The cheapest way to buy depends on your tax complexity and whether you prefer online filing or desktop software. For many, the absolute cheapest method is using the TurboTax Free Edition
. The software will prompt you if your situation requires a paid upgrade (like for rental income or stock sales), at which point you can choose the next cheapest tier. 2. Purchase Desktop Software from Major Retailers cheapest way to buy turbotax
, which costs $0 for federal and state filing for simple tax returns. 1. Leverage the Free Edition (37% of Filers) The cheapest way to buy depends on your
If you have a simple tax return (typically Form 1040 only), you may qualify for the . Cost : $0 Federal + $0 State + $0 to File. Strategy : Start with the TurboTax Free Edition Leverage the Free Edition (37% of Filers) If
If you don't qualify for the free version, buying the version from third-party retailers is often cheaper than paying for the Online version directly. Compare TurboTax Online Products 2025-2026 - Intuit