Sure, you can start for free at TurboTax, but how much will it really cost to have your 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 10% off! (Full disclosure: We get paid a small commission if you save through this deal.)
GROUPON DEAL ALERT: Extra 10% Off When You File with TurboTax
📅 Key 2026 Tax Deadlines
- Late January 2026: The IRS usually begins accepting and processing returns.
- January 31, 2026: Deadline for employers to mail out W-2 and 1099 forms.
- April 15, 2026: TAX DAY. Federal and state returns (or extension requests) are due.
- October 15, 2026: Final deadline to file if you requested an extension.
How Much TurboTax Actually Costs in 2026
TurboTax Free Edition
~37% of taxpayers qualify. Simple Form 1040 returns only (no schedules except for Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and Student Loan Interest)
- Cost: $0 for very simple tax returns, which includes Form 1040 only
- 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 or Premium) 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.
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 Premium Edition
- Cost: $129 for federal + $59 for state
- Should you get it? If you have investments and/or are a independent contractor, or self-employed, 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 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.
Extra TurboTax Fees That Can Increase Your Total Cost
- $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.
TurboTax Pricing FAQs
Is TurboTax really free?
TurboTax is only free for very simple tax returns that use Form 1040 with no additional schedules (aside from credits like EITC or the Child Tax Credit). If you need to itemize deductions, report investments, or file self-employed income, you’ll be prompted to upgrade to a paid plan.
Why does TurboTax keep upgrading me to a paid version?
TurboTax automatically upgrades your plan when you add forms or situations that aren’t supported by the Free Edition — such as itemized deductions, 1099 income, stock sales, or rental property. While convenient, this is how many filers end up paying more than expected.
Does TurboTax charge per form or per return?
TurboTax charges per return, not per form. However, more complex forms and schedules require higher-tier plans, which increases the overall cost. State returns are also priced separately in most cases.
Can I avoid paying TurboTax state filing fees?
Sometimes. While TurboTax typically charges an additional fee for state returns, you may be able to file your federal return with TurboTax and submit your state return directly through your state’s tax website for free, depending on where you live.
Is TurboTax cheaper than hiring a tax professional?
For simple to moderately complex returns, TurboTax is usually cheaper than working with a CPA or local tax preparer. However, for very complex or self-employed returns, the cost difference narrows — especially if you choose TurboTax Live Full Service.
Does TurboTax charge extra to pay out of my refund?
Yes. If you choose to have TurboTax fees deducted from your tax refund, an additional refund processing fee applies. You can avoid this fee by paying upfront with a debit or credit card when you file.
