Sure, you can start for free at TurboTax, but how much will it really cost to have your 2022 taxes e-filed? The Groupon Coupons team did some digging to uncover the price of each program and whether or not it's worth it, as well as additional fees you might encounter along the way. When it comes to tax filing expenses, it’s good to be prepared.
Of course, if you decide to pay for TurboTax's more convenient features, be sure to check out Groupon's collection of verified TurboTax service codes and coupons. And if you want to avoid the hassle altogether, just click here for our Groupon Exclusive Turbotax deal for $15 off! (Full disclosure: We get paid a small commission if you save through this deal.)
TurboTax Free Edition
*For simple tax returns only and not all taxpayers qualify.
- Cost: $0 for very simple tax returns, which includes Form 1040 only or Form 1040 + Unemployment Income
- Should You Get It? So long as you’re not planning on claiming anything other than the standard deduction, the earned income tax credit, or the child tax credit, then yes! Otherwise TurboTax will upgrade you to a fee-based program (Deluxe, Premier, or Self-Employed) that supports the forms you need. So … not so free.
- Free Alternative: TurboTax no longer participates in the IRS Free File Program. So besides the free simple tax return option offered by TurboTax, the only other free alternative is to prepare your taxes yourself with Free File Fillable Forms from the IRS. You can also avoid the $39 TurboTax fee for state by filing through your state’s website for free.
TurboTax Deluxe Edition
- Cost: $69 for federal + $59 for state
- Should you get it? If the idea of doing your taxes yourself is daunting, then yes. You’ll find comfort in TurboTax’s search of 350+ tax deductions, credits, and homeowner tax breaks to ensure you get the maximum refund.
- Free alternative: Prepare your taxes yourself with Free File Fillable Forms from the IRS. You can also avoid the $59 TurboTax fee for state by filing through your state’s website for free.
TurboTax Premier Edition
- Cost: $99 for federal + $59 for state
- Should you get it? If you have investments and rental properties, then this is a good no-fuss option. TurboTax will also account for the gains and losses of cryptocurrency transactions (Bitcoin, anyone?).
- Free alternative: Prepare your taxes yourself with Free File Fillable Forms from the IRS. You can also avoid the $59 TurboTax fee for state by filing through your state’s website for free.
TurboTax Self-Employed Edition
- Cost: $129 for federal + $59 for state
- Should you get it? For peace of mind, yes! Self-employed taxes can be a doozy to figure out, but TurboTax makes it simple by searching for industry-specific deductions and offering guidance on expenses like cell phones, home office supplies, and mileage.
- Free alternative: Prepare your taxes yourself with Free File Fillable Forms from the IRS. You can also avoid the $59 TurboTax fee for state by filing through your state’s website for free.
TurboTax Live Assisted
- Cost: $99–$219 for federal returns + $54–$64 per state return
- Should you get it? It may be worth it if you have a lot of questions. You’ll get unlimited on-demand answers from a tax expert, as well as a final review of your taxes before filing.
- Free alternative: If you need assistance with your taxes, the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) provides free help for people who generally make $60,000 or less, persons with disabilities, and limited English-speaking taxpayers. Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) provides free tax help to those aged 60 years or older, and it specializes in pensions and retirement-related questions. Click here to learn more.
TurboTax Live Full Service
- Cost: $219–$409 + $54–$64 per state return
- Should you get it? This is as hands-off as it gets. A tax expert will prep, sign, and even file your taxes. It comes with a hefty price tag, but if not having to worry about taxes is worth it to you then absolutely do it.
- Free alternative: None that we could find at this level, unless you qualify for the VITA or TCE programs.
Other TurboTax Fees
- $40 Tax Refund Processing Fee (Optional, but you’ll need to opt out): TurboTax will automatically deduct its charges from your tax refund for an additional $40 processing fee. You can avoid the fee by changing your payment method and paying with a card when you file. Here are clear instructions on how to do it.
- $44.99 Multi-State Package (Optional): If you need to fill out multiple state income tax returns, you can purchase TurboTax State to file for unlimited states.
