At a Glance
- TurboTax offers a range of services from free DIY to expert-assisted filing, with discounts up to 20%.
- New customers can file for $0 in the app or receive a $500 gift-card reward through referrals.
- The special early-filing deadline is Feb 28, after which many offers expire.
Why it matters: These deals help taxpayers save money and time during the busy 2026 tax season.
TurboTax has become a staple for many who file their own taxes, offering a variety of tools and services to fit different needs. With a growing number of users, the platform now provides a mix of free options, assisted filing, and full-service solutions, all backed by discounts and referral bonuses that can cut costs dramatically.
TurboTax Service Options
TurboTax offers several tiers of service:
- Free Self-Service: Basic filing for qualifying individuals.
- TurboTax Live Assisted: File online yourself but have a tax expert available if you need help.
- TurboTax Full Service: A tax professional prepares and files your return.
- Expert Assist: Designed for small business owners with S-corps or partnerships.
- Expert Full Service: Flat-fee service for individuals and sole proprietors.
Each tier caters to different filing complexities and user preferences, from simple W-2 uploads to comprehensive business tax returns.
Pricing and Discounts
| Service | Base Price | Early-Filing Discount | Final Price (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Live Assisted | $79 | 10% | $71 |
| Deluxe Live Assisted | $129 | 10% | $116 |
| Premium Live Assisted | $209 | 10% | $188 |
| Full Service | $129 | 10% | $116 |
| Expert Full Service | $150 | None | $150 |
- 20% off personal federal filing for new customers.
- 10% off on most TurboTax online products when filed before Tax Day.
- $25 gift card for each friend who uses your referral link and files a TurboTax product.
- Up to $500 in gift cards if you refer enough friends.
Free Filing Options
TurboTax Free Edition allows about 37% of taxpayers to file their simple Form 1040 returns at no cost. The free edition covers federal and state taxes for returns that only require the basic form and no additional schedules, except for EITC, CTC, and student loan interest.
Military members qualify for free federal and state filing, making the free edition an attractive option for those who meet the eligibility criteria.
Early-Filing Deadline
Many offers, including the flat-fee $150 for Expert Full Service, expire on Feb 28. To take advantage of the lowest prices and avoid late fees, taxpayers should file before this deadline.
Referral Program
TurboTax’s referral program rewards users with a $25 gift card per friend who files a TurboTax product using their link. If you refer enough friends, you can accumulate up to $500 in gift cards. The referral discount is available through October 31 and applies to both federal and business tax returns.
Helpful Tools
TurboTax provides several calculators and AI tools to aid taxpayers:
- Tax Refund Calculator: Estimate your 2026 refund.
- Tax Bracket Calculator: Estimate your 2025 taxable income.
- AI-Powered Intuit Assist: Quick answers to tax questions.
- Maximum Refund Guarantee: If another method yields a higher refund, TurboTax will refund the difference.
How to Use Service Codes
If you encounter technical or billing issues, customer support can issue a unique service code. Enter the code in the “I have a service code” field before payment.
Key Takeaways
- TurboTax offers a spectrum of services from free DIY to expert-assisted filing.
- Early-filing discounts and referral bonuses can reduce costs up to $500.
- The flat-fee $150 Expert Full Service offer ends on Feb 28.
- Military members and those with simple returns can file for free.
- Use TurboTax’s calculators and AI tools to streamline the filing process.
With these options and savings, taxpayers can navigate the 2026 tax season more efficiently and economically.
