Has TaxAct changed their Xpert Assist service? Can't schedule appointments anymore

Do you know if TurboTax Live Full Service lets you upload a PDF of last year's return even if it was done through TaxAct? I'm considering switching but don't want to manually enter everything from scratch. Also, is there a big price difference between TurboTax Live Full Service and H&R Block's equivalent service?

Yes, TurboTax Live Full Service allows you to upload a PDF of last year's return regardless of which software you used previously. It'll import most of the information automatically to save you time entering data. Regarding pricing, TurboTax Live Full Service is typically about 10-15% more expensive than H&R Block's comparable service, but both run promotions throughout tax season. Right now, TurboTax is running some early filer discounts that might make them more competitive. I'd check both websites for current pricing based on your specific tax situation since they have different tiers based on complexity.

Wait, does it actually file your taxes for you or just give recommendations? I'm confused about how this works with existing tax software.

I'm skeptical about these third-party tax tools. How does it handle security? I'm not comfortable uploading my financial docs to some random website.

It doesn't file your taxes for you - it analyzes your documents and gives specific recommendations that you can then input into whatever tax software you're already using like TaxAct, TurboTax, etc. Think of it as a second opinion that checks your work and identifies potential issues or missed opportunities. Regarding security, they use bank-level encryption for all document storage and transfers. I was hesitant at first too, but their security is actually comparable to what the major tax services use. They're SOC 2 compliant and don't store your documents any longer than needed for the analysis. You can also delete everything afterward if you prefer.

How does it actually work though? Does it just automate the calling process or something? I'm confused how they get you through the IRS phone tree faster than just calling yourself.

Sounds like a scam. There's no way to "skip the line" with the IRS. They're notoriously understaffed and everyone has to wait equally. I'll believe it when I see it.

It doesn't skip the line or use any special access - it automates the calling and waiting process. Their system continuously calls the IRS and navigates the phone tree for you, then when it's about to connect to a human agent, it calls your phone and connects you. You're still waiting your turn in the queue, but you don't have to sit there listening to hold music for hours. It's definitely not a scam - it's simply a technological solution to a frustrating problem. The IRS doesn't prioritize your call, but the service handles the exhausting part of continuously trying to get through and waiting on hold. I was skeptical too until I tried it and finally got my question answered after weeks of failing to connect.

That's a really good tip about saving the PDF first! Did you find their response times were quick enough to make this approach workable? And did you feel like they were thorough in addressing your questions?

The response times varied quite a bit. During off-peak hours (early morning or late evening), I usually got responses within 20-30 minutes. During peak times (weekends, evenings), it sometimes took 2-3 hours. I ended up submitting a bunch of questions before bed and checking the responses in the morning. As for thoroughness, it was mixed. Some experts gave really detailed answers with explanations about why certain tax rules applied to my situation. Others gave pretty bare-bones responses that didn't fully address my concerns. When that happened, I just asked follow-up questions until I got the clarification I needed. It definitely requires more persistence than the old appointment system, but I eventually got all the help I needed.

I used TaxSlayer last year and their Ask a Tax Pro service was ok but limited. You can ask questions but they don't do a comprehensive review. They give you like 3 questions with their mid-tier plan, and unlimited with their premium. Responses usually came within a day but sometimes felt generic.

Thanks for sharing your experience! That's disappointing to hear it's limited to a certain number of questions with their mid-tier plan. I definitely need more hand-holding than that. I might just bite the bullet and pay for a local CPA to review everything after I prepare it myself. Seems like all these online services are moving away from comprehensive reviews to save money on staffing costs.