Expert Assist vs. Expert Full Service: How to Choose the Right TurboTax Expert Service

You’ve finally mustered the gumption to start gathering your tax documents, but you’ve noticed something’s different.

Sure, you could figure it out on your own. But you also don’t want to spend the next few hours wondering whether you’ve done everything correctly.

This feeling of knowing you can do your own tax returns, but would rather have the clarity and confidence that comes with getting the right level of expert help is exactly why TurboTax has made expert-led options that are clear and easy to understand. Whether you want a little guidance or prefer to hand it all off to an expert, you’ve got two options that match the way you want to file your tax returns.

Key Takeaways

• TurboTax offers two expert-led tax filing experiences: Expert Assist (formerly called Live Assisted) and Expert Full Service (formerly called Live Full Service).
• Expert Assist is best for those who want to do their own taxes but still have experts available to answer questions and review your work, whereas Expert Full Service is great if you prefer to hand everything off and have an expert prepare and file your return for you. 
• Understanding the difference helps you choose the support level that matches your preference.

New names, same trusted expert help

You might notice that some names have changed this year. TurboTax Live Assisted is now called TurboTax Expert Assist, and TurboTax Live Full Service is now TurboTax Expert Full Service. Our DIY product also has a clearer name: it’s now simply called TurboTax Do It Yourself. The services themselves haven’t changed: you’re still getting the same trusted tax experts and the same high-quality help.

We simply updated the names to make things clearer and more intuitive, so you can quickly understand the type of support you’re choosing. Two names, two clear paths: get expert guidance while doing your taxes, or have an expert take care of everything for you.

It’s the same quality you’d expect from us at TurboTax, but you no longer have to pause at the names of each service and wonder which is which.

How TurboTax’s expert options work

TurboTax experts are real tax professionals who can guide you through your taxes. Or, take over your tax filing needs entirely.

And the best part? Each option now describes exactly what our tax experts will help you with. No fluff, and no confusion. Simply pick from two options:

Expert Assist: You do your taxes, but experts are available on demand to answer your questions, explain what’s going on, or give your return a final review before you file.

Expert Full Service: An expert does your taxes from start to finish. All you need to do is upload your documents; they’ll take care of the rest and review the final return with you so you can give approval before they file. 

How Expert Assist works

Think of Expert Assist as a nonjudgmental and supportive person in your corner who steps in to help when you need it. You still want to be involved in preparing your return, but you don’t have to second-guess any decisions along the way.

All you need to do is to start preparing your tax return using TurboTax, and if something looks wonky or you want confirmation you’re on the right track, you can connect with a tax expert to get answers — even on nights and weekends. You can even ask the expert to provide a comprehensive review of your work, to make sure every detail is right before you file. 

Is Expert Assist right for me?

Expert Assist is a great fit if:

• You’re pretty confident doing your own tax returns, but want a second set of eyes.
• Your circumstances changed this year, and you want to make sure you’re handling it correctly.
• You want an expert who can explain what is happening with your tax return in plain language.

Say you decided to start a side hustle this year and wanted to be sure you’re filing your Schedule C correctly, or want someone to double-check you’re entering your 1099s correctly. Or, you’re facing a number of other situations, like you just got married, switched jobs, or want to claim new deductions or credits, and you’re feeling unsure about all the changes involved.

Whatever type of guidance you need, with Expert Assist, you stay in control — with expert guidance whenever you need it.

How Expert Full Service works

Maybe you’re juggling multiple income streams, got married, or welcomed a new addition to the family, and don’t have the bandwidth to tackle taxes. You just want an expert you can rely on from start to finish.

When you want some to take taxes off your plate, turn to our Expert Full Service option. All you need to do is upload your documents, meet with your TurboTax expert, and they’ll take it from there.

You sit back, relax, and they’ll prepare, review, and file your return once you give them the green light. And if you like them? You can ask them to help you again next year.

Is Expert Full Service right for me?

Expert Full Service is for you if:

• Doing your taxes feels too time-consuming or overwhelming.
• You don’t want to worry about all the details that go into filing a tax return.
• Having a dedicated expert handle it all sounds appealing to you.

Your expert can also help you avoid common mistakes that can cause delays and make sense of credits and deductions. 

Expert support options for small business owners

If you’re a business owner or sole proprietor, TurboTax also offers expert-led offerings created specifically for business taxes. That way, you can get guidance that’s customized to your financial decisions.

How to choose the right expert support for you

Whether you want to let an expert handle everything or opt into receiving some hands-on support, you’re backed by real tax experts who will help make filing taxes clearer and simpler, helping you feel more confident.

Learn more about TurboTax Expert Assist and Expert Full Service, and get a personalized recommendation for the support that fits your tax situation.