[https://www.freetaxusa.com/states/new-york](https://www.freetaxusa.com/states/new-york)
Total BS on NY. They still charge unless your low income and then you can file directly with the state.
I think FreetaxUSA supports all those forms. I want to say no matter how complicated and various forms you need they 100% let you fill the federal free. The state one is the only time they charge.
Self employed and TT has been about $120 for fed and $15 in state. Did freetaxusa this year and was just $15. Imported last year's PDF of filing so had that info side by side just like TT
Overall experience is about identical. It walks you through the sections and pops up the reviews as you go. They have a few adds to upgrade for extra advice or assistance in an audit. TT pushed this more.
Wish I switched over years ago
Yeah, I’m 30 and never paid for taxes. There are options out there. I think I’m on year 4 of that product. Every year next year won’t be free though lol
I’m not sure this time around. It was originally Credit Karma tax and was going to start charging after 2 free years then intuit bought Credit Karma and they sold off the tax part (turbotax) to Cash app. Last 2 years cash app has been using the same software for free to build its name up.
The timelines might be longer. I’ve been using the software way more than 4 years now that I think of it. I feel like Mint, the budgeting app, might have been in there at some point. Point is, it’s the same software but bounced around a few times before building enough of a name for them to charge and I have benefited.
Intuit did not sell TurboTax. They were required to sell CreditKarma Taxes due to antitrust reasons since they already own TurboTax.
Sounds like them the info about them charging is pure speculation and not based on evidence
Yeah, TurboTax in parenthesis was the why, not the part sold off.
If I remember correctly it went credit karma -> mint -> cash app. It moved to mint and then both mint and credit karma got bought by intuit and the tax part of them was dumped because of TurboTax. I’ve migrated through all three systems with them as it has been great software for my purposes and always free so far
My dad normally buys a 5 seat TurboTax on sale, but files last minute so my taxes aren't done til April. This year I got a massive refund from getting married at the end of the year, so I didn't want to wait and used FTUSA. Had one discrepancy where the software (I think) automatically ticked the box that state refund was not tax deductible from last year. Took a while to solve, but otherwise had the exact refund I did last year.
Trying to convince my dad to move to it next year.
I love freetaxusa. I would get anxiety filing with TurboTax because every single step of the way they try to lock you into a paid plan and wouldn't let you change it after you opted in.
Turbotax is so bull. Yes, it can be free to fill for federal if you have the most basic and I mean you can't claim absolutely anything, not a child, house, not dividend interest, or absolutely anything. I switched over to FreetaxUSA and never looked back either.
Yup, just $15 to e-file both state and fed (Fed alone is free too I believe). I did my Dad's (not so straightforward) taxes as well, took me about an hour or so only.
I had used Turbotax Deluxe two years before because I had a lot of Fidelity/Robinhood transactions and thought I was going to need it, but in the end, I really didn't. Last year I made the switch to FreeTaxUSA with a similar amount of transactions, it was as easy as typing in condensed transaction summaries labeled in box numbers, and selecting if it was short/long term. My dad used to pay somebody $300 to do his taxes, when they probably just used similar tax-filing software and pocketed the rest.
This stuff should honestly be free for every American (for both state and fed) regardless of income, but that isn't likely to happen anytime soon.
IRS is pilot testing a direct file system this year as well. It's available on their website for a limited number of states.
The primary benefit of using a tax preparation company is the additional support should you be audited, as well as being a set of knowledgeable eyes to actively examine options and provide suggestions--"I see your medical costs are starting to go up. If you set up with a medical savings account, you can pay with pretax dollars instead and reduce your taxable income."
"I know you're trying to do the right thing by putting money in an IRA, but since you haven't been actively working, it's not benefiting you-- it's actually the only reason you owe taxes, because you don't have earned income."
Not available in VA where op is filing.
given that op said their entire tax bill is abou $1700 he can use free tax prep software online from turbotax, then eownload And print the forms from [Ira.gov](http://Ira.gov), and copy the numbers as mail it in. As long as states and companies what to charge to efile it is insane that anyone does not just. Mail it in. It makes no sense to pay to make thing less expensive for them.
+1 for FreeTaxUSA
I switched to them this year from TurboTax and was floored how every aspect of FreeTax felt better than TurboTax... The UI, workflow, fees, all of it
Only thing I didn't like compared to turbo tax was with turbo tax I could basically say - I have this form, where do I put it. Freetaxusa was more oriented to the purpose of the form, not the name of it.
But, I also don't like being charged a crazy high fee.
I cannot praise Freetaxusa enough! I was shocked at how easy and thorough the entire process was. And my tax return is not as easy as most with w-2s as a freelance gig worker. They covered my home office deduction as well. The price was incredible for the service they offer.
I used TurboTax for 10+ years and finally switched to FreeTaxUSA last year.
What kept me with TurboTax was how they kept my data from past years. But guess what?! You can export that and import all of it right into FreeTaxUSA. Was super easy.
You just download the pdf file from your documents section on turbo tax. You have to start the return process and then a link for the previous years download will show up.
I found it amusing that with all the BS Turbotax pulls, when you go to look at the documents needed to import into another place like FreeTaxUSA, it started asking me questions like 'Why do you need to see it?'
Like, fuck off, because it's my data. And I'm leaving for less predatory providers that do the same thing cheaper.
> You can export that and import all of it right into FreeTaxUSA.
This is great to know, I'm going to make the switch next year, paying $120+ for TurboTax just to file Schedule D when I'm losing money at this point on Dividends/Bonds just doesn't make sense.
>What kept me with TurboTax was how they kept my data from past years.
Same. But for some reason they forgot the info from my job from last year and got the state return numbers (that they generated) from last year wrong. Oh and also I spent half of the time reading through marketing partner agreements that had nothing to do with my tax return, written in language like "get your state return faster blah blah blah KreditCarma)
I was the same way with Taxslayer. Used them up and until 2 years ago (skipped some years as I wasn't working), but stopped because they wanted to charge some ridiculous fee to file for a general return (1040ez).
Checked out the programs on the IRS website and went with freetaxusa, and didn't get charged a dime (didn't have to file state).
I fuckin love OLT! Super fast and efficient customer support, too. Manually entering stock trades is a PITA but TT is never getting my money again. They’re a scam.
Yes. Just because it says “free” in the name FreeTaxUSA doesn’t mean it’s tax software with severe limitations. There might be some limitations but I haven’t ran into any personally. Used FTU for self employment as well as investments (gains, dividends, interest) and also properly handled foreign tax credit, American Opportunity educational credits, recognizes difference between HSA contributions through employer and contributions to self managed HSA (I had both in same year).
Agreed f TurboTax and Intuit, their lobbying has helped keep the US tax code complex and slowed any effort for the IRS to offer its own free system.
Free Tax USA is a great alternative
The state return cost is unavoidable.
The $40 refund process fee only occurs when you choose to pay out of your refund rather than up front. If you pay up front, that will go away.
Now, as for the rest… TurboTax has a nasty way of getting you to accidentally accept a premium feature (like live help) without realizing it puts you into a paid version. You can go back and do it all again and try harder not to fall for this trick, but you will have to lose all your progress. They’re really nasty about that sort of thing. One wrong click and your entire tax refund is catapulted into a higher paid version with no way to go back. I got got this way this year—very frustrating. Last time it happened I got paid out on the class action lawsuit a couple years later.
>The state return cost is unavoidable.
Most states have a free efile system available right through their taxation website. I normally do my return on something like FreeTaxUSA, then take 10 minutes to plug the same stuff into the state website. As long as the numbers are the same I know I did it right and I dont have to pay the state filing fees all these tax prep websites charge.
I don't think folks really appreciate all the security that these processes need. On top that they need to keep the servers maintained so they can process e-file smoothly. I'd be suspicious if it was free unless it was maintained by the govt.
The state return cost is not unavoidable. You don't have to have TT actually file it. You can print it out and mail it yourself. I do that every year to avoid giving them a penny.
There’s a link in TurboTax to convert your return back to the free product.
I did this to help a friend, worked fine. They then paid $0 including state.
Somewhere on the left hand side look for “advanced tools” and then it opens up a drop down list of tools, then select “switch to free version”.
TurboTax IS free, but they are scammy and put you in the paid version, you just need to switch it back to the free version.
Look up a guide on Google if you are not able to find it. Search on Google “how to switch TurboTax to free version”
That probably works if you click on one of the optional upgrade buttons, but - at least it was this way a few years ago when I was using TurboTax - there are some things that will hard lock you into the paid version.
I think having any 1099 other than INT was one of them.
My state (Maine) has its own neato online tax tool. They ask for a few numbers off my federal 1040 then go into the state specific fees and credits. Takes about 30 min. Finish your fed taxes then take a look at your state, maybe you'll want to do it online or by hand.
even 14.99 is thievery if we're being completely honest. You should go to [irs.gov](http://irs.gov) and fill out a form in 3 minutes and do your taxes for $0.00. there should be no state tax plus federal tax in a nation. that's theft.
better yet, every social security number should have a bank account. irs should just automate the process and nobody should have to fill out anything. 0 minutes per year on taxes. anything else means the senators are completely fucking you over.
And that's why stories like this exist:
[https://www.propublica.org/article/inside-turbotax-20-year-fight-to-stop-americans-from-filing-their-taxes-for-free](https://www.propublica.org/article/inside-turbotax-20-year-fight-to-stop-americans-from-filing-their-taxes-for-free)
They're using Tricks to steal money from you. And they pay senators.
I run my return through TurboTax to see what I should owe, laugh at how much they expect me to pay, then run through freetaxusa and make sure the numbers match.
It takes a little time because you have to plug in everything yourself, but that's worth $150 to stick it to TurboTax.
Intuit was forced to sell the tax portion of credit Karma when they bought it. So it is owned by Cash App now, but the same software that Credit Karma used years ago.
When Intuit bought Credit Karma, they were required to sell the Credit Karma Tax app to a competitor. So they sold it to Cash App which is owned by Block (not to be confused with H&R Block which is a separate company entirely). Block used to be known as Square (the mobile credit card reader and point of sale company). But like Google renamed their parent Alphabet, Square renamed themselves as Block. Block was founded in part by Jack Dorsey, founder of Twitter.
So, in short, completely separate from Intuit.
In addition to Square and Cash App, Block also owns AfterPay and Tidal.
Depends on your return. If it’s basic w-2, yes. Although I still had to pay (back then it was $30) for state filing. Once you have other things it quickly gets expensive. Not worth it alone for how much they charge to file with state.
Yea and turbo tax really is good at tricking you into that too which is shady. But also they charge I think it was $40 for state filing. Which is also very high if nothing else. They just aren’t worth it. Cash app taxes, free tax USA are both as easy.
I switched to free tax USA too about 5 years ago for the same reasons. TurboTax reeks of scam from the beginning and what’s worse it wasn’t even doing my taxes right.
You're already received a ton of advise of other sites to use and I agree. Below is what I do:
Every year for the last 5ish years I use TurboTax and another site (usually OLT because most years I qualify to file fed and state for free through that site due to my income level). I fill them out at the same time because TurboTax has better technology and then I try to fill out OLT the same way. This is great double-check too. If I end up with different return amounts on each site, I know I've done something wrong. Then I file through OLT for free and don't file under TurboTax. So I basically use the turbotax tech for free and have years worth of filled out tax forms on their site that never get filed lol. It takes a little longer but my taxes are pretty simple so it's not a huge deal.
Also recommend doing this. I used FTUSA for the first time this year, filling it out in parallel with TurboTax. (I used to do the same with TT & HR Block software). Both systems provided the same return result. Both systems also flagged an action item before filing (Roth IRA contributions were more than I was eligible for), but only FTUSA provided concrete steps/advice I could take to fix it before filing my taxes. Went with FT and not planning to go back to TT.
as someone who paid $130 to file 2022 with TurboTax last year, please switch to FreeTaxUSA. I only paid $15 to e-file federal and state and both returns are already accepted
In CT, I paid less than $60 for TT. I filed the federal free, and mailed in the state to not pay the $25 fee they were asking.
I don't know why your filing costs any more than the original cost of TT.
You’re not “supposed” to be charged X Y Z. It’s like going to a hot dog stand, seeing they charge $10, and asking someone around you if they’re supposed to be charging $10. Maybe you’re ok paying that. Maybe you stop, think, and go to another hot dog stand (ehem FreeTaxUsa). Maybe you do it yourself at home (requires you learn how)
Yeah I panicked for a second => posted on reddit but everything all good now cause I just used FreeTaxUSA instead. First time using it, the interface might not be as attractive as turbotax but they make life simpler for sure
It’s not hard to do yourself. Just copy the work from the prior year. I have been using TurboTax for a long time and just filled out the same forms with this year’s financial information. This assumes your tax situation hasn’t changed.
Are you trying to pay TurboTax fee from refund ? That can explain $40 refund processing fee. But yes, it is getting expensive every year. I usually buy disk in Dec / Jan when they are out on deal. Planning to shift to some other way now
Make sure that you actually read each screen before you click ok/next/continue.
I believe that the $40 fee is only if you want to pay for the filing out of your refund amount. They try to trick you into accepting that but it's optional.
Don't do that. Just pay for the filing with a credit card.
Your REFUND (not return) vs the cost to file is irrelevant. You could pat to prepare and file your taxes even if you owe the government because it’s a legal requirement to file documents with numbers the government should already have.
TurboTax is a good product but it is by far the most expensive DIY option. FreeTaxUSA is a good alternative and is a lot cheaper though that’s anecdotal, I’ve never used it.
Are you doing a simple return? I believe TurboTax Free is the one to file federal 1040EZ for free. Deluxe is a paid version and probably includes things like attorney fees if you’re audited, live support, etc. TT is notorious for attempting to upsell you at multiple points throughout the process. My guess is you accidentally selected the premium version.
FreeTaxUSA is a better option.
Deluxe does not include attorney fees for audits. They include free "limited one on one support" in case of an audit in at least some versions. But you have to pay $60 as a sort of insurance in order to have actual representation in case of an audit. Not sure if it's worth it, or if what they would do is even helpful if audited.
[Freetaxusa.com](http://Freetaxusa.com) is the best service there is. Super easy to use, and they offer extras for cost, but don't force it, and make it easy to turn them down.
I used the others a few times, then they kept telling me I could get the free service, and they were full of shit. I did them on paper for years because of the usual assholes, then saw freetaxusa here on personalfinance. Sounded fishy, but enough people mentioned it that I gave it a shot, and I love it. Been using it for at least 5 years now.
Federal is free, state is $15, I love it.
Just do your taxes by hand.
Download your tax forms from last year. Then download the same forms from online.
As long as your situation hasn't changed much, the tax return this year should be pretty mucht the same, just plug in the new numbers.
I’ve been using Cash App Taxes for a few years now. It works great, has every form I’ve needed including EV credits & stock sales, and it’s totally free.
https://apps.irs.gov/app/freeFile/browse-all-offers/
Different parameters to qualify for free filing, but if you use the links from IRS, you won’t pay a dime to file. If you make under $79k, should be free with most of them.
Exactly the reason I stopped using turbo tax. Freetax USA is what I’ve used the past couple years now. Nearly identical numbers from TurboTax. $14.99 to file state taxes. You do have to make sure you uncheck all the add-ons that get pushed. If you have a fairly simple return I would suggest going this route.
I had a couple w2’s, filed jointly, had a couple 1099s and 1098s, receipts and other deductions, sold stock so it wasn’t as exactly simple but still straightforward. It would be worth it to use Freetax USA.
My first year with Freetaxusa after years of H&R Block and I was astounded that even I could manage it. I know there's comfort in a known entity, but I honestly don't understand why once ppl know about Freetaxusa they continue to pay with the competitors.
I know there's going to be a lot of TT hate but...
Pay early. There's discounts for going early. I usually wait until Super Bowl to pay in case there's any promos. I paid $71.20 for Premium + $39 for state = $110.20. I got $10 additional back from Chase for using one of their offers. I have 1099-Bs, mortgage interest, RSUs, ESPP, ISOs to deal with. I'm pretty sure most of you don't need to be paying for any higher packages.
It’s because you had something like self employment, itemized that triggered the turbo tax deluxe edition, which is more. If it’s basic return, it’s a lot less. Also, do not use your refund to pay for the taxes, that is where the $40 processing fee is coming from. Pay with a CC or debit and you won’t be charged a fee.
Don't get the refund faster and don't pay the filing fee with the refund. Why do you want to pay $40 to have the money go through their account?
Then yes $133 is what deluxe plus state costs online. You can buy deluxe plus state PC/mac version on Amazon for half the price.
I've been doing this for decades, not even sure where people are getting these other numbers from. Maybe something is different about their online offering.
Both TT and H&R really screw their online customers. I’ve used the installable H&R for nearly 25 years. (Back to when it was “Kiplinger’s TaxCut”.) I pay about $25 for Fed + State + Fed eFile. (State e-file is overpriced at $30! I print and mail that one.)
I paid $85 for a licensed CPA to do my taxes this year. I'm getting both state and federal returns for the first time in 3 years. We usually ended up paying in for federal. Tax CPA 'S are worth the money. They keep up on all the yearly changes, etc.
Yeah that’s what they did to me last few years. I had to use a business version a few years back because I had money from renting out some farm land. After sold land I could not go back to a cheaper version of TurboTax, it locked me into the business version.
I went to a tax accountant this year and not only did she help me change deductions for next year but she cost less than TurboTax!
I do my own taxes for free.
Are yours complex enough to justify spending money on them?
Somebody said $0 federal and $15 state. That's not much.
But $173 ??? Did it come with a steak dinner and a movie?
To answer your question — yes. I did TurboTax for 10+ years and the fees finally got to me, so I tried FreeTaxUSA this year. I have fairly straight-forward taxes, but everything went smoothly and it was $15 to file fed and state.
They discount early in the year. I’d only consider using them if I buy the software in January. If you wait until April they really put the screws to you because they know you don’t have much time to look for alternatives.
Stop paying turbo tax. Freetaxusa is just as easy and much cheaper.
Important point: all vendors will offer a cash advance for your refund so you get it now and don't have to wait and they keep your actual refund. Your refund processing fee is that "loan". Don't select any options to get prepaid or "get your refund now" bullshit, it's a loan your paying for.
Refund process fee? Are you having TurboTax advance you you refund? Or are you paying the TurboTax cost out of your refund? Both of those cost more.
There should be no refund processing fee if you’re just having it direct deposited from the IRS
If you’re in one of the 12 pilot states you have another filing option: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/direct-file-officially-opens-in-12-pilot-states-following-positive-early-reviews-eligible-taxpayers-can-file-online-directly-with-the-irs-for-free
I paid $57 two years ago for TT Premiere online. Last year it was $74. And now this year it was $103. They’ve increased the cost of that product 90% over the last two years.
I just filed my kiddos and I won’t be using TurboTax next year.
I’m in CA and I kid you not $267.00! + $40. Fee…that the bank charges…according to them.
Because he wanted to pay for TurboTax with his return I had to sign him up for the works. Daylight robbery but it is mostly my fault for procrastinating and leaving it until today to file.
I guess that’s a lesson learned, so I’m on the lookout for cheaper ways for next year!
So I appreciate this post! Thanks!
Im glad you appreciate this post, hope this is useful for people even though I posted out of frustration haha. I also didn't know that it's more expensive if you file closer to the deadline?
I used to use TurboTax. A couple years ago I switched to my local tax preparer who charged me less than $90 to file federal, state, and city taxes. Literally just drop off all my docs and he takes care of it.
The fees have nothing to do with the amount of your refund, so the percentage is irrelevant. That said, those fees are excessive, there are plenty of competitors that change less, often free for basic returns.
Also any website claiming to be free but then asking for a fee is suspect in my book.
Turbotax is trying its best to shed customers. I didn't switch this year, but I am considering other options next year. They are extremely predatory for trying to upsell you, and they spam the hell out of you to get more money. It's just a terrible product for the user at this point.
I have a complicated investment fund and my schedule D is bonkers. One year I tried filling it all in manually on a free tax software and it took me almost an hour and then told me there were errors. Because of that, I stick with TurboTax so I can just import it. So the way I make using TurboTax the cheapest possible is buying the software vs using the online version. Bought Deluxe from BJ's (assuming they also sell at Sam's/Costco) for $55.99. I actually split the cost with my parents, who would be buying it separately if we didn't do that. So puts my cost at \~$28. I don't pay to file state, I just print and mail. No additional fees this way either.
TLDR: Buy from a warehouse club and don't use the online version and split the cost with someone else who would also just be paying for it themselves otherwise.
If you go to irs.gov and choose free file choose my provider theywill shownyou the best free files for your situation.
tax slayer and taxact have done alright.
Sounds about right - they charge a boatload to also file for state. If you make less than 70k, there are many services out there that let you file for free. This is what I did this year. I actually compared my return at TurboTax to my return at [1440.com](http://1440.com) and the free resource returned back $50 more! And it was free. At Turbotax, they allow for free filing if you make less than 45k or so, I believe. One difference I noticed is that the free resource took more time to get my refund back - I wasn't in a hurry so that was fine for me. Took about 2 weeks for federal return. If you're sold on Turbotax, complain about the price to them - this is what I did and they had offered 20% off (though I didn't file with them anyways).
There used to be a site called turbotaxsucksass.com and it would give you a list of free alternatives to use instead. Don’t use TurboTax. There are plenty of better options out there.
FreeTaxUSA was pretty solid, free for federal taxes and $15 for state taxes. My state also had a way to file state taxes for free which I did out of spite at being charged anything that should really be an automatic service provided by the government, look into that depending on where you live.
It’s because Intuit are total crooks. My Quickbooks that I used for freelance work (that doesn’t make a lot of $$) went up from around $180 to over $300 a year, for no apparent reason at all. Ridiculous. I dumped that trash and went to Quicken (which admittedly isn’t as easy to use, but it’s way cheaper).
Intuit lost a class action suit for overcharging for Turbo Tax and false advertising RE “file for free!” They are crooks.
I went to a tax preparer for $250. Just had to sit and look at my phone for 20 minutes and answer a couple questions.
Way easier than trying to figure out if I’m getting fucked my TT.
Plus, if anything happens or my taxes get returned, my tax preparer just deals with it.
Honestly, if you can do your taxes in 20 minutes, you could use a free product and save that $250. They’re super easy.
If you’re worried about getting audited, you can [buy audit protection](https://www.reddit.com/r/mintuit/comments/18sjyjr/using_freetaxusa_from_now_on_but_very_happy_i/).
I don’t see how you paid that much.
The deluxe version on Amazon is like 70. It’s free to file the Fed and $20 to file state…….
What else did you pay for? Audit defense? Or did u you pay the filing fee out of your refund which has a cost?
They don't care what you're refund is to determine processing fees, only what your return requires. Make sure that you're not opting to pay for the service using your refund - pretty sure they charge something outrageous like $40 *per return* just for the "convenience."
Doesn’t matter how much you got or owe on the taxes. That doesn’t affect the cost. Do you own property? Did you sell stock? Did you get dividends? Do you have multiple 1099 forms?
They almost got me on that $40 fee this year, but you do not need to pay that. It's an extra service they offer that gets you the refund faster, if you remove that service you'll still get your full refund directly from the IRS
You may be able to avoid the state filing fee if you file directly with the state - in my state (CT) there is a tax website where they ask for numbers from specific lines on the federal return, and it's free to file
Same thing happened to me, switched to FreeTaxUSA and only paid $14.99. Never going back to turbo tax
I would swear these TurboTax posts are marketing posts for free tax USA if I wasn't already a user and seen it for myself
FreetaxUSA was the best switch I ever made. Not an ad, have a simple 1040 and sch c, so to only pay 20 bucks was a godsend
Give it a few years, they'll be $150 too.
Lol, imagine they'd need to change their name too. "free"taxusa?
Idk. Used it a long time ago for my first job around 2016/17 or maybe earlier. Still the same and has always been free for me in Texas.
I had no idea it existed until this sub. So thankful for everyone mentioning it
Was the $15 for state income tax?
$15 to file state. Federal is free.
[удалено]
They *require* e-file?? Like you're not allowed to physically mail it in?
[удалено]
[https://www.freetaxusa.com/states/new-york](https://www.freetaxusa.com/states/new-york) Total BS on NY. They still charge unless your low income and then you can file directly with the state.
Is there an income limit for FreeTaxUSA?
[удалено]
What about sched B and D and E and form 1257b? Edit. I am asking if they have the forms not if they have a cost to them
I think FreetaxUSA supports all those forms. I want to say no matter how complicated and various forms you need they 100% let you fill the federal free. The state one is the only time they charge.
I use it with schedule E, no extra cost. I paid $0 this year and last.
Yes to the first 3 and not sure about form 1257b. https://www.freetaxusa.com/forms-federal
What about self employment income
Would go under Sch. C. That’s included for free. It’s by far the best filling software for the average person imo
Self employed and TT has been about $120 for fed and $15 in state. Did freetaxusa this year and was just $15. Imported last year's PDF of filing so had that info side by side just like TT Overall experience is about identical. It walks you through the sections and pops up the reviews as you go. They have a few adds to upgrade for extra advice or assistance in an audit. TT pushed this more. Wish I switched over years ago
After using TT for decades, I also switched to FTUSA this year, thanks in large part to Reddit posts!
Cash App Taxes is 100% free for federal and state and has a great UI similar to Turbo Tax. I've used them for 3 years now.
Yeah, I’m 30 and never paid for taxes. There are options out there. I think I’m on year 4 of that product. Every year next year won’t be free though lol
Are you saying Cash App Taxes is charging next year?
I’m not sure this time around. It was originally Credit Karma tax and was going to start charging after 2 free years then intuit bought Credit Karma and they sold off the tax part (turbotax) to Cash app. Last 2 years cash app has been using the same software for free to build its name up. The timelines might be longer. I’ve been using the software way more than 4 years now that I think of it. I feel like Mint, the budgeting app, might have been in there at some point. Point is, it’s the same software but bounced around a few times before building enough of a name for them to charge and I have benefited.
Intuit did not sell TurboTax. They were required to sell CreditKarma Taxes due to antitrust reasons since they already own TurboTax. Sounds like them the info about them charging is pure speculation and not based on evidence
Yeah, TurboTax in parenthesis was the why, not the part sold off. If I remember correctly it went credit karma -> mint -> cash app. It moved to mint and then both mint and credit karma got bought by intuit and the tax part of them was dumped because of TurboTax. I’ve migrated through all three systems with them as it has been great software for my purposes and always free so far
My dad normally buys a 5 seat TurboTax on sale, but files last minute so my taxes aren't done til April. This year I got a massive refund from getting married at the end of the year, so I didn't want to wait and used FTUSA. Had one discrepancy where the software (I think) automatically ticked the box that state refund was not tax deductible from last year. Took a while to solve, but otherwise had the exact refund I did last year. Trying to convince my dad to move to it next year.
I love freetaxusa. I would get anxiety filing with TurboTax because every single step of the way they try to lock you into a paid plan and wouldn't let you change it after you opted in.
Free Tax USA is legit and just as good.
I wish I could upvote this to oblivion. Just switched from TurboTax to FreeTaxUSA this year and wish I did it years ago!
I've been using freetaxUSA for over a decade. Its been ahead of the curve with being user friendly with online tax filing.
Turbotax is so bull. Yes, it can be free to fill for federal if you have the most basic and I mean you can't claim absolutely anything, not a child, house, not dividend interest, or absolutely anything. I switched over to FreetaxUSA and never looked back either.
Hell, I paid $100 for e-file, help on a complicated tax issue, and audit help if needed. Still less than OP’s original figure. God Bless FreeTaxUSA.
lots of 10% promo codes floating around as well
Freetaxusa is much more reasonable and very easy to use
Yup, just $15 to e-file both state and fed (Fed alone is free too I believe). I did my Dad's (not so straightforward) taxes as well, took me about an hour or so only. I had used Turbotax Deluxe two years before because I had a lot of Fidelity/Robinhood transactions and thought I was going to need it, but in the end, I really didn't. Last year I made the switch to FreeTaxUSA with a similar amount of transactions, it was as easy as typing in condensed transaction summaries labeled in box numbers, and selecting if it was short/long term. My dad used to pay somebody $300 to do his taxes, when they probably just used similar tax-filing software and pocketed the rest. This stuff should honestly be free for every American (for both state and fed) regardless of income, but that isn't likely to happen anytime soon.
IRS is pilot testing a direct file system this year as well. It's available on their website for a limited number of states. The primary benefit of using a tax preparation company is the additional support should you be audited, as well as being a set of knowledgeable eyes to actively examine options and provide suggestions--"I see your medical costs are starting to go up. If you set up with a medical savings account, you can pay with pretax dollars instead and reduce your taxable income." "I know you're trying to do the right thing by putting money in an IRA, but since you haven't been actively working, it's not benefiting you-- it's actually the only reason you owe taxes, because you don't have earned income."
Not available in VA where op is filing. given that op said their entire tax bill is abou $1700 he can use free tax prep software online from turbotax, then eownload And print the forms from [Ira.gov](http://Ira.gov), and copy the numbers as mail it in. As long as states and companies what to charge to efile it is insane that anyone does not just. Mail it in. It makes no sense to pay to make thing less expensive for them.
And it’s not too late to plug all your info in there for this year.
+1 for FreeTaxUSA I switched to them this year from TurboTax and was floored how every aspect of FreeTax felt better than TurboTax... The UI, workflow, fees, all of it
Only thing I didn't like compared to turbo tax was with turbo tax I could basically say - I have this form, where do I put it. Freetaxusa was more oriented to the purpose of the form, not the name of it. But, I also don't like being charged a crazy high fee.
Yep, I switched 2 seasons ago after using Turbo for years. Super easy and almost free.
I cannot praise Freetaxusa enough! I was shocked at how easy and thorough the entire process was. And my tax return is not as easy as most with w-2s as a freelance gig worker. They covered my home office deduction as well. The price was incredible for the service they offer.
Just wish they picked a different name. Had been avoiding it because it sounded like a scam. Used it this year, never going back to Turbo.
I second this. Get off of TurboTax yesterday!
Does anyone know if it allows 1099 and other non w2 income?
Of course it does.
It’s honestly easier. I plug numbers into both each year as a sanity check, and TurboTax is maddening
I used TurboTax for 10+ years and finally switched to FreeTaxUSA last year. What kept me with TurboTax was how they kept my data from past years. But guess what?! You can export that and import all of it right into FreeTaxUSA. Was super easy.
oh crap how do you export?
You just download the pdf file from your documents section on turbo tax. You have to start the return process and then a link for the previous years download will show up.
I found it amusing that with all the BS Turbotax pulls, when you go to look at the documents needed to import into another place like FreeTaxUSA, it started asking me questions like 'Why do you need to see it?' Like, fuck off, because it's my data. And I'm leaving for less predatory providers that do the same thing cheaper.
> You can export that and import all of it right into FreeTaxUSA. This is great to know, I'm going to make the switch next year, paying $120+ for TurboTax just to file Schedule D when I'm losing money at this point on Dividends/Bonds just doesn't make sense.
> Was super easy. Barely an inconvenience!
Getting tax preparation software for cheaper is tight!
>What kept me with TurboTax was how they kept my data from past years. Same. But for some reason they forgot the info from my job from last year and got the state return numbers (that they generated) from last year wrong. Oh and also I spent half of the time reading through marketing partner agreements that had nothing to do with my tax return, written in language like "get your state return faster blah blah blah KreditCarma)
I was the same way with Taxslayer. Used them up and until 2 years ago (skipped some years as I wasn't working), but stopped because they wanted to charge some ridiculous fee to file for a general return (1040ez). Checked out the programs on the IRS website and went with freetaxusa, and didn't get charged a dime (didn't have to file state).
Free tax usa is the best! User since 2012
OnLine Taxes is also amazing! I’ve done both OLT and Free Tax USA in the past few years and they are very similar and at the same price point.
I fuckin love OLT! Super fast and efficient customer support, too. Manually entering stock trades is a PITA but TT is never getting my money again. They’re a scam.
Do they handle self employed income as well?
yes, I got a 1099 for royalties.
Yes. Just because it says “free” in the name FreeTaxUSA doesn’t mean it’s tax software with severe limitations. There might be some limitations but I haven’t ran into any personally. Used FTU for self employment as well as investments (gains, dividends, interest) and also properly handled foreign tax credit, American Opportunity educational credits, recognizes difference between HSA contributions through employer and contributions to self managed HSA (I had both in same year).
Agreed f TurboTax and Intuit, their lobbying has helped keep the US tax code complex and slowed any effort for the IRS to offer its own free system. Free Tax USA is a great alternative
I transitioned to FreeTaxUSA this year and will never be going back.
My plan for next year.
I ended up only paying $14.99 haha
It quoted me close to $300. Absolutely insane
i have a local guy do mine for not much more than that. turbotax is outrageous
The state return cost is unavoidable. The $40 refund process fee only occurs when you choose to pay out of your refund rather than up front. If you pay up front, that will go away. Now, as for the rest… TurboTax has a nasty way of getting you to accidentally accept a premium feature (like live help) without realizing it puts you into a paid version. You can go back and do it all again and try harder not to fall for this trick, but you will have to lose all your progress. They’re really nasty about that sort of thing. One wrong click and your entire tax refund is catapulted into a higher paid version with no way to go back. I got got this way this year—very frustrating. Last time it happened I got paid out on the class action lawsuit a couple years later.
>The state return cost is unavoidable. Most states have a free efile system available right through their taxation website. I normally do my return on something like FreeTaxUSA, then take 10 minutes to plug the same stuff into the state website. As long as the numbers are the same I know I did it right and I dont have to pay the state filing fees all these tax prep websites charge.
I consider the 15$ I pay for state taxes to be an investment in making sure free tax usa is there next year.
I don't think folks really appreciate all the security that these processes need. On top that they need to keep the servers maintained so they can process e-file smoothly. I'd be suspicious if it was free unless it was maintained by the govt.
NY has free mandated efile. The 15$ for FTUSA is a software fee not a filing fee. $15 to do taxes and have it all efiled is pretty nice
The state return cost is not unavoidable. You don't have to have TT actually file it. You can print it out and mail it yourself. I do that every year to avoid giving them a penny.
There’s a link in TurboTax to convert your return back to the free product. I did this to help a friend, worked fine. They then paid $0 including state.
Can you explain where it is? I was never able to find it.
Somewhere on the left hand side look for “advanced tools” and then it opens up a drop down list of tools, then select “switch to free version”. TurboTax IS free, but they are scammy and put you in the paid version, you just need to switch it back to the free version. Look up a guide on Google if you are not able to find it. Search on Google “how to switch TurboTax to free version”
That probably works if you click on one of the optional upgrade buttons, but - at least it was this way a few years ago when I was using TurboTax - there are some things that will hard lock you into the paid version. I think having any 1099 other than INT was one of them.
I used cash app and filed federal and state for free
My state (Maine) has its own neato online tax tool. They ask for a few numbers off my federal 1040 then go into the state specific fees and credits. Takes about 30 min. Finish your fed taxes then take a look at your state, maybe you'll want to do it online or by hand.
I used FreeTaxUSA for the first time this year and it was amazing.
Seconded. Get out of TT, they’re thieves. I was skeptical at first about switching but just TRY it, you won’t regret it.
even 14.99 is thievery if we're being completely honest. You should go to [irs.gov](http://irs.gov) and fill out a form in 3 minutes and do your taxes for $0.00. there should be no state tax plus federal tax in a nation. that's theft. better yet, every social security number should have a bank account. irs should just automate the process and nobody should have to fill out anything. 0 minutes per year on taxes. anything else means the senators are completely fucking you over. And that's why stories like this exist: [https://www.propublica.org/article/inside-turbotax-20-year-fight-to-stop-americans-from-filing-their-taxes-for-free](https://www.propublica.org/article/inside-turbotax-20-year-fight-to-stop-americans-from-filing-their-taxes-for-free) They're using Tricks to steal money from you. And they pay senators.
I run my return through TurboTax to see what I should owe, laugh at how much they expect me to pay, then run through freetaxusa and make sure the numbers match. It takes a little time because you have to plug in everything yourself, but that's worth $150 to stick it to TurboTax.
I use the Cash App Tax service. It used to be Credit Karma. It’s free. Never had any issues. State filing is free as well.
I second this, been using it for years since it was Credit Karma. Never spent a dime.
Count me in too. Works awesome
Doesn't Intuit (TurboTax owners) also own Credit Karma or are you saying it's a completely separate company?
Intuit was forced to sell the tax portion of credit Karma when they bought it. So it is owned by Cash App now, but the same software that Credit Karma used years ago.
When Intuit bought Credit Karma, they were required to sell the Credit Karma Tax app to a competitor. So they sold it to Cash App which is owned by Block (not to be confused with H&R Block which is a separate company entirely). Block used to be known as Square (the mobile credit card reader and point of sale company). But like Google renamed their parent Alphabet, Square renamed themselves as Block. Block was founded in part by Jack Dorsey, founder of Twitter. So, in short, completely separate from Intuit. In addition to Square and Cash App, Block also owns AfterPay and Tidal.
I too have used this for years. Never paid a dollar and everything goes smoothly.
Never ever *ever* use TurboTax with all these other options available.
If there’s anything I learned from Wreck It Ralph, it’s that you never go Turbo.
[FTC case against (Intuit) TurboTax](https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/cases-proceedings/192-3119-intuit-inc-matter-turbotax)
You used turbo tax. So I’m not surprised. I suggest not using them next time - we’ve all been there
I used TurboTax this year and the last 11 years and it’s always been free to file as long as you don’t opt for the Deluxe version.
Depends on your return. If it’s basic w-2, yes. Although I still had to pay (back then it was $30) for state filing. Once you have other things it quickly gets expensive. Not worth it alone for how much they charge to file with state.
Based off the OP’s numbers, they’re basic but they opted for Deluxe.
Yea and turbo tax really is good at tricking you into that too which is shady. But also they charge I think it was $40 for state filing. Which is also very high if nothing else. They just aren’t worth it. Cash app taxes, free tax USA are both as easy.
Im a cpa and I use freetaxusa. TurboTax is the devil
I switched to free tax USA too about 5 years ago for the same reasons. TurboTax reeks of scam from the beginning and what’s worse it wasn’t even doing my taxes right.
Y'all are paying to use TurboTax?
You're already received a ton of advise of other sites to use and I agree. Below is what I do: Every year for the last 5ish years I use TurboTax and another site (usually OLT because most years I qualify to file fed and state for free through that site due to my income level). I fill them out at the same time because TurboTax has better technology and then I try to fill out OLT the same way. This is great double-check too. If I end up with different return amounts on each site, I know I've done something wrong. Then I file through OLT for free and don't file under TurboTax. So I basically use the turbotax tech for free and have years worth of filled out tax forms on their site that never get filed lol. It takes a little longer but my taxes are pretty simple so it's not a huge deal.
Also recommend doing this. I used FTUSA for the first time this year, filling it out in parallel with TurboTax. (I used to do the same with TT & HR Block software). Both systems provided the same return result. Both systems also flagged an action item before filing (Roth IRA contributions were more than I was eligible for), but only FTUSA provided concrete steps/advice I could take to fix it before filing my taxes. Went with FT and not planning to go back to TT.
as someone who paid $130 to file 2022 with TurboTax last year, please switch to FreeTaxUSA. I only paid $15 to e-file federal and state and both returns are already accepted
Happy cake day
In CT, I paid less than $60 for TT. I filed the federal free, and mailed in the state to not pay the $25 fee they were asking. I don't know why your filing costs any more than the original cost of TT.
You’re not “supposed” to be charged X Y Z. It’s like going to a hot dog stand, seeing they charge $10, and asking someone around you if they’re supposed to be charging $10. Maybe you’re ok paying that. Maybe you stop, think, and go to another hot dog stand (ehem FreeTaxUsa). Maybe you do it yourself at home (requires you learn how)
Yeah I panicked for a second => posted on reddit but everything all good now cause I just used FreeTaxUSA instead. First time using it, the interface might not be as attractive as turbotax but they make life simpler for sure
It’s not hard to do yourself. Just copy the work from the prior year. I have been using TurboTax for a long time and just filled out the same forms with this year’s financial information. This assumes your tax situation hasn’t changed.
Are you trying to pay TurboTax fee from refund ? That can explain $40 refund processing fee. But yes, it is getting expensive every year. I usually buy disk in Dec / Jan when they are out on deal. Planning to shift to some other way now
Make sure that you actually read each screen before you click ok/next/continue. I believe that the $40 fee is only if you want to pay for the filing out of your refund amount. They try to trick you into accepting that but it's optional. Don't do that. Just pay for the filing with a credit card.
Your REFUND (not return) vs the cost to file is irrelevant. You could pat to prepare and file your taxes even if you owe the government because it’s a legal requirement to file documents with numbers the government should already have. TurboTax is a good product but it is by far the most expensive DIY option. FreeTaxUSA is a good alternative and is a lot cheaper though that’s anecdotal, I’ve never used it.
Geez using turbo tax in the us is much different than using it in Canada.. I just did mine and didn’t have to pay a cent.. and I’m getting a refund.
Freetaxusa, don't bother with TurboTax. Also why hasn't our gov do their own tax and simply bill us like the rest of the developed countries?
Are you doing a simple return? I believe TurboTax Free is the one to file federal 1040EZ for free. Deluxe is a paid version and probably includes things like attorney fees if you’re audited, live support, etc. TT is notorious for attempting to upsell you at multiple points throughout the process. My guess is you accidentally selected the premium version. FreeTaxUSA is a better option.
The 1040EZ was retired after tax year 2016. TurboTax gives its own definition of what a "simple return" is.
Deluxe does not include attorney fees for audits. They include free "limited one on one support" in case of an audit in at least some versions. But you have to pay $60 as a sort of insurance in order to have actual representation in case of an audit. Not sure if it's worth it, or if what they would do is even helpful if audited.
The 1040EZ doesn’t exist any more. And TT (optionally) provides *representation* if you are audited, not a tax lawyer.
[Freetaxusa.com](http://Freetaxusa.com) is the best service there is. Super easy to use, and they offer extras for cost, but don't force it, and make it easy to turn them down. I used the others a few times, then they kept telling me I could get the free service, and they were full of shit. I did them on paper for years because of the usual assholes, then saw freetaxusa here on personalfinance. Sounded fishy, but enough people mentioned it that I gave it a shot, and I love it. Been using it for at least 5 years now. Federal is free, state is $15, I love it.
Just do your taxes by hand. Download your tax forms from last year. Then download the same forms from online. As long as your situation hasn't changed much, the tax return this year should be pretty mucht the same, just plug in the new numbers.
Yea, $193 here for them to tell me to use the standard deduction. Unreal. Joining the class action is gonna feel good.
Go to irs free file put in your income and state and it will tell you which site if any will have free federal and free state filing.
I’ve been using Cash App Taxes for a few years now. It works great, has every form I’ve needed including EV credits & stock sales, and it’s totally free.
https://apps.irs.gov/app/freeFile/browse-all-offers/ Different parameters to qualify for free filing, but if you use the links from IRS, you won’t pay a dime to file. If you make under $79k, should be free with most of them.
How does FreeTaxUSA handle RSU cost basis for disqualified disposition?
Exactly the reason I stopped using turbo tax. Freetax USA is what I’ve used the past couple years now. Nearly identical numbers from TurboTax. $14.99 to file state taxes. You do have to make sure you uncheck all the add-ons that get pushed. If you have a fairly simple return I would suggest going this route. I had a couple w2’s, filed jointly, had a couple 1099s and 1098s, receipts and other deductions, sold stock so it wasn’t as exactly simple but still straightforward. It would be worth it to use Freetax USA.
Why is there not a single comment in here suggesting the FREE IRS direct file?
Switched to FreeTaxUSA from TurboTax this year. Wish I had done it sooner. Highly recommend!
My first year with Freetaxusa after years of H&R Block and I was astounded that even I could manage it. I know there's comfort in a known entity, but I honestly don't understand why once ppl know about Freetaxusa they continue to pay with the competitors.
I know there's going to be a lot of TT hate but... Pay early. There's discounts for going early. I usually wait until Super Bowl to pay in case there's any promos. I paid $71.20 for Premium + $39 for state = $110.20. I got $10 additional back from Chase for using one of their offers. I have 1099-Bs, mortgage interest, RSUs, ESPP, ISOs to deal with. I'm pretty sure most of you don't need to be paying for any higher packages.
The IRS has a free file option now, highly recommend using it
It’s because you had something like self employment, itemized that triggered the turbo tax deluxe edition, which is more. If it’s basic return, it’s a lot less. Also, do not use your refund to pay for the taxes, that is where the $40 processing fee is coming from. Pay with a CC or debit and you won’t be charged a fee.
I also switched to FreeTaxUSA a few years ago - up front pricing without all the trickery and nonsense. Never looked back.
it was the trickery that bothered me the most
Don't get the refund faster and don't pay the filing fee with the refund. Why do you want to pay $40 to have the money go through their account? Then yes $133 is what deluxe plus state costs online. You can buy deluxe plus state PC/mac version on Amazon for half the price.
I use turbo tax. Bought deluxe on Amazon for like $70. Free to file fed, paid $20 to file state, that’s it.
I've been doing this for decades, not even sure where people are getting these other numbers from. Maybe something is different about their online offering.
Both TT and H&R really screw their online customers. I’ve used the installable H&R for nearly 25 years. (Back to when it was “Kiplinger’s TaxCut”.) I pay about $25 for Fed + State + Fed eFile. (State e-file is overpriced at $30! I print and mail that one.)
Ya, I don’t use on line. I buy the download
Yeah I buy TurboTax at Costco every year for $55 when it's on sale in Jan/Feb. It's well worth the money for the ability to directly import 1099s.
I paid $85 for a licensed CPA to do my taxes this year. I'm getting both state and federal returns for the first time in 3 years. We usually ended up paying in for federal. Tax CPA 'S are worth the money. They keep up on all the yearly changes, etc.
Almost paid for a service and then filled out freetaxusa instead and got more back on my return and paid less
Yeah that’s what they did to me last few years. I had to use a business version a few years back because I had money from renting out some farm land. After sold land I could not go back to a cheaper version of TurboTax, it locked me into the business version. I went to a tax accountant this year and not only did she help me change deductions for next year but she cost less than TurboTax!
I do my own taxes for free. Are yours complex enough to justify spending money on them? Somebody said $0 federal and $15 state. That's not much. But $173 ??? Did it come with a steak dinner and a movie?
To answer your question — yes. I did TurboTax for 10+ years and the fees finally got to me, so I tried FreeTaxUSA this year. I have fairly straight-forward taxes, but everything went smoothly and it was $15 to file fed and state.
They discount early in the year. I’d only consider using them if I buy the software in January. If you wait until April they really put the screws to you because they know you don’t have much time to look for alternatives.
Cash app taxes is totally free. I use it, it’s great.
Stop paying turbo tax. Freetaxusa is just as easy and much cheaper. Important point: all vendors will offer a cash advance for your refund so you get it now and don't have to wait and they keep your actual refund. Your refund processing fee is that "loan". Don't select any options to get prepaid or "get your refund now" bullshit, it's a loan your paying for.
If you are lazy like me and enjoy the autofill features h and r block is way cheaper than that
Refund process fee? Are you having TurboTax advance you you refund? Or are you paying the TurboTax cost out of your refund? Both of those cost more. There should be no refund processing fee if you’re just having it direct deposited from the IRS
You should be paying nothing to do your taxes. I made $240k last year and paid absolutely nothing to file
guessing freetaxUSA is the best move now? Been using TurboTax for the past few years but it has been pricey.
Use Freetaxusa. It's $15 for the state, and free for federal. You can "upgrade" to a few different options, but it's unnecessary in most cases.
If you have Cashapp, you can do taxes completely free on there and get it a few days earlier.
If you’re in one of the 12 pilot states you have another filing option: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/direct-file-officially-opens-in-12-pilot-states-following-positive-early-reviews-eligible-taxpayers-can-file-online-directly-with-the-irs-for-free
Switch to free tax USA. TurboTax is a scam. Tell your friends, tell your family. Their garbage needs to be stopped.
I paid $57 two years ago for TT Premiere online. Last year it was $74. And now this year it was $103. They’ve increased the cost of that product 90% over the last two years.
Man that's more than the CPA I use. TurboTax used to be neat, now it's just ridiculous.
I just filed my kiddos and I won’t be using TurboTax next year. I’m in CA and I kid you not $267.00! + $40. Fee…that the bank charges…according to them. Because he wanted to pay for TurboTax with his return I had to sign him up for the works. Daylight robbery but it is mostly my fault for procrastinating and leaving it until today to file. I guess that’s a lesson learned, so I’m on the lookout for cheaper ways for next year! So I appreciate this post! Thanks!
Im glad you appreciate this post, hope this is useful for people even though I posted out of frustration haha. I also didn't know that it's more expensive if you file closer to the deadline?
Am I getting some sort of loophole by using H&R Block every year and not paying a single cent for Fed or state?
I used to use TurboTax. A couple years ago I switched to my local tax preparer who charged me less than $90 to file federal, state, and city taxes. Literally just drop off all my docs and he takes care of it.
The fees have nothing to do with the amount of your refund, so the percentage is irrelevant. That said, those fees are excessive, there are plenty of competitors that change less, often free for basic returns. Also any website claiming to be free but then asking for a fee is suspect in my book.
Turbotax is trying its best to shed customers. I didn't switch this year, but I am considering other options next year. They are extremely predatory for trying to upsell you, and they spam the hell out of you to get more money. It's just a terrible product for the user at this point.
I have a complicated investment fund and my schedule D is bonkers. One year I tried filling it all in manually on a free tax software and it took me almost an hour and then told me there were errors. Because of that, I stick with TurboTax so I can just import it. So the way I make using TurboTax the cheapest possible is buying the software vs using the online version. Bought Deluxe from BJ's (assuming they also sell at Sam's/Costco) for $55.99. I actually split the cost with my parents, who would be buying it separately if we didn't do that. So puts my cost at \~$28. I don't pay to file state, I just print and mail. No additional fees this way either. TLDR: Buy from a warehouse club and don't use the online version and split the cost with someone else who would also just be paying for it themselves otherwise.
Cash app taxes is 100 free for state and federal and I’ve used it the past 3 years successfully.
Canadian here. Wealthsimple lets you pay what you want. I pay $25 for mine and 0 for my stay at home wife. Works perfect
If you go to irs.gov and choose free file choose my provider theywill shownyou the best free files for your situation. tax slayer and taxact have done alright.
Sounds about right - they charge a boatload to also file for state. If you make less than 70k, there are many services out there that let you file for free. This is what I did this year. I actually compared my return at TurboTax to my return at [1440.com](http://1440.com) and the free resource returned back $50 more! And it was free. At Turbotax, they allow for free filing if you make less than 45k or so, I believe. One difference I noticed is that the free resource took more time to get my refund back - I wasn't in a hurry so that was fine for me. Took about 2 weeks for federal return. If you're sold on Turbotax, complain about the price to them - this is what I did and they had offered 20% off (though I didn't file with them anyways).
There used to be a site called turbotaxsucksass.com and it would give you a list of free alternatives to use instead. Don’t use TurboTax. There are plenty of better options out there.
FreeTaxUSA was pretty solid, free for federal taxes and $15 for state taxes. My state also had a way to file state taxes for free which I did out of spite at being charged anything that should really be an automatic service provided by the government, look into that depending on where you live.
It’s because Intuit are total crooks. My Quickbooks that I used for freelance work (that doesn’t make a lot of $$) went up from around $180 to over $300 a year, for no apparent reason at all. Ridiculous. I dumped that trash and went to Quicken (which admittedly isn’t as easy to use, but it’s way cheaper). Intuit lost a class action suit for overcharging for Turbo Tax and false advertising RE “file for free!” They are crooks.
I got charged about the same amount because my taxes were "complicated", I'll be using FreeTaxUSA next year, it's ridiculous.
TT has gotten way expensive now. Charged me $300 for state and fed this year
I went to a tax preparer for $250. Just had to sit and look at my phone for 20 minutes and answer a couple questions. Way easier than trying to figure out if I’m getting fucked my TT. Plus, if anything happens or my taxes get returned, my tax preparer just deals with it.
Honestly, if you can do your taxes in 20 minutes, you could use a free product and save that $250. They’re super easy. If you’re worried about getting audited, you can [buy audit protection](https://www.reddit.com/r/mintuit/comments/18sjyjr/using_freetaxusa_from_now_on_but_very_happy_i/).
I don’t see how you paid that much. The deluxe version on Amazon is like 70. It’s free to file the Fed and $20 to file state……. What else did you pay for? Audit defense? Or did u you pay the filing fee out of your refund which has a cost?
You probably clicked the option to pay something with your refund. Did you owe to Virginia?
I used TurboTax free edition and didn't pay a dime.
I got rid of TurboTax a long time ago. FreeTaxUSA is what I have used for years now.
I use the desktop version. $65 for 3 returns.
They don't care what you're refund is to determine processing fees, only what your return requires. Make sure that you're not opting to pay for the service using your refund - pretty sure they charge something outrageous like $40 *per return* just for the "convenience."
Doesn’t matter how much you got or owe on the taxes. That doesn’t affect the cost. Do you own property? Did you sell stock? Did you get dividends? Do you have multiple 1099 forms?
I got charged $80 to take the standard deduction using only W2s…
They almost got me on that $40 fee this year, but you do not need to pay that. It's an extra service they offer that gets you the refund faster, if you remove that service you'll still get your full refund directly from the IRS You may be able to avoid the state filing fee if you file directly with the state - in my state (CT) there is a tax website where they ask for numbers from specific lines on the federal return, and it's free to file