What is the catch with TurboTax free?

Asked by: Aryanna Konopelski  |  Last update: July 25, 2022
Score: 4.9/5 (50 votes)

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Is free TurboTax reliable?

TurboTax is great if you can use it for free.

The software is easy and accurate, so filing for free is worth your time. If you're self-employed and want to try QuickBooks Self-Employed, paying the fee for TurboTax is worth it to get the free subscription. Any other filers should check out the competition.

Is TurboTax still free?

Even though TurboTax has left the IRS Free File project, it does still have no-cost options. It is possible to file for free through TurboTax — but there are a slew of requirements you must meet.

How can I avoid TurboTax fees?

You can avoid the fee by changing your payment method and paying with a card when you file.

Is TurboTax 2020 really free?

If you make less than $34,000 per year, you can file your taxes for free with TurboTax Free File. This edition is required as part of the industry's deal with the IRS. You can access the TurboTax Free File program here. TurboTax also offers a Free Edition for people who are filing very simple returns.

TurboTax Free Edition - Is it Right For YOU? [ What You Get / What You DON'T Get]

41 related questions found

Why is TurboTax charging me to file my taxes?

If your tax data requires entry on any other form or schedule then you must upgrade to the Deluxe edition or higher. If you have not paid for the online edition you are using, have not filed your tax return or registered the Free edition, then you can clear your return and start over with a lower priced edition.

Why is TurboTax making me pay?

You appear to be using Online Deluxe Edition, which is a paid version--currently discounted at $40 for Federal and $40 for state (if applicable), and if you choose to pay the fees out of your Federal refund, there is an additional $40 service fee ($45 for California filers.)

Why does TurboTax charge me a $40 fee?

The first $40 fee is the cost of TurboTax Deluxe. The second $40 fee is for using your refund to pay for your TurboTax fees. This process is called refund processing.

Why is TurboTax charging me a refund processing fee?

If you select Pay with Refund to pay your Turbotax Fees, there's a $39 processing fee charged by the third-party bank that handles the transaction. Once your e-filed return is in pending or accepted status, it's too late to remove Pay With My Refund.

How much does TurboTax take out of your refund?

Pay for TurboTax out of your federal refund: A $39 Refund Processing Service fee applies to this payment method.

How do I switch to TurboTax for free?

How do I switch from TurboTax deluxe to the free one
  1. After signing in to TurboTax, open or continue your return.
  2. Select Tax Tools on the left side of the screen and then Tools.
  3. A Tools Center box will pop up on your screen.
  4. Select the My Fees box on the right.

How can I file IRS for free?

How IRS Free File works
  1. Go to IRS.gov/freefile.
  2. Use the "Choose an IRS Free File Offer" tool for help in finding the right product, or.
  3. Review each offer by a provider using the "Browse All" tool.
  4. Select a product.
  5. Follow links to the provider's website to begin a tax return.

How much does it cost to file with TurboTax?

The most popular version is TurboTax Deluxe, for $59 plus $49 per state. Those with more complex investments may need the $89 Premier version, while self-employed business owners will need the top $119 Self-Employed edition.

How much does TurboTax charge to e file federal returns?

TurboTax is one of the most popular tax software providers, but it's not the cheapest. TurboTax's four DIY packages cost between $0 and $119 for federal returns, plus an extra $49 for state returns. The more complex your situation, the more expensive it will be.

Is it better to buy TurboTax or use it online?

Most people choose to use the online service. TurboTax reported that 80% of the returns it handled came from its online products. When you have a choice between buying the software you install on your computer and paying to use the service online, you are better off buying the software download.

What is TurboTax Deluxe vs Free?

The deluxe version is only about support. Their free version includes much of what is included in TurboTax Premier (investments, rental income) and Home & Business (1099 income and expenses). You can see our full review of FreeTaxUSA for more.

Why is TurboTax charging me $80 to file?

If you have not paid for the online edition you are using, have not filed your tax return or registered the Free edition, then you can clear your return and start over with a lower priced edition.

Why is TurboTax charging me 39 to pay with my refund?

The $40 service charge is Not imposed by TurboTax. It is the service charge of the third party processor who received the federal tax refund from the IRS then deducts the TurboTax account fees and their service charge from the federal tax refund.

Should I pay for TurboTax with my refund?

Do NOT deduct from your refund to pay for turbotax, a refund processing fee $34.99 will be charged in extra. If you choose to have your Turbo Tax Fees deducted from your refund, there is a fee. Turbo Tax is not a bank.

Is there a current lawsuit against TurboTax?

Intuit responded to the settlement in a press release from May 4. In it, the company said it “admitted no wrongdoing” as part of the agreement and agreed to pay the settlement “to put this matter behind it.” The company also said that the FTC's lawsuit against it is ongoing.

Is there really a lawsuit against TurboTax?

The $141 million settlement deal between Intuit, the maker of TurboTax tax-filing software, and all 50 state attorneys general means that some 4 million affected taxpayers who were deceived by misleading promises of free tax-filing services will be compensated.

Is there a class action lawsuit against TurboTax?

TurboTax maker will pay $141M in settlement over ads for free tax-filing Under a settlement signed by the attorneys general of all 50 states, Intuit Inc. will suspend TurboTax's "free, free, free" ad campaign and pay restitution to nearly 4.4 million taxpayers.

Is TurboTax 2022 free?

TurboTax is also offering its TurboTax Live Basic product at no cost for qualifying federal and state returns for a limited time. You'll need to file your return by March 31, 2022, and you'll need to have a simple return to be eligible to use this service.

Why does TurboTax say free when not?

TurboTax has 2 free products, but you are not in one of them. You appear to be using Online Deluxe Edition, which is a paid version--$60 for Federal and $50 for state (if applicable), and if you choose to pay the fees out of your Federal refund, there is an additional $40 service fee ($45 for California filers.)