TurboTax review

TurboTax has the most polished guided interview and the widest set of help options. Free Edition covers simple Form 1040 returns at $0 federal and $0 state, which Intuit defines as no schedules except those needed for the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, student loan interest and Schedule 1-A, and says roughly 37% of taxpayers qualify. Itemized deductions, unemployment on a 1099-G and freelance income on a 1099-NEC push you into a paid tier. Do It Yourself Deluxe is $79 federal with state additional and searches more than 350 deductions and credits, with extra guidance for homeowners. Documents can be photographed, uploaded or imported from employers and financial institutions, and CompleteCheck scans the return before you file. If you get stuck, Expert Assist adds on-demand expert help and Expert Full Service hands the whole return to an expert. You pay noticeably more than with FreeTaxUSA or TaxSlayer for similar forms.

Who it is for

Filers who want the most guided interview and the option to add an expert later.

Price

Free Edition for simple Form 1040 returns; Do It Yourself Deluxe $79 federal, state additional.

$79* Federal
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 9, 2026.

Key features

• Free Edition with $0 federal and $0 state for simple Form 1040 returns
• Deluxe searches 350+ deductions and credits
• Snap a photo, upload or import tax documents from employers and banks
• CompleteCheck review of the full return before filing
• Expert Assist and Expert Full Service options for live help

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Free Edition includes state for simple returns
• Strength: Most step-by-step guidance on this list
• Strength: Accuracy, audit support and refund guarantees for the 7-year life of the return
• Weakness: Deluxe costs $79 federal before state
• Weakness: Free Edition fits roughly 37% of filers, per Intuit
• Weakness: Itemized deductions and 1099-NEC income are outside the free tier

Key facts

• Free Edition: Simple Form 1040 returns, about 37% of filers
• Deluxe federal: $79, state additional
• Expert help: Expert Assist or Expert Full Service

Where it ranks

TurboTax is No. 4 in our Best Tax Software verdict.