Must I pay turbotax before I'm even ready to file?

[Rick33]

I had to buy the program before I could download it and prepare my taxes...  Simple returns might be done online for free.

[ThomasM125]

You don't need to download the TurboTax program, unless you have a special tax situation that can only be handled by the desktop TurboTax products. Most taxpayers can file their return using the online version of TurboTax.

While you do need to pay for the TurboTax download program up front, with the online product you can prepare and review your tax return before you complete it and file it.

[Opus 17]

With TurboTax online, you prepare your return and you only have to pay when you are ready to file. However, you can’t view or print your tax return until you have paid, and paying early also locks in your price before any price increases. So you can pay online anytime, but you are only required to pay in order to transmit your return final return.

if you are using TurboTax that you want to install on your own computer from a CD or download, you must buy the software first in order to install it. The desktop software is often more cost-effective, especially if you need to file more than one return for members of your family.  The desktop software is often available at a discount from reputable retailers like Amazon or Costco, compared with TurboTax online, where you have to pay the price they tell you.