TurboTax is still free in 2026, but only for certain taxpayers under specific conditions. The free option mainly applies to simple tax returns, while more complex filings usually require a paid upgrade.
If your return qualifies as a basic Form 1040 with standard deductions, you may be eligible for the TurboTax Free Edition at $0 federal and $0 state.
However, self-employment income, investments, or itemised deductions typically trigger additional costs.
Here’s what you need to know upfront:
- TurboTax Free Edition covers simple Form 1040 returns only.
- Around 37% of taxpayers qualify for free filing.
- Self-employment, investments, and itemised deductions usually cost extra.
- A limited-time mobile app promotion may allow broader free filing.
- TurboTax is no longer part of the IRS Free File program.
Below is a clear breakdown to help you decide what works best for your 2026 tax filing.
What Is TurboTax and Why Do Millions of Americans Use It?
TurboTax is a tax preparation software developed by Intuit that allows individuals to prepare and file their federal and state income tax returns online, via mobile app, or through desktop software.
It has become one of the most widely used tax platforms in the United States, largely because of its intuitive interface and strong reputation for accuracy guarantees.
The platform guides you through your tax return using a conversational question-and-answer format. Instead of filling out IRS forms manually, you respond to simple prompts, and the software automatically populates your return behind the scenes.
Millions use TurboTax because it offers:
- A streamlined, beginner-friendly filing process
- Automatic import of W-2s and 1099s
- AI-powered assistance through Intuit Assist
- Access to tax professionals via Expert Assist or Full Service
- Guarantees including maximum refund and 100% accurate calculations
As one financial editor noted:
“TurboTax’s user experience is smooth, intuitive and well designed. You’re never left unsure of what to do next.”
For many taxpayers, that ease of use is worth paying for. But the big question remains, is TurboTax no longer free for most people in 2026?
Is TurboTax No Longer Free in 2026?
No, TurboTax is not entirely paid in 2026, but it is limited free.
TurboTax still offers a Free Edition. However, it only applies to simple Form 1040 returns with minimal schedules. If your tax situation includes additional forms or complexity, you’ll likely need to upgrade to a paid plan.
This distinction often causes confusion. Many users start filing under the impression that it will remain free, only to see upgrade prompts when entering certain income types.
One Reddit user recently asked:
“I thought TurboTax was free, but it keeps asking me to upgrade. What changed?”
What changed isn’t necessarily the existence of free filing, it’s the definition of what qualifies as “simple.”
Approximately 37% of taxpayers qualify for TurboTax Free Edition. If you fall outside that category, your return will likely trigger a paid tier.
Who Actually Qualifies for TurboTax Free Edition in 2026?
TurboTax Free Edition is designed specifically for taxpayers with straightforward returns. If your tax situation involves only standard income and basic credits, you may qualify.
Generally, you qualify if you have:
- W-2 employment income
- Standard deduction (not itemized)
- Limited interest or dividend income
- Eligibility for Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
- Eligibility for Child Tax Credit (CTC)
- Student loan interest deduction
- Certain Schedule 1-A adjustments
TurboTax reports that approximately 37% of filers meet these conditions. That percentage represents taxpayers with relatively basic financial situations, such as employees without side businesses or investment portfolios.
Eligibility Overview
| Qualification Factor | Eligible for Free Edition? |
| W-2 Income Only | Yes |
| Standard Deduction | Yes |
| EITC or CTC | Yes |
| Itemized Deductions | No |
| Self-Employment Income | No |
| Stock or Crypto Sales | No |
| Rental Property Income | No |
If your return includes business income, investments, rental properties, or itemized deductions, you’ll likely be prompted to upgrade.
What Exactly Is Included in TurboTax Free Edition?
TurboTax Free Edition supports simple federal and state returns filed using Form 1040 without additional complex schedules. The goal is to allow individuals with uncomplicated tax situations to file confidently without paying a fee.
The edition covers the most common income types and family-related credits. For many young professionals, students, or single-income households, this may be sufficient.
Included Tax Situations
- W-2 income
- Limited 1099-INT and 1099-DIV income
- Standard deduction
- Earned Income Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Student loan interest
- Certain Schedule 1-A deductions
These inclusions cover the majority of basic wage earners and families claiming common credits.
Excluded Tax Situations
- Itemized deductions (Schedule A)
- Business or gig income (Schedule C)
- Stock or crypto transactions (Schedule D)
- Rental income (Schedule E)
- Unemployment income (1099-G)
- K-1 income
If you add any excluded form, TurboTax typically displays a notification explaining that your return now requires an upgrade.
This transition is automatic because the Free Edition does not support those additional schedules.
Understanding these boundaries early can help prevent surprises during the filing process.
Why Does TurboTax Charge for Self-Employed, Investment, and Itemized Returns?
Complex returns require additional forms and tax calculations. TurboTax structures its pricing based on complexity.
Self-employed taxpayers must complete Schedule C and often calculate expenses, home office deductions, and quarterly estimated payments. Investors report capital gains and losses through Schedule D. Itemizers must complete Schedule A.
From a software perspective, these returns involve more detailed guidance and compliance checks.
A tax expert explained it clearly:
“The more schedules required, the more responsibility the software assumes. That’s why complexity increases pricing.”
TurboTax’s paid tiers for 2026 generally fall into these categories:
TurboTax 2026 Pricing Overview
| Plan | Federal Cost | State Cost | Best For |
| Free Edition | $0 | $0 | Simple returns |
| Deluxe | ~$49 | ~$39 | Itemized deductions |
| Premium | ~$99 | ~$39 | Investments & self-employed |
| Expert Assist | $39–$159 add-on | State additional | Live tax guidance |
| Full Service (Promo) | $150 | Included (promo) | Expert files for you |
Keep in mind that prices can increase closer to the filing deadline due to seasonal demand and promotional pricing cycles. Filing early often means accessing lower base rates.
What Is the 2026 TurboTax Mobile App Free Filing Promotion?
In 2026, TurboTax introduced a limited-time mobile promotion that attracted significant attention. Unlike the standard Free Edition, this promotion expands eligibility for a short period.
New customers who file through the TurboTax or Credit Karma mobile app by February 28, 2026, may qualify for free federal and state filing, regardless of complexity.
This includes:
- Self-employment income
- Investment income
- Itemized deductions
- Rental income
However, this offer comes with strict conditions.
You must:
- Be a new TurboTax customer
- Not have used TurboTax in the previous year
- File through the mobile app only
- Submit your return by February 28, 2026
- Use the Do-It-Yourself version (Expert products excluded)
As CNBC reported:
“Through the end of February, TurboTax will process any state and federal returns at no cost for new app users.”
After the deadline passes, regular pricing tiers apply based on your return complexity. This promotion is temporary and should not be confused with the year-round Free Edition.
How Much Does TurboTax Cost in 2026 If You Don’t Qualify for Free?
If you don’t qualify for the Free Edition or mobile promotion, you’ll move into one of TurboTax’s paid plans.
The cost varies depending on:
- Type of income
- State filing requirements
- Whether you need expert assistance
- Whether you pay upfront or from your refund
It’s important to note that choosing to pay from your refund usually includes an additional processing fee, often around $40.
TurboTax also offers optional services such as refund advance loans and early direct deposit features. While these tools can be helpful for those needing quicker access to funds, they may include additional terms and eligibility requirements.
Planning ahead and reviewing pricing before entering complex forms can help you avoid unexpected costs.
How Does TurboTax Compare to FreeTaxUSA, H&R Block, and Cash App Taxes?
When evaluating whether TurboTax is no longer free, it’s helpful to compare it with other tax software providers.
Price Comparison
| Provider | Federal Filing | State Filing | Supports Complex Returns Free? |
| TurboTax Free Edition | $0 | $0 | No |
| FreeTaxUSA | $0 | $15.99 | Yes |
| H&R Block Free | $0 | Varies | Limited |
| Cash App Taxes | $0 | $0 | Yes |
FreeTaxUSA allows itemized deductions and investment reporting under its free federal plan (state costs extra). Cash App Taxes offers both federal and state filing for free but lacks live support.
Feature & Support Differences
TurboTax differentiates itself with:
- AI-powered Intuit Assist
- Extensive financial institution import partnerships
- Full-service expert filing options
- Comprehensive audit support add-ons
- A highly polished, guided interface
However, these premium features contribute to higher overall pricing compared to many competitors.
Why Did TurboTax Leave the IRS Free File Program?
TurboTax previously participated in the IRS Free File program, which allowed eligible low-income taxpayers to file for free through approved software providers. The company has since withdrawn from that partnership.
In addition, the IRS Direct File pilot program was discontinued in 2025. As a result, TurboTax’s current free offerings operate independently of IRS Free File.
If you’re specifically seeking an IRS-sponsored free filing solution, you’ll need to visit IRS.gov to explore participating Free File providers. TurboTax’s Free Edition and mobile promotions are company-specific programs, not government-backed initiatives.
Is TurboTax Worth Paying For in 2026?
Whether TurboTax is worth paying for depends largely on what you value most during tax season.
TurboTax consistently receives high ratings for usability. Its conversational interface, real-time refund tracker, automatic document imports, and contextual help features make the process feel less overwhelming.
One reviewer described it this way:
“TurboTax makes filing feel like a conversation instead of paperwork.”
You may find it worth the cost if:
- You value simplicity and intuitive design
- You want AI-powered explanations along the way
- You prefer access to live tax professionals
- You want automatic imports from employers and financial institutions
- You appreciate strong guarantees for accuracy and maximum refunds
However, if minimizing cost is your primary objective and you’re comfortable navigating tax forms independently, alternatives like FreeTaxUSA or Cash App Taxes may provide similar results at a lower price.
What Should You Do If You Don’t Qualify for TurboTax Free Edition in 2026?
If you don’t qualify for TurboTax Free Edition in 2026, it simply means your tax return includes forms or income types that fall outside the “simple return” category.
The good news is that you still have multiple cost-effective paths available.
The right choice depends on your tax complexity, comfort level with DIY filing, and how much you value added features like expert support.
Understand Why You Were Moved to a Paid Plan
Before switching providers or upgrading immediately, take a moment to review what triggered the upgrade. TurboTax automatically moves users to paid tiers when certain schedules are added to the return.
Common triggers include:
- Self-employment or gig income (Schedule C)
- Stock or crypto sales (Schedule D)
- Rental property income (Schedule E)
- Itemized deductions (Schedule A)
- Unemployment income (1099-G)
In some cases, a simple adjustment, such as choosing the standard deduction instead of itemizing, may prevent the need for an upgrade. Reviewing your return carefully can help you determine whether the paid tier is truly necessary.
Compare Upgrade Costs with Alternative Tax Software
If your return requires a paid plan, compare the overall value before upgrading. TurboTax Deluxe or Premium offers strong guidance, automation, and a smooth user experience, but at a higher cost.
If affordability matters more, alternatives like FreeTaxUSA (free federal, low-cost state) or Cash App Taxes (free federal and state) may be better options. The right choice depends on whether you prioritize features or savings.
Evaluate Promotions and IRS-Backed Free Filing Options
Before paying, check for limited-time promotions such as TurboTax’s mobile app offer for new users. Filing before the deadline could significantly reduce your cost.
You should also review IRS Free File options through IRS.gov. While TurboTax no longer participates, other providers may allow you to file completely free if you meet income guidelines.
Should You Use TurboTax or Switch to a Truly Free Alternative?
Whether you should use TurboTax or switch to a truly free alternative in 2026 depends largely on your tax situation. If your return is simple and you qualify for the Free Edition, TurboTax can still be a convenient and reliable option.
However, if you are self-employed, invest in stocks or cryptocurrency, or itemise deductions, you may need to upgrade to a paid plan unless you qualify for the limited-time mobile app promotion.
Your decision should consider your tax complexity, comfort with DIY filing, budget, and whether you need expert assistance.
TurboTax is not completely free, but it is not entirely paid either, it operates somewhere in between depending on your needs.
Final Thoughts
TurboTax is still free in 2026, but only for simple returns or under limited-time promotional conditions.
If your tax situation is straightforward, you may pay nothing. If it includes self-employment income, investments, or itemized deductions, you’ll likely face upgrade fees.
Understanding the eligibility rules is key to avoiding surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does TurboTax charge if I add a 1099 form?
Yes, if the 1099 form requires a schedule outside the simple Form 1040 definition (such as Schedule C or D), you will likely need to upgrade to a paid version.
Can I downgrade back to Free Edition after upgrading?
In many cases, yes. TurboTax allows you to switch products within your account settings, though some restrictions apply if you upgrade to Expert Assist.
Is TurboTax free for military members?
Active-duty and reserve military members (E-1 to E-9) may qualify for free filing regardless of complexity.
Are there fees if I pay TurboTax with my refund?
Yes. Choosing to deduct filing fees from your refund typically includes an additional processing fee.
Does TurboTax offer audit defense automatically?
Audit support is included, but full audit defense requires purchasing the MAX add-on.
Can retirees use TurboTax Free Edition?
Retirees may qualify if their return remains simple. However, pension distributions or investment income may require a paid tier.
What happens if I miss the February 28 mobile app deadline?
Standard pricing applies, and you may need to upgrade depending on your tax complexity.
