TurboTax Premier vs Home & Business (Desktop): Investments or Self-Employment?
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Premier and Home & Business are the two upper desktop tiers, and the right one for you depends on the kind of income you have. Premier is built for investors and landlords, covering stock sales, rental property, and similar reporting. Home & Business adds full self-employment support, including Schedule C for sole proprietors and freelancers, on top of everything Premier does.
So if you have a side business or freelance income, Home & Business is the one that handles your business expenses and Schedule C. If you only have investments and rentals, Premier covers you for less. Prices are approximate, so confirm them on the official TurboTax site.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | TurboTax Premier (Desktop) | TurboTax Home & Business (Desktop) |
|---|---|---|
| Price (federal + state) | ~$115 | ~$130 |
| Investment sales (Schedule D) | Yes | Yes |
| Rental property (Schedule E) | Yes | Yes |
| Self-employment / Schedule C | No | Yes |
| Business expense deductions | No | Yes |
| 1099-NEC freelance income | Limited | Yes, full support |
| Federal e-files included | 5 | 5 |
| Best for | Investors & landlords | Freelancers & sole proprietors |
Choose Premier if…
- You sell stocks, bonds, or mutual funds and need investment reporting.
- You own rental property and file Schedule E.
- You don't have any self-employment or freelance business income.
- You want investment and rental coverage without paying for business features.
Choose Home & Business if…
- You're self-employed, freelance, or run a side business as a sole proprietor.
- You need Schedule C to report business income and expenses.
- You want to maximize deductions for home office, vehicle, or supplies.
- You also have investments or rentals and want everything in one product.
Our verdict
If your return is all about investments and rental property, Premier covers it at a lower price. But the moment you add self-employment or freelance income that needs Schedule C, Home & Business is the right call, since it includes everything Premier does plus full business support. Pay the small premium only if you actually have business income to report.
Frequently asked questions
Can Premier handle a small side gig?＋
Only in a limited way. Premier isn't designed for Schedule C self-employment. If you have freelance or business income and expenses, Home & Business is the edition you'll want.
Does Home & Business include investment features?＋
Yes. Home & Business covers everything Premier does, including investment sales and rental property, and adds full self-employment support on top.
Is Home & Business for filing a business entity return?＋
No. Home & Business is still a personal return that includes Schedule C for sole proprietors. For corporate or partnership returns like 1120, 1120-S, or 1065, you'll need TurboTax Business instead.
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