What Is TurboTax?
TurboTax is one of the most popular tax software programs in the U.S. Founded in the 1980s and owned by Intuit, it has become the market leader in tax filing, processing over 50 million returns each year.
The platform works as an interview, walking you through questions about your income to help you file correctly and maximize your refund. Most users end up on TurboTax Deluxe at $79 federal. For hands-on expert help, Expert Assist plans let you file with a live tax pro available. For a fully hands-off experience, Expert Full Service has a dedicated expert prepare and file for you starting at $200.
Products Offered
TurboTax comes in four main categories:
- Do It Yourself (Free Edition, Deluxe, Premium) - file independently with software guidance
- Expert Assist (Basic, Deluxe, Premium) - file yourself with a live tax expert on standby
- Expert Full Service - a dedicated tax professional prepares and files everything for you
- Business plans for sole proprietors and small businesses
Do It Yourself Plans
TurboTax Free Edition - $0
File state and federal taxes for free. Best for simple returns.
~37% of filers qualify. Simple Form 1040 returns only (no schedules, except for EITC, CTC, student loan interest, and Schedule 1-A).
Covers W-2 income, standard deduction, EITC, Child Tax Credit, and limited 1099-DIV/INT income.
TurboTax Do It Yourself Deluxe - $79 federal / $39 state
Best for filers who itemize deductions or want to maximize credits. Searches 450+ deductions and credits to get you the maximum refund. Note: does not support rental income or capital gains (Schedules D and E).
TurboTax Do It Yourself Premium - $139 federal / $39 state
Best for investors, rental property owners, and self-employed filers. Covers stocks, bonds, crypto, ESPPs, rental income, and robo-investing. Imports 1,500+ transactions from 300+ financial institutions and handles 2,000+ crypto transactions.
Expert Assist Plans
File yourself with live expert access. Experts available in English and Spanish, year-round.
Expert Assist Basic - $89 federal / $49 state
On-demand expert access for simple returns. A tax pro answers your questions and reviews your return before you file.
Expert Assist Deluxe - $139 federal / $59 state
Itemizing with live expert support. Covers 450+ deductions including mortgage interest and charitable contributions.
Expert Assist Premium - $209 federal / $59 state
Personalized guidance on complex investment situations: stocks, bonds, crypto, rental property, and robo-investing.
Expert Full Service
Starting at $200 federal / $59 state
A TurboTax expert prepares, signs, and files your return for you. Upload your documents and a dedicated pro handles the rest. Final price may vary based on your tax situation and forms used.
Business Plans
For business owners and sole proprietors:
- Expert Assist Sole Proprietor - $219 federal + $64 state
- Expert Full Service Sole Proprietor - Starting at $200 federal + $64 state
- Expert Assist Business - $449 federal + $69 state
- Expert Full Service Business - $1,069 federal + $69 state
So, how much does TurboTax cost? Here is a summary of all versions and their prices:
| Version | Federal Price | State Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Edition | $0 | $0 | Simple returns; Form 1040 only. ~37% of filers qualify. |
| Do It Yourself Deluxe | $79 | $39 | Itemizing deductions, maximizing 450+ credits. No rental income or capital gains. |
| Do It Yourself Premium | $139 | $39 | Investors, rental property owners, self-employed, and crypto filers. |
| Expert Assist Basic | $89 | $49 | Simple returns with on-demand live expert access. |
| Expert Assist Deluxe | $139 | $59 | Itemizing deductions with live expert guidance. |
| Expert Assist Premium | $209 | $59 | Complex investments with personalized expert support. |
| Expert Full Service | From $200 | $59 | Full tax preparation by a dedicated expert. |
| Expert Assist Sole Proprietor | $219 | $64 | Self-employed and sole proprietors with expert guidance. |
| Expert Full Service Sole Proprietor | From $200 | $64 | Full-service filing for sole proprietors. |
| Expert Assist Business | $449 | $69 | Small business owners with expert assistance. |
| Expert Full Service Business | $1,069 | $69 | Complete business tax preparation by an expert. |
How TurboTax Works
TurboTax allows you to choose from various service options from its user-friendly website and helps you easily submit tax returns by populating digital forms with the correct information based on your Q&A session.
TurboTax can import W-2 information automatically. Enter your Employer Identification Number (EIN) from Box b of your W-2 and the software pulls in your data. If that doesn't work, you can upload a photo of your W-2 instead.
Helpful Features
- W-2 Auto-Import: Import your W-2 by entering your EIN, or snap a photo and upload it manually.
- Switch from Another Provider: Import PDF tax returns from Credit Karma, Liberty Tax, H&R Block, TaxSlayer, and TaxAct.
- Tax Return Status: Track your IRS e-file status and refund directly in TurboTax.
- Transaction Import: The Premium tier imports up to 1,500 transactions from 300+ financial institutions and handles 2,000+ crypto transactions.
- Intuit Assist: AI-powered assistant that searches 450+ deductions and credits, available across all tiers.
- Spanish Language Support: New for the 2026 tax season, complete the filing process entirely in Spanish with Spanish-language contextual help.
Ease of Use
TurboTax walks you through the filing process with interview-style questions, step by step. It's accessible whether you're a first-time filer or an experienced one.
Need extra help? Expert Assist plans give you on-demand access to a live tax pro who reviews your return before you file. Expert Full Service goes further: a dedicated professional prepares, signs, and files your return for you.
Rates & Fees
TurboTax is more expensive than most competitors, but the experience is polished and the guarantees are strong.
Free Edition covers simple returns at no cost (~37% of filers qualify). Paid DIY tiers run $79-$139 for federal ($39 state). Expert Assist plans go up to $209 federal; Expert Full Service starts at $200 federal + $59 state.
TurboTax Refunds
With every TurboTax return there is a guarantee:
100% Accurate Calculations Guarantee: If you need to pay an IRS or state penalty due to a TurboTax calculator error, TurboTax will pay it.
100% Accurate, Expert Approved Guarantee: If a TurboTax expert made a mistake with incorrect tax advice, Turbo Tax will pay the IRS or state penalty and amend your return for free.
Maximum Refund Guarantee or Your Money Back: If you can get a larger tax refund or owe less taxes by using another tax preparation method, TurboTax will refund the federal and/or state price paid. If you’re using the TurboTax Free Edition, you may collect a $30 payment. ~37% of taxpayers qualify. Simple Form 1040 returns only (no schedules, except for EITC, CTC, student loan interest, and Schedule 1-A)
Audit Support Guarantee: This includes free audit support, year-round, through TurboTax’s Audit Support Center. You can find out what you need to do and why the IRS reached out to you.
Who Should Use TurboTax?
Is TurboTax good? For most filers, yes. With interview-style questions that guide you through the process and alternatives for live, on-screen support when necessary, TurboTax makes tax filing simple regardless of your level of experience or knowledge of tax law.
Is TurboTax worth it? That depends on your budget. If you value a polished, frustration-free experience and don't mind paying a premium for it, TurboTax delivers. If you have a simple return, the Free Edition or a cheaper competitor like FreeTaxUSA will do the job just as well.
One of the most well-known options for filing taxes is TurboTax, a product of the company Intuit, which makes financial, accounting, and tax preparation software. Being well-known and having been in business for close to 40 years both contribute to its appeal, as does the company's emphasis on design and abundance of features for customers.
How to Buy Turbotax
You can purchase TurboTax directly from the TurboTax website or through authorized retailers like Amazon, Costco, and Best Buy. The online version is the most popular option and lets you start for free before paying when you file.
Go to the homepage
On the TurboTax homepage, click on “Get Started.” You’ll be directed to an interactive guide that will recommend the ideal product based on your unique tax situation.
Choose between the online or desktop version
The desktop version can be downloaded to your computer and the online version works with most web browsers.
Buy your product
If you choose the online version, you can purchase directly from the website when you click “File for $0” or “Start for Free.” If you prefer the desktop version, you can purchase it from an authorized retailer like Amazon or Best Buy, or buy it online.
Our Turbo Tax Review
TurboTax is one of the best tax software options in the U.S. It's not the cheapest, but it offers the best user experience, the most comprehensive coverage, and strong guarantees across the board.
TurboTax vs H&R Block
H&R Block is TurboTax's closest competitor in terms of features and guided experience. Here's how they compare:
- TurboTax DIY: $79-$139 federal + $39 state
- H&R Block DIY: $35-$85 federal + $37 state
H&R Block is significantly cheaper and its free tier covers more forms (including Schedules 1-3). TurboTax edges ahead in interface polish and the depth of its deduction-search algorithm. If budget is the priority, H&R Block is the better value. If you want the most guided experience with the fewest hiccups, TurboTax wins.
TurboTax vs TaxSlayer
Both platforms cover a range of tax situations, but the pricing gap is significant:
- TurboTax DIY: $79-$139 federal + $39 state
- TaxSlayer: $22.95-$52.95 federal + $39.95 state (free for active-duty military)
If saving money is the priority, TaxSlayer wins on price. If you want a polished, guided experience, TurboTax is the better choice.
TurboTax vs FreeTaxUSA
FreeTaxUSA is the budget pick that keeps gaining ground:
- TurboTax DIY Deluxe: $79 federal + $39 state
- FreeTaxUSA: $0 federal + $14.99 state
FreeTaxUSA supports most forms and schedules at no federal cost. The interface is less polished and there's no live expert option, but for straightforward returns it gets the job done at a fraction of the price.
How TurboTax Compares Overall
TurboTax costs more than most rivals but delivers a best-in-class experience:
- DIY plans: up to $139 federal + $39 state (vs. TaxSlayer at $52.95 + $39.95)
- Expert Assist: up to $209 federal + $59 state for guided expert support
- Expert Full Service: starts at $200 federal + $59 state for fully managed filing
For complex business returns, a local CPA may still be more cost-effective.
Help & Support
TurboTax offers strong multi-channel support:
- Knowledge base with searchable articles, video tutorials, and community forums
- TurboTax assistant and chatbot available to all users
- Specialist access for paid users
- Live on-screen help for Expert Assist users
- 24-hour Q&A: submit a question and a tax pro responds within a day
You can read more TurboTax reviews below.
FAQs
What should I do if I'm audited?
Being audited can be scary so it's important to get the right support from your tax software. There is a difference between support and defense: audit support is simply guidance on what to expect, while an audit defense gives you full representation before the IRS with the help of a tax professional. TurboTax includes free audit support for everyone through its Audit Support Center. If you want full audit defense with representation, you'll need to purchase the TurboTax MAX plan, which adds identity theft protection and audit defense for an extra fee.
How do I request a refund?
You can get a refund in several ways. The fastest option is a direct deposit to your bank account. You can also have it loaded on a Turbo Visa Debit Card or have it sent via a paper check. Other options include applying it to next year's taxes or directing the IRS to buy a U.S. Savings Bond with your refund. If you select the "Pay With My Refund" option, there is a $39 processing fee charged by the third-party processor that handles the transaction.
Where can I find the TurboTax login?
The TurboTax login can be found at https://myturbotax.intuit.com. You can sign in with your Intuit account credentials, which are the same across all Intuit products including QuickBooks and Mint.
How much does TurboTax cost?
TurboTax offers several tiers depending on your tax situation. TurboTax Free Edition is $0 for simple federal and state returns (~37% of filers qualify, Form 1040 only).
Do It Yourself Deluxe is $79 federal + $39 state, and Do It Yourself Premium is $139 federal + $39 state. Expert Assist options start at $89 federal (Basic) and go up to $209 federal (Premium), with state fees of $49-$59. Expert Full Service starts at $200 federal + $59 state. Business plans range from $219 to $1,069 for federal.
Which TurboTax is right for me?
TurboTax has different versions depending on your tax needs. If you have a simple return with W-2 income and the standard deduction, the Free Edition is a great starting point. If you want to maximize deductions and credits, Do It Yourself Deluxe at $79 is a solid choice. If you have investments, rental income, or self-employment income, Do It Yourself Premium at $139 gives you the tools you need. If you'd like guidance from a tax expert while filing, Expert Assist plans start at $89. And if you want a tax professional to handle everything, Expert Full Service starts at $200.
Why is TurboTax charging me?
The fee from TurboTax is a service charge of the third-party processor who receives the IRS federal tax refund, deducts account fees, and other service charges. If you select the "Pay With My Refund" option, there is a $39 processing fee charged by the third party that handles the transaction. This is separate from the cost of the TurboTax software itself.
What is the downside of using TurboTax?
The biggest downside is cost. TurboTax is consistently the most expensive major tax software, with DIY plans running $79-$139 federal plus $39 per state. The upselling throughout the process is another common complaint: TurboTax frequently prompts you to upgrade to a more expensive tier, even when your tax situation may not require it. The Free Edition also has significant limitations, covering only simple Form 1040 returns without schedules.
How reliable is TurboTax?
TurboTax is very reliable for tax accuracy. It backs every return with a 100% Accurate Calculations Guarantee, meaning Intuit will pay any IRS penalty or interest caused by a calculation error. The software has been around since the 1980s and processes over 50 million returns per year. For the Expert Assist and Full Service tiers, returns are also reviewed by CPAs or Enrolled Agents before filing.
Who is better, H&R Block or TurboTax?
It depends on your priorities. TurboTax has the edge in user experience, with a more polished interface and deeper deduction search (450+ credits). H&R Block wins on price, with DIY plans at $35-$85 federal vs. TurboTax's $79-$139, and a more generous free tier that covers Schedules 1-3. H&R Block also offers in-person filing at 10,000+ offices if you prefer face-to-face help. For most filers, H&R Block offers better value, while TurboTax delivers the smoother digital experience.
