Skip To Main Content
Sign in
TurboTax / Tax Calculators & Tips / Tax Tips Guides & Videos / Family / Guide to Filing Taxes as Head of Household

Guide to Filing Taxes as Head of Household

Written by Riley Adams, CPA • Reviewed by a TurboTax CPAUpdated for Tax Year 2024 • October 16, 2024 1:16 AM
OVERVIEW

The Head of Household Filing Status typically allows for a more generous tax situation to unmarried taxpayers who maintain a home for a qualifying person, such as a child or family relative.

 

Subscribe:Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeartRadio

Key Takeaways

  • The Head of Household filing status offers more generous tax brackets and a higher Standard Deduction than filing as single. This can apply when you maintain a home for a qualifying person.
  • Qualifying persons can include a child or other dependent who meets certain eligibility criteria.
  • To qualify for Head of Household filing status, you have to pay more than half of the cost of keeping up a household. You also have to be considered unmarried on the last day of the year.
  • Head of Household have higher income limits for qualifying for certain tax credits.

What is the Head of Household filing status?

Head of Household filers typically claim a larger Standard Deduction than taxpayers filing as Single or Married Filing Separately. As a result, Head of Household filers often have lower tax rates. To qualify as Head of Household, a person has to file an individual tax return, be considered unmarried, not be claimed on someone else's tax return, and be able to claim a qualifying dependent on your return.

 

TurboTax Tip:

To qualify for the Head of Household filing status, you have to be considered unmarried. You also must be able to claim a qualifying dependent on your tax return. Finally, you cannot be claimed on someone else’s tax return.

 

What are the advantages to filing as Head of Household?

The Head of Household filing status provides two primary benefits to you:

  • higher Standard Deduction
  • more taxable income falling into lower tax brackets

 

BenefitHead of HouseholdSingleMarried Filing Separately
Higher Standard Deduction (2024)$21,900 Standard Deduction$14,600 Standard Deduction$14,600 Standard Deduction
More taxable income falling into lower tax brackets (2024)Taxable income from $16,551 up to $63,100 before moving into the 22% tax bracket.Taxable income from $11,601 up to $47,150 before moving into the 22% tax bracket.Taxable income from $11,601 up to $47,150 before moving into the 22% tax bracket.

Who is able to file as a Head of Household?

To qualify, you have to meet certain criteria. To file as Head of Household, you have to:

  • Pay for more than half of the expenses for a qualifying household
  • Be considered unmarried on the last day of the tax year
  • Have a qualifying child or dependent

This tax filing status includes single parents. It also includes divorced or legally separated parents with custody of a child. You can also be an adult who provides support for a parent or other relative under qualifying circumstances.

What is required for maintaining a household?

The first Head of Household filing requirement is that you pay for more than half of the cost of maintaining a qualifying household. This portion must be for the entire tax year. Qualifying payments include more than half of the total household bills. These bills include rent or mortgage, utility bills, and insurance. They also includeproperty taxes, groceries,repairs and other common household expenses. In the case of a parent, your parent doesn’t need to live with you. However, you have to pay at least half the cost of their living arrangements.

Receiving financial help from a parent or other individual does not disqualify you as Head of Household. This is true as long as you're paying for more than 50 percent of the bills with your own income or savings.

What does “considered unmarried” mean for Head of Household filing status?

The IRS also requires Head of Household filers to be "considered unmarried" as of the last day of the tax year. To be considered unmarried means:

  • You file a separate return.
  • You paid more than half of the cost of keeping up your home for the tax year.
  • Your spouse did not live in the home during the last 6 months of the tax year.
  • Your home was the main home for your child, stepchild, or foster child for at least 6 months of the tax year.
  • You are able to claim the child as a dependent unless the only reason that you can't claim the child is because the noncustodial parent can claim the child under certain rules.

The IRS considers youmarried for the tax year if you and your spouse lived separately due to a temporary circumstance. Temporary separations includemilitary service, business trips, andcollege attendance.

What is a qualifying child?

The eligibility of aqualifying child or dependent extends beyond just your own son or daughter. To be considered a qualifying child, the child has to meet the criteria in each of the following categories:

  • The child is your biological or adopted child, stepchild, or foster child. The qualifying child also may be a sibling, step sibling, or half sibling. A qualifying child can also be a descendant of one of these relatives (child, grandchild, great grandchild, etc.).
  • The child lived within your home for more than six months during the tax year.
  • The child needs to be younger than you.
  • As of the end of the tax year, the child is under 19 if he is not a student, or under 24 if he is a full-time college student.
  • The child did not pay for more than half of their living expenses during the tax year.

In some cases, you may be eligible to file as Head of Household even if you are unable toclaim your child as a dependent. If you're divorced or separated and the child lived in your home for more than half of the year, you typically can file as Head of Household. This is true even if thedivorce or separation agreement gives the other parent the right to claim the child as a dependent.

What is a qualifying dependent?

You may still qualify to file as Head of Household even if yourdependent does not meet the criteria to be a qualifying child. Other relatives can be considered qualifying dependents for the Head of Household filing status. However, you have to provide more than half of the cost of maintaining the home. They also must have lived with you for more than half of the year:

  • Your biological or adopted child, stepchild, foster child, sibling, step sibling, half sibling or a descendant (child, grandchild, great grandchild, etc.) of one of these relatives who is permanently and totally disabled, even if the relative does not meet the age requirements to be a qualifying child
  • Your parent
  • Your stepparent, niece, nephew, a sibling of one of your parents, or your son-in-law, daughter-in-law, parent-in-law, mother-in-law, brother-in-law or sister-in-law

Even if your qualifying parent did not live with you for more than half of the tax year, you may still qualify to file as Head of Household. You may be eligible if you paid for more than half the cost of maintaining a home as your parent's main home throughout the entire tax year. This can also include a care facility where they lived during the year. You also have to be able toclaim them as a dependent.

How does the Head of Household status compare to other filing statuses?

Head of Household filing status has a more favorable Standard Deduction amount and lower tax brackets than filing Single or Married Filing Separately. But it is not as favorable as Married Filing Jointly.

Head of Household vs Single

Head of Household filers can have a lower taxable income than single filers. They also can have greater potential refunds. The Head of Household filing status can claim a significantly larger Standard Deduction than those filing as Single ($21,900 vs $14,600 for 2024). Those filing as Head of Household can also use wider tax brackets that allows more of their taxable income to fall into lower tax brackets.

Head of Household vs Married Filing Jointly

Joint filers receive better Standard Deduction amounts as well as wider tax brackets than those filing as Head of Household. Joint filers have a Standard Deduction twice as large as single filers. Their Standard Deduction is roughly 33% larger than Head of Household filing status ($29,200 vs. $21,900 for 2024).

What are the tax brackets for the Head of Household filing status?

Head of Household filers have more generous tax brackets than Single or Married Filing Separately filers. To see the 2024 Head of Household tax brackets and rates, use aTax Bracket Calculator. You may also comparetax bracket information by year.

What is the Standard Deduction when filing as Head of Household?

The Standard Deduction for Head of Household is $21,900 for 2024. This is greater than the Single or Married Filing Separately filing statuses, but less than Married Filing Jointly.

Can two people file Head of Household on their return?

Two people cannot file as Head of Household on the same return. If they are married, then they typically have to either file as Married Filing Jointly on the same return or as Married Filing Separately on separate returns.

Two people can both claim Head of Household filing status while living in the same home. However, both need to meet the criteria necessary to be eligible for Head of Household status:

  • You both are unmarried.
  • You both are able to claim your own qualifying dependent.
  • That dependent resides at the same residence for more than half the year. (In the case of a parent, they can live elsewhere. However, you still have to provide them with at least half of their support.)
  • They both have to pay more than half of the cost of keeping up the portion of the home for themselves and their dependent(s).

Can I claim my boyfriend/girlfriend as a dependent and Head of Household?

You can't use the Head of Household filing status with a boyfriend/girlfriend because this person is not related to you in the required ways.

Learn more about the rules of whetheryou can claim a boyfriend/girlfriend as a dependent on your income taxes.

Can you claim Head of Household and not claim a dependent?

Generally, you need to have a qualifying child or dependent claimed on your return as a dependent to file using the Head of Household status. However, if you are a custodial parent, you may be eligible to file using the Head of Household filing status. This can occur if you can't claim the child as a dependent only because the non-custodial parent can claim the child when meeting these rules:

  1. You’re unmarried or considered unmarried on the last day of the year
  2. The child received over half of their support from the parents
  3. The child is in the custody of one or both parents for more than half of the year
  4. You sign a written declaration that you won't claim the child as a dependent for the year and the non-custodial parent includes it with their tax return

How Head of Household filing status helps

Head of Household status enables you to claim a larger Standard Deduction than when filing as Single. This usually allows you to pay less in taxes.

Filing as Head of Household can place you in a lower tax bracket than you might be under the Single or Married Filing Separately filing statuses.

This filing status looks to help people with qualifying dependents keep more of their money. They can use this money to pay for the added cost of maintaining a home for a qualifying person.

You may face different requirements for your state-level tax filing status.

If you need help determining your filing status, you can visit theIRS filing status tool to learn more.

With TurboTax Live Full Service, a local expert matched to your unique situation will do your taxes for you start to finish. Or, get unlimited help and advice from tax experts while you do your taxes with TurboTax Live Assisted.

And if you want to file your own taxes, TurboTax will guide you step by step so you can feel confident they'll be done right. No matter which way you file, we guarantee 100% accuracy and your maximum refund.

Your taxes done right,
with experts by your side

Get unlimited advice, an expert final review, and your maximum refund, guaranteed with TurboTax Live Assisted Basic.

$89$49*
State additional
Start for free
100% free tax filing$0

Answer simple questions and TurboTax Free Edition takes care of the rest.

Free filing of simple Form 1040 returns only (no schedules except for Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and student loan interest). 37% of filers qualify.

Start for $0

Looking for more information?

Related Articles
More in Family
What is IRS Form 8615: Tax for Certain Children Who Have Unearned IncomeRules for Claiming Dependents on TaxesBirth of a ChildDependent Tax Deductions and Credits for FamiliesShould I Include a Dependent's Income on My Tax Return?

The above article is intended to provide generalized financial information designed to educate a broad segment of the public; it does not give personalized tax, investment, legal, or other business and professional advice. Before taking any action, you should always seek the assistance of a professional who knows your particular situation for advice on taxes, your investments, the law, or any other business and professional matters that affect you and/or your business.

TaxCaster Tax
Calculator

Estimate your tax refund and where you stand

I’m a TurboTax customer

I’m a new user

Tax Bracket
Calculator

Easily calculate your tax rate to make smart financial decisions

Get started

W-4 Withholding
Calculator

Know how much to withhold from your paycheck to get a bigger refund

Get started

Self-Employed
Tax Calculator

Estimate your self-employment tax and eliminate any surprises

Get started

Crypto Calculator

Estimate capital gains, losses, and taxes for cryptocurrency sales

Get started

Self-Employed Tax Deductions Calculator

Find deductions as a 1099 contractor, freelancer, creator, or if you have a side gig

Get started

ItsDeductible™

See how much your charitable donations are worth

Get started

Your security. Built into everything we do.

Here's how

File faster and easier with the free TurboTax app

TurboTax Online: Important Details about Filing Simple Form 1040 Returns

If you have a simple Form 1040 return only (no forms or schedules except as needed to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit or student loan interest), you can file for free yourself with TurboTax Free Edition, or you can file with TurboTax Live Assisted Basic at the listed price. Roughly 37% of taxpayers are eligible.

Examples of situations included in a simple Form 1040 return (assuming no added tax complexity):

  • W-2 income
  • Interest, dividends or original issue discounts (1099-INT/1099-DIV/1099-OID) that don’t require filing a Schedule B
  • IRS standard deduction
  • Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
  • Child Tax Credit (CTC)
  • Student loan interest deduction
  • Taxable qualified retirement plan distributions

Examples of situations not included in a simple Form 1040 return:

  • Itemized deductions claimed on Schedule A, like charitable contributions, medical expenses, mortgage interest and state and local tax deductions
  • Unemployment income reported on a 1099-G
  • Business or 1099-NEC income (often reported by those who are self-employed, gig workers or freelancers)
  • Stock sales (including crypto investments)
  • Income from rental property or property sales
  • Credits, deductions and income reported on other forms or schedules 

TURBOTAX ONLINE GUARANTEES

  • 100% Accurate Calculations Guarantee: If you pay an IRS or state penalty or interest because of a TurboTax calculation error, we'll pay you the penalty and interest. You are responsible for paying any additional tax liability you may owe. Excludes payment plans. This guarantee is good for the lifetime of your individual or business tax return, which Intuit defines as seven years from the date you filed it with TurboTax. Additional terms and limitations apply. See Terms of Service for details.

  • Maximum Refund Guarantee / Maximum Tax Savings Guarantee - or Your Money Back: If you get a larger refund or smaller tax due from another tax preparation method by filing an amended return, we'll refund the applicable TurboTax federal and/or state purchase price paid. (TurboTax Free Edition customers are entitled to payment of $30.) This guarantee is good for the lifetime of your individual tax return, which Intuit defines as seven years from the date you filed it with TurboTax, or until December 15, 2025 for your 2024 business tax return. Additional terms and limitations apply. See Terms of Service for details.

  • TurboTax Live Full Service Guarantee: If you use TurboTax Live Full Service to file your individual or business tax return, your tax expert will find every dollar you deserve. Your expert will only sign and file your return if they believe it's 100% correct and you are getting your best outcome possible. If you get a larger refund or smaller tax due from another tax preparer by filing an amended return, we'll refund the applicable TurboTax Live Full Service federal and/or state purchase price paid. If you pay an IRS or state penalty (or interest) because of an error that a TurboTax expert made while acting as a signed preparer for your return, we'll pay you the penalty and interest. Additional terms and limitations apply. See Terms of Service for details.

  • 100% Accurate Expert-Approved Guarantee: If you pay an IRS or state penalty (or interest) because of an error that a TurboTax expert made while providing topic-specific tax advice, a section review, or acting as a signed preparer for your individual or business tax return, we'll pay you the penalty and interest. You are responsible for paying any additional tax liability you may owe. Limitations apply. See Terms of Service for details.

  • Business Tax Guarantee: If you use TurboTax to file your business tax return, you will be covered by a combination of our 100% accurate calculations, maximum savings and audit support guarantees. If you pay an IRS or state penalty (or interest) because of a TurboTax calculation error or an error that a TurboTax expert made while acting as a signed preparer for your return, we'll pay you the penalty and interest. You are responsible for paying any additional tax liability you may owe. If you get a larger refund or smaller tax due from another tax preparer by filing an amended return, we'll refund the applicable TurboTax Live Business federal and/or state purchase price paid. If you receive an audit letter from the IRS or State Department of Revenue, we will provide one-on-one question-and-answer support with a tax professional, if requested through our Audit Support Center. For representation before the IRS, our fee-based Audit Defense add-on service is available for purchase (sold separately). Additional terms and limitations apply. See Terms of Service for details.

  • Audit Support Guarantee: If you receive an audit letter from the IRS or State Department of Revenue based on your 2024 TurboTax individual or business tax return, we will provide one-on-one question-and-answer support with a tax professional, if requested through our Audit Support Center, for audited individual or business returns filed with TurboTax for the current 2024 tax year, and solely for individual, non-business returns for the past two tax years (2023, 2022). Audit support is informational only. We will not represent you before the IRS or state tax authority or provide legal advice. For IRS representation, our fee-based Audit Defense service is available for purchase (sold separately). If we are not able to connect you to one of our tax professionals, we will refund the applicable TurboTax federal and/or state purchase price paid. (TurboTax Free Edition customers are entitled to payment of $30.) This guarantee is good for the lifetime of your individual tax return, which Intuit defines as seven years from the date you filed it with TurboTax, or for three years from the date you filed your business tax return. Additional terms and limitations apply. See Terms of Service for details.

  • Satisfaction Guaranteed: You may use TurboTax Online without charge up to the point you decide to print or electronically file your individual or business tax return. Printing or electronically filing your return reflects your satisfaction with TurboTax Online, at which time you will be required to pay or register for the product. Additional terms and limitations apply. See Terms of Service for details.

  • 5 Days Early Refund Fee Guarantee: If you choose to receive your federal tax refund through the TurboTax 5 Days Early service and your refund is deposited into your selected bank account less than 5 days before the IRS refund settlement date (the date it would have arrived if sent from the IRS directly), then you will not be charged the 5 Days Early fee. Excludes TurboTax Business products and services. Limitations apply. See Terms of Service for more details.

TURBOTAX ONLINE/MOBILE OFFERS & PRICING

The following TurboTax Online offers may be available for tax year 2024. Intuit reserves the right to modify or terminate any offer at any time for any reason in its sole discretion. Unless otherwise stated, each offer is not available in combination with any other TurboTax offers. Certain discount offers may not be valid for mobile in-app purchases and may be available only for a limited period of time.

  • Start for Free/Pay When You File: TurboTax online and mobile pricing is based on your tax situation and varies by product. For most paid TurboTax online and mobile offerings, you may start using the tax preparation features without paying upfront, and pay only when you are ready to e-file, print, file by mail, or purchase add-on products or services. Actual prices for paid versions are determined based on the version you use and the date and/or time you print or e-file, and are subject to change without notice. Unless otherwise specified, strikethrough prices reflect anticipated final, undiscounted prices for tax year 2024.

  • TurboTax Free Edition: TurboTax Free Edition ($0 Federal + $0 State + $0 To File) is available for those filing simple Form 1040 returns only (no forms or schedules except as needed to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and student loan interest). More details are available here. Roughly 37% of taxpayers qualify. Offer may change or end at any time without notice.

  • TurboTax Free Mobile App Offer: File for free when you start and finish your own taxes in the TurboTax mobile app by February 18, 2024, 11:59pm ET. You are not eligible for this offer if you used TurboTax to file your 2023 taxes. Offer applies only to individual taxes filed with TurboTax do-it-yourself products and excludes TurboTax Live products.

  • TurboTax Full Service - Forms-Based Pricing: “Starting at” pricing represents the base price for one federal return (includes one W-2 and one Form 1040). Final price may vary based on your actual tax situation and forms used or included with your return. Price estimates are provided prior to a tax expert starting work on your taxes. Estimates are based on initial information you provide about your tax situation, including forms you upload to assist your expert in preparing your tax return and forms or schedules we think you'll need to file based on what you tell us about your tax situation. Final price is determined at the time of print or electronic filing and may vary based on your actual tax situation, forms used to prepare your return, and forms or schedules included in your individual return. Prices are subject to change without notice and may impact your final price. If you decide to leave Full Service and work with an independent Intuit TurboTax Verified Pro, your Pro will provide information about their individual pricing and a separate estimate after you discuss your tax situation with them.

TURBOTAX ONLINE/MOBILE

  • Anytime, anywhere: Internet access required; standard data rates apply to download and use mobile app.

  • Fastest refund possible: Get your tax refund from the IRS as fast as possible by e-filing and choosing to receive your refund by direct deposit. Tax refund time frames will vary. Last tax year, the IRS issued more than 9 out of 10 refunds in less than 21 days.

  • Get your tax refund 5 days early in your bank account: If you choose this paid add-on feature, your federal tax refund will be deposited to your selected bank account 5 days before the refund settlement date provided by the IRS (the date your refund would have arrived if sent from the IRS directly). The receipt of your refund 5 Days Early is subject to IRS submitting refund information to us at least 5 days before the refund settlement date. IRS does not always provide refund settlement information 5 days early. You will not be eligible to receive your refund 5 Days Early if (1) you take a Refund Advance loan, (2) IRS delays payment of your refund, or (3) your bank's policies do not allow for same-day payment processing. 5 Days Early fee will be deducted directly from your refund prior to being deposited to your bank account. If your refund cannot be delivered 5 Days Early, you will not be charged the 5 Days Early fee. Excludes business tax returns. 5 Days Early program may change or be discontinued at any time without notice.

    Money movement services are provided by Intuit Payments Inc., licensed as a Money Transmitter by the New York State Department of Financial Services. For more information about Intuit Payments' money transmission licenses, please visit https://www.intuit.com/legal/licenses/payment-licenses/.

  • Get your tax refund up to 5 days early with Credit Karma Money™: When it's time to file, have your tax refund direct deposited to a Credit Karma Money™ checking or savings account, and you could receive your funds up to 5 days early. If you choose to pay your tax preparation fee with TurboTax using your federal tax refund or if you choose to take the Refund Advance loan, you will not be eligible to receive your refund up to 5 days early with Credit Karma. 5-day early program may change or discontinue at any time. Up to 5 days early access to your federal tax refund is compared to standard tax refund electronic deposit and is dependent on and subject to IRS submitting refund information to the bank before release date. IRS may not submit refund information early. Excludes business tax returns. Banking services for Credit Karma Money accounts are provided by MVB Bank, Inc., Member FDIC. Maximum balance and transfer limits apply per account. For more information, please visit https://turbotax.intuit.com/credit-karma-money/.

  • Loan details and disclosures for the Refund Advance program: If you expect to receive a federal refund of $500 or more, you could be eligible for a Refund Advance loan. Refund Advance loans may be issued by First Century Bank, N.A. or WebBank, neither of which are affiliated with MVB Bank, Inc., Member FDIC. Refund Advance is a loan based upon your anticipated refund and is not the refund itself. 0% APR and $0 loan fees. Availability of the Refund Advance is subject to satisfaction of identity verification, certain security requirements, eligibility criteria, and underwriting standards. This Refund Advance offer expires on February 28, 2025, or the date that available funds have been exhausted, whichever comes first. Offer, eligibility, and availability subject to change without further notice.

    Refund Advance loans issued by First Century Bank, N.A. are facilitated by Intuit TT Offerings Inc. (NMLS # 1889291), a subsidiary of Intuit Inc. Refund Advance loans issued by WebBank are facilitated by Intuit Financing Inc. (NMLS # 1136148), a subsidiary of Intuit Inc. Although there are no loan fees associated with the Refund Advance loan, separate fees may apply if you choose to pay for TurboTax with your federal refund. Paying with your federal refund is not required for the Refund Advance loan. Additional fees may apply for other products and services that you choose.

    You will not be eligible for the loan if: (1) your physical address is not included on your federal tax return, (2) your physical address is located outside of the United States or a US territory, is a PO box or is a prison address, (3) your physical address is in one of the following states: IL, CT, or NC, (4) you are less than 18 years old, (5) the tax return filed is on behalf of a deceased person, (6) you are filing certain IRS Forms (1310, 4852, 4684, 4868, 1040SS, 1040PR, 1040X, 8888, or 8862), (7) your expected refund amount is less than $500, or (8) you did not receive Forms W-2 or 1099-R or you are not reporting income on Sched C. Additional requirements: You must (a) e-file your federal tax return with TurboTax and (b) currently have or open a Credit Karma Money™ Spend (checking) account with MVB Bank, Inc., Member FDIC. Maximum balance and transfer limits apply. Opening a Credit Karma Money™ Spend (checking) account is subject to eligibility. Please see Credit Karma Money Spend Account Terms and Disclosures for details.

    Not all consumers will qualify for a loan or for the maximum loan amount. If approved, your loan will be for one of ten amounts: $250, $500, $750, $1,000, $1,500, $2,000, $2,500, $3,000, $3,500, or $4,000. Your loan amount will be based on your anticipated federal refund to a maximum of 50% of that refund amount. You will not receive a final decision of whether you are approved for the loan until after the IRS accepts your e-filed federal tax return. Loan repayment is deducted from your federal tax refund and reduces the subsequent refund amount paid directly to you.

    If approved, your Refund Advance will be deposited into your Credit Karma Money™ Spend (checking) account typically within 15 minutes after the IRS accepts your e-filed federal tax return and you may access your funds online through a virtual card. Your physical Credit Karma Visa® Debit Card* should arrive in 7 - 14 days. *Card issued by MVB Bank, Inc., Member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc.; Visa terms and conditions apply. Other fees may apply. For more information, please visit: https://support.creditkarma.com/s/article/Are-there-fees-with-a-Credit-Karma-Money-Spend-account.

    If you are approved for a loan, your tax refund after deducting the amount of your loan and agreed-upon fees (if applicable) will be placed in your Credit Karma Money™ Spend (checking) account. Tax refund funds are disbursed by the IRS typically within 21 days of e-file acceptance. If you apply for a loan and are not approved after the IRS accepts your e-filed federal tax return, your tax refund minus any agreed-upon fees (if applicable) will be placed in your Credit Karma Money™ Spend (checking) account.

    If your tax refund amounts are insufficient to pay what you owe on your loan, you will not be required to repay any remaining balance. However, you may be contacted to remind you of the remaining balance and provide payment instructions to you if you choose to repay that balance. If your loan is not paid in full, you will not be eligible to receive a Refund Advance loan in the future.

  • Pay for TurboTax out of your federal refund or state refund: Individual taxes only. Subject to eligibility requirements. Additional terms apply. A $40 service fee may apply to this payment method. Prices are subject to change without notice.

  • TurboTax Help and Support: Access to a TurboTax product specialist is included with TurboTax Deluxe, Premium, TurboTax Live Assisted and TurboTax Live Full Service; not included with Free Edition (but is available as a paid upgrade). TurboTax specialists are available to provide general customer help and support using the TurboTax product. Services, areas of expertise, experience levels, wait times, hours of operation and availability vary, and are subject to restriction and change without notice. Limitations apply. See Terms of Service for details.

  • TurboTax Live - Tax Advice and Expert Review: Access to an expert for tax questions and Expert Review (the ability to have a tax expert review) is included with TurboTax Live Assisted or as an upgrade from another TurboTax product, and available through December 31, 2025. Access to an expert for tax questions is also included with TurboTax Live Full Service and available through December 31, 2025. If you use TurboTax Live, Intuit will assign you a tax expert based on availability. Tax expert availability may be limited. Some tax topics or situations may not be included as part of this service, which shall be determined at the tax expert's sole discretion. The ability to retain the same expert preparer in subsequent years will be based on an expert’s choice to continue employment with Intuit and their availability at the times you decide to prepare your return(s). Administrative services may be provided by assistants to the tax expert. On-screen help is available on a desktop, laptop or the TurboTax mobile app. For the TurboTax Live Assisted product: If your return requires a significant level of tax advice or actual preparation, the tax expert may be required to sign as the preparer at which point they will assume primary responsibility for the preparation of your return. For the TurboTax Live Full Service product: Hand off tax preparation by uploading your tax documents, getting matched with an expert, and meeting with an expert in real time. The tax expert will sign your return as a preparer.

  • TurboTax Live - Unlimited Expert Support: Unlimited access to TurboTax Live experts refers to an unlimited quantity of contacts available to each customer, but does not refer to hours of operation or service coverage. Service, area of expertise, experience levels, wait times, hours of operation and availability vary, and are subject to restriction and change without notice.

  • TurboTax Experts - Years of Experience: Based on experts' self-reported years of tax experience.

  • TurboTax Live - Expert Availability: TurboTax Live experts are available on nights and weekends for certain expanded hours during tax season (from January to April) and in the weeks leading up to tax extension deadlines. Outside of tax season, regular hours are Monday through Friday 5am to 5pm PT. Service, area of expertise, experience levels, and wait times vary, and are subject to restriction and change without notice. Unlimited access to TurboTax Live experts is included with all TurboTax Live products.

  • TurboTax Live Full Service - File your taxes as soon as today: TurboTax Full Service experts are available to prepare 2024 tax returns starting January 6, 2025. One-day preparation and filing availability depends on start time, the complexity of your return, is based on completion time for the majority of customers, and may vary based on expert availability. A tax preparation assistant will validate the customer's tax situation during the welcome call and review uploaded documents to assess readiness and ability to file same-day. All tax forms and documents must be ready and uploaded by the customer for the tax preparation assistant to refer the customer to an available expert for live tax preparation.

  • TurboTax Live Full Service - “Local”: For purposes of virtual meetings, “Local" experts are defined as being located within the same state as the consumer's zip code. Not available in all states.

  • Smart Insights: Individual taxes only. Included with TurboTax Deluxe, Premium, TurboTax Live, TurboTax Live Full Service, or with PLUS benefits, and is available through November 1, 2025. Terms and conditions may vary and are subject to change without notice.

  • My Docs: Included with TurboTax Deluxe, Premium TurboTax Live, TurboTax Live Full Service, or with PLUS benefits and is available through December 31, 2025. Terms and conditions may vary and are subject to change without notice.

  • Tax Return Access: Included with all TurboTax Free Edition, Deluxe, Premium, TurboTax Live, and TurboTax Live Full Service products. Access to up to seven years of tax returns we have on file for you is available through December 31, 2025. Terms and conditions may vary and are subject to change without notice.

  • Easy Online Amend: Individual taxes only. With TurboTax Deluxe, Premium, TurboTax Live, TurboTax Live Full Service, or with PLUS benefits, you can make changes to your 2024 tax return online through October 31, 2027. For TurboTax Live Full Service, your tax expert will amend your 2024 tax return for you through November 15, 2025; after that date, TurboTax Live Full Service customers will be able to amend their 2024 tax return themselves using the Easy Online Amend process described above. TurboTax Free Edition customers may amend 2024 tax returns online through October 31, 2025. Terms and conditions may vary and are subject to change without notice.

  • #1 best-selling tax software: Based on aggregated sales data for all tax year 2023 TurboTax products.

  • #1 online tax filing solution for self-employed: Based upon IRS Sole Proprietor data as of calendar year 2024, for tax year 2023. Self-Employed defined as a return with a Schedule C/C-EZ tax form. Online competitor data is extrapolated from press releases and SEC filings. “Online” is defined as an individual income tax DIY return (non-preparer signed) that was prepared online and either e-filed or printed, not including returns prepared through desktop software.

  • 1099-Ks: Those filing in TurboTax Free Edition, TurboTax Live Assisted Basic or TurboTax Live Full Service Basic will be able to file a limited IRS Schedule 1 if they have hobby income or personal property rental income reported on a Form 1099-K, and/or a limited IRS Schedule D if they have personal item sales with no gain reported on Form 1099-K. Those filing in TurboTax Deluxe, TurboTax Live Assisted Deluxe or TurboTax Live Full Service Deluxe will be able to file a limited IRS Schedule D if they have personal item sales income reported on Form 1099-K. If you add other schedules or forms, or need to report other types of income on Schedules 1, D, E, F, or Form 4835 you may be required to upgrade to another TurboTax product.

  • 1099-K Snap and Autofill: Available in mobile app and mobile web only.

  • 1099-NEC Snap and Autofill: Available in TurboTax Premium (formerly Self-Employed) and TurboTax Live Assisted Premium (formerly Self-Employed). Available in mobile app only. Feature available within Schedule C tax form for TurboTax filers with 1099-NEC income.

  • Year-Round Tax Estimator: Available in TurboTax Premium (formerly Self-Employed) and TurboTax Live Assisted Premium (formerly Self-Employed). This product feature is only available after you finish and file in a self-employed TurboTax product.

  • Refer a Friend: Maximum of $500 in total rewards for 20 referrals. See official terms and conditions for more details.

  • Refer your Expert (Intuit's own experts): Maximum of $500 in total rewards for 20 referrals. See official terms and conditions for more details.

  • Refer your Expert (TurboTax Verified Pro): Maximum of $500 in total rewards for 20 referrals. See official terms and conditions for more details.

  • Average Refund Amount: $3,207 is the average refund amount American taxpayers received in the 2024 filing season based upon IRS data as of February 16, 2024 and may not reflect actual refund amount received. Each taxpayer's refund will vary based on their tax situation.

  • More self-employed deductions: based on the median amount of expenses found by TurboTax Premium (formerly Self Employed) customers who synced accounts, imported and categorized transactions compared to manual entry. Individual results may vary.

  • TurboTax Online Business Products: For TurboTax Live Assisted Business and TurboTax Full Service Business, we currently don't support the following tax situations: C-Corps (Form 1120) and entities electing to be treated as a C-Corp, Trust/Estates (Form 1041), Tax Exempt Entities/Non-Profits, returns that require more than 5 state filings, and other issues unrelated to the preparation of a tax return or unrelated to business income/franchise taxes. TurboTax Live Assisted Business is currently available only in AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, ID, IL, KS, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, NC, NJ, NV, NY, OH, PA, RI, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, and WY.

  • Audit Defense: Audit Defense is a third-party add-on service provided, for an additional fee, by TaxResources, Inc., dba Tax Audit. Audit Defense is included at no added cost with business returns filed with TurboTax Live Business (excluding Sole Proprietor). See Membership Agreements at https://www.intuit.com/legal/terms/ for service terms and conditions.

TURBOTAX DESKTOP GUARANTEES

TurboTax Desktop Individual Returns:

  • 100% Accurate Calculations Guarantee - Individual Returns: If you pay an IRS or state penalty or interest because of a TurboTax calculation error, we'll pay you the penalty and interest. Excludes payment plans. This guarantee is good for the lifetime of your personal, individual tax return, which Intuit defines as seven years from the date you filed it with TurboTax Desktop. Excludes TurboTax Desktop Business returns. Additional terms and limitations apply. See License Agreement for details.

  • Maximum Refund Guarantee / Maximum Tax Savings Guarantee - or Your Money Back - Individual Returns: If you get a larger refund or smaller tax due from another tax preparation method by filing an amended return, we'll refund the applicable TurboTax federal and/or state software license purchase price you paid. This guarantee is good for the lifetime of your personal, individual tax return, which Intuit defines as seven years from the date you filed it with TurboTax Desktop. Excludes TurboTax Desktop Business returns. Additional terms and limitations apply. See License Agreement for details.

  • Audit Support Guarantee - Individual Returns: If you receive an audit letter from the IRS or State Department of Revenue based on your 2024 TurboTax individual tax return, we will provide one-on-one question-and-answer support with a tax professional, if requested through our Audit Support Center, for audited individual returns filed with TurboTax Desktop for the current 2024 tax year and, for individual, non-business returns, for the past two tax years (2022, 2023). Audit support is informational only. We will not represent you before the IRS or state tax authority or provide legal advice. If we are not able to connect you to one of our tax professionals, we will refund the applicable TurboTax federal and/or state license purchase price you paid. This guarantee is good for the lifetime of your personal, individual tax return, which Intuit defines as seven years from the date you filed it with TurboTax Desktop. Excludes TurboTax Desktop Business returns. Additional terms and limitations apply. See License Agreement  for details.

  • Satisfaction Guarantee/ 60-Day Money Back Guarantee: If you're not completely satisfied with TurboTax Desktop software, go to refundrequest.intuit.com within 60 days of purchase and follow the process listed to submit a refund request. You must return this product using your license code or order number and dated receipt. Desktop add-on products and services purchased are non-refundable.

TurboTax Desktop Business Returns:

  • 100% Accurate Calculations Guarantee - Business Returns: If you pay an IRS or state penalty or interest because of a TurboTax calculation error, we'll pay you the penalty and interest. Excludes payment plans. You are responsible for paying any additional tax liability you may owe. Additional terms and limitations apply. See License Agreement  for details.

  • Maximum Tax Savings Guarantee - Business Returns: If you get a smaller tax due (or larger business tax refund) from another tax preparation method using the same data, TurboTax will refund the applicable TurboTax Business Desktop license purchase price you paid. Additional terms and limitations apply. See License Agreement  for details.

  • Satisfaction Guarantee/ 60-Day Money Back Guarantee: If you're not completely satisfied with TurboTax Desktop software, go to refundrequest.intuit.com within 60 days of purchase and follow the process listed to submit a refund request. You must return this product using your license code or order number and dated receipt. Desktop add-on products and services purchased are non-refundable.

TURBOTAX DESKTOP DISCLAIMERS

  • Installation Requirements: Product download, installation and activation requires an Intuit Account and internet connection. Product limited to one account per license code. You must accept the TurboTax License Agreement to use this product. Not for use by paid preparers.

  • TurboTax Desktop Products: Price includes tax preparation and printing of federal tax returns and free federal e-file of up to 5 federal tax returns. Additional fees apply for e-filing state returns. E-file fees may not apply in certain states, check here for details. Savings and price comparison based on anticipated price increase. Software updates and optional online features require internet connection. Desktop add-on products and services purchased are non-refundable.

  • Fastest Refund Possible: Get your tax refund from the IRS as fast as possible by e-filing and choosing to receive your refund by direct deposit. Tax refund time frames will vary. The IRS issues more than 9 out of 10 refunds in less than 21 days.

  • Average Refund Amount: $3,207 is the average refund amount American taxpayers received in the 2024 filing season based upon IRS data as of February 16, 2024 and may not reflect actual refund amount received.

  • TurboTax Technical Support: Customer service and technical support hours and options vary by time of year.

  • Deduct From Your Federal Refund: Individual taxes only. Subject to eligibility requirements. Additional terms apply. A $40 Refund Processing Service fee applies to this payment. method. Prices are subject to change without notice.

  • Data Import: Imports financial data from participating companies; Requires Intuit Account. Quicken and QuickBooks import not available with TurboTax installed on a Mac. Imports from Quicken (2022 and higher) and QuickBooks Desktop (2023 and higher); both Windows only. Quicken import not available for TurboTax Desktop Business. Quicken products provided by Quicken Inc., Quicken import subject to change.

  • Live Tax Advice: Access to tax experts to obtain answers to tax questions and to assist with tax year 2024 return(s) prepared with TurboTax Desktop software. Additional fees apply. Must be purchased and used by October 31, 2025. Excludes TurboTax Desktop Business. See License Agreement for details.

  • Audit Defense: Audit Defense is a third-party add-on service provided, for a fee, by TaxResources, Inc., dba Tax Audit. See Membership Agreements at https://turbotax.intuit.com/corp/softwarelicense/ for service terms and conditions.

All features, services, support, prices, offers, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice.

Compare TurboTax Tax Products

All online tax preparation software

TurboTax online guarantees

IRS Forms

Self-employed tax center

Tax Refund Advance

Crypto Taxes

Credit Karma Money

TurboTax Blog

TurboTax Canada

Products for previous tax years

$0 Mobile App Offer

Early Tax Refunds

Free Edition tax filing

Deluxe to maximize tax deductions

TurboTax self-employed & investor taxes

Free military tax filing discount

TurboTax Live tax expert products

TurboTax Live Premium

TurboTax Live Full Service Pricing

TurboTax Live Full Service Business Taxes

TurboTax Live Assisted Business Taxes

TurboTax Small Business Taxes

TurboTax Verified Tax Pros

TurboTax Verified Pros - Find Your Local Tax Professional

TurboTax Verified Pros - Pro Matching

TurboTax Desktop login

Compare TurboTax Desktop Products

All Desktop products

Install TurboTax Desktop

Check order status

TurboTax Advantage

TurboTax Desktop Business for corps

Tax tips and video homepage

Browse all tax tips

Married filing jointly vs separately

Guide to head of household

Rules for claiming dependents

File taxes with no income

About form 1099-NEC

Amended tax return

Capital gains tax rate

File back taxes

Find your AGI

Unemployment benefits and taxes

Investment tax tips

Child tax credit

Important tax deadlines

Federal tax brackets

TurboTax Live Community Support

Contact us

Where's my refund

File an IRS tax extension

Access your Turbotax account

Community

Tax law & stimulus updates

Refer Your Friends

Tax calculators and tools

TaxCaster tax calculator

Tax bracket calculator

Check e-file status refund tracker

W-4 tax withholding calculator

ItsDeductible donation tracker

Self-employed tax calculator

Crypto tax calculator

Capital gains tax calculator

Bonus tax calculator

Tax documents checklist

TurboTax customer reviews

TurboTax Super Bowl commercial

TurboTax vs H&R Block reviews

TurboTax vs TaxSlayer reviews

TurboTax vs TaxAct reviews

TurboTax vs Jackson Hewitt reviews

Accounting software

Payroll

QuickBooks payments

Professional tax software

Professional accounting software

Credit Karma credit score

More from Intuit

Mailchimp

Bookkeeper Services

Invoicing Software

TurboTax en español

TurboTax Live en español

©1997-2024 Intuit, Inc. All rights reserved.
Intuit, QuickBooks, QB, TurboTax, Credit Karma, and Mailchimp are registered trademarks of Intuit Inc. Terms and conditions, features, support, pricing, and service options subject to change without notice.

Security Certification of the TurboTax Online application has been performed by C-Level Security.

By accessing and using this page you agree to the Terms of Use.

About Cookies
Manage Cookies