttons, or sections.
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Draw and Annotate: Draw circles, arrows, or highlight text directly on your screen to emphasize important information or steps. This is incredibly helpful for clarifying instructions.
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Co-browse (Limited): In some cases, they might have limited co-Browse capabilities, allowing them to initiate navigation within the TurboTax application for you, but you generally remain in control.
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Sub-heading 4.2: Your Role in the Interaction
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While the expert is guiding you, you remain in control of your mouse and keyboard. You'll be the one inputting information, navigating, and clicking.
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Ask Questions: Don't hesitate to ask questions as the expert guides you. This is your opportunity to understand the "why" behind each step.
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Confirm Understanding: Repeat back what you understand or ask for clarification if something isn't clear.
Sub-heading 4.3: One-Way Video (Optional)
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Some TurboTax Live experiences also offer a one-way video feature, allowing you to see the expert while they see your screen. This adds a more personal touch to the interaction. The expert typically cannot see you or your surroundings.
Step 5: Ending the Screen Sharing Session Securely
Once your questions are answered and you feel confident, it's time to end the session.
Sub-heading 5.1: Expert Will Disconnect
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The expert will usually initiate the disconnection of the screen share. You'll see a notification indicating that the session has ended.
Sub-heading 5.2: Verify Disconnection
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Always double-check to ensure the screen sharing session has truly ended. You should no longer see any expert annotations on your screen, and your privacy indicator (if your operating system has one for screen recording) should confirm it's off.
Sub-heading 5.3: Log Out of TurboTax
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For added security, it's always a good practice to log out of your TurboTax account after you've completed your work or interaction, especially if you're on a shared computer.
Tip: Pause if your attention drifts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about TurboTax Screen Sharing
Here are 10 common questions about screen sharing on TurboTax, with quick answers:
How to ensure my privacy during TurboTax screen sharing?
TurboTax's SmartLook™ feature is designed to block out most Personal Identifying Information (PII) automatically. Always ensure you are only sharing the TurboTax window and be mindful if you actively type or edit sensitive data during the session.
How to troubleshoot if TurboTax screen sharing isn't working?
First, ensure you have a stable internet connection. Check your browser permissions and operating system settings to ensure screen recording is allowed for your browser or the TurboTax application. Sometimes, temporarily disabling your firewall or antivirus can help, but remember to re-enable them afterwards. If issues persist, contact TurboTax support directly.
How to know if the TurboTax expert can see my entire computer screen?
With SmartLook™ (the standard for tax help), the expert can only see your TurboTax window. If an expert requests to see your entire desktop, clarify why and ensure you're comfortable with that level of sharing.
How to get a TurboTax expert to review my return via screen share?
This is typically part of the TurboTax Live Assisted service. Once you connect with an expert, you can explain that you'd like them to review your return, and they will use screen sharing to go through it with you.
Tip: Reading with intent makes content stick.
How to determine if I need TurboTax Live for screen sharing?
Yes, screen sharing with a live expert is a core feature of TurboTax Live and TurboTax Live Assisted products. If you want direct, visual guidance, these versions are designed for that.
How to prepare my computer before a TurboTax screen sharing session?
Ensure you have a stable internet connection, close any unnecessary applications to improve performance, and have your relevant tax documents handy. It's also a good idea to restart your computer briefly before a session if you've been experiencing any slowness.
How to communicate effectively with a TurboTax expert during screen sharing?
Be clear and concise about your questions. Don't be afraid to ask for clarification if something isn't clear. Provide specific details about the issue you're facing.
How to find the screen sharing option in the TurboTax mobile app?
Look for "Live Help," "Connect with an Expert," or a similar option within the app's navigation or specific sections where help is offered.
How to know what information the TurboTax expert cannot see during screen sharing?
With SmartLook™, they generally cannot see your Social Security Number, bank account details, or other highly sensitive PII unless you are actively typing or editing it. They also cannot see other applications open on your computer or your desktop background.
How to end a TurboTax screen sharing session if it doesn't disconnect automatically?
There should be a "Stop Sharing" button or option within the screen sharing interface, often at the top or bottom of your shared screen. You can also typically disconnect the call with the expert to end the session.
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