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Level 4
March 31, 2026
Solved

What Intuit product is best for just preparing a few returns?

  • March 31, 2026
  • 3 replies
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I'm looking to retire in the next few years but would like to keep doing just a few returns - mostly for family.  Anyone know what Intuit product would work best for that?  I'm hoping not to have to purchase a single-use product for each return - maybe 5 returns total.  And one will be a state other than mine so I'd need a way to do 2 different state returns.  Thanks!

Best answer by TaxGuyBill

@JADinAZ wrote:

 I've used ProSeries for a long time.  "Probably" free returns for family but I suppose it's possible a for-fee return could pop up once in a while.


 

I hate to recommend TurdoTax, but if all of your returns are being prepared for free, I recommend the desktop/downloaded version of TurdoTax for your situation.

The desktop/downloaded version will e-file 5 Federal returns.  I think States are free to file by mail, but may charge to e-file (I don't quite remember).

While I usually would never recommend TurdoTax, as a long-term ProSeries user, that is what you'll like best.  The desktop/downloaded version has the ability to go into the "Forms" (and avoid the step-by-step interview) and most of the Forms and Worksheets are EXACTLY the same as ProSeries (the few that are slightly different are still really close to the same as ProSeries).

 

3 replies

Jim-from-Ohio
Intuit Community Champion
March 31, 2026
JADinAZAuthor
Level 4
March 31, 2026

Not what I was looking for at that license price - plus the PPR fee.  But thanks for the post Jim.

BobKamman
Level 15
March 31, 2026

TurboTax?

Skylane
Intuit Community Champion
March 31, 2026

Really depends on your practice… they have lots of solutions at different price points….personal or business?…. And how many of each… I use PS Pro unlimited 1040 and states but PPR for business returns b/c it fits my practice and pocketbook. 

If at first you don’t succeed…..find a workaround
JADinAZAuthor
Level 4
March 31, 2026

I currently use ProSeries Basic now because I have a rather small practice.  But after I retire I'd still like to do the few family returns that I currently do.  Maybe around 5 of them including my own.  All personal 1040 returns.

Level 15
March 31, 2026

Are you using ProSeries now?

Will these be paid preparer returns?  Or free returns for family?

JADinAZAuthor
Level 4
March 31, 2026

Thanks TaxGuyBill - Yes I've used ProSeries for a long time.  "Probably" free returns for family but I suppose it's possible a for-fee return could pop up once in a while.

Level 15
March 31, 2026

@JADinAZ wrote:

 I've used ProSeries for a long time.  "Probably" free returns for family but I suppose it's possible a for-fee return could pop up once in a while.


 

I hate to recommend TurdoTax, but if all of your returns are being prepared for free, I recommend the desktop/downloaded version of TurdoTax for your situation.

The desktop/downloaded version will e-file 5 Federal returns.  I think States are free to file by mail, but may charge to e-file (I don't quite remember).

While I usually would never recommend TurdoTax, as a long-term ProSeries user, that is what you'll like best.  The desktop/downloaded version has the ability to go into the "Forms" (and avoid the step-by-step interview) and most of the Forms and Worksheets are EXACTLY the same as ProSeries (the few that are slightly different are still really close to the same as ProSeries).