Our total income is $36000.00 for the entire year.what is the least expensive way to file our tax return?

[xmasbaby0]

Well, you are over the income limit to use Free File (which is not yet available) so you could use online Deluxe  ($40 + $40 for state)  or desktop Basic or Deluxe--Basic does not include a state return.  Desktop Deluxe  at $69 includes a state return so is the least expensive way to go.

https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/cd-download/

https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/online/

You may also find desktop software for a lower price from a retailer like Amazon or Costco--be careful if you need state software--it is sold both with and without state.  Do not by from any fly by night online retailer you never heard of that offers a too good to be true price.

[VolvoGirl]

The regular Turbo Tax Free Edition doesn't have a max limit (maybe it's 100,000) but does depend on what kind of income you have like W2, Social Security, Interest and 1099R.

See the Online versions here 

https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/online/ 

[xmasbaby0]

Yes--if you do not need any of the "schedules" you might be able to use Free Edition.  But fewer people are able to use that version....

[VolvoGirl]

Here's the info on Free Edition. 

TurboTax Free Guarantee: $0 Federal + $0 State + $0 To File offer is available for simple tax returns with TurboTax Free Edition. A simple tax return is Form 1040 only, without schedules 1, 2, or 3. Situations covered include:

• W-2 income
• Limited interest and dividend income reported on a 1099-INT or 1099-DIV
• Claiming the standard deduction
• Earned Income Tax Credit (EIC)
• Child tax credits