Can I free file if I don't contribute to my HSA? The employer is the only person who contributes.

[Mike9241]

you still need form 8889. 

[mesquitebean]

@ jwoodson93 

You may have another option.

TurboTax has 2 free products:  The Free Edition, which is limited, and the TurboTax IRS Free File Program, which is free for both Federal and state returns and is fully-featured if you meet ONE of the qualifications discussed below.  The TurboTax IRS Free File Program can handle a HSA and prepare Form 8889 if you qualify to use it.  If you qualify, you can switch without starting over.

You appear to be using regular Free Edition.  

The other free product (TurboTax IRS Free File Program)  is fully-featured, free for both Federal and state returns, and can prepare all the usual forms and schedules.  It is even more powerful than Deluxe, if you qualify.  For example, in addition to Schedules 1-3 it can prepare Schedule C, D, E, F, etc., and enter K-1. But one has to meet one of the qualifications to use.  See below:

To qualify for free 2020 federal and state tax returns through the IRS Free File Program delivered by TurboTax, you just need to meet one of these requirements:

• Your 2020 AGI is $39,000 or less (if filing jointly MFJ, this figure is for the AGI of both spouses combined.)  ; or
• You qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC); or
• In 2020, you served as active duty military (including Reservists and National Guard) with a maximum AGI of $72,000, and you have a military-issued W-2.

If you meet one of those qualifications and want to use it, it is at this special website

https://freefile.intuit.com/

but see these 2 FAQs first, including how to switch without starting over:

FAQ:  What is the TurboTax IRS Free File Program?
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/choosing-a-product/help/what-is-the-turbotax-free-file-program/01/...

and

FAQ:  How do I switch to the TurboTax IRS Free File Program? 

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/downgrading/help/how-do-i-switch-to-turbotax-free-file-program/00/...

There are also other free file options that may have different requirements at the IRS website:
https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free

[Opus 17]

All contributions made via payroll deduction are considered “employer” contributions, both your money and any employer match.  The tax code treats it as though you agree to a salary reduction and the employer contributes for you.  

Any HSA contributions from any source, and any withdrawals, require form 8889 which triggers an upgrade requirement in the “free to start” version of TurboTax.  

[fanfare]

visit the IRS at https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free

to find truly free filing. Note that some include free state as well.
Otherwise, If you have to file a state return, and don't want to do that yourself, you will need software that you pay for.

If you choose TurboTax (I don't know why you would) you must create a new account.

If you sign in with your existing account, you'll be back in the same place you're trying to escape.

[mesquitebean]

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@ fanfare wrote:

Note that some include free state as well.  Otherwise, If you have to file a state return, and don't want to do that yourself, you will need software that you pay for.

If you choose TurboTax (I don't know why you would) you must create a new account.

If you sign in with your existing account, you'll be back in the same place you're trying to escape.

---

There's some wrong info in the above.

1)  The TurboTax IRS Free File Program is one that also includes free state returns.  It does indeed prepare both free Federal and free state returns as I mentioned in my answer above.    If one qualifies (as detailed in my answer above) to use that product for a free Federal return, then they also get free state returns.

.

2)   A new account is not needed.   That used to be the case about 3 years ago.  But no more.  For the last 2-3 years a new account has not been necessary.     There is a method to switch in the same account, and I provided the FAQ on "how to switch" in my detailed answer above.   Please see the detailed steps in that FAQ.

One first has to sign out of regular Online TurboTax before going to the TurboTax IRS Free File site.

Then if one qualifies to use it, then when one signs in at the proper website for the TurboTax IRS Free File program https://freefile.intuit.com/

using the current account credentials, TurboTax will recognize that a user started a return in Online TurboTax and will ask the user to confirm that he/she wishes to switch to the TurboTax IRS Free File Program.   If one says "yes", it keeps your entries without starting over, and it maintains the same account (same User ID.)

[fanfare]

It is best to review the options available at www.irs.gov since TurboTax AGI qualification limit is among the lowest of them all.

[mesquitebean]

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@ fanfare wrote:

It is best to review the options available at www.irs.gov since TurboTax AGI qualification limit is among the lowest of them all.

---

That part is correct, and I had provided a direct link to other options at the IRS site at the bottom of my original answer above.