About TurboTax
TurboTax is America's most widely used consumer tax preparation software, developed by Intuit and offering interview-based online and downloadable software that guides taxpayers through federal and state income tax preparation with step-by-step questions that translate tax law into plain-language decisions. Over 50 million tax returns are filed through TurboTax annually, making it the clear market leader in DIY consumer tax software.
Their product tier structure—TurboTax Free Edition, Deluxe, Premier, Self-Employed, and Live (with live CPA access)—allows taxpayers to match their software cost to the complexity of their tax situation. The free edition handles simple W-2 situations, while Deluxe handles itemized deductions, Premier covers investment income and rental properties, and Self-Employed addresses freelancers and gig workers with Schedule C income.
TurboTax's early-season pricing (January–February) is typically 20–40% below prices in March and April as the deadline approaches. Purchasing early when your tax documents are available delivers the most significant savings. Comparing against H&R Block and FreeTaxUSA (the best value for simple-to-moderate returns) helps determine whether TurboTax's interface premium is worth paying for your specific tax situation.
Quick Savings Tips
- File early January–February for 20–40% off software pricing vs. March–April as deadline approaches
- TurboTax Free File program (IRS partnership) is truly free for qualifying income levels—verify eligibility first
- FreeTaxUSA offers federal filing free and state for $14.99—strong alternative for simple-to-moderate returns
- CPA review (Audit Defense add-on) is worth adding if your return has Schedule C or investment complexity
- Prior-year comparison feature helps identify missed deductions or credits from the previous filing