Taxpayers living in Maine or Massachusetts have until April 17, 2024, due to the Patriot’s Day and Emancipation Day holidays. If a taxpayer resides in a federally declared disaster area, they may have additional time to file. Despite what its misleading advertisements promise, TurboTax usually costs money.

Get unlimited live help from tax experts plus a final review with TurboTax Live Assisted Basic. This program gives eligible taxpayers a new choice to file their 2023 federal tax returns online, for free, directly with the IRS. It will be rolled out in phases and is expected to be widely available in mid-March. Find more about Direct File pilot eligibility, scope and the 12 participating states on Direct File. TurboTax’s Live Assisted feature includes real-time help from tax experts by phone, live chat or video call.

Continue reading to determine your filing status and what to file. If the IRS audits a return prepared in TurboTax, you can get free audit support, meaning a TurboTax expert will review correspondence from the IRS and let you know what to expect does turbotax do local taxes and how to prepare. However, you’ll need to upgrade to TurboTax MAX to have a TurboTax pro represent you while dealing with the audit. Whereas TaxSlayer Premium or Self Employed version, offer tax assistance, but it’s limited to guidance only.

Everyone else should enter their prior year’s AGI from last year’s return.
And its “TurboTax Live Assisted Basic,” which lets taxpayers ask questions of tax pros in real time, is free through March 31, according to a spokeswoman.
Have an expert do your taxes or do them yourself.
A federal and state return filed with H&R Block Online can be done for free, according to the company.
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The Ascent is a Motley Fool service that rates and reviews essential products for your everyday money matters. It’s not 2024 without a chatbot thrown into the mix. TurboTax offers a 24/7 chatbot that answers your tax-related questions.

The answer to this question determines which tax forms you need to fill out for each state, and how you calculate your state taxes. Although TurboTax offers an easy-to-use process with helpful interview-style questions and options to obtain help when needed, it‘s a bit pricier than its competitors. Below you can see which local taxes the program will file. 100% accurate calculations, audit support, and your max refund.

TurboTax versus TaxSlayer Costs

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 around mid-March. Similar to the TurboTax and H&R Block free versions, only certain taxpayers are eligible to use Direct File. But the free version will not support income from unemployment benefits, capital gains taxes, business income or self-employment taxes.

When to file taxes in 2024

It’s intuitive and simple, guiding you through the process in a way that’s easy to follow. Choosing the right tax software can help you get your taxes done quickly and accurately and with the biggest refund. 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.

Who is eligible for TurboTax’s free edition?

The IRS reminds taxpayers that they should keep copies of their prior-year tax returns for at least three years. Taxpayers who are using the same tax software they used last year will not need to enter prior-year information to electronically sign their 2023 tax return. If you have relatively low income compared to spending or live in a state without an income tax, be sure to deduct your state and local sales tax deduction. TurboTax will walk you through the necessary questions and help you get this tax deduction if you’re eligible.

Overall, it’s “incredibly challenging” for people to understand whether free tax-preparation offers really apply to them, said Nina Olson, the former IRS national taxpayer advocate. TurboTax charges up to $129 for federal tax filing ($59 per state) for its highest “do-it-yourself tax” package. Other programs, such as TaxSlayer, charge up to $59.95 for federal tax filing ($39.95 per state) for a similar package. If you get stuck along the way, you have the option of paying an additional fee and upgrading to TurboTax Live to get on-demand help from a TurboTax expert or CPA. When you choose this option, the tax pro will do a final review of your return before you file.

No matter which TurboTax version you choose, rest assured—you’ll get simple questions and guidance to help you find every tax deduction and credit you deserve, plus your maximum refund is guaranteed. The IRS also reminds taxpayers that a trusted tax professional can prepare their tax return and provide helpful information and advice. People can use the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications to find a preparer who is skilled in tax preparation and accurately files income tax returns.

TurboTax Free Edition review

With TurboTax Live Full Service, a local expert matched to your unique situation will do your taxes for you start to finish. Or, get unlimited help and advice from tax experts while you do your taxes with TurboTax Live Assisted. https://turbo-tax.org/ And if you want to file your own taxes, you can still feel confident you’ll do them right with TurboTax as we guide you step by step. No matter which way you file, we guarantee 100% accuracy and your maximum refund.

People who make over $79,000 can use the IRS’ Free File Fillable Forms. These are the electronic version of IRS paper forms. This product is best for people who are comfortable preparing their own taxes. For most paid plans, the price you see listed for federal returns doesn’t include the state tax return you may need to file. TurboTax is an industry leader and a good fit if you’re looking for live expert assistance and an easy-to-follow interface.