TurboTax charges different amounts depending on which product you choose, and the price changes each tax year

TurboTax is tax preparation software sold by Intuit. The company offers several versions at different price points: Free Edition, Deluxe, Premier, and Self-Employed. The cost you pay depends on which version you buy and when you buy it. Prices typically range from $0 to $300 or more, though the exact amount shifts year to year and by retailer.

TurboTax does not charge a monthly subscription. You buy one version for one tax year, file your return, and you are done. If you want to file again next year, you pay again. The company also charges extra fees for certain add-ons — like state return filing or audit defense — and for using a tax professional to review your work before you file.

Key Takeaways

  • TurboTax Free Edition costs nothing if your income is below a certain threshold, which changes each year and depends on your filing status.
  • Paid versions (Deluxe, Premier, Self-Employed) cost between roughly $60 and $300, but the exact price varies by year and where you buy it.
  • State return filing is not included in most versions and costs extra, usually $40 to $60 per state.
  • TurboTax charges additional fees for audit defense, amended returns, and other add-on services beyond basic federal return preparation.

Free Edition and income limits

TurboTax Free Edition is free, but only if your income falls below a limit set by the IRS. That limit changes each year. For the 2024 tax year (filed in 2025), the income threshold was $79,000 for most filers. If you earn more than that, you cannot use Free Edition, even if your return is simple.

Free Edition covers federal return preparation only. It does not include state return filing. If you need to file a state return, you pay extra. The software walks you through questions about your income, deductions, and credits, then generates your federal return and lets you file it electronically.

Free Edition is genuinely free — no hidden charges, no upsell to a paid version partway through. However, TurboTax also offers a free version through the IRS Free File program, which has different income limits and is run directly by the IRS. The two are separate programs.

Deluxe, Premier, and Self-Employed pricing

Deluxe is the entry-level paid version and typically costs between $60 and $120 per year, depending on when you buy it and which retailer you use. It covers itemized deductions, rental income, and some investment income. Like Free Edition, it does not include state return filing.

Premier costs more — usually $100 to $180 — and adds support for capital gains, stock sales, and more complex investment scenarios. Self-Employed is priced similarly to Premier and is designed for people who run a business or have self-employment income. It includes business expense tracking and Schedule C preparation.

All three paid versions let you file your federal return electronically. State return filing is sold separately and typically costs $40 to $60 per state. If you live in a state with no income tax, you do not need to buy a state return.

When prices change and where to buy

TurboTax prices are highest in January and February, when most people file. The company often discounts prices in November and December before the tax season begins. Prices also vary by retailer — you may find different prices on TurboTax's own website, Amazon, Costco, or other sellers.

TurboTax releases a new version each tax year. The 2024 version (for taxes filed in 2025) is different from the 2023 version. You cannot use an old version to file a current-year return. If you bought TurboTax last year, you need to buy it again this year.

The company sometimes runs promotions where you get a discount or a refund if you switch from another tax software. These offers change frequently and are not always advertised on the main product page.

Add-on fees and services

Beyond the base product cost, TurboTax charges for several extras. Audit defense — where the company helps you if the IRS audits your return — costs around $50 to $150 depending on the level of support. Amended return preparation costs extra if you need to file a Form 1040-X to correct a return you already filed.

If you want a tax professional to review your return before you file, TurboTax offers that service through its Live CPA or Live Enrolled Agent options. These cost more and vary in price depending on how much help you need. The company also charges for expedited customer support and for importing data from other software.

Some of these add-ons are bundled into higher-tier versions. For example, certain audit defense features may be included in Self-Employed but not in Deluxe. Check the product comparison on TurboTax's website to see what is included in each version you are considering.

How to find the current year's prices

The best way to know what TurboTax costs right now is to visit the TurboTax website directly or call their sales line. Prices change frequently, and this article cannot list exact amounts because they shift month to month and year to year. The website shows the current price for each version and lets you compare what is included in each.

If you are deciding between TurboTax and another tax software, compare not just the base price but also what add-ons you will need. A cheaper product that requires you to buy state filing separately may cost more overall than a pricier product that includes it. Many people also check whether their employer or bank offers a discount code for TurboTax.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does TurboTax charge if I do not file my return?

No. You pay only when you buy the software. If you buy it and then decide not to file, you are not charged a refund or additional fee. However, you cannot get your money back once you have purchased it, so read the return policy before you buy.

Can I use last year's TurboTax to file this year's taxes?

No. Tax forms and rules change every year, so you need the current year's version. Using an old version will not work correctly and may cause errors on your return. You must buy a new version each tax year.

What is the difference between TurboTax Free Edition and the IRS Free File program?

They are two separate programs. TurboTax Free Edition is sold by Intuit and has an income limit of around $79,000. The IRS Free File program is run by the IRS and includes several different tax software brands, each with different income limits. Both are free, but they have different rules about who can use them.

Do I have to pay for state return filing?

Yes, in most cases. State return filing is not included in the base price of any TurboTax version except in rare promotions. You pay separately for each state return you need to file, usually $40 to $60 per state. If your state has no income tax, you do not need to file a state return.

Can I get a refund if I change my mind after buying TurboTax?

TurboTax has a return policy, but it varies by where you bought it and when. Check the terms at the time of purchase. Generally, refunds are available within a certain window if you have not filed your return yet, but policies differ by retailer and product version.