Compare Turbotax Download ^new^ Versions ✦ Tested & Working
TurboTax offers a range of download versions to suit different tax needs and budgets. While the free version is great for simple tax returns, more complex tax situations require higher-end versions, such as Premier or Self-Employed. Business owners may want to consider the Business version for more comprehensive support. Ultimately, TurboTax's user-friendly interface, extensive guidance, and accurate calculations make it a top choice for tax preparation software.
Before you buy, know why you might want the desktop software:
Despite the name, "Deluxe" is actually the entry-level download version. It handles everything a typical W-2 employee needs: mortgage interest, property taxes, charitable donations, medical expenses, and child tax credits. compare turbotax download versions
| Version | Free | Deluxe | Premier | Self-Employed | Business | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | Basic (1040EZ) | Additional forms (Schedule A, D) | Advanced forms (Schedule C, D) | Business expense deductions | Complex business forms | | Guidance | Limited | Standard | Advanced | Self-employment tax guidance | Business tax guidance | | Import Capabilities | Limited | More extensive | Extensive | Extensive | Extensive | | Support | Limited | Phone and online support | Phone and online support | Phone and online support | Priority phone and online support | | Price | Free | $59.99 (federal) | $79.99 (federal) | $119.99 (federal) | $129.99 (federal) |
Here is how the four desktop versions stack up. TurboTax offers a range of download versions to
For taxpayers whose financial lives extend into the stock market or rental properties, becomes a necessary investment. This version builds upon the foundation of Deluxe but adds specialized modules for investment and rental income. Premier is indispensable for users who have sold stocks, bonds, or mutual funds, as it calculates cost basis and capital gains with precision. More importantly, it offers guidance on rental property depreciation and expenses, a feature critical for landlords. Attempting to navigate Schedule D (Capital Gains and Losses) or Schedule E (Supplemental Income) using a lower-tier version would be cumbersome and prone to error; Premier automates these complex calculations, justifying its higher price point for investors and property owners.
| Feature | | Premier | Self-Employed | Home & Business | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Best for | W-2 earners, homeowners, charity | Investors, rental property owners | Freelancers, gig workers, 1099 contractors | Business owners (LLC, S-Corp, sole prop) | | Investment sales (stocks/crypto) | ❌ (Manual entry only) | ✅ (Imports from brokerages) | ✅ | ✅ | | Rental property income | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | | Business expense finder | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | | Schedule C (Profit/Loss) | Basic only | Basic only | Advanced (Industry-specific) | Advanced + Payroll | | Asset depreciation | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | | Corporate/Partnership returns | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ (1120, 1065, etc.) | | Maximum state returns | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | | Version | Free | Deluxe | Premier
The entry point for the desktop lineup is . Geared toward taxpayers with straightforward financial situations, this version is designed for those who file simple 1040 forms. It is ideal for individuals who do not own a home, have no significant investments beyond standard W-2 income, and claim the standard deduction rather than itemizing. The primary appeal of the Basic version is its affordability and simplicity. It guides users through the filing process with a question-and-answer format, ensuring that essential data is captured without overwhelming the user with complex schedules. However, its utility is limited; users attempting to navigate even minor complexities, such as charitable donation tracking or student loan interest deductions, may find the Basic version lacking in guidance compared to its higher-tier counterparts.