1: Free Tax USA
https://www.freetaxusa.
2: Cash App Taxes (Formally Credit Karma Tax)
https://cash.app/taxes
3: OnlineTaxes
https://olt.com/
4: MyFreeTaxes (for AGI $89,000 or less)
https://myfreetaxes.com/
5: IRS Free File: Do your Taxes for Free (for AGI $89,000 or less)
https://www.irs.gov/file-your-taxes-for-free
https://irs.treasury.go
6: IRS Free Fillable Forms: Do your Taxes for Free (no AGI limit)
https://www.irs.gov/e-file-provid...able-forms
List of states with free state e-file directly on their website [thefinancebuff.com]
(requires transferring data from your tax software to the state website)
You can apply Amazon digital credits to save even more (YMMV). However it only applies to the "normal" listing; NOT the GC offer.
Top Comments
TT strongly pushes Premier and Home & Business but the fact is that TT Deluxe can handle every situation that these more expensive versions can. The only exception that I am aware of is the ability to create W2 and 1099 forms for employees in H&B.
Deluxe has everything for all investment types, everything for owners of rental properties, everything for self-employed (1099-NEC/Schedule C filers), everything for those who do itemized deductions.
The higher versions offer more guidance but Deluxe has all the forms required and will still walk you through all of it.
Note that Turbotax Online is completely different, Deluxe Online is purposely limited forcing more complex returns to use the more expenisve Online versions than Deluxe.
Community Reviews
TurboTax Deluxe desktop is the main value pick here for people who want guided tax prep with brokerage imports, stock sales, and even many rental or self employment returns without paying for Premier. The desktop version is praised for handling multiple federal returns, keeping data local, and offering clearer interview style guidance than online. The biggest catch is Windows 11 support, since Windows 10 is no longer compatible. State e file still costs extra, and some complex K 1 or business cases may still need more hand holding.
Common Questions (6)
TurboTax Deluxe desktop can handle stock sales, brokerage imports, and Schedule K-1 forms, including capital loss carryovers and many investment types. The main difference versus Premier is extra guidance, not the underlying forms, so Deluxe is enough if you're comfortable entering the data.
No. TurboTax 2025 desktop requires Windows 11 and will not install or run on Windows 10, even with ESU support. If you can't upgrade, the practical alternatives are TurboTax Online or a virtual machine running Windows 11.
Yes. Deluxe desktop can import 1099-B and other investment data directly from supported brokerages, and it can also import .TXF files. It does not rely on the limited online-version workflow, which is why many investment users prefer the desktop edition.
Costco's $10 bonus is an in-product credit that can be applied to state e-file fees or other add-ons inside TurboTax. Amazon's $10 bonus is a gift card, which is easier to spend elsewhere but does not directly reduce TurboTax add-on costs.
TurboTax Deluxe desktop can handle 1099-NEC self-employment income and generate Schedule C. The confusion usually comes from TurboTax Online, where Deluxe is more limited and may push you to upgrade.
The desktop download can be installed on up to 5 computers and can file up to 5 federal returns. State e-file is still extra, and each additional state download usually costs more.
AI-generated summary based on comments from the community. Updated ago
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OLT.com, Cash App Taxes, and apparently now Chime are alternatives that are also cheap or free that are very capable without income limits.
***Do I have too many memberships?
CostCo Executive - Rarely shop there. I keep it for their Visa card rewwards and Travel benefits. I get a reward check (direct deposit) of $1K every year.
SamsClub Business Plus - Love their free delivery, curbside and their Scan and Go. Their Optical department (my location) is worlds better than CostCo. The ability to add addition members more affordably. I use my CostCo Visa shopping here.
Amazon Prime - Prime Video, shopping for nearly everything.
Kroger Delivery - Best prices I can find on many products (when shopping sales and flash sales). Easy refunds on the rare occassion there is a problem with delivery. Shedding tears because it is leaving my area at the end of January.
Walmart+ - Anyone over 50, sign up for AARP to save $40 on Walmart+ annual.
You're correct regarding Sam's Club. Their January 2026 flyer shows the upcoming sale & discount.
Not sure how much each product is being discounted though, as it says "up to $20 off". Probably more on the more expensive versions.
https://catalog.samsclu
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