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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
@user17720572227 wrote:
I shouldn't have to pay someone to pay the govt.
You don't have to pay anyone to file your tax returns. We have already mentioned two free options, TurboTax Free Edition and IRS Free File. Another free option you could consider is VITA or TCE.