Hi. I haven't yet bought my TurboTax version for this year, but have been using for 20+ years. I have usually used TT Deluxe, for my full time job and some limited self-employment with a few expenses (supplies, car mileage, biz use of home). Now retired, get SS and still do a little self-employment. I was searching to see if I can use the Basic version instead of the Deluxe version, but then I got even more of a confusing answer from Turbo Tax Help:
If you have business expenses to report, you'll need TurboTax Self-Employed or TurboTax Live Self-Employed to file a Schedule C. If you don't have business expenses to write off and need to file a Schedule C, you can use TurboTax Deluxe, TurboTax Live Deluxe, TurboTax Premier, or TurboTax Live Premier.
This seems to imply that you need to use TT SE, and can't use TTDeluxe that I have always used to file Schedule C even though I always had some expenses. Is this a change, is this not 'really' true. Won't buy till I know. I wonder if you can still use, but just don't get as much guidance that is often the case with TT, however this statement above seems to say you can't use TTDeluxe if you have biz expenses, and I was thinking I might be able to use TTBasic, not have to pay even more to use TTSE...not what I was hoping for. Please clarify if you can.
Don't worry about that. That is if you are using the Online web version, you need the Self Employed version. In the Desktop CD/Download program you can still use Deluxe or Basic if you don't need a state return. And the Desktop version is called Home & Business not self employed. All the Desktop programs have the same forms, you just get more help in the higher versions.
Intuit wants you to use the most expensive version, but if Deluxe has been working for you, it's very unlikely that it would not work this year also.
@Anonymous
If you get a 1099-K you have to file Schedule C
or invent transaction(s) for Schedule D.
Intuit is loving it.
...and doubling up on what was already said
....if you are using the desktop software
......and if you have to file a state tax return too.
...........you need to use "Deluxe" since Basic does not have one free state software set
................(and if you buy from anyone but directly from TTX...be careful as some Deluxes are available without the free state)