TurboTax Online Review 2026: Filers who want a guided interface and the option of live expert help, and who accept higher prices for it
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Our verdict
TurboTax is the most expensive option here and the least clear on price. Its Free Edition is $0 federal, $0 state and $0 to file, but only for simple Form 1040 returns with no schedules except those needed for the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, student loan interest and Schedule 1-A; TurboTax says about 37% of filers qualify (as of 2026-10-02). The Deluxe page showed $79 federal with state additional. Other tiers say start for free and pay when you file, and the fine print says paid prices depend on the version and the date you file and change without notice. Paying from your refund can add a $40 service fee. In return you get support options the others lack: a product specialist with Deluxe and higher, and Expert Assist and Expert Full Service tiers. Confirm the price before you file. This is information, not tax advice.
Score breakdown
- Fees (25%)5.0/10
- Value & Returns (25%)8.0/10
- Transparency (20%)6.0/10
- Security & Trust (15%)7.0/10
- Support (15%)8.0/10
Scored per our review methodology.
Who it's for
Best for: Filers who want a guided interface and the option of live expert help, and who accept higher prices for it.
Pricing
Free Edition $0 for simple Form 1040 returns; Do It Yourself Deluxe shown at $79 federal plus state; other tiers priced at filing (as of 2026-10-02)
| Plan | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Free Edition | $0 federal + $0 state + $0 to file | Simple Form 1040 returns only; about 37% qualify (as of 2026-10-02). |
| Do It Yourself Deluxe | $79 federal + state | Price shown on the Deluxe page; final price set at filing (as of 2026-10-02). |
| Pay from refund | $40 service fee may apply | Per TurboTax's terms (as of 2026-10-02). |
What the evidence says
- Free Edition $0 federal + $0 state + $0 to file; simple Form 1040 only; about 37% of filers qualify (as of 2026-10-02). (TurboTax: Free Edition (official))
- Do It Yourself Deluxe $79 federal, state additional; product specialist included with Deluxe and higher; $40 service fee to pay from refund; prices determined at filing and subject to change (as of 2026-10-02). (TurboTax: Do It Yourself Deluxe (official))
- Paid tiers priced by tax profile; start for free, pay when you file; Expert Assist and Full Service tiers (as of 2026-10-02). (TurboTax: Online products (official))
Pros & cons
Pros
- Free Edition is $0 federal, $0 state and $0 to file for simple Form 1040 returns; TurboTax says about 37% of filers qualify (as of 2026-10-02)
- Access to a TurboTax product specialist is included with Deluxe and higher tiers (as of 2026-10-02)
- Expert Assist and Expert Full Service options for people who want a tax expert involved (as of 2026-10-02)
Cons & red flags
- Free Edition covers simple Form 1040 returns only, with no schedules beyond those needed for EITC, Child Tax Credit, student loan interest and Schedule 1-A (as of 2026-10-02)
- Prices for paid versions are set when you file and change without notice, and most tier prices are not shown until you build a tax profile (as of 2026-10-02)
- Paying from your refund can add a $40 service fee (as of 2026-10-02)
- State filing costs extra on paid products, on top of the $79 federal Deluxe price shown (as of 2026-10-02)
How it compares
TurboTax Online scores 6.7/10 in our tax software evaluation. See where it lands in the full ranking: Best Tax Software of 2026.
- Cash App Taxes review — 8.1/10, filers who are comfortable doing their own return and want to pay nothing for federal and state filing
- IRS Free File Fillable Forms review — 7.9/10, filers who know the irs forms, do not need a state return, and want a free federal option with no income limit
Frequently asked questions
Who qualifies for TurboTax Free Edition?
People filing simple Form 1040 returns only, with no schedules except as needed for EITC, Child Tax Credit, student loan interest and Schedule 1-A. TurboTax says about 37% of taxpayers qualify (as of 2026-10-02).
How much does TurboTax Deluxe cost?
The Deluxe page showed $79 federal plus state (as of 2026-10-02). TurboTax says final prices depend on the version and when you file, and change without notice.
Is there a fee to pay with my refund?
Yes. TurboTax says a $40 service fee may apply if you pay out of your federal or state refund (as of 2026-10-02).
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