What qualifies as a simple tax return?

If you have a simple tax return, you can file for free with TurboTax Free Edition or TurboTax Live Assisted Basic. You can also file with TurboTax Live Full Service Basic at the listed price. A simple tax return is one that's filed using IRS Form 1040 only, without having to attach any forms or schedules. Only certain taxpayers are eligible.

Situations covered (assuming no added tax complexity):

  • W-2 income
  • Interest or dividends (1099-INT/1099-DIV) that don’t require filing a Schedule B
  • IRS standard deduction
  • Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
  • Child Tax Credit (CTC)
  • Student loan interest deduction

Situations not covered:

  • Itemized deductions claimed on Schedule A
  • Unemployment income reported on a 1099-G
  • Business or 1099-NEC income
  • Stock sales (including crypto investments)
  • Rental property income
  • Credits, deductions and income reported on other forms or schedules

If you don’t have a Form 1040 return with limited credits, we have other paid options to file using TurboTax.

How does TurboTax make any money?
We want our customers to love our products and services. Because we have customers who pay for our premium products and services, we can offer free tax filing. We offer additional paid benefits that go beyond filing your Form 1040 return with limited credits for free, but they're optional.