TurboTax software can be downloaded directly from the TurboTax website, or purchased from popular retailers like Costco and Best Buy, both online and in-store. The company is also investing heavily in AI to help automate filing and catch potential mistakes in real-time. Answer simple questions and TurboTax Free Edition takes care of the rest. Keep reading Forbes Advisor for the chance to see the answer to your question in one of our upcoming stories. To get the best possible experience please use the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Microsoft Edge to view this website.
It’s best to consider your options based on your budget and tax situation before choosing the service you file with. Some other things to consider are how well a service holds your hand throughout the tax-filing process and the level of live help and support you want. TaxSlayer’s interface and support content isn’t as polished as other top competitors, but it’s a bargain for self-employed filers who would otherwise pay well over $100 on TurboTax and H&R Block.
TurboTax does have downloadable software if you don’t want to file online. It is a bit more expensive if you are only doing one return, but the real benefit is that you can file multiple federal returns with the download version. Also, if you have very complicated business taxes, you might be better off having your taxes done by an accountant and skipping tax software altogether.
Going this route may also save you the possibility of missing out on an important deduction or credit you weren’t aware of. If you can justify paying for H&R Block’s Deluxe, Premium or Self-Employed tiers, you’ll also get access to H&R Block’s AI Tax Assist tool. Downgrading tiers on H&R Block still requires you to contact the company directly. But you will turbotax filing options lose your progress and be required to start your return over. The IRS deadline to file your federal tax return was Tuesday, unless you live in a state that has an extension in place due to a recent natural disaster.
How to choose the right version of TurboTax
- It can also be easier to send off your forms to an expert, ask questions on more-complex areas of your return and know they’ll take care of everything.
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- The TurboTax versions available are based on how much assistance you’ll receive.
- This service is available to filers who earned an adjusted gross income of $84,000 or less (in 2024), and the page also links to free fillable forms for earners at all levels.
- TurboTax has a high-quality user interface with three online plans for DIY filers, all of which can be upgraded to include one-on-one guidance from a tax pro.
If this is your first time using the software, initial questions ask for personal information about you and any dependents. If you’ve used this software in the past, it’ll ask you to confirm your information and ask if you’ve had any changes in your tax situation since you filed your last tax return. Depending on your answers to these questions, the software will assist you with selecting the most relevant tax filing status.
TurboTax Review 2025: The Pros, Cons and What You Need to Know
When you use online tax software, you can enter your information the first time you use it and have this roll forward each year. This allows for an easier and quicker experience preparing your taxes each year, leading to less stress and quicker refunds if you’re owed one. These forms might be mailed to you or you may be able to access them online. If you haven’t received your W-2, check with your employer, or even with the IRS. Some online tax filing software can import your W-2 electronically and even notify you when your W-2 is available. TurboTax is one of the most popular tax planning services out there and with good reason.
Help and Support
Tax questions are answered by an AI chatbot, and if you want to speak to a human, you have to upgrade all the way to a full-service plan, where they file on your behalf. The Do It Yourself plan does not come with any live tax assistance. There is tech support if you have questions about the software, but you will not have access to a tax pro. TurboTax guarantees that customers will not be required to pay for their filing until they’re satisfied with their credit and deduction access.
TurboTax Free – Federal
- If your adjusted gross income is under $84,000 for 2024, you may also qualify for free tax filing under the IRS Free File program.
- Instead, you upload your tax documents and a human puts together your tax return.
- How much you’ll pay for each version depends on how complicated your taxes are.
A lot of them will import from TurboTax – just see which one you like and double check. TurboTax Free Edition is technically part of the Do It Yourself version, but it’s good to break it out of the list so we can discuss it in full. Please disable your adblocker to enjoy the optimal web experience and access the quality content you appreciate from GOBankingRates. The Deluxe or Premium Editions of TurboTax let you report income from self-employment, rental properties, investments, or partnerships.
Then, once the tax return is complete, they’ll review it with you and explain everything. However, this service will require you to pay an extra fee to access these professionals, although those who qualify for a free return may receive for this service for free. For instance, if you have a W-2 job and do not own your home, you may qualify for Live Assisted for no extra cost. If you find yourself constantly wanting to speak with a human tax expert or if you know your tax situation is complicated, you may be better off selecting tax software with tax expert support or simply hiring a CPA on your own. We recommend you stay clear of attempts by some companies to upgrade you to a service you may not need, especially if you have a simple return or don’t need assistance to file your tax return.
A separate service is available for those who want to hire someone to do their taxes quickly. NerdWallet’s comprehensive review process evaluates and ranks the largest online tax software providers. Our aim is to provide an independent assessment of available software to help arm you with information to make sound, informed judgements on which ones will best meet your needs. With its intuitive design and variety of human support options, TurboTax is, in many ways, the standard for the do-it-yourself tax-prep industry. However, its products come at a price, and confident filers might find that similar offerings from competitors provide a better value. If you plan to deduct mortgage interest, report business or freelance income, or report stock sales or income from a rental property, you’ll have to select a higher-tiered package.
How to File Taxes Online
The provider’s answers, combined with our specialists’ hands-on research, make up our proprietary assessment process that scores each provider’s performance. To ensure fairness and eliminate bias, our team collaborates to compare user experiences across products. Scoring is based on clearly defined criteria, which are weighted equally in the overall score. This approach ensures a balanced and reliable assessment of each tax software product. TurboTax Online offers several versions tailored to different tax situations, each with its own pricing structure. Prices range from $39-$159 based on the complexity of your tax return.
It’s important to note that the mobile app doesn’t have access to the print center or tax tools. Whether you file yourself or get expert help, you’ll get your maximum refund guaranteed, or your money back. Everyone who files Forms 709, 1040, 1040-SR, 1040-NR, 1041, 1065, 1120 and 1120S must check one box answering either “Yes” or “No” to the digital asset question. The question must be answered by all taxpayers, not just by those who engaged in a transaction involving digital assets in 2024.
They can handle all kinds of tax situations, from simple to complex; and are always up-to-date on all the latest tax laws, from crypto to side gigs and new government credits. We guarantee your taxes are done 100% right, getting you every dollar you deserve.When you connect live with an expert, you’ll see their specific credentials. With TurboTax Live Assisted, a team of tax experts is available to provide you with unlimited answers and advice as you do your taxes, and can review your return before you file.
You can speak to your tax expert on the phone, through a live one-way video call on your screen (you can see your tax expert, but they can’t see you), with an independent TurboTax Verified Pro where available. Your tax expert will ask you questions and provide advice as they prepare your return and get ready to file on your behalf. You can also communicate with your tax expert via the messaging center as needed. Your tax expert will be able to see a read-only version of your tax return to assist them in addressing your questions.
