Good news for the do-it-yourselfer: TurboTax is allowing customers to file a Federal tax return for free. In the past, even though many places offered free Federal returns, you had to work a bit harder to find the special offer.
Not so with TurboTax, they are being pretty bold with their free program this year. They’ve been one of the dominant players in the tax-software industry for a while now, and for good reason. I’ve used TurboTax many times in the past and have found it to be a great way to quickly process and file a tax return. I’ve never really had a situation that was too difficult (requiring the help of an accountant), so I have always just gone the do-it-yourself route.
The Offer
The TurboTax free edition allows you to file your Federal return for free and get a free eFile as well. The “catch” is that they charge $27.95 to file your state return.
There are a bunch of places offering a free federal tax return, but only a few restricted offers that allow you to file your state tax return for free. So TurboTax is probably banking on the fact that the free federal return will get customers in the door and it will be too inconvenient to file a paper return for your State taxes (or qualify for one of the free deals).
TurboTax is also making some bold guarantees about the program as well…
Biggest Tax Return Guarantee
If you get a larger refund or smaller tax due from another tax preparation method, we’ll refund the applicable TurboTax federal and/or state purchase price paid. TurboTax Federal Free Edition customers are entitled to payment of $14.95 and a refund of your state purchase price paid.
100% Accurate Calculations Guarantee
If you pay an IRS or state penalty or interest because of a TurboTax calculation error, we’ll pay you the penalty and interest.
Satisfaction Guaranteed
You may use TurboTax Online without charge up to the point you decide to print or electronically file your tax return. Printing or electronically filing your return reflects your satisfaction with TurboTax Online, at which time you will be required to pay or register for the product.
Are you a TurboTax user? Do you like them? Is there another tax software you prefer?
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I’ve used TurboTax in previous years and been pleased. But as you noted, there are several places where you can go and have taxes done for free. If you go to the IRS website, http://www.irs.gov, you can click on FreeFile.
Also, I do taxes through the United Way for low-moderate income people (under $49,000) and the elderly. These sites are available in many areas. We also do state and e-filing. All at no charge to the taxpayer.
I have used the online version of TurboTax for the past few years. T Rowe Price offers it at a discount to its customers although the discount may not be much different than the one listed here.
I also use ItsDeductible.com throughout the year to track deductions. TurboTax will sync up with this at the end of the year and automatically fill in my deductions.
Another alternative is TaxACT. They have a special right now: $11.90 to efile both your federal and state taxes. I’ve used TaxACT for 3 years now and love it! I just posted the deal on my blog.
Makes Cents to me ;=) lol
I coulld not find any palce for a free download. I could only find free online service. For people that do not like to put your information on line try Tax Act