Getting help with TurboTax can feel like navigating a maze, especially during tax season! But fear not, millions of people use TurboTax successfully every year, and they've built a robust system for support. This guide will walk you through every way to get the assistance you need, from quick answers to expert advice.
So, you've hit a snag with your taxes, or maybe you just have a burning question about a deduction. Don't panic! Let's figure out how to get you the help you need, step by step.
Step 1: Engage with the In-Product Help (Your First Line of Defense!)
The absolute first place you should look for help is right within the TurboTax software or online platform itself. TurboTax is designed with a user-friendly interface, and often, your question can be answered without ever leaving your tax return.
Sub-heading: Leveraging the Search Bar and Help Panel
Locate the "Help" or "Search" Bar: In TurboTax Online, you'll usually find a "Help" link or a search bar at the top right of your screen. If you're using the desktop software, look for a "Help" menu option.
Type Your Question: Be as specific as possible. For example, instead of "deductions," try "Can I deduct my home office expenses?" or "How do I enter my W-2?"
Review the Results: TurboTax's internal help system is quite comprehensive. It will often pull up relevant articles, FAQs, and even short video tutorials directly related to your query. Many common questions are answered here.
The "Help" Panel: As you navigate through your return, you'll often see a "Help" panel on the side that dynamically provides information relevant to the section you're currently working on. Pay attention to this – it can be incredibly useful!
Sub-heading: Understanding In-Context Guidance
Blue Question Mark Icons: Keep an eye out for little blue question marks or "i" (information) icons next to fields or sections. Clicking these will often pop up a brief explanation or definition that can clarify what information is needed or how a particular tax concept works.
Interactive Interviews: TurboTax uses an interview-style format. If you're unsure about a question, try answering it to the best of your ability, and the program will often provide further prompts or explanations based on your input.
Step 2: Explore the TurboTax Help & Support Website (A Treasure Trove of Information)
If the in-product help doesn't quite hit the mark, or if you prefer to browse solutions outside of your tax return, the TurboTax Help & Support website (
Sub-heading: Searching the Knowledge Base
Robust Search Function: The support website has a powerful search engine. Again, be specific with your keywords. You'll find thousands of articles covering everything from basic tax concepts to complex scenarios, technical issues, and common errors.
Categorized Topics: Browse by categories such as "Account Management," "Getting Started," "Deductions & Credits," "After You File," and more. This can be helpful if you're not sure exactly what you're looking for but know the general area of your question.
Popular Articles and Trending Discussions: The site often highlights popular articles and trending discussions, which might include solutions to issues many users are currently facing.
Sub-heading: Utilizing the TurboTax Community Forum
Peer-to-Peer Support: The TurboTax Community is a vibrant forum where users can ask questions and get answers from other users, and often, from experienced tax professionals and TurboTax experts (labeled "Expert Alumni").
Search Before You Post: Before posting a new question, always use the forum's search function. Chances are, someone else has already asked and received an answer to a similar query.
Posting a Question: If you can't find an existing answer, you can create a new post. Be clear and concise in your question, providing enough detail without sharing sensitive personal information.
Benefits of the Community: This is a great resource for getting different perspectives, understanding common pitfalls, and finding workarounds for less common issues.
Step 3: Connect with a Live TurboTax Expert (When You Need Personalized Guidance)
Sometimes, you just need to talk to a human. TurboTax offers various options for live assistance, ranging from quick answers to full-service tax preparation.
Sub-heading: TurboTax Live Assisted (Get Expert Help While You Do Your Taxes)
What it Offers: TurboTax Live Assisted is an upgrade that provides unlimited access to tax experts (CPAs or Enrolled Agents) as you prepare your return. You can connect with them via phone, chat, or even a one-way video screen share (they see your screen, you see them).
How it Works: As you go through your return, if you hit a wall, simply click the "Live Help" button. An expert can answer your questions, explain complex tax concepts, and even help you fix mistakes.
Expert Review Before Filing: A key benefit of Live Assisted is that an expert will perform a final review of your return before you file, ensuring accuracy and helping you maximize your refund. This provides a significant layer of confidence.
Best for: Users who want to do their own taxes but want the reassurance of expert support and a professional review.
Sub-heading: TurboTax Live Full Service (Let an Expert Do Your Taxes for You)
What it Offers: This is the highest level of service. With TurboTax Live Full Service, you hand over your tax documents to a dedicated tax expert, and they prepare and file your taxes for you from start to finish.
How it Works: You'll be matched with an expert based on your unique tax situation. You'll communicate with them, provide your documents (often by snapping photos or uploading), and they'll handle everything. They only file once you've reviewed and approved the return.
Maximum Convenience: This option is ideal for those who are short on time, have complex tax situations, or simply prefer to have a professional handle their taxes entirely.
Best for: Individuals or small business owners who prefer a completely hands-off approach to tax preparation.
Sub-heading: Contacting Customer Service for Technical or Account Issues
General Support: For issues that are not tax-related (e.g., login problems, billing inquiries, software installation issues, password resets), you'll typically need to contact TurboTax customer service directly.
How to Connect: The best way to get the phone number is by going through the "Contact Us" option within your TurboTax account online. This ensures you get the most current and relevant number, and often generates a case number for smoother service.
Be Prepared: Have your account information, order details, and a clear description of your issue ready before you call. This will expedite the process.
Operating Hours: Be aware of their operating hours, which can vary, especially outside of peak tax season. During tax season, they typically have extended hours.
Step 4: Utilize Specific TurboTax Features for Targeted Help
Beyond the general support channels, TurboTax also has built-in features designed to assist with particular aspects of your tax filing.
Sub-heading: CompleteCheck™
What it Is: Before you file your return, TurboTax's CompleteCheck™ feature scans your entire return for common errors, missing information, and potential missed deductions or credits.
How it Helps: It acts like a final audit, prompting you to review and correct any discrepancies before submission. This can significantly reduce the chances of errors that could lead to IRS notices or delays.
Don't Skip This Step! Even if you're confident, always run CompleteCheck™. It's a quick but powerful safeguard.
Sub-heading: Audit Support Guarantee
Peace of Mind: TurboTax offers an Audit Support Guarantee with most of its products. This means if you receive an audit notice from the IRS or a state tax agency related to a return filed with TurboTax, they will provide guidance on how to respond.
What's Included: This typically involves access to tax professionals who can answer your questions about the audit letter and help you understand what information the IRS is requesting.
Know the Limitations: While they provide guidance, they generally do not represent you in an audit unless you upgrade to a specific service like "Audit Defense." Read the terms carefully to understand the scope of this guarantee.
Step 5: Consider External Resources (For Broader Understanding)
While TurboTax provides excellent in-platform and direct support, sometimes a quick search on external sites can offer additional context or help you understand tax concepts better.
Sub-heading: IRS Website and Publications
Official Source: The official IRS website (irs.gov) is the definitive source for tax law. You can find publications, forms, and instructions for virtually any tax topic.
For Reference: If a TurboTax explanation seems unclear, or if you want to delve deeper into a specific tax code, the IRS website can be a valuable reference.
Sub-heading: Reputable Financial News and Tax Websites
Explanatory Articles: Many reputable financial news outlets and tax preparation websites (like NerdWallet, CNET, SmartAsset, etc.) publish articles explaining tax laws, deductions, and credits in plain language.
Use with Caution: While these can be helpful for general understanding, always prioritize information directly from TurboTax or the IRS for specific instructions on how to complete your return. Tax laws can be complex and are subject to change.
Conclusion: Don't Hesitate to Seek Help!
The key takeaway is this: don't struggle in silence. TurboTax provides multiple avenues for assistance because they understand that taxes can be tricky. Whether it's a quick search in the help panel, a question to the community, or a direct call with a tax expert, there's a solution waiting for you. Taking advantage of these resources ensures your tax return is filed accurately and you get the maximum refund you deserve.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 "How to" FAQ questions related to getting help with TurboTax, along with quick answers:
How to contact TurboTax customer service by phone?
You can generally find the phone number by signing into your TurboTax account, going to the "Help" section, and selecting "Contact Us." They will often provide a specific number and a case ID for your query. The general support number is often cited as 1-800-446-8848.
How to get a live person to help me with TurboTax?
To speak with a live person, you typically need to be using a TurboTax Live product (Assisted or Full Service) or navigate through the "Contact Us" option in your online account and choose the phone support option.
How to find answers in the TurboTax Community?
Go to the TurboTax Community website (
How to know if I need TurboTax Live Assisted or Full Service?
Choose Live Assisted if you want to prepare your own taxes but have unlimited access to experts for questions and a final review. Choose Full Service if you prefer an expert to handle your entire tax preparation from start to finish.
How to upgrade my TurboTax product to get expert help?
Within your TurboTax online account, you'll usually see options to upgrade to TurboTax Live Assisted or Full Service at various points in the tax preparation process. Simply follow the prompts to select and pay for the upgraded service.
How to get help with a technical issue in TurboTax (e.g., login, software crash)?
For technical issues, use the "Contact Us" option within your TurboTax account online. It's best to go through their guided process to ensure you reach the correct support channel for technical assistance.
How to find previous year's tax returns filed with TurboTax?
You can typically access your prior year's tax returns by logging into your TurboTax account online. They are usually stored in your account history, allowing you to view and download them.
How to use the "Search" or "Help" bar effectively within TurboTax?
Be specific with your keywords. Instead of broad terms, use precise phrases like "rental income deduction" or "child tax credit eligibility" to get the most relevant results.
How to get help if I receive an audit notice after filing with TurboTax?
TurboTax generally offers an "Audit Support Guarantee" with most products. Log into your account or visit their support site to find information on how to activate this support, which usually involves guidance from a tax professional on how to respond.
How to understand a specific tax form or line item in TurboTax?
Within the TurboTax software, look for blue question mark icons or "i" (information) symbols next to the form fields or line items. Clicking these will provide pop-up explanations and definitions.