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TurboTax’s three service levels differ mainly in who prepares your return: with Do It Yourself, you prepare it in guided software; with Expert Assist, you prepare it with access to tax experts and an expert review; with Expert Full Service, a matched tax expert prepares it for you. The right choice depends on how much work and tax guidance you want, as well as the price TurboTax shows for your return.
How the three TurboTax services compare
| Service | Who prepares the return? | Tax advice or expert review? | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Do It Yourself | You enter your information and prepare the return using TurboTax’s guided software. | Tax advice and an expert review are not part of the core DIY service. Some paid tiers include product-specialist help, which is help using TurboTax rather than tax advice or a return review. Free Edition does not include that product-specialist help by default; Intuit describes it as available through a paid upgrade. | Confirm that the tier supports the forms and tax situation you need, and check what help is included. |
| Expert Assist | You continue preparing your own return. | You can ask tax experts questions and receive advice, with an expert review before filing. Access and limitations depend on the service terms and availability. | Review the current scope, terms, and availability of expert help. |
| Expert Full Service | A matched tax expert prepares the return after you hand it over. | The expert handles preparation. The service description lists communication by phone, one-way video, and, where available, in person. | Check the expert’s hours, available communication methods, service terms, and any payment-method fee that may apply. |
Intuit previously used the names TurboTax Live Assisted and TurboTax Live Full Service for services now called Expert Assist and Expert Full Service. Those older names may appear in earlier articles or searches.
Which service fits the way you want to file?
Choose Do It Yourself if you want to enter and manage the return
DIY is the most direct fit if you are comfortable working through a guided interview and want to control the information entered into your return. Before choosing a tier, check that it supports your forms and circumstances. If you need help navigating the software, distinguish product-specialist support from tax advice: help with using the product does not, by itself, mean an expert will advise on or review your return.
Choose Expert Assist if you want to prepare the return with tax guidance
Expert Assist keeps you involved in preparing the return while adding access to tax experts and an expert review before filing. It is the middle-ground option for someone who wants to do the preparation but would value expert input. Check the current service terms to understand what questions and review are covered and when expert help is available.
#1 Best Overall
![TurboTax Deluxe Desktop Edition 2025, Federal & State Tax Return [Win11/Mac14 Download]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41Ug1D1e2xL._SL160_.jpg)
- TurboTax Desktop Edition is download software which you install on your computer for use
- Requires Windows 11 or macOS Sonoma or later (Windows 10 not supported)
- Recommended if you own a home, have charitable donations, high medical expenses and need to file both Federal & State Tax Returns
- Includes 5 Federal e-files and 1 State via download. State e-file sold separately. Get U.S.-based technical support (hours may vary).
- Live Tax Advice: Connect with a tax expert and get one-on-one advice and answers as you prepare your return (fee applies)
Choose Expert Full Service if you want an expert to prepare the return
With Expert Full Service, you hand preparation to a matched tax expert rather than completing the return yourself. Intuit describes phone and one-way video communication, plus in-person communication where available. The assigned expert shares their hours; other expert availability may be limited to specified periods, so check the current service details for your situation.
How to compare the price for your return
Intuit says two factors determine TurboTax pricing: the complexity of the return and the service level selected—Do It Yourself, Expert Assist, or Expert Full Service. A quoted price from a previous filing season or a search result may not match what you will pay.
Rank #2
![TurboTax Home & Business Desktop Edition 2025, Federal & State Tax Return [Win11/Mac14 Download]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41g5u0+-GVL._SL160_.jpg)
- TurboTax Desktop Edition is download software which you install on your computer for use
- Requires Windows 11 or macOS Sonoma or later (Windows 10 not supported)
- Recommended if you are self-employed, an independent contractor, freelancer, small business owner, sole proprietor, or consultant
- Includes 5 Federal e-files and 1 State via download. State e-file sold separately. Get U.S.-based technical support (hours may vary)
- Live Tax Advice: Connect with a tax expert and get one-on-one advice and answers as you prepare your return (fee applies)
- Start the product flow for your tax situation and compare the service levels presented for it.
- Check the displayed price for your return, including any state filing and add-ons you select.
- Review the terms and any possible fees before paying. Intuit says products, services, offers, prices, and terms can change without notice, and an upgrade or add-on can change the price.
Use the total shown for your own situation rather than assuming one service has a fixed price for every filer.
What the service level does—and does not—tell you
The three choices describe different amounts of software guidance and expert involvement; they do not establish that a higher service level will produce a larger refund or is required for every complex return. Choose based on who you want to do the preparation and what kind of help you want, then confirm that the selected tier supports your forms and circumstances.
Quick Recap
Best Value
![TurboTax Business Desktop Edition 2025, Federal Tax Return [Win11 Download]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41DGgZMFxXL._SL160_.jpg)
- TurboTax Desktop Edition is download software which you install on your computer for use
- Requires Windows 11 or macOS Sonoma or later (Windows 10 not supported)
- Recommended if you have a partnership, own an S or C Corp, Multi-Member LLC, manage a trust or estate, or need to file a separate tax return for your business
- Includes 5 Federal e-files. Business State forms sold separately via download. Get U.S.-based technical support (hours may vary).
- Prepare and file your business or trust taxes with confidence
Rank #4
![TurboTax Premier Desktop Edition 2025, Federal & State Tax Return [Win11/Mac14 Download]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41oEZxzRWqL._SL160_.jpg)
- TurboTax Desktop Edition is download software which you install on your computer for use
- Requires Windows 11 or macOS Sonoma or later (Windows 10 not supported)
- Recommended if you sold stock, bonds or mutual funds, sold employee stock, own rental property or are a trust beneficiary.
- Includes 5 Federal e-files and 1 State via download. State e-file sold separately. Get U.S.-based technical support (hours may vary).
- Live Tax Advice: Connect with a tax expert and get one-on-one advice and answers as you prepare your return (fee applies)
Rank #3
![[OLD VERSION] TurboTax Premier 2024 Tax Software, Federal & State Tax Return [PC/MAC Download]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/414LnnlQ-xL._SL160_.jpg)
- Recommended if you sold stock, bonds or mutual funds, sold employee stock, own rental property or are a trust beneficiary
- Includes 5 Federal e-files and 1 State via download. State e-file sold separately. Get U.S.-based technical support (hours may vary).
- NEW. Live Tax Advice: Connect with a tax expert and get one-on-one advice and answers as you prepare your return (fee applies)
- Get your taxes done right and keep more of your investment and rental property income
- Step-by-step guidance on stocks, bonds, ESPPs and other investment income
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
