Updated on Thursday, December 19, 2024: As we move into 2025, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about tax season, especially for those looking to save on filing. TurboTax, one of the most widely used tax preparation services, is offering some notable discounts this January, which could help reduce the cost of filing your taxes. Whether you’re someone who prefers to handle everything on your own or you’re in need of professional help, there’s likely a TurboTax plan that fits your needs, and with the right timing, you can save big.
In addition to the general TurboTax deals, there’s also a special offer available for AAA members. If you’re a member of the American Automobile Association, you can take advantage of extra savings on TurboTax products, which is just one of the many perks of being a part of this organization. Let’s take a closer look at the best TurboTax discounts available this January 2025, how you can use them, and how AAA members can maximize their savings even further.
1. Extra 10% Off TurboTax Online Federal Products
TurboTax’s biggest promotion in January 2025 is the extra 10% off on federal online products, which are already discounted as part of their early-season sale. This means you could save up to 50% off your TurboTax filing, depending on the service level you choose. This offer is valid through January 31, 2025, so there’s plenty of time to take advantage of it. But how does it work?
TurboTax offers several service tiers, and the discount applies to all of them. Here’s a breakdown of the options available:
- Do-It-Yourself Versions: This is the option for those who prefer to handle their own taxes. TurboTax’s software is user-friendly, guiding you through each step of the filing process and asking relevant questions to ensure accuracy. If you’re comfortable filing taxes independently, this might be the perfect fit for you.
- Live Assisted Versions: For those who want a little more guidance while doing it themselves, TurboTax’s Live Assisted options provide access to tax professionals who can answer questions and offer advice. This is great if you need a little extra help but still want to manage the process yourself.
- Full Service Versions: If you’d rather leave the entire tax preparation process in the hands of experts, TurboTax’s Full Service options allow you to upload your documents, and tax professionals will handle the rest. This is ideal for those who have complicated returns or simply prefer to avoid the hassle of filing their taxes.
The extra 10% off applies to all these service tiers, meaning whether you’re filing independently, seeking occasional assistance, or letting professionals handle it, you’ll get a discount. This is a great deal, especially if you know you’ll need TurboTax’s higher-level services but want to save as much as possible.
2. 50% Off QuickBooks Solopreneur (with Live Assisted Tax)
For freelancers, self-employed individuals, or small business owners, TurboTax has partnered with QuickBooks to offer a major discount on the QuickBooks Solopreneur plan. New customers can get 50% off the first three months of the subscription, bringing the cost down from $20/month to just $10/month. This deal includes QuickBooks Live Assisted Tax, a service that is tailor-made for self-employed individuals who need to file a Schedule C (Form 1040).
Here are the key benefits of QuickBooks Solopreneur with Live Assisted Tax:
- Unlimited Access to Tax Experts: QuickBooks gives you direct access to tax professionals who can help you maximize your deductions, answer questions, and ensure your taxes are accurate. This is particularly valuable if you’re a freelancer or small business owner with more complex tax needs.
- Seamless Integration with TurboTax: The integration between QuickBooks and TurboTax allows for a streamlined tax filing process. QuickBooks automatically syncs your financial data with TurboTax, meaning you won’t need to manually enter your business income and expenses. This saves you time and reduces the chance of errors.
- Personalized Advice: The service offers tailored advice to help you uncover industry-specific tax credits and deductions. For example, as an Uber driver or a freelancer, you may have deductions available to you that are unique to your line of work.
- 100% Accurate, Expert-Approved Guarantee: With this service, you can feel confident that your tax return will be accurate, and you’ll receive expert guidance every step of the way.
- Audit Support: If you’re ever audited, QuickBooks provides on-demand audit support, giving you one-on-one assistance to help you navigate the audit process.
If you’re self-employed or run a small business, this partnership between QuickBooks and TurboTax offers a valuable discount that can simplify your tax filing and save you money. Keep in mind that this deal is only available to new QuickBooks customers, so if you’ve been thinking about using QuickBooks to streamline your business finances, now is the perfect time to give it a try.
3. TurboTax Free Edition: File Your Taxes for Free
Not everyone needs to pay for tax software, and TurboTax’s Free Edition is a solid option for those with a simple tax situation. If your taxes only involve a basic Form 1040 and you qualify for certain credits (like the Earned Income Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit), you can file both your federal and state taxes at no cost.
However, it’s important to note that the Free Edition is only available to about 37% of taxpayers. If you have more complex tax situations (such as self-employment income or investments), you’ll need to upgrade to one of the paid versions of TurboTax.
Here’s what qualifies as a simple tax return:
- Filing Form 1040 without additional schedules or forms
- Limited credits, like the Child Tax Credit, Earned Income Tax Credit, and Student Loan Interest Deduction
- No significant income from business ownership, investments, or rental properties
If you meet these criteria, the Free Edition is an excellent choice, and you can file your taxes at no charge. But if your tax situation is more complicated, you’ll need to consider one of the paid TurboTax versions.
4. AAA Member Discounts on TurboTax
If you’re a member of the American Automobile Association (AAA), you can also get an exclusive discount on TurboTax products this tax season. As one of the 60 million AAA members in North America, you’re eligible for $5 to $15 off TurboTax Online, which can be a great way to lower your tax preparation costs.
The AAA discount applies to various TurboTax products, including their Deluxe, Premier, and Self-Employed versions. Depending on your region and membership level, you could save up to $20 on your TurboTax filing.
Here’s how to take advantage of the AAA discount:
- Visit your regional AAA website: For example, members in Northern California should go to calstate.aaa.com, while those in North Carolina should visit carolinas.aaa.com. If you’re unsure which website applies to you, check your local AAA branch for details.
- Log in or create an account: If you haven’t already, you’ll need to log in to your existing AAA account or create a new one. Keep in mind that you need to be an active member to access the discount.
- Search for the TurboTax link: Once logged in, navigate to the “offers” section and find the TurboTax link. This will take you to a page where you can access TurboTax’s offerings with your AAA discount already applied.
- Check your discount: Before completing your purchase, ensure that the discount has been applied correctly. You’ll see the savings on the “Review your order” screen before finalizing your payment. If the discount isn’t showing up, double-check the link and try again.
It’s important to note that the AAA discount runs regionally, meaning the specific offer or amount can vary depending on where you live. Some regions may offer higher or lower savings, so be sure to review the details for your specific location before purchasing.
5. Why Use TurboTax?
TurboTax is one of the most popular and trusted tax preparation tools in the U.S. Each year, millions of taxpayers use TurboTax because of its ease of use, accuracy, and comprehensive features. Here are a few reasons why TurboTax is a go-to choice for many:
- Step-by-Step Guidance: TurboTax walks you through the entire filing process with clear instructions and helpful prompts, making it easy even for first-time filers.
- Maximize Your Refund: The software automatically scans your return to ensure you’re claiming all the deductions and credits you’re eligible for, helping you get the largest refund possible.
- Accuracy Guarantee: TurboTax offers a 100% Accurate, Expert-Approved Guarantee on their paid versions, so you can rest assured your taxes will be filed correctly.
- Audit Support: If you’re audited, TurboTax offers expert advice and assistance to guide you through the process, which can reduce the stress of dealing with the IRS.
- Access to Tax Professionals: With TurboTax’s Live Assisted and Full Service versions, you can speak to a tax expert who can answer questions, review your return, and provide personalized advice.
Whether you’re filing a simple return or need help with self-employment income, TurboTax has a service that fits your needs. And when you combine it with one of the ongoing discounts—like the AAA member savings—you can save even more on your filing.
Final Thoughts
With so many great TurboTax discounts available in January 2025, there’s no reason to wait until the last minute to file your taxes. From the 10% off on federal online products to the QuickBooks Solopreneur discount and special savings for AAA members, it’s a great time to take advantage of these offers and maximize your savings. Be sure to choose the plan that best suits your needs and don’t forget to apply your AAA discount if you’re eligible. Getting your taxes done right and saving money in the process is a win-win.
Comments
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Once you purchase and download, do you have to file immediately?
Hi Carm – If you purchase a “download” version of TurboTax then you can file at anytime (i.e. like those sold at Amazon). You pay for the “online” versions of TurboTax at completion of your tax return (online versions are only sold directly at TurboTax’s website).