topic So it isnt free in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

So it isnt free

jehartman23 — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 11:09:35 GMT

it says free but it isnt

Re: So it isnt free

DoninGA — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 20:16:41 GMT

The TurboTax Free online edition is for very simple tax returns that do not require any other form or schedule other than the Form 1040. 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. Click on Tax Tools on the left side of the program screen while working on the 2023 online tax return. Click on Clear & Start Over.

Go to this TurboTax website for the Free online edition - https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/online/free-edition.jsp

Please Note -

TurboTax Online: Important Details about Filing Form 1040 Returns with Limited Credits

A Form 1040 return with limited credits is one that's filed using IRS Form 1040 only (with the exception of the specific covered situations described below). Roughly 37% of taxpayers are eligible.

If you have a Form 1040 return and are claiming limited credits only, you can file for free yourself with TurboTax Free Edition or TurboTax Live Assisted Basic (if available), or you can file with TurboTax Full Service at the listed price.

Situations covered (assuming no added tax complexity):

W-2 income
Interest or dividends (1099-INT/1099-DIV) that don’t require filing a Schedule B
IRS standard deduction
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
Child Tax Credit (CTC)
Student loan interest deduction

Situations not covered:

Itemized deductions claimed on Schedule A
Unemployment income reported on a 1099-G
Business or 1099-NEC income
Stock sales (including crypto investments)
Rental property income
Credits, deductions and income reported on other forms or schedules

Re: So it isnt free

grantmfcross — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 19:04:09 GMT

It’s a scam & they’ve got bots telling people it’s not.

Who to believe?

Other frustrated (ripped off) turbo tax users OR turbotax’s bots?

Hmmm

Re: So it isnt free

Vanessa A — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 19:07:52 GMT

Not everyone qualifies for free filing. Free filing is only for simple returns.

Situations covered (assuming no added tax complexity):

W-2 income
Interest or dividends (1099-INT/1099-DIV) that don’t require filing a Schedule B
IRS standard deduction
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
Child Tax Credit (CTC)
Student loan interest deduction

Situations not covered:

Itemized deductions claimed on Schedule A
Unemployment income reported on a 1099-G
Business or 1099-NEC income
Stock sales (including crypto investments)
Rental property income
Credits, deductions and income reported on other forms or schedules

If you don’t have a Form 1040 return with limited credits, we have other paid options to file using TurboTax.

How does TurboTax make any money?

We want our customers to love our products and services. Because we have customers who pay for our premium products and services, we can offer free tax filing. We offer additional paid benefits that go beyond filing your Form 1040 return with limited credits for free, but they're optional.