Feeling a bit overwhelmed by your taxes? Many people do! TurboTax is designed to simplify the process, but sometimes, you just need an extra pair of eyes or a bit of guidance. That's where screen sharing with TurboTax comes in, offering a fantastic way to get live, interactive help directly on your return.
Imagine having a tax expert right there with you, pointing out exactly where to input that tricky deduction or clarifying a complex tax form. This guide will walk you through the process, ensuring you can confidently screen share and get the support you need.
The Power of Screen Sharing with TurboTax
Screen sharing with TurboTax primarily refers to the TurboTax Live and SmartLook features, which allow you to connect with a tax expert or product specialist. This isn't about sharing your entire desktop with just anyone; it's a secure, controlled way to get specialized assistance.
TurboTax Live: This service connects you with a real tax expert (CPA or Enrolled Agent) who can answer your questions, provide advice, and even review your entire return before you file. Screen sharing is a core component of this interactive experience.
SmartLook: This feature allows a TurboTax product specialist to see only your TurboTax window, with personal identifying information (PII) like your Social Security Number often blocked out for your privacy. It's designed for technical or navigational assistance rather than comprehensive tax advice.
The beauty of these tools is the visual, real-time interaction. No more trying to explain complex financial situations over the phone; you can show them exactly what you're looking at.
Step 1: Are You Ready to Connect? Assess Your Need for Screen Sharing
Before diving into the technical steps, let's ask ourselves: Why do I need to screen share with TurboTax? Understanding your specific need will guide you to the right type of support.
Are you stuck on a particular question and need clarification?
Do you want an expert to review your completed return for accuracy and missed deductions?
Are you encountering a technical glitch within the TurboTax software itself?
Do you have general tax questions you'd like to discuss with a professional?
Depending on your answer, you might opt for TurboTax Live Assisted (for expert review and advice) or simply connect with a product specialist via SmartLook for technical help.
Important Note on Privacy: While screen sharing with TurboTax is designed to be secure, it's crucial to understand what the agent can see.
With SmartLook, the agent generally only sees your TurboTax window, and sensitive PII is often blurred.
With TurboTax Live, for a comprehensive review, the expert may need to see more of your return details. Always be mindful of what other applications you have open on your desktop, especially if using the desktop version of TurboTax, as some screen-sharing tools might show your entire screen. TurboTax states that their online version agents can only see the TurboTax information, while the desktop version may view everything you bring up.
Step 2: Accessing TurboTax Live or SmartLook (The Gateway to Screen Sharing)
The method for initiating a screen share largely depends on whether you're using TurboTax Online or the Desktop software, and what level of help you've purchased.
Sub-heading: For TurboTax Online Users (Most Common Scenario)
If you're working on your taxes through the TurboTax website, accessing screen sharing is usually integrated directly into the platform.
Log in to Your TurboTax Account: Go to the official TurboTax website and sign in with your Intuit ID and password.
Navigate to Your Return: Once logged in, ensure you're on the return you need assistance with.
Look for "Live Help" or "Connect with an Expert": The exact button or link might vary slightly depending on the TurboTax product you're using (e.g., TurboTax Live Assisted, TurboTax Live Full Service).
Typically, you'll find a "Live help" button or a similar option prominently displayed on your screen, often in the top or side navigation.
Clicking this will initiate the process of connecting you with an expert.
Choose Your Connection Method (Chat or Video): TurboTax Live often offers options for connecting via chat or one-way video. If you opt for video, the expert can see your screen while you can see them (or their profile picture).
Follow the On-Screen Prompts for Screen Sharing: Once connected with an expert, they will typically initiate the screen sharing request.
You will receive a prompt asking for your permission to share your screen. Always confirm that you are sharing with an authorized TurboTax expert.
Click Allow or Share Screen when prompted. TurboTax uses secure screen-sharing technology (like SmartLook/Glance) that is designed to protect your privacy by limiting what the agent can see.
Sub-heading: For TurboTax Desktop Software Users
If you're using the downloaded desktop version of TurboTax, the process for screen sharing with support may differ slightly.
Ensure Internet Connection: Even with desktop software, screen sharing requires an active internet connection.
Initiate Contact with Support: You'll typically need to contact TurboTax support directly through their website or phone line to initiate a screen-sharing session for technical assistance.
Follow Support Agent's Instructions: If a technical support agent determines that screen sharing is necessary, they will guide you through the process.
They might ask you to navigate to a specific URL or download a small, temporary screen-sharing application (like Glance).
Always verify the legitimacy of any links or downloads provided. Ensure you are on a genuine Intuit/TurboTax domain.
Once the application is running, the agent will typically provide a session ID or code that you'll enter to connect.
Grant Permission: Just like with the online version, you will be prompted to grant permission for the agent to view your screen. Be aware that with some desktop screen-sharing tools, the agent might be able to see your entire desktop, not just the TurboTax application. Close any sensitive documents or applications before sharing.
Step 3: Understanding the Screen Sharing Experience
Once you've successfully initiated screen sharing, here's what you can expect during your session:
Sub-heading: What the Expert Can (and Cannot) See
TurboTax Online (SmartLook/TurboTax Live): For the most part, the expert will see your TurboTax interface. They can see the fields you're entering data into, the forms you're navigating, and the calculations being performed. They cannot see files on your computer, other browser tabs (unless you switch to them), or other applications running on your system, especially with SmartLook. Personal identifying information (like your SIN or SSN) is generally masked or blurred to the expert.
TurboTax Desktop (Technical Support): If you're using a general screen-sharing tool for technical support with the desktop version, the agent might be able to see your entire screen, including other open applications or your desktop background. This is why it's crucial to prepare your environment by closing any sensitive windows.
Sub-heading: Interactive Guidance
The primary benefit of screen sharing is the ability for the expert to interact with your screen.
They may use a pointer or highlighter tool to draw your attention to specific fields or sections.
They can guide you verbally, telling you exactly where to click or what information to enter.
In some TurboTax Live services, the expert might even be able to type directly into fields or navigate within your TurboTax return (with your explicit permission and control).
Sub-heading: Maintaining Communication
Keep the communication clear and open during the screen-sharing session.
Ask Questions: Don't hesitate to ask questions if something isn't clear or if you need further explanation.
Confirm Understanding: Repeat back what you understand or ask for clarification if you're unsure about a step.
Take Notes: It's always a good idea to jot down any key advice or instructions provided by the expert.
Step 4: Ending Your Screen Share Session Securely
Once your questions are answered or your issue is resolved, it's vital to end the screen-sharing session properly.
Expert Will End the Session: In most cases, the TurboTax expert will initiate the end of the screen-sharing session. You'll typically see a notification confirming that the sharing has ended.
Manually End (If Needed): If for any reason the session doesn't automatically close, or if you wish to end it sooner, look for a "Stop Sharing" or "End Session" button in the screen-sharing interface (often a small pop-up window or icon on your taskbar).
Confirm Disconnection: Visually confirm that your screen is no longer being shared. The screen-sharing application or notification should disappear.
Close Browser/Software: After the session, it's good practice to close your browser or the TurboTax desktop software and reopen it if you plan to continue working on your return. This ensures a fresh start and removes any lingering connections.
Protecting Your Privacy During Screen Sharing
While TurboTax takes measures to ensure the security of screen sharing, here are some additional tips to protect your sensitive financial data:
Only share when initiated by a trusted TurboTax source. Be wary of unsolicited requests to screen share.
Close all other applications and browser tabs that contain sensitive or personal information before starting a screen share, especially if you're using the desktop version.
Ensure you're on the official TurboTax website (turbotax.intuit.com) when logging in or accepting screen share requests.
Never share your passwords or full Social Security Number directly through chat or verbally unless explicitly instructed by a verified tax expert within the secure TurboTax Live environment (where they might need it for specific tax form entries, which are usually masked on their end anyway).
If you feel uncomfortable at any point, you have the right to end the screen-sharing session immediately.
By following these steps, you can confidently utilize TurboTax's screen-sharing capabilities to get the expert help you need for a smooth and accurate tax filing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to initiate screen sharing with a TurboTax expert?
To initiate screen sharing, you typically need to be using TurboTax Live or SmartLook within the TurboTax online platform. Look for a "Live Help" or "Connect with an Expert" button and follow the on-screen prompts to start a chat or video session where the expert can then initiate screen sharing.
How to ensure my privacy when screen sharing TurboTax?
To ensure privacy, make sure you are only sharing with an official TurboTax expert through their secure platform. Close any other sensitive applications or browser tabs, and understand that TurboTax's SmartLook feature is designed to block out personal identifying information for the agent.
How to stop a TurboTax screen sharing session?
The TurboTax expert will usually end the screen-sharing session when your assistance is complete. However, you can also manually end it by looking for a "Stop Sharing" or "End Session" button or icon in the screen-sharing interface.
How to tell if a TurboTax agent can see my whole desktop?
If you are using TurboTax Online with SmartLook or TurboTax Live, the agent should generally only see your TurboTax window. If you're using the desktop software and a general screen-sharing tool for technical support, there's a possibility the agent could see your entire desktop, so it's best to close other applications.
How to get technical support with screen sharing on TurboTax Desktop?
For technical support on TurboTax Desktop, you'll usually need to contact TurboTax customer support via phone or their website. If screen sharing is required, the agent will guide you through downloading and connecting via a specific screen-sharing application like Glance.
How to know if TurboTax Live includes screen sharing?
Yes, TurboTax Live, whether Assisted or Full Service, inherently includes screen sharing capabilities to allow the tax expert to interact with your return in real-time and provide guidance or review.
How to prepare my computer for a TurboTax screen sharing session?
Close all unnecessary applications and browser tabs, especially those containing personal or sensitive information. Ensure your internet connection is stable. If using desktop software, be aware that the agent might see your entire screen, so prepare accordingly.
How to avoid scams when someone asks to screen share about TurboTax?
Always ensure that any request to screen share comes directly from within the official TurboTax platform or from a support agent you have initiated contact with through official TurboTax channels. Never click on unsolicited links or download software from untrusted sources.
How to get an expert to review my TurboTax return via screen share?
To get an expert review, you'll need to use a TurboTax Live product (like TurboTax Live Assisted). Once you're in the program and ready for review, you'll typically find an option to connect with an expert, who will then guide you through the screen-sharing process for the review.
How to use SmartLook for TurboTax screen sharing?
SmartLook is the technology behind much of TurboTax's screen sharing. When you connect with a product specialist for help (often initiated via a "Live Help" option in TurboTax Online), SmartLook is automatically used to share your TurboTax window while protecting your sensitive data.
