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New Member
posted Jan 18, 2020 4:48:45 PM

Turbo Tax Free File

Can I use Turbo Tax Free File if I must file a Schedule D?

2 34 8094
1 Best answer
Level 15
Jan 18, 2020 4:51:07 PM

There is also The Turbo Tax Free File program which is free for federal and state.  And has more forms than the Federal Free Edition, like Schedules A, B, C , D, E, F, EIC, H, K-1, SE,  etc.

 

NOTE:  You will have to setup a new account with a new username and new password or it will take you back to regular Turbo Tax.

 

To qualify for the Free File website  you just need to meet one of these 3 things.

AGI $36,000 or less.

Active duty military with AGI of $69,000 or less

OR qualify for EIC (earned income credit.)

 

In order to use the Free File program, you have to start it at a special website.  Click on the Orange button I Qualify, Let's get Started and set up a NEW account

https://freefile.intuit.com/

 

24 Replies
Level 15
Jan 18, 2020 4:51:07 PM

There is also The Turbo Tax Free File program which is free for federal and state.  And has more forms than the Federal Free Edition, like Schedules A, B, C , D, E, F, EIC, H, K-1, SE,  etc.

 

NOTE:  You will have to setup a new account with a new username and new password or it will take you back to regular Turbo Tax.

 

To qualify for the Free File website  you just need to meet one of these 3 things.

AGI $36,000 or less.

Active duty military with AGI of $69,000 or less

OR qualify for EIC (earned income credit.)

 

In order to use the Free File program, you have to start it at a special website.  Click on the Orange button I Qualify, Let's get Started and set up a NEW account

https://freefile.intuit.com/

 

New Member
Jan 18, 2020 4:54:07 PM

Thanks...very much appreciated.

Level 2
Feb 4, 2020 3:36:25 AM

After advertised free federal and state filing you want to charge $80.00. Your company lies to customers to lure them in and them charges them. 

Intuit Alumni
Feb 4, 2020 8:20:27 AM

Turbo Tax fees you are charged will depend on any add-ons you may have selected when completing your return.

 

If you selected to have your TurboTax fees deducted from your federal refund, there may be an additional fee for the Refund Processing Service.

 

You can view a breakdown of your TurboTax charges by signing in to your online return. Once you have signed in and selected to continue your return, select Tools from the My Account drop-down list in the upper right corner. In the pop-up window, select My Fees to get a breakdown of your TurboTax charges.

 

 

You can remove any add-ons before you pay by selecting:

 

•    Remove upgrade to Deluxe, Premier, or Home & Business

•    Remove MAX

•    Remove Refund Processing Service

•    Remove TurboTax State

•    Remove TurboTax Premium Service

•    Remove TurboTax Federal Free Edition PLUS

 

Click this link to learn how to remove Premium Fees. https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2154391-how-do-i-remove-premium-services-from-my-purchase

New Member
Feb 14, 2020 2:37:45 PM

I made 22,000 this year. Used the Turbo tax free. got to the end and it said I had to pay to upgrade. would not let me file. So I went to TaxAct and file through them. FREE. Free federal and Free state and Free city. What a wasted afternoon using turbotax. That is fraud.

Level 15
Feb 15, 2020 10:06:29 AM

You must have been required to upgrade at some point and the program would have told you why and you could have denied the upgrade.  

 

However ... for future reference ... there is the IRS FREE FILE option ... there are 10 different companies which offer a free program on this site but you must link in thru the IRS and not directly at any of those companies directly... this year if you made $69K or less there was a program for you to use ... use the tool to narrow down which ones will work for you ...

 

https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free

Level 1
Feb 23, 2020 11:07:26 AM

We somehow went through the whole tax process on the Free version (we don't qualify) and now can't figure out how to get the info onto the normal paid version without creating a new account and starting over.

Is there an easy way to switch to paid and have the info import without starting over?

Thank you.

Jay

Expert Alumni
Feb 23, 2020 11:26:08 AM

Along the left side of the screen, click Upgrade.

 

See also this TurboTax Help.

Level 1
Feb 23, 2020 5:40:03 PM

That would be great but there's nothing on mine that says Upgrade (I also thought it would offer some obvious other option to pay).

 

Options on the left are...Tax home, 2019 taxes, My info, Federal, State, Review, File, Tools, Print, Clear and Start Over.

You could make a lot more money if you offered an upgrade option at this point. Instead, all I get is an Exit to IRS/gov button.

 

What now?

Level 15
Feb 23, 2020 5:47:48 PM

Check out this one.  User OpFor at the end seems like he found a way to upgrade from Free File website.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/taxes/discussion/re-i-don-t-qualify-for-free-file-this-year-as-it-turns-out-i-don-t-want-to-re-enter-everything/01/1214762 

Level 1
Feb 24, 2020 2:49:26 PM

It worked. Thanks!

Returning Member
Mar 5, 2020 12:06:03 PM

Indeed, it is a waste of time.  Only at the end do you find that Turbo Tax will charge for e-filing the State Tax.  It is deceptive and false.  First time I used Turbo Tax Premier and definitely is the last.

Level 15
Mar 5, 2020 4:55:49 PM

@WTW   Sounds like you are using the Desktop program?  This thread is about the online version which is totally different and is priced differently.

 

In the Desktop program you get one free state PROGRAM download to prepare unlimited state returns. Then each state return (including the first one) is 19.99 to efile, usually goes up to 24.99 March 1. Or you can print and mail state for free.  

Level 2
Mar 6, 2020 3:46:04 AM

then why does turbo tax keep advertising totally free but when you get to the end they charge you for filing Federal and state. Credit Karma does not charge not a penny for doing federal and state and filing for the both of them.

Level 15
Mar 6, 2020 4:07:38 AM

IRS Free File can save families money; find tax benefits all for free

 

 

IR-2020-15, January 17, 2020

WASHINGTON — IRS Free File can save families, especially those with children, some money in 2020 plus find tax benefits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit. Free File is now available at IRS.gov/freefile.

 

Since its 2003 debut, Free File has served nearly 57 million taxpayers, saving them $1.7 billion using a very conservative $30 preparation fee. Young families with children are key beneficiaries of Free File, the public-private partnership between the IRS and 10 online tax preparation software providers.

 

"Free File can save young families money. It offers free software, free electronic filing and free direct deposit which is the fastest way to get a refund," said Ken Corbin, commissioner of IRS' Wage and Investment division.

 

Whether single or married, the taxpayers' 2019 adjusted gross income must be $69,000 or less to be eligible for free online tax preparation through Free File. Free File can help families find the tax credits and deduction they are due such as EITC. By answering a few questions, taxpayers can find out if they're eligible for EITC and other family-related tax benefits.

 

The IRS will begin processing tax returns on January 27. Most refunds are issued within 21 days. With Free File, you can even use any digital device, personal computer, tablet or smart phone. Free File products are mobile enabled so you can do your taxes on your smart phone or tablet and e-File with your hand-held device.

Here's how Free File works:

  1. Go to gov/freefileto see all Free File options.
  2. Browse each of the 10 offers or use a "look up" tool to help you find the right product. Each Free File partner sets its own eligibility standards generally based on income, age and state residency. But if your adjusted gross income was $69,000 or less, you will find at least one free product to use. Two products are in Spanish.
  3. Select a provider and follow the links to their web page to begin your tax return.
  4. Complete and e-file your tax return only if you have all the income and deduction records you need. The fastest way to get a refund is by filing electronically and selecting direct deposit. If you owe, use direct pay or electronic options.

You do not have to be EITC eligible in order to qualify for Free File. Any individual or married couple that meets the income limitation can qualify. First-time filers or college students are key users. Military personnel who meet the income requirement can use any of nine partner products. And seniors who want to file the new Form 1040-SR because they are over 65 and taking the standard deduction also can use Free File.

 

Remember, if you meet the income requirement you will find at least one free online product. To avoid fees for state tax returns, look for a partner that offers free state tax return preparation or check out your state's tax agency website to see if they are members of the State Free File program.

New Member
Apr 29, 2020 8:50:16 AM

I'm being charged for certain  things  I  didn't not want to  purchase.  How can I get my refund 

Level 2
Apr 29, 2020 9:14:08 AM

Cancel with your credit card company and let them know what happen. Yea they lie they say free filing and when you get to the end of doing your taxes then they charge you Lies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Credit  Karma Totally FREE I Mean Free !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Level 15
Apr 29, 2020 9:22:01 AM


@Joseph7071977  wrote:

I'm being charged for certain  things  I  didn't not want to  purchase.  How can I get my refund 


See this TurboTax support FAQ for checking your fees - https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/charges-and-fees/help/how-do-i-review-my-fees-in-turbotax-online/0...

See this TurboTax support FAQ for removing fees - https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/charges-and-fees/help/what-can-i-do-to-reduce-my-fees/01/26051

Level 2
Apr 29, 2020 9:29:33 AM

Cancel with your credit card company and let them know what happen. Yea they lie they say free filing and when you get to the end of doing your taxes then they charge you Lies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Credit  Karma Totally FREE I Mean Free !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

New Member
Jan 17, 2021 4:49:35 PM

Prepared taxes on here need the for intuit free file in stead of turbo tax

Level 15
Jan 17, 2021 4:52:23 PM

@Mark61443 

To qualify for the Free File website  you just need to meet one of these 3 things.

AGI $39,000 or less.

Active duty military with AGI of $72,000 or less

OR qualify for EIC (earned income credit.)

 

In order to use the Free File program, you have to start it at a special website.  Click on Sign in at the top right.  It may let you continue your return so you don't have to start over.

https://freefile.intuit.com/

 

How to switch to the Free File website

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/downgrading/help/how-do-i-switch-to-turbotax-free-file-program/01/26264

Level 2
Jan 18, 2021 2:33:38 AM

Are you crazy Credit Karma is totally free. you are scam military making 72,000 when they can go to credit karma and they can file federal and state for 100% totally free. Your a scam!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

New Member
Feb 1, 2021 11:26:24 AM

I realize this might be amidst all the responses or other questions but I don't have a lot of time. 

 

Years ago I used to file for free on turbo tax (if I qualified financially that year-and usually). After my divorce when doing my taxes starting on here again (2016 or 2017) I would just log on to turbo tax, complete everything and it would always put me in the deluxe category. I have never made $39,000.00 myself. So THIS year, I realized it's a separate LINK for free filing. I had assumed based on wages/income that the program determined automatically if you could file for free. Apparently not!  So for the past three/four years I've used deluxe instead of free filing; is there any way Turbo Tax will reimburse what's been paid out??? I realize this was my mistake...but I thought Turbo Tax placed you in the "category" you belonged in for filing. It had been a long time since I had used the program. 

Level 2
Feb 1, 2021 11:48:37 AM

Sign on to Credit Karma totally free Federal and State Taxes to File.