Who Qualifies to Use TurboTax for Free?

Tax time can be stressful, but TurboTax can help. Over the past 10 years, Americans have filed approximately 124 million tax returns completely free of charge using TurboTax, more than all other tax prep software companies combined.  

For millions of eligible filers, TurboTax is free. If you have a simple tax return (typically a 1040 with W-2 income, standard deduction, and limited credits), you may be able to file completely free. Qualifying active-duty and reserve military members can also file for free. 

But not everyone qualifies for free filing with TurboTax. Learn more about how to use TurboTax for free, when you might have to pay, and the specific fees involved.

Who can file for free with TurboTax?

Approximately 37% of taxpayers qualify to file taxes with TurboTax for free. Here’s who can use TurboTax for free:

• Filers who qualify for TurboTax Free Edition
• Enlisted active duty and reserve military
• VITA program filers

In this section we’ll discuss more specifics for these filers.

Filers who qualify for TurboTax Free Edition

Millions of Americans have filed state and federal taxes for free using the TurboTax Free Edition. This option is specifically designed for taxpayers with simple tax returns. 

This means you could qualify for the TurboTax Free Edition if you file a simple Form 1040 return only. The only other accepted forms or tax schedules are those needed to claim the following: 

• Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) 
• Child Tax Credit (CTC) 
• Student loan interest deduction 
• Taxable qualified retirement plan distributions 

Generally speaking, simple tax returns can include: 

• W-2 income 
• Income from interest, dividends, or original issue discounts (1099-INT/1099-DIV/1099-OID) as long as they don’t require filing Schedule B 
• IRS standard deduction 

Note that the following aren’t included in a simple Form 1040 return (and likely won’t qualify for free TurboTax filing): 

• Itemized deductions claimed on Schedule A (like charitable contributions or medical expenses) 
• Income reported using Form 1099-NEC (including business, self-employed, or freelance income) 
• Unemployment income reported on Form 1099-G 
• Stock sales (including crypto investments) 
• Income from property sales or rental property 
• Tax credits, deductions, or income reported on other tax forms or schedules

Enlisted active duty and reserve military filers

Intuit is a proud supporter of US military members, veterans, and their families in their communities and overseas. As a part of this commitment, we’re proud to provide free federal and state tax preparation to active duty and reservists of an enlisted rank (E-1 through E-9) with a W-2 from DFAS. 

As an enlisted active duty military member or reservist, you can file taxes for free through any TurboTax Online product that isn’t CD/desktop or TurboTax Live. This includes TurboTax Free Edition, Deluxe, and Premium. 

To claim this discount, enter your W-2 information and verify your military rank when prompted within TurboTax Online. Your discount will be automatically applied when you’re ready to file. 

Free filing is also available for those filing jointly with a non-military spouse. This offer isn’t valid for warrant officers, commission officers, veterans, National Guard personnel, or retirees.

IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program filers

Those who qualify for the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program can also file their taxes for free. TurboTax is proud to support this program, which  provides free electronic tax return preparation for individuals who fall within set income thresholds. 

Those who qualify generally meet at least one of the criteria: 

• Earn $67,000 or less each year 
• Need help preparing their individual tax returns 
• Have a qualifying disability 
• Have limited English-speaking skills

VITA is primarily run by IRS-certified volunteers. These volunteers also offer tax counseling, along with free basic income tax return preparation.

Understanding TurboTax fees

TurboTax is free for roughly 37% of taxpayers, typically those filing a simple 1040 tax return. You can also file free if you’re enlisted active duty, reserve military, or qualify for the IRS VITA Program. 

File for free using TurboTax before? If your tax situation has become more complicated, you might need to upgrade to a paid version. More complex situations typically call for the Deluxe version or higher. 

Some common reasons you might need to upgrade from Free Edition: 

• You’re taking itemized deductions using Schedule A (for example, you now qualify for home-related deductions). 
• You’ve earned 1099-NEC income (such as business, self-employment, or other non W-2 income). 
• Some of your income comes from rental properties or stock sales (including crypto investments). 
• You have unemployment income reported on Form 1099-G. 
• You need to file additional tax schedules (besides Form 1040) to claim certain tax credits or deductions. 

TurboTax fees vary based on your tax situation and which product you use. These are the typical nondiscounted filing fees (limited-time discounts may apply): 

• $0 to $129 for the DIY version (file your own taxes) 
• $79 to $219 for the Live Assisted Deluxe version (file with expert help) 
• $129+ for the Live Full Service version (an expert will file for you)

TurboTax free file FAQs

Can you file a 1099 on TurboTax for free?

If you have a 1099-NEC, your taxes may be a bit more complex—which means the TurboTax Free Edition likely won’t cover it. TurboTax Free is built for simple tax returns (Form 1040 only). If you’re self-employed, a freelancer, or earning gig income, you may need to upgrade to a paid version to unlock tools that maximize your deductions and help you keep more of what you earn.

Is TurboTax free for students?

TurboTax doesn’t offer a free file option specifically for students. However, students with a simple tax return may qualify for TurboTax Free. Additionally, students who are enlisted active-duty or reserve military members may qualify for free filing.

Is TurboTax free for seniors?

Seniors may qualify for free filing with TurboTax if they have a simple tax return (Form 1040 with W-2, Social Security income, or standard deduction). The IRS Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) grant program also offers free tax help to those ages 60 or older.

How do I switch from TurboTax Deluxe to the free version?

If you’re filing a simple Form 1040 tax return this year, you might be able to switch back to the free version—even if you paid to file taxes in previous years. You’ll need to qualify for TurboTax Free, so double-check the requirements before trying to downgrade to a different option. 

To change TurboTax Online products, you’ll need to open your tax return. From there, select “Switch Products” and choose “Downgrade.” You can also erase your current information and start over if you haven’t submitted payment or registered your product yet. This will also let you choose a different TurboTax version.