TurboTax
Most popular tax software.
Pricing
- Free Edition — simple returns only.
- Deluxe — $69, more deductions.
- Premier — $99, investments + rental.
- Self-Employed — $129, business owners.
- Plus state filing $59 each.
- Often more expensive than alternatives.
Why so popular?
- User-friendly interview style.
- Imports prior year automatically.
- Imports W-2 forms from many employers.
- Audit defense option.
- Live expert help available ($).
- Trusted brand.
Free options most seniors miss
- AARP Tax-Aide — completely FREE.
- VITA — free for income under ~$67K.
- IRS Free File — free if income under $84K.
- FreeTaxUSA — free federal.
- Skip TurboTax if eligible.
- Save $70–$200 per year.
When TurboTax worth it
- Self-employed.
- Multiple rental properties.
- Complex investments.
- Want hand-holding interview.
- Don't qualify for free options.
- Comfortable with software.
Cheaper alternatives
- FreeTaxUSA — free federal, $15 state.
- Cash App Taxes — completely free.
- TaxAct — cheaper than TurboTax.
- H&R Block Online — similar pricing.
- Save $50–$100 with alternatives.
- All produce same final return.
Senior-specific deductions
- Higher standard deduction at 65+.
- Medical expense threshold lower.
- Credit for Elderly + Disabled.
- Property tax deductions.
- Long-term care insurance premiums.
- TurboTax catches these — but so does free software.
AARP Tax-Aide first
Before paying TurboTax $70+, check AARP Tax-Aide near you (AARP.org/taxaide). Free volunteer tax preparation specifically for seniors. They handle most senior tax situations including Social Security, pensions, IRAs. Many seniors who used TurboTax for years switch to free Tax-Aide and save hundreds yearly.