Financial Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. We are not licensed financial advisors. Always consult a qualified financial professional before making any financial decisions.
TurboTax Product Profile
The most popular tax software in America — polished, guided, and worth it for complicated returns
Editorial review record is being refreshed.
Affiliate disclosure: Some links may earn a commission on qualifying purchases. Product profiles distinguish provider information from independent editorial reviews; we do not publish a rating or ranking without supporting evidence.
Product resource
TurboTax
Free plan available
The Bottom Line
TurboTax is The most popular tax software in America — polished, guided, and worth it for complicated returns. This profile summarizes the product's current positioning, available features, pricing notes, and primary sources while the independent editorial review record is being refreshed.
What is TurboTax?
TurboTax was created by Michael Chipman in 1984 and acquired by Intuit in 1993. It's the dominant consumer tax software in the US, with over 40 million returns filed annually. TurboTax operates exclusively online (no downloadable desktop software for most users) and guides filers through a question-based interview — you answer questions in plain English, TurboTax populates the forms. TurboTax Full Service option lets you hand off to a live tax expert who files for you.
What does TurboTax offer?
TurboTax Free Edition covers basic W-2 returns (very limited income types). TurboTax Deluxe ($39 federal) handles itemized deductions, mortgage interest, and charitable giving. Premier ($69 federal) adds investments, rental property, and cryptocurrency. Self-Employed ($89 federal) handles freelancers, contractors, and Schedule C filers. All tiers charge $39 per state return. TurboTax Live adds a CPA review or full filing service. Key features: W-2 photo import, automatic investment import from brokerages, prior-year data import, and the SmartLook on-demand CPA chat.
Free Edition
$0
/year
Deluxe
$39
/year
Premier
$69
/year
Self-Employed
$89
/year
Editorial assessment refresh
We are re-sourcing our prior score and tier before publishing a numerical rating or testing claim for this product. The product details, pricing notes, and linked sources remain available while that work is completed.
Ready to try TurboTax? Free plan available — no credit card required.
Get TurboTax →Frequently Asked Questions
Is TurboTax worth it in 2026?
TurboTax has a current product profile, but we are not publishing an independent value verdict until its editorial review record is sourced. Confirm current pricing, limits, and fit with the provider.
What is TurboTax best for?
TurboTax is best for: Investors with stocks, ETFs, or crypto (1099-B import is worth the price alone), Freelancers and self-employed filers with Schedule C income, Anyone with a complex return who wants maximum hand-holding.
Does TurboTax have a free plan?
Yes — TurboTax offers a free tier: Free Edition available for simple W-2 returns only — income, investments, or self-employment may require paid upgrade.
What are the best TurboTax alternatives?
Top alternatives to TurboTax include hrblock, freetaxusa, taxact.
Review the current product details and sources above, then confirm plan limits and pricing directly with the provider before choosing a plan.
Get TurboTax →Free tier available — no credit card required