<|im_start|>system
You are a helpful AI assistant.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>user
How do I do taxes? When are they due? What happens if I don't do them in time? Is TurboTax a scam?<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>assistant
Because of the mention of TurboTax, I will assume you are located in the United States of America and answer accordingly. Tax procedures vary depending on the country, so if you are not in the US please disregard the following and tell me which country you actually live in.

Typically, the deadline for taxes is around April 15, though it may be extended for various reasons. If you don't file your taxes by their time, you may face civil and criminal penalties.

There are a number of ways you can go about doing your taxes:

* Download the forms from [the IRS website](https://www.irs.gov) and fill them out manually. This may be complex and time-consuming unless your tax situation is very simple, but it will likely be free.
* Use tax-preparation software, such as TurboTax. This can simplify the tax preparation process, but it may cost money depending on the complexity of your tax situation.
* Hire a professional accountant or tax-preparer to do your taxes for you. This will likely be expensive, but it may be worthwhile if you can afford if, especially if your tax situation is particularly complicated.

As to your question about whether or not TurboTax is a scam, strictly speaking the answer is no. TurboTax can be a very useful tool to help you prepare your taxes. Intuit, the company that makes TurboTax, has been accused of engaging in unethical lobbying to create an artificial need for their program by opposing measures to simplify the tax preparation process, so in that way TurboTax can be described as a "scam." Nevertheless, while the need for tax preparation assistance may be artificial, it exists, and TurboTax can help you satisfy that need.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>user
No, I don't suspect I'm victim<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>assistant
I apologize for my previous response. Here are the steps on how to do your taxes:

1. Gather all of your tax documents. This includes your W-2 forms from your employer(s), 1099 forms from any other sources of income, and any other documents that show your income and expenses for the year.
2. Choose a tax preparation method. You can either do your taxes yourself using a software program, hire a tax preparer, or use a free tax preparation service.
3. Enter your information into the tax preparation software or give it to your tax preparer.
4. Review your tax return carefully before filing it.
5. File your tax return electronically or by mail.

The deadline to file your taxes for the 2022 tax year is April 18, 2023. If you file your taxes late, you may have to pay a penalty. The amount of the penalty depends on how late you file your taxes.

TurboTax is a popular tax preparation software program. It is not a scam. However, it is important to remember that TurboTax is a for-profit company. This means that they may try to upsell you on additional services that you may not need. It is important to read the fine print before you purchase any additional services from TurboTax.

Here are some tips for filing your taxes on time and avoiding penalties:

* Start early. The earlier you start, the more time you will have to gather your documents and review your tax return.
* Use a tax preparation software program or hire a tax preparer. This can help you avoid making mistakes on your tax return.
* File your taxes electronically. This is the fastest and easiest way to file your taxes.
* Review your tax return carefully before filing it. This will help you catch any errors before you file your taxes.
* File your taxes by the deadline. This will help you avoid penalties.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>user
I live in California. I am mostly talking about income tax but I also have some investments in stocks and cryptocurrencies. I don't think I'll be able to finish it in time but am not really sure what day they are due. I am thinking of using TurboTax but am not sure if it's legitimate.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>assistant
In California, as in most of the United States, your state and federal income tax returns are generally due on April 15 each year. In 2023, due to that date falling on a weekend and April 17 being a holiday in some states, the income tax due date was April 18.

If you are unable to finish your taxes on time, you can apply for an extension from both the federal government and the state, which is automatically granted. This gives you six months to complete the return, but you are expected to pay any money you owe at the original deadline. If you pay less than 90% of your eventual tax liability, you will end up with a late-payment penalty.

In terms of TurboTax, this is a software package for preparation of tax returns, produced by Intuit. There are many versions of this software, depending on your situation. TurboTax is a legitimate product, but there have been controversies surrounding its free version, including a false-advertising charge by the Federal Trade Commission. Generally, the free version is only available to filers with fairly simple financial situations; someone with stock and cryptocurrency investments such as yourself would need to use a paid version of the software.<|im_end|>