topic If the cost to file taxes is more than refund, must I file? in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

If the cost to file taxes is more than refund, must I file?

mcgheeyear2016 — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 09:09:07 GMT

Retired, not filed in the last two years, it costs me way more to file, than my refund.

Re: If the cost to file taxes is more than refund, must I file?

xmasbaby0 — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 23:43:05 GMT

The cost of the software is not based on the amount of your refund. It is based on the version of the software you used to prepare your tax return, and would be the same even if the result was that you owe instead of get a small refund.

But....if you want to find a different or free way to file:

Use this IRS site for other ways to file for free. There are 8 free software versions available from the IRS Free File site

https://apps.irs.gov/app/freeFile/

Or—if you live in certain states you may be eligible to use the new IRS Direct File

In Filing Season 2025, Direct File will be available in Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

https://directfile.irs.gov/

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2629

Re: If the cost to file taxes is more than refund, must I file?

VolvoGirl — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 23:51:32 GMT

The fee doesn’t affect if you need to file or not. If you have enough income to file the IRS doesn’t know if you are getting a Refund and might think you have a tax due.

Do you need to file a return?

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/filing-and-paying-taxes/help/do-i-need-to-file-a-federal-return-this-year/00/25546

IRS Do I need to file?

Do I Need to File a Tax Return? | Internal Revenue Service