Tax Tips Can I Really File My Taxes for Free? Read the Article Open Share Drawer Share this: Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Share on X (Opens in new window) X Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest Print (Opens in new window) Print Written by Lena Hanna, CPA Published Feb 14, 2025 - [Updated Feb 28, 2026] 3 min read Reviewed by Monika Krulic, EA 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. Table of Contents Key takeawaysHow to file your taxes for $0 with TurboTaxTurboTax Free Edition: Free for simple tax returnsFree filing for enlisted military membersFree filing FAQ Your refund is waiting Get started 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. “Quick, accurate, easy! I love being able to hop on my app and complete both my federal and state returns so quickly.” Lora T 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 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 “I was going to file with FreeTaxUSA but got a higher refund with TurboTax with the same W2s and it was totally free. FreeTaxUSA charged $15 to file state.” Shantina B. 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 “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 Can I switch between the mobile app and my computer? Yes. Your TurboTax account syncs across devices. Just make sure you start and file your return in the same product you qualify for. What happens if my tax situation changes mid-way? TurboTax adapts as you go. If you start with a simple return but need to report something more complex, you’ll be notified of any changes upfront. If you qualify for free filing, you can still file for $0 even if complexity increases, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements. Do free versions include the Maximum Refund Guarantee? Yes. Every TurboTax product — free or paid — includes the Maximum Refund Guarantee, using the same tax calculation engine trusted by millions of filers each year. Previous Post TurboTax Offers Free Tax Filing for Military Active Duty and… Your refund is waiting Get started Written by Lena Hanna, CPA Lena Hanna is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in both New York and California, as well as an Enrolled Agent and a Certified Internal Auditor. Currently, Lena serves as a Lead in the TurboTax community and she assists in updating content for the TurboTax Blog team. With experience in public accounting and private industry, Lena possesses knowledge in the areas of tax and audit. Her goal is to support the TurboTax community by providing accurate and up-to-date tax guidance. 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