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Is a Free Tax Return Right for You?

Updated: 7/10/2009
Article ID: 6033

When people hear about a totally free tax return, they usually have one of two reactions:

  • What's the catch? Or,
  • Why wouldn't I choose to do my taxes for free?

At TurboTax, our goal is to make doing your taxes as easy as possible. If you have a simple tax return and feel comfortable completing it without much help, completing a free tax return with TurboTax Free Edition may be the best choice for you. If you'd like extra guidance while completing your tax return, or have additional complexities (mortgage interest, charitable donations, investment income, self-employment income, etc.) another TurboTax product may be your best choice.

A Totally Free Tax Return? What's the Catch?

With TurboTax Free Edition, you can complete a totally free federal tax return and e-file for free. No strings attached. The Free Edition does not provide as much guidance as our other TurboTax products, so it works best if you're filing a simple return (1040 EZ, 1040A, etc.) and are comfortable doing so without much help. Your free tax return can't include schedules C, D, E, and F (required for people who own a business or have sold investments), but simple tax returns usually don't include these forms.

If you choose to, you can also transfer your information to TurboTax State and file your state taxes for a small additional fee. But you are not required to make any purchase to file your federal taxes using TurboTax Free Edition.

Why Wouldn't I Choose to File a Free Tax Return?

If you had recent changes in your life that affect your taxes (getting married, buying a house, having children, inheritances, investments, etc.) you may want extra guidance while completing your tax return. Or perhaps you'd just feel more comfortable with additional assistance and tools like the TurboTax Live Community, where you can get live answers to your questions from tax experts and the TurboTax community. In these cases, a free tax return is probably not your best choice.   

TurboTax offers a variety of products to give you extra help with things like charitable donations, mortgage interest, childcare or medical expenses, investments or self-employment income. You can even use TurboTax to have a tax professional complete and file your return for you.

The key is to look at your unique situation and your comfort level with completing your taxes, then choose the TurboTax solution that's best for you. Need help deciding? Answer a few simple questions and we'll suggest the best product for you.

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