Either version will update itself online after installing. I am speaking here of the four CD/Download versions that both TurboTax and Amazon sell, which let you install Turbotax on your computer using a CD or download. As I said, I have used all four of these, at different stages of my life, and found them all well worth it.

Four Tiers of Features: Basic, Deluxe, Premier, and Home & BusinessĮach version of TurboTax adds a tier of features to the next cheapest version, based on your tax preparation needs. So let's talk figure out which version of TurboTax best fits your needs.įirst, we will review the versions available for purchase in boxes as a CD or download, and then about the slightly different versions available for online use only. This difficulty, some say, benefits Intuit but makes your decision more difficult. The trouble is, it is difficult to say for sure, before you start your return, what version you will need, and difficult to say whether you need to obey the prompts to upgrade that you get when doing the online versions. In fact, all versions but Freedom Edition charge you for e-filing state returns. Many with higher income but simple taxes can use the totally different online 'TurboTax Free Edition,' though it isn't as friendly as paid versions, because it begs you to upgrade to higher versions, and charges you for downloading your past information, for advice, and for preparing state returns. People who make less than $39,000 ($72,000 for active military), or those eligible for an Earned Income Credit, can use the non-publicized online ' TurboTax Freedom Edition' even if they are self-employed or use extra schedules. Even self-employed people, and others with more than basic tax needs, may be able to get away with a cheaper version than what Intuit recommends. I have used the Basic, Deluxe, Premier, and Home & Business versions over the years, based on what was going on in my life, and have been equally satisfied with each version.īut you can't be sure you need the extra features you pay for in the higher-level versions.

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