TurboTax Free Edition review

TurboTax Free Edition gives simple filers the most guided interview on this list at no cost. Intuit lists the total as $0 federal, $0 state and $0 to file, and its feature table shows multiple state returns at $0, which is a real edge over Cash App Taxes for people who worked in two states. The free edition is limited to simple Form 1040 returns with no schedules except those for the EITC, the Child Tax Credit, student loan interest and Schedule 1-A, which covers the new deductions for qualified tips, overtime pay, car loan interest and seniors. Taxable retirement plan distributions are included too. Intuit says about 37% of filers qualify. Itemized deductions, self-employment income, stock or crypto sales and rental income all push you to a paid edition, and live expert help is sold as an upgrade, so check your forms before you start.

Who it is for

W-2 filers who want the most guided interview at $0

Price

$0 federal, $0 state and $0 to file for simple Form 1040 returns.

$0 Federal + $0 State + $0 To File. Total cost: $0.00.
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 12, 2026.

Key features

• $0 federal, $0 state and $0 to file for qualifying returns
• Covers W-2 income, EITC, Child Tax Credit and student loan interest
• Schedule 1-A deductions for qualified tips, overtime pay, car loan interest and seniors
• Taxable qualified retirement plan distributions included
• Multiple states at $0 within Free Edition

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: State returns are free, including multiple states
• Strength: Schedule 1-A tips and overtime deductions are covered
• Strength: Imports last year's return to start faster
• Weakness: Intuit says about 37% of filers qualify
• Weakness: Itemized deductions, self-employment and stock sales need a paid edition
• Weakness: Live expert help is a paid upgrade

Key facts

• Who qualifies: About 37% of filers, per Intuit
• Federal: $0
• State: $0, multiple states
• Schedules: Only EITC, CTC, student loan interest, Schedule 1-A
• Free filers: 60 million+ over five years, per Intuit

Where it ranks

TurboTax Free Edition is No. 4 in our Best Free Tax Software verdict.