TurboTax SmartLook gives consumers the edge when filing taxes on their own

Intuit's TurboTax is introducing a new self-assist feature for customers wanting to file their taxes electronically. Turbo Tax SmartLook, a new tech advancement that makes it even easier for consumers to file on their own without worrying about leaving money on the table. A recent survey conducted by TurboTax found that nearly half (41 per cent) of Canadians feel unsure when it comes to filing on their own, often for fear they’ll miss something a professional wouldn’t.This is particularly for self-employed Canadians who need to factor in a range of costs and expenses.

This year, TurboTax has decided to set those worries to rest with a tool that gives Canadians access to an expert gut check throughout the tax return process. TurboTax SmartLook enables customers to connect via one-way video to a TurboTax Specialist or TurboTax Expert, so they can file with confidence and get their taxes done efficiently and painlessly.

"Technology is playing a major role in the tax filing process today, and at TurboTax, we're proud to be ahead of the curve providing busy Canadians with tools that empower them to file with confidence," says Jeff Cates, President of Intuit Canada. "We understand that consumers often want the chance to get trusted advice during their tax filing process. With SmartLook™ our customers receive on-demand access to product and tax experts to answer any questions and review their return to ensure it's complete, accurate, and they get their maximum refund."

SmartLook is a key example of how the tax space is leveraging tech innovations to provide increasingly customized experience and place the power in consumers’ hands to take the lead when it comes to their taxes.

Canadians still approach doing their taxes with a level of apprehension, and nearly half of those surveyed who are uncertain say they feel that way because they don't want to miss out on a potential to increase their refund. With Smartlook™, customers receive personalized answers to their questions, and are able to see both the support agent as well as where in their return changes and/or data input are needed. To ensure security and privacy TurboTax SmartLook™ uses one-way video technology so customers can see the TurboTax agent, but they cannot see the customer, only their screen in their TurboTax application.

Two levels of support are available with SmartLook

• TurboTax Specialists can provide general customer help and support using the TurboTax product. Access to TurboTax Specialists is included with TurboTax Standard, TurboTax Premier, and TurboTax Self-Employed.
• TurboTax Experts can provide personalized tax advice to customers as they complete their tax return, then review it to ensure accuracy and that the customer has claimed all the credits to which they are entitled so they can be confident in receiving their maximum refund. Access to TurboTax Experts is included with TurboTax Live products.

For more information on SmartLook, visit https://turbotax.intuit.ca/tips/introducing-smartlook-turbotax-new-exciting-live-tax-assistant-technology-8218. SmartLook is included in all paid TurboTax Online versions.