For the last several years, millions of users have filed their taxes online because it’s simple, cheap, and helps you get the most back in the quickest amount of time. And while there are several online tax software options, none exemplify the benefits quite like TurboTax.

TurboTax from Intuit is available in a few options, specifically designed to meet the needs of your tax situation, no matter how intense it may be. The Deluxe edition is for most “normal” filers (read: lives day to day) who own a home, have a family, medical expenses, or life change. If you have some investments or properties you should consider the Premier edition, and business owners will want to look at the Home & Business version. There is even a free edition of the program available for simple tax returns. The software is sold in retail stores as boxed software, or you can download the application online.

TurboTax is pretty affordable, and usually pays for itself simply by helping you apply deductions you wouldn’t have known about otherwise. It looks at the information you’ve put in already and finds the deductions that are most applicable, so you don’t have to go through 350+ deductions one by one.

The interface is good, and the whole process is completely straightforward. The software guides you from start to finish, finding deductions and credits along the way. It's arranged logically and makes for a smooth process. If you have any questions along the way, there are integrated support tips, or you can get help and support on just about any issue from an expert. You can save your progress and start where you left off at a later time, and when you’re done you can save everything so next year’s filing will be even faster.

After you’re done entering all of the tax information, the application double-checks everything to make sure it is accurate and you can avoid an audit. If there are any errors or issues, you’ll be warned so you can check and make any additions or corrections.

One of our favorite features of the tax software is that you get a preview of your tax refund in real-time. As you input each piece of tax information you can see your estimated tax refund (for federal and state) and what effect the individual deduction or credit makes.

Whether you’ve been filing taxes for years or are a first time filer, this application is completely easy to use. Additional help is available to help beginners perform basic tasks, or to provide in-depth tax law information to those who are interested. Video tutorials are available to explain things, and integrated tool-tips are scattered throughout the program.