Determining the right TurboTax version depends on your specific tax situation, such as income sources, deductions, and investments, for the 2025 tax year (filing 2024 returns). TurboTax offers tiered editions like Free, Deluxe, Premier, and Self-Employed, each handling progressively complex scenarios.

Key Versions Overview

TurboTax 2025 features updates like a redesigned interface and improved accuracy for all users. Here's a breakdown of editions based on common needs:

Edition| Price Range (Federal + State)| Best For
---|---|---
Free Edition| $0| Simple W-2 income, standard deduction, no itemizing.1
Deluxe| $80–$100| Itemized deductions, mortgage interest, property taxes, some investments.36
Premier| $90–$110| Investments, rental properties, capital gains, K-1 forms.18
Self-Employed| $110–$130| Freelancers, gig workers, business expenses, 1099-NEC.1

Prices are estimates and vary by promotions; check Intuit's site for current deals.

How to Choose

Start with TurboTax's online questionnaire on their site—it scans your situation and recommends the version, often upgrading mid-process if needed. Forums like Reddit note alternatives like FreeTaxUSA for simple returns, but TurboTax excels in guidance for investments or self-employment.

  • If only W-2s and basic deductions: Free or Deluxe suffices.
  • Stock sales or rentals: Premier is essential.
  • Business income: Self-Employed for expense tracking.

Forum Insights

Reddit users often debate upsells: "Deluxe works for stock sales via import," per Bogleheads, but Premier simplifies K-1s. > "Don't use them at all. Use Freetaxusa.com."

TL;DR: Use TurboTax's tool to match your needs—Deluxe for most homeowners, Premier+ for investments.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.