If TurboTax recognizes that you require a form or function that your current plan doesn’t support (such as itemized deductions or self-employment income), it automatically prompts you to upgrade without losing the information you already entered. Based on your answers, TurboTax determines which forms and schedules you need to successfully complete your return. The DIY platform uses an interview-style process in which your answers to a series of simple questions help it evaluate your tax situation. Many TurboTax filers begin by choosing from one of four DIY plans. TurboTax Live is further divided into standard TurboTax Live and an even more robust option called TurboTax Live Full Service, which is totally hands-off for filers. TurboTax has two primary services: do-it-yourself and TurboTax Live. Is TurboTax right for you? Learn more about the platform’s features, capabilities, and overall suitability for your tax preparation needs to find TurboTax Services: DIY and TurboTax Live It also isn’t the fastest service I’ve ever used. But it’s pricier than most competitors and requires people with even modest tax situations to upgrade to more expensive plans. Its interview-based filing process is highly intuitive, and the mobile-friendly platform is a snap to use. That’s not to say that TurboTax is perfect. That was my go-to before freelancing rendered my tax situation too complex, and it’s only growing more robust. Its free filing package has long been one of the best free tax filing options around. I’ve personally used TurboTax to file my taxes in the past. Major TurboTax competitors include popular online tax filing software like H&R Block, TaxAct, eSmart Tax, and TaxSlayer. You can also locate a TCE site at or by calling 88.TurboTax is one of the most popular online tax preparation and filing software programs in the United States. To find a VITA or TCE center, go to /freetaxprep or call 80. VITA and TCE sites are usually located in community centers, libraries, schools and shopping malls. The AARP Foundation’s Tax-Aide program provides tax-filing help as part of TCE and is open to taxpayers 50 and older who can’t afford professional help. At some locations, qualifying taxpayers can also e-file their returns through one of the IRS Free File software partners.Ī separate program, Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE), provides assistance to taxpayers 60 and older and specializes in pensions and retirement-related tax issues. Through this program, IRS-certified volunteers help taxpayers prepare their tax returns for free. If you made $54,000 or less last year, you may qualify for free tax help from the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. If you itemize, or even own a small business, you can use Free File, provided you meet the other criteria. But there’s an important difference: all federal tax forms are included in Free File programs. It’s easy to confuse these programs with those offered through IRS Free File. TaxSlayer’s Free Basic edition is limited to 1040EZ a state tax return costs $28.99. TaxAct offers a free federal return for taxpayers who file a 1040EZ or 1040A, with no charge for a state return. In addition to the TurboTax Federal Free Edition, taxpayers with simple returns can use H&R Block’s Free Edition (You can prepare and e-file a federal return for free a state tax return costs $29.99. If you’re ineligible for Free File but want more hand-holding than the fillable forms provide, you may still be able to prepare and file your federal tax return for free. The program will do the math but doesn’t offer guidance or advice, and it doesn’t include a state tax return. This program allows you to fill out your tax return electronically and e-file it, or mail it in. If you don’t qualify for IRS Free File but have a fairly straightforward return, consider Free File Fillable Forms. Jackson Hewitt offers a free federal tax return for anyone who is 49 or younger (or qualifies for the EITC) and had AGI of $62,000 or less, but charges $19.95 for a state tax return. Some Free File programs offer a free state tax return, others don’t. Active members of the military can have AGI of up to $62,000 and qualify. TaxAct Free File is limited to taxpayers with AGI of $50,000 or less who are also age 56 or younger or eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit. TurboTax All Free, for example, is limited to users with AGI of $31,000 or less, unless they’re active members of the military, in which case they can have AGI of up to $62,000. To use this program, your 2015 adjusted gross income must be $62,000 or less.Įven if you meet the income threshold, you won’t qualify for every free offering. The IRS currently offers free filing through a partnership with private tax software providers, but not everyone qualifies.
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