TurboTax Free File

About Free File: Free File is an IRS program that lets taxpayer use tax preparation software for free or at a discount. There are 19 Free File partners, including Intuit's TurboTax software. You must meet certain criteria to be eligible for Free File software, and you must begin your Free File tax return at the IRS Free File page to qualify for the free software. You can find a list of all IRS Free File partners and an summary of my unbiased reviews at Free Tax Software.

Free File Partner: TurboTax

Guide Rating: 4 out of 5 (highly recommended)

Free to Use if: Adjusted gross income of $30,000 or less, OR you are eligible for the Earned Income Credit, or you are on active military duty and have adjusted gross income of $54,000 or less.

Cost if not free: $14.95 to $74.95 depending which version of the software you purchase.

Cost for State Tax Return: $9.95. TurboTax does offer free state tax preparation for the following states: AL, AR, AZ, GA, ID, IA, KY, MA, MI, MN, MO, MS, NY, ND, NC, OK, OR, RI, SC, VT, WV.

Forms Supported: 1040, 1040A, and 1040EZ.

Forms Not Supported: Schedule D (for capital gains), Schedule E (for income from rentals, partnerships, and S-corporations), Schedule F (for farming income), Form 2555 (foreign wages and exclusions), Form 4562 (for depreciation), Form 6251 (for the alternative minimum tax), and other forms.

Easy to Use: TurboTax is very easy to use.

Free Version of TurboTax is Great for Simple Returns: TurboTax (Free File Edition) is great for straight-forward tax returns. The free version lacks in-depth support necessary for freelancers, business owners, investors, and landlords. Anyone who sold some stock, sold a house, bought equipment for a business, or worked abroad will be unable to use the free version of TurboTax.

Speed: Fast.

Web site: Go to the IRS Free File page, click the "Start Now" button, and click on the link for "TurboTax Freedom Edition." This will take you to the TurboTax Free File page. If you go directly to the TurboTax Web site, you will not qualify for the Free File edition of TurboTax.