Can I still file 2021 federal return for free

[jrthoma]

If I purchase TurboTax Deluxe for 2021, can I still file the Federal return for free as in the past?

[xmasbaby0 · Accepted solution]

If you purchase the CD/download you get five free federal e-files.  Is that what you mean?   If you purchase Deluxe---if you need to file a state return make sure you purchase a version that includes one free state.   Deluxe is sold by retailers with and without a state.   With the CD/download even with the state tax preparation software, there is a fee to e-file the state.   You can avoid the state e-file fee if you print and mail the state.

[VolvoGirl]

May I ask you a question?  What did you see or hear that makes you think it might have changed this year?  I've seen some other questions about that.  

[jrthoma]

I have been used to "filing federal returns" for free with TurboTax Deluxe.  I read somewhere, without any details that TurboTax was changing this year with regards to free federal filing so I just wanted to confirm that it is still free.  When I picked up a package at the store, it wasn't clearly spelled out so I just wondered.  Apparently what I read somewhere either wasn't correct or I misread it.

[jrthoma]

Thanks for your thorough reply. Glad to hear it is still like is has been for some years.

[VolvoGirl]

Maybe you heard that Turbo Tax is not participating in the IRS Free File website this year.   That is/was for returns done online.  They still do have the Online Free Edition version.   But you have the Desktop program.  That doesn't affect you.

[jrthoma]

I am sure you are right, and I was confusing hearing that Turbo Tax was no longer participating in the IRS Free File website versus the desktop capabilities. Thanks for helping clarify the situation for me with your replies.