BASIC
1) If you need a state software....you have to buy it as an extra charge within the program.....such that it ends up costing more than if you had gone ahead and bought a Deluxe set that included one free state set.
2) Then, there's Opinions as to how helpful it is....in the past, Basic was really pretty sparse with any help. But few (none?) of us helpers in here has bought it recently.....so details may be limited as to how well it does, or doesn't flow.
3) Certainly, if one has ONLY. W-2 income, and some interest to enter, AND they live in a state without an income tax...then Basic should be fine. But as soon as you start getting into SE income, or special student credits, or energy credits, rental income, etc.....it might be a bit sparse in not leading you to the right place to enter those things unless you are already adept at using the software (But maybe it's better now).
____________*Answers are correct to the best of my knowledge when posted, but should not be considered to be legal or official tax advice.*
