Can I Really File My Taxes for Free?

If you’re wondering whether you can file your taxes for free, the short answer is yes — if your situation fits one of the qualifying categories. TurboTax offers a few different ways to file for $0, each designed for specific tax situations.

Key takeaways

• About 37% of taxpayers with simple W-2 income qualify for TurboTax Free Edition.
• Active-duty and reserve military members (ranks E-1 through E-9) can file for free.
• New TurboTax customers can file their own taxes for free using the TurboTax Mobile App or the Credit Karma Mobile App through February 28, 2026.

How to file your taxes for $0 with TurboTax

There are a few different ways to file your federal and state taxes for $0 with TurboTax, depending on your tax situation and how you file. Below is a clear breakdown to help you find the free option that works best for you.

TurboTax Mobile App Offer: Free for any tax complexity

If you’re new to TurboTax or switching from another provider, the TurboTax Mobile App and Credit Karma Mobile App let you file both your federal and state returns for $0, even if your tax situation is more complex.

This option works if you have:

• Investment income
• Rental property
• Self-employment or side-hustle income
• Multiple tax forms

To qualify, you’ll need to start and file your return in the TurboTax Mobile App by February 28, 2026.

Why people like this option

• File from anywhere on your phone
• Snap a photo of your W-2 to avoid manual entry
• Seamlessly switch between your phone and computer — your progress stays synced

TurboTax Free Edition: Free for simple tax returns

Approximately 37% of taxpayers qualify for the TurboTax Free Edition. If your tax situation is more straightforward, you may qualify for TurboTax Free Edition, which allows eligible filers to file both federal and state tax returns for $0.

“If you have a Simple Form 1040 return only (no schedules, except for EITC, CTC, student loan interest, and Schedule 1-A), you can file both your federal and state taxes for free with TurboTax Free Edition. About 37% of filers qualify. If you have a more involved tax return and you are new to TurboTax, you can file your federal and state taxes for free when you file on the TurboTax Mobile App through February 28. Active duty military and Reservist can also file their federal and state taxes for free using TurboTax online,” said CPA and tax expert with TurboTax, Lisa Greene-Lewis.

You’ll likely qualify if:

• Your income comes from a W-2
• You take the standard deduction
• You have limited interest or dividends that don’t require a Schedule B
• You claim common credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit (CTC), Student Loan Interest Deduction, or Schedule 1-A

Free filing for enlisted military members

Active-duty and reserve military members (ranks E-1 through E-9) can file both federal and states taxes for $0, regardless of complexity, through TurboTax Military.

This offer includes:

• TurboTax Online products, including Deluxe and Premium
• Support for more complex tax situations
• Easy verification using your military W-2 from DFAS

Note: This offer does not include CD/Desktop or Expert products.

Compare free filing options with TurboTax

Feature	Mobile App Offer	Free Edition	Military Offer
Federal Filing Fee	$0	$0	$0
State Filing Fee	$0	$0	$0
Tax Complexity	Any Complexity	Simple Returns Only*	Any Complexity

*~37% of filers qualify. Simple Form 1040 returns only (no schedules, except for EITC, CTC, student loan interest, and Schedule 1-A).

“Whether you are a recent college grad or an active duty military member, TurboTax has several of the best options to file your taxes for free that you don’t want to miss. Plus, unlike other tax companies that claim to have totally free filing but charge for state filing, TurboTax options are free for both federal and state taxes,” said Lisa.

Free filing FAQ