Skip to main content
Level 2
February 25, 2026
Question

Son's Simple Form

  • February 25, 2026
  • 2 replies
  • 7 views

I have 2 sons each received W2 for 2025, but they also have meager 1099-INT forms.  Is there a way to file theirs for free.  It looks like having the interest income and one having a tuition credit is complicating this too much for the free version.

2 replies

Level 12
February 25, 2026

To qualify to file for free their return should be a simple 1040, no other forms or schedules except to claim credits like Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, student loan interest, and Schedule 1-A.  The Education Credits are not included in the free filings.  

 

TurboTax Online: Important Details about Filing Simple Form 1040 Returns

Level 2
February 25, 2026

Understood ... but unnecessarily expensive.  I shouldn't have to pay someone to pay the govt. - Not a statement against TurboTax, just the stupidity of the tax code.

DawnC
Level 15
February 25, 2026

You might want to consider the desktop version of TurboTax - you can prepare as many returns as you need to with it.   It may be a better option if you have multiple family members who need returns.   

**Say "Thanks" by clicking the thumb icon in a post. **Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer"
rjs
Level 15
Level 15
February 25, 2026

For the one who has only a W-2 and interest, as long as the interest is less than $1,500 you should be able to use TurboTax Free Edition. But you will not be able to claim a tuition credit in Free Edition.


You can probably find some free options in IRS Free File.