Tax preparing package

[melissaforpeace315]

 Hi all! I got an e-mail a few weeks ago stating that TurboTax free file is no longer an option? If that's the case, what "package" would you recommend that I get considering that I have some taxable investment accounts that I need to report my earnings for?  

Also, do you guys have any helpful websites / discounts that I can access in order to provide me with a Turbotax discount? I still want to stick with Turbotax and not another tax-filing option because I love how easy it is to use haha and I'm not good with taxes nor technology whatsoever. 

Any and all help would be greatly appreciated! Enjoy the new year!

[Critter-3]

If you used the IRS FREE FILE TT option last year then when you log in this year the first thing you see is the notice about TurboTax will not be participating in the IRS Free File program for 2021 returns.   You  are then  given the option to try one of the other FREE FILE alliance options or continue with the TT FREE program.  If you stay with TT then your next option is to transfer the prior year data ... read the screens carefully. 

Be aware that  the online TurboTax Free Edition is very limited to only simple returns--so be careful----if your return requires any of the schedules or extra forms then an upgrade to a paid version will be required.

There are still eight various software providers who will participate in the Free File program but they will not be available until sometime in January----so if you want to use one of them---WAIT.

Use this IRS site for other ways to file for free  when the program opens in January

https://apps.irs.gov/app/freeFile/

[xmasbaby0]

If you have investment income then you need Premier if you use online software or you could use any version of the CD/download, since all versions of the CD/download have all the forms and schedules.   There is currently an early discount for online Premier;  or you will find discounted prices from various retailers for the CD/download if you shop around.

2021 TURBOTAX

ONLINE 2021

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

And just so you know—online prices go up in March

CD/DOWNLOAD (This requires a full PC or Mac—-cannot be used on a mobile device)

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

You can also purchase the CD/download from various retailers such as Costco, Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, Staples, Sam’s Club, etc. etc. etc.

This link Where can I obtain authentic TurboTax software? has a list of authorized TurboTax resellers.

When you use desktop software, there is an additional fee to e-file a state return.  You can avoid that fee if you print, sign and mail the state return.  The state e-file fee is $19.99 and increases in March.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/system-requirements/help/minimum-system-requirements-for-turbotax-...

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/system-requirements/help/minimum-system-requirements-for-turbotax-...

[VolvoGirl]

You might be able to find discounts through your bank or investment company.  Some of them have discounts to use Turbo Tax Online or to buy the Desktop program.  Right now Costco has a coupon.  You can get better prices than directly from Turbo Tax.   Shop around.  

[melissaforpeace315]

@xmasbaby0 Thank you so much for this information! I was visiting your recommended site (the turbotax / intuit one regarding the tax preparing packages)

I wasn't able to find where it states that in March, the prices will go up.  Can you please guide me to where I can see when this "discount" ends?  Also, what will be the full price in March?  Is it the "crossed out" prices?

Thank you so much for your help!

[xmasbaby0]

@melissaforpeace315 Those "crossed out" fees are the fees when the early discounts end.  Traditionally TT hA increased to those fees at the end of February----so you will want to pay ahead of that time in order to lock in the lower price.