TurboTax review

TurboTax is the most polished tax interview we compared, and it costs the most to match that polish. Free Edition files a federal and state return for $0, but only for simple Form 1040 returns: W-2 income, the standard deduction, the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, student loan interest and Schedule 1-A items. TurboTax says roughly 37% of taxpayers qualify. Itemizing, 1099-NEC income, unemployment on a 1099-G or stock sales move you to a paid edition. Deluxe, at $79 plus state, searches 350+ deductions and credits and guides homeowners. Premium, at $139 plus state, adds investments, crypto imports, rental property and self-employment deductions. You can snap or import documents, ask the AI-powered Intuit Assist questions, and upgrade to Expert Assist or a full service preparer without leaving the product. The value score is low because a self-employed or investor return here costs several times what FreeTaxUSA or TaxSlayer charge for the same forms.

Who it is for

People who want the most guided interview and the option to add an expert at any point.

Price

Free Edition $0 for simple Form 1040 returns; Deluxe $79 federal, state additional.

$79* Federal State additional
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 8, 2026.

Key features

• Free Edition for simple Form 1040 returns, which TurboTax says about 37% of filers qualify for
• Deluxe searches 350+ deductions and credits with homeowner guidance
• Premium covers stocks, crypto, rental property and self-employment
• CompleteCheck scans the return for errors before you file
• Expert Assist and Expert Full Service add on demand help or a dedicated preparer

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: The most guided interview on this list
• Strength: Document import by photo, upload or direct from employers and banks
• Strength: Expert help available in the same account
• Weakness: Deluxe is $79 and Premium $139 before state fees
• Weakness: Free Edition excludes itemized deductions, 1099-NEC and stock sales
• Weakness: Strikethrough prices point to higher late-season pricing

Key facts

• Free Edition: $0 federal, $0 state for simple Form 1040 returns
• Deluxe: $79 federal, state additional
• Premium: $139 federal, state additional
• Expert options: Expert Assist and Expert Full Service

Where it ranks

TurboTax is No. 5 in our Best Tax Software verdict.