Can I deduct the cost of TurboTax?

January, 11 2022 by Charla Suaste

If you are one of the millions of taxpayers all over the country who use TurboTax to file their tax returns every year, you may have wondered: Can I deduct my TurboTax purchase on my tax return? In short, the answer is: it depends!

Generally, for individual taxpayers who do not own a business, tax preparation fees can be claimed as a miscellaneous itemized deduction (subject to limitations). However, because of the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act of 2017, miscellaneous itemized deductions that are subject to limitations are not deductible for tax years 2018 through 2025. So technically, yes, this purchase is deductible – just not until the year 2026 or until the law changes, whichever comes first.

On the other hand, if a taxpayer has a sole proprietorship and reports their business income and expenses on Schedule C, they may claim a prorated amount of tax preparation fees as a business expense. Similar rules apply when a taxpayer has a farm and files a Schedule F, or owns a rental and files a Schedule E, as they can deduct a portion of the cost of TurboTax on their tax return.

Something to keep in mind is that many of the same rules apply when you purchase TurboTax’s audit defense! Here at TaxAudit, we partner with TurboTax to provide world-class audit defense to taxpayers all over the country. If you have filed your tax return with TurboTax previously, you have likely been given the option to purchase audit protection before submitting your return to the IRS. However, if you have never heard of Audit Defense but are interested in the peace of mind that comes in purchasing a membership with us, please read on!

TaxAudit is not only TurboTax’s sole audit defense partner – we are also the largest audit representation firm in the nation, with over 12 million members and counting! We represent thousands of taxpayers to the IRS and state taxing agencies every year for a nominal membership fee.
 

What is included in the cost of a membership, you might ask? Let me tell you!

Upon receiving a notice from the IRS or state taxing agency, you can call us immediately, and we will step in to help.

Your first contact will be our Customer Service team, who will verify your information and create a case file for you. You will then be assigned to your Case Coordinator. This person will be there to provide administrative and technical support throughout the duration of your case. They will start by helping you get set up in our secure message portal and request any necessary documentation. Once they receive any requested documents, they will assign your case to one of our world-class tax professionals. This individual will work closely with you to:

• Review your documentation.
• Explain your options and develop a strategy.
• Present your documentation to the proper taxing authority.
• Make phone calls to the IRS and state taxing authority on your behalf, including scheduling and attending all phone and in-person appointments.
• Prepare requests for appeals conferences, if necessary.
• Prepare a U.S. Tax Court Petition, if necessary.
• Ensure you pay no more taxes than what you rightfully owe.

Lastly, while many tax firms charge hundreds to thousands of dollars to represent taxpayers to the IRS, TaxAudit only charges a flat, one-time fee to handle your case.

Purchasing TaxAudit’s audit defense is one of the best things you can do when filing your return. Are you filing late? No problem! Do you want memberships for previously filed tax returns? We’ve got you!

Our goal is to provide you with the peace of mind in knowing that the largest audit representation firm in the country is on your side and that you never have to face the IRS alone. Being able to deduct the cost of the purchase of both your tax preparation fees as well as your audit defense membership is just a bonus.

If you have questions or would like more information on purchasing a membership with us, please contact our Customer Service team at 877.829.9695. We hope to hear from you soon!