DIY software or a member-priced service with a real preparer? Here’s an honest look at how RMO Tax Services compares to TurboTax on price, expertise, and what each is built for.
Plain-English comparison on price, expert involvement, and audit support.
| Feature | RMO Tax Services | TurboTax® |
|---|---|---|
| Service model | Real human preparer (member-assigned) | Self-service software with optional CPA chat (TurboTax Live) |
| Simple W-2 return | Member rate — competitive vs. paid software | Free Edition (eligible filers) or Deluxe ($89–$129) |
| Itemized / homeowner return | Member rate | Deluxe ~$89–$129 + state |
| Investments / rental property | Member rate | Premier ~$129–$179 + state |
| Self-employed (1099 / Schedule C) | Member rate | Self-Employed ~$159–$219 + state |
| State return | Included or low add-on | ~$39–$49 per state |
| CPA / EA review | Available with member services | TurboTax Live add-on $90–$200+ |
| Audit guidance | Included with member services | Audit Support (guidance) included on paid; Audit Defense extra |
| Year-round tax questions | Yes — member services available outside tax season | Limited to during/after tax season unless on Live tier |
| E-file federal & state | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-state filers | Supported | Each additional state ~$39–$49 |
| Bundle with banking / payments | Yes — integrated with RMO Bank, RMOPay, more | No bank integration |
| Refund advance | Confirm during booking | Refund Advance available |
Pricing referenced from TurboTax’s public consumer pricing for the 2025 tax year (filed in 2026) and may change. Specific RMO Tax Services pricing is set at booking based on return complexity.
Software is right for some returns; a real preparer is right for others. Here’s how to choose.
Schedule with member services online or via phone. Tell us about your return so we can match you with the right preparer.
Securely upload W-2s, 1099s, mortgage interest, deductions, and any other tax documents through your member portal.
Your preparer reviews everything with you, answers questions, and e-files federal and state returns.
TurboTax pricing for the 2025 tax year (filed in 2026) ranges roughly from Free Edition (basic W-2 only) to ~$89–$129 for Deluxe (most homeowners, itemizers), ~$129–$179 for Premier (investments, rental property), and ~$159–$219 for Self-Employed (1099/Schedule C). Add ~$39–$49 per state return. TurboTax Live (CPA review) adds $90–$200+ on top. Final price depends on what you upgrade to during prep.
Yes. RMO Tax Services covers personal returns, self-employed (Schedule C), rental property, investments, multi-state, and small-business returns. Member pricing is set at member-friendly rates compared to per-form commercial software pricing. Confirm coverage of your specific situation when you book.
TurboTax Free Edition covers a narrow slice of simple returns — generally W-2 income, standard deduction, no investments, no itemized deductions, no rental income. Intuit estimates ~37% of filers qualify. If you have any itemized deductions, investments, freelance income, or rental property, you’ll be upgraded to a paid tier during the prep flow. The IRS Free File program offers free filing for taxpayers with AGI under ~$84,000 through partner software.
TurboTax is software that walks you through return prep and files electronically. A CPA or Enrolled Agent (EA) is a credentialed tax professional who can prepare your return, advise on tax planning year-round, and represent you before the IRS in audits or disputes. RMO Tax Services connects members with credentialed preparers when needed; TurboTax Live offers on-demand CPA chat as an upgrade.
TurboTax includes Audit Support (free guidance) on most paid tiers, with optional Audit Defense add-on (full representation through TaxAudit). RMO Tax Services member returns include support if questions arise; specific representation depends on the preparer credential and any add-on services chosen at filing time.
Book RMO Tax Services for the upcoming filing season. Member rates, year-round availability, real human review.
