Updated on Wednesday, January 1, 2025: Happy New Year! It’s officially here… it’s the dreaded tax season. But if you’re new to TurboTax and planning to use them to file your 2025 taxes, this is the best offer that we’ve ever seen form them!
TurboTax is providing 100% free filing with all do-it-yourself versions through their mobile app for anyone who didn’t use their service last year. It’s an all-inclusive offer that covers every type of tax form—no exclusions—so even taxpayers with complex financial situations can benefit. This promotion is only valid if you file through the app by February 18, 2025, and it does not extend to TurboTax Live products.
But what about returning customers? Unfortunately, this deal doesn’t apply to those who’ve previously filed with TurboTax. The platform identifies returning users through Social Security numbers, so there’s no way to “game the system” or pass as a new customer. While this is somewhat frustrating for existing users (including myself!), TurboTax does offer other discounts, although they’re not as generous as this free filing promotion for new app users.
Here’s a breakdown of the free offer, additional discounts, and what it means for returning users:
Details of the TurboTax Free Filing Offer for New Customers
All Forms, Any Situation—$0 Fee on the App
New customers can file their taxes for free using the TurboTax mobile app, regardless of their financial complexity. This means forms for business income, stock sales, rental properties, and more are all included at no cost. The offer applies only to TurboTax’s “Do Your Own Taxes” product. However, users who prefer TurboTax Live’s expert assistance won’t qualify for this promotion.
To take advantage of this deal:
- Eligibility: You must not have filed with TurboTax last year.
- Platform: Filing must be done exclusively through the TurboTax mobile app.
- Deadline: Taxes must be filed by 11:59 PM ET on February 18, 2025.
Complex Tax Situations Covered for Free
Even if your tax return requires forms beyond the basics, TurboTax guarantees no additional fees under this promotion. Covered scenarios include:
- Itemized deductions on Schedule A (e.g., medical expenses, mortgage interest, and charitable contributions).
- Income from unemployment, freelancing, or gig work (reported via 1099-G or 1099-NEC).
- Stock or cryptocurrency sales, and property income or sales.
- Deductions, credits, and income reported on various schedules or forms.
If your tax situation calls for upgrades to Deluxe, Premium, or other paid TurboTax versions, the app will waive those fees for this offer, provided you file by the February deadline.
Exclusively for Mobile App Users
This offer is only valid when filing through the TurboTax mobile app. If you switch to a web browser mid-process, you’ll be reminded that sticking with the app is required to maintain eligibility for free filing. Switching to a browser means standard pricing will apply based on your return’s complexity.
If You Miss the Deadline
Filing after February 18, 2025, voids the free filing offer, and TurboTax will revert to regular pricing for your return.
Visit TurboTax’s site for complete offer details and terms.
What If You’re a Returning TurboTax Customer?
If you’ve filed with TurboTax in the past, this offer isn’t available to you. The platform uses Social Security numbers to track users, so returning customers don’t qualify, even if they try to create a new account. There’s no loophole here, and trying to bypass the restriction won’t work.
That said, TurboTax does provide some discounts for returning users. While they’re not as substantial as the free filing offer, they may help reduce the cost of filing:
TurboTax Discounts for Returning Customers
- 10% Off TurboTax Online Versions
Returning users can get an additional 10% off TurboTax federal products by ordering directly through Intuit. This discount stacks with early-season savings of up to 40%, but it doesn’t apply to state returns. Bank of America customers can earn an additional $20 cashback by activating the deal through their account. The offer ends January 31, 2025. - TurboTax Free Edition for Simple Returns
If your tax situation is straightforward, the TurboTax Free Edition is still an option for both new and returning customers. This product supports simple Form 1040 filings and basic credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit, and Student Loan Interest Deduction. However, only about 37% of taxpayers qualify since the Free Edition excludes more complex returns. - TurboTax Freedom Edition for Military
Active-duty military personnel ranked E1 through E9 can use the TurboTax Freedom Edition to file for free. Higher-ranking service members aren’t eligible for free filing, but they do receive additional discounts. A military W-2 form from 2024 is required to claim this offer. - Partnership Discounts
TurboTax frequently collaborates with banks and credit unions to offer exclusive deals. That incudes major institutions such as AAA, Bank of America, Vanguard, BECU, Fidelity, and AARP. These discounts, typically ranging from 10% to 20% off, can be accessed via the “deals” or “partnerships” sections of participating financial institutions’ online portals.
Why Returning Customers Miss Out on Free Filing
The free filing promotion clearly prioritizes new users. This isn’t uncommon for software services aiming to attract first-time customers. For long-time TurboTax users, the restriction may feel unfair, especially considering how the system uses Social Security numbers to enforce it. Once you’ve filed with TurboTax, there’s no way to reset your status as a new user—even if you skipped a year.
If you’re frustrated by this limitation, consider looking into other options like H&R Block, which offers similar tax software and discounts. However, TurboTax does provide value for returning customers through its other offers and robust features.
How TurboTax Free Edition Compares
It’s worth noting that TurboTax Free Edition, available year-round, isn’t the same as the app-exclusive free filing offer for new users. The Free Edition works for simple tax situations, while the app offer covers all forms and scenarios. If your taxes are relatively basic, the Free Edition remains a cost-effective option for both new and returning customers.
However, the Free Edition excludes:
- Itemized deductions.
- Self-employment or freelance income.
- Stock, crypto, or rental property transactions.
With these limitations, many taxpayers may find themselves needing to upgrade to a paid TurboTax product, making the new app offer an attractive alternative—if they qualify.
Our Final Thoughts
The 2025 TurboTax free filing promotion for new app users is undeniably a standout deal. It’s particularly beneficial for taxpayers with complex returns, as it removes costs typically associated with filing. However, for returning customers, the inability to access this promotion underscores a broader challenge in navigating loyalty versus acquisition-focused offers.
If you’re a returning user, your best bet is to take advantage of the available discounts or consider alternative tax software. Either way, the details of this year’s TurboTax promotions highlight the importance of exploring your options early in the tax season.