Frequently Asked Questions

Nope, and we want to be upfront about that. InstallTurboTax.us is an independent help and information resource, and we're not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Intuit Inc. or TurboTax. When it's time to buy, download, or sign in to your account, always head straight to the official site at turbotax.intuit.com.

It's quick. Just sign in with your email (we'll send you a one-time code), then post your question or comment. To keep things spam-free for everyone, submissions show up publicly only after our team gives them a quick review.

Nope. We don't sell TurboTax, take payments, or collect your tax documents. What we do is provide helpful guides and point you to the official TurboTax site and authorized retailers, where you'll complete any purchase.

It really comes down to your tax situation. If you've got a simple W-2 return, Free Edition can cover you; homeowners who itemize usually want Deluxe; and if you're an investor, landlord, freelancer, or crypto trader, you'll want Premium (online) or Premier/Home & Business (desktop). Our 'Which TurboTax Do I Need?' guides walk you through matching your situation to the right edition.

Online runs right in your browser or the mobile app with nothing to install, and you pay per return. Desktop is software you install on your Windows PC or Mac; one purchase includes five federal e-files and keeps your data right on your own computer. If you're filing for several family members, Desktop usually saves you money.

Prices shift around throughout the season, so think of these as a ballpark. Online Deluxe runs around $69 federal, online Premium around $129 federal, and state returns cost extra. Desktop editions land somewhere between about $50 (Basic) and $190 (Business). Always double-check the current prices on the official TurboTax site, since the numbers here are just approximate.

A couple of things are usually going on here. TurboTax often runs early-season discounts that expire, and your price can also rise if your return ends up needing a higher edition than the one you started with. The good news: the amount you pay locks in the moment you actually file, so take a quick look at your running total before you hit submit.

Yes, it really is free for simple Form 1040 returns that qualify, covering both federal and state. About 37% of filers are eligible. Just keep in mind that if your return needs itemized deductions, self-employment, or investment forms, TurboTax will nudge you toward a paid upgrade.

Usually, yes. Online editions tack on a separate state fee (often $59–$69). Desktop 'Federal + State' editions include one state download, but e-filing that state may add a small fee. If you'd rather skip the fee, printing and mailing it is free.

Absolutely. Our Guides section is packed with step-by-step articles for installing the CD/Download version on Windows and Mac, activating your license code, and downloading after you buy. And if you hit a snag along the way, our Error Fixes section has you covered.

Take a breath, because most rejections are an easy fix. The usual culprit is an AGI mismatch (reject code IND-031-04 or IND-032-04) or a dependent who's already been claimed on another return. Look up your specific reject code in our Error Fixes section for step-by-step instructions, then just re-file.

You can, though how it works depends on how far along you are. Our guide on switching from Online to Desktop walks you through moving your in-progress return so you don't have to start over from scratch.