The biggest difference between H&R Block and TurboTax is price. Both H&R Block and TurboTax allow you to use apps on your phone or tablet to file taxes. Both also offer a free version to those who have a simple tax situation.

  1. It will be available to residents in 12 states starting around mid-March.
  2. To sign in or create an Intuit Account, you need ‌an internet connection.
  3. Check the minimum system requirements (Windows, Mac) to make sure your computer is compatible.

They include the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly program. Through May 2023, the IRS took in 2.7 million Free File returns, a 10% decrease year over year, according to a Treasury Department watchdog. Meanwhile, Intuit sued H&R Block, alleging that H&R Block’s advertising misleads potential customers about TurboTax’s prices and how the rivals compare. H&R Block countered in court papers that Intuit is “aggressively seeking to avoid legitimate comparative price advertising.” Both companies declined to comment on the lawsuit.

Is TurboTax actually free? The FTC says no. The company says yes. Here’s what’s what.

It’s also not built for the taxes on money paid to an independent contractor, which generally comes on a 1099-NEC. Similar to TurboTax, H&R Block’s free version is mostly limited to taxpayers with relatively simple returns filed on a 1040 — but it does have some more capabilities than TurboTax’s free product. You can prepare and print or e-file up to 5 of your own federal and state tax returns with TurboTax Desktop. You’ll still be able to install the software on up to 5 computers owned by you (at home or at work). Or you can get started with a free tax-filing software alternative. Cash App users can file taxes free through the app; it doesn’t attempt to upsell you.

Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team. Or…you can wait to file until the very last second? Maybe you like the rush of barely making the deadline. Maybe cutting it close is one of many tiny ways you rage against the machine.

The IRS Direct File platform, the government-run version of free tax-prep software, is intentionally starting small, IRS officials said. It will be available to residents in 12 states starting https://turbo-tax.org/ around mid-March. Similar to the TurboTax and H&R Block free versions, only certain taxpayers are eligible to use Direct File. Prices on tax software are a prickly topic this tax season.

Business taxes

Here’s a link where to find nearby organizations participating in the VITA and TCE programs. Both TurboTax and H&R Block say they are upfront with consumers. When you create an Intuit Account, your TurboTax license code will be saved in your Intuit Account. Your software and tax documents you use to prepare your return will be saved to your computer like in years past. Income taxes for the 2023 tax year are due April 15, 2024.

Intuit said it will appeal the FTC’s “deeply flawed decision” and insisted to regulators that its disclosures were sufficient. TurboTax now says around 37% of tax filers qualify for its free edition, and some of its current TV ads highlight this. But like many things with taxes, it all depends on your personal situation. Before you can activate your Desktop product, make sure you’ve downloaded your software and installed it on your computer. Whether or not TurboTax is right for you largely depends on your budget and needs.

To speak to the bot, click “Help” in the top-right corner of the desktop platform. You can ask the chatbot anything in natural language. If it doesn’t know the answer, it will direct you to the TurboTax community forums or offer expert (human) help. Income thresholds are generally around $64,000 for VITA. The TCE program is geared at taxpayers age 60 and above.

TurboTax tax filing software review

You don’t need anything but your email address to get started with TurboTax. Just answer a few simple questions and you’re on your way. You don’t even need to have your W–2s or 1099s—we can import that information directly from more than a million participating intuitive turbotax employers and financial institutions. For more complex tax situations you may need additional documents, like mortgage statements or other detailed financial information. But since we save your return as you go, you can finish anytime.

It also applies the standard deduction, student-loan interest deduction and education credits. It can also handle the American Opportunity Credit and Lifetime Learning Credit, which are linked to an eligible person’s educational pursuits. TurboTax’s free editions are only available for individuals with simple returns (filing Form 1040 and limited credits only). TurboTax’s Live Assisted feature includes real-time help from tax experts by phone, live chat or video call. Help is available seven days a week from whenever the IRS starts accepting tax returns through the filing deadline in April.

The Ascent is a Motley Fool service that rates and reviews essential products for your everyday money matters. TurboTax’s free edition applies the standard deduction, which most taxpayers use instead of itemizing their deductions. It also applies the student-loan interest deduction.

Get expert help with TurboTax Live Assisted Deluxe

Your downloaded software will stay on your computer. Check the minimum system requirements (Windows, Mac) to make sure your computer is compatible. Your license code and optional product registration will be stored in your Intuit Account. To sign in or create an Intuit Account, you need ‌an internet connection.

Here’s what you should know if you’re considering using a TurboTax product for your taxes in 2024. A Form 1040 return with limited credits is one that’s filed using IRS Form 1040 only (with the exception of the specific covered situations described below). A federal and state return filed with H&R Block Online can be done for free, according to the company. The free return supports income from W2 wages, Social Security income, unemployment benefits and interest and dividends under $1,500. Normal retirement distributions pulled from accounts like a 401(k) may fit the free version, depending on a taxpayer’s circumstances. But the free version will not support income from unemployment benefits, capital gains taxes, business income or self-employment taxes.

TaxSlayer and TurboTax also both offer free filing for military members. Maximize deductions and credits with unlimited expert advice and a final review before you file. 100% accurate calculations, audit support, and your max refund.