The basic version of TurboTax online is free to start, but the price you pay at the end will depend on the complexity of your tax return in the forms that you need. Many people qualify to file for free, but there are a number of situations that will require you to upgrade to a paid version. For example, if you are claiming a credit for college tuition, or you have a health savings account or contributions to an IRA, or income from selling stocks and other investments.
The IRS FreeFile version is completely free, even if you need complex forms, but only if your income is $36,000 or less.
