TurboTax charges different amounts depending on which product you choose, ranging from free to over $300
TurboTax is tax preparation software owned by Intuit. It offers several product tiers, each with different features and price points. The version you need depends on how complex your tax situation is — whether you have only W-2 income, self-employment income, rental property, investments, or business deductions.
TurboTax does not charge a single flat fee. Instead, you pick a product level before you start, and the price reflects what forms and guidance that version includes. The company also runs promotions throughout tax season that can lower the advertised price, so the amount you actually pay may differ from the base price.
Key Takeaways
- TurboTax Free Edition costs nothing but only works for straightforward tax returns with W-2 income, standard deductions, and basic credits.
- TurboTax Deluxe, Premier, and Self-Employed are the paid tiers, each unlocking more forms and deductions for increasingly complex situations.
- Prices vary by promotion and timing — the same product may cost less in February than in April, and TurboTax frequently offers discounts during tax season.
- You pay once per tax year per product level; there is no monthly subscription or per-form fee once you have purchased a version.
- The IRS Free File program offers TurboTax Free Edition at no cost to households earning below a certain threshold, though income limits change yearly.
The Four TurboTax Product Levels and Their Base Prices
TurboTax publishes base prices for each tier, but these are starting points before discounts. The actual price you pay depends on when you buy and what promotions are running.
| Product | Typical Base Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Free Edition | $0 | W-2 income only, standard deduction, straightforward credits |
| Deluxe | $60–$120 | Itemized deductions, education credits, rental income |
| Premier | $100–$160 | Investment income, capital gains, stock sales |
| Self-Employed | $180–$240 | Self-employment income, business deductions, Schedule C |
These ranges reflect typical pricing during tax season, but TurboTax changes prices frequently. The company may offer a lower price early in the season to attract customers, then raise it as the April 15 important date approaches. Checking the TurboTax website directly before you buy is the only way to see the current price for your state and product choice.
Why Prices Vary: Promotions, Timing, and State Taxes
TurboTax does not charge the same price to everyone. Several factors affect what you pay. First, the company runs rotating promotions — a discount code, a percentage off, or a bundle deal — that change weekly or daily during tax season. Second, prices often drop in January and February and rise in March and April as the filing important date nears. Third, some states charge an additional fee for state tax return preparation, which TurboTax adds to the federal price.
For example, a Deluxe Edition might cost $60 in mid-January with a promotion code, $90 in early March, and $120 by late April. The same product in a state that charges for state return filing might add $15 to $30 to the total. TurboTax also sometimes bundles federal and state returns at a single price, which can be cheaper than buying them separately.
The IRS Free File Program and Income Limits
The IRS partners with tax software companies, including Intuit, to offer free tax preparation through the Free File program. TurboTax Free Edition is available through Free File to households with income below a threshold that changes each year. For the 2024 tax year (filed in 2025), the income limit is $79,000 for single filers and $158,000 for married couples filing jointly, though these numbers vary by year.
To use Free File, you must enter through the IRS Free File website (irs.gov/freefile), not through TurboTax's main site. If you access TurboTax directly, you will be offered the paid version even if you would be within the income limit. The Free File version includes the same basic forms as the standard Free Edition but is accessed through a separate portal.
What Happens After You Buy: No Hidden Fees Per Form
Once you purchase a TurboTax product level, you do not pay extra fees for individual forms or schedules. If you buy Deluxe and later realize you need to file a Schedule C for self-employment income, you cannot add it — you would need to upgrade to Self-Employed. But within your chosen product level, all included forms are covered by the single price you paid.
TurboTax does offer add-on services that cost extra, such as audit defense insurance or live informed review. These are optional and not required to file your return. The base price covers the software and e-filing to the IRS and your state (if applicable).
Comparing TurboTax to Other Software and Professional Preparation
TurboTax is one option among several tax software products. H&R Block and TaxAct also offer tiered pricing models with free and paid versions. Prices and features differ, so comparing the three side by side can help you decide which fits your situation and budget. Professional tax preparation through a CPA or tax preparer typically costs more than software — often $200 to $500 or higher depending on complexity — but includes personalized information and representation if the IRS has questions.
If your return is straightforward enough for Free File, the cost difference between TurboTax, H&R Block, and TaxAct is zero. If you need a paid version, differences in price and included features may matter more than the brand name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use TurboTax Free Edition if I have a side job or freelance income?
No. Free Edition only covers W-2 wages and basic credits. If you have self-employment or freelance income, you need Self-Employed, which includes Schedule C. Deluxe and Premier do not include self-employment forms either.
Do I have to pay for state tax filing, or is it included?
State filing is usually separate and costs extra, though the amount varies by state and by promotion. Some states do not charge; others add $15 to $30. TurboTax shows the state fee before you complete your purchase, so you can see the total cost upfront.
What if I buy the wrong product level and need to upgrade?
TurboTax allows you to upgrade to a higher tier during the process. You pay the difference between what you already paid and the new product price. You cannot downgrade to a lower tier once you have started your return.
Is TurboTax Free Edition really free, or do they charge at the end?
TurboTax Free Edition is free from start to finish if you meet the income and return complexity requirements. The company does not charge a hidden fee at the end. However, if your return becomes too complex for Free Edition, you will be prompted to upgrade to a paid version.
Do discounts and promotions explore to all product levels?
Promotions usually explore to Deluxe, Premier, and Self-Employed. Free Edition is always free and has no discounts because it costs nothing. The discount percentage or dollar amount may differ between product levels.