What's the difference between turbotax free edition and the IRS free file? Which one should I use as a student with a part-time job?

[izzystearns]

I'm a highschool student, so I am a dependant of my parents and I'm filing my taxes for the first time. I'm working a part-time job and I saw that I can use the Turbotax Free Edition or the IRS Free File and I was wondering what difference is and which one would be best for me.

[Opus 17 · Accepted solution]

The “regular” version of TurboTax online is “free to start” but the final price is determined by the complexity of your tax return, regardless of income. The IRS FreeFile version of TurboTax is free to anyone whose income is less than $36,000, even if they require complicated forms that are not normally included in the regular free version.

you do not mention any special tax situation which would cause you to not qualify for the regular free version, so it probably doesn’t make a difference. However, if you have significant investment income or unemployment compensation, you may be subject to the “kiddie tax“ and this would bump you out of the regular free version.