This guide summarizes typical pricing for TurboTax Self-Employed in the U.S. and the main drivers that affect the cost. It covers standard plan options, potential add-ons, and regional pricing differences to help buyers estimate a realistic budget.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TurboTax Self-Employed | $0 | $120 | $200 | Base online federal return; state return adds separate cost |
| State Return (per state) | $0 | $40 | $60 | Depends on state; some include with federal in promotions |
| Audit Defense / Live Assist | $0 | $40 | $100 | Optional add-on for extra help |
| Plan Upgrades (e.g., Self-Employed with Live) | $0 | $100 | $400 | Prices vary by features and support level |
Overview Of Costs
Estimated total project ranges for a typical self-employed federal return with 1 state filing usually fall in the $120–$200 neighborhood, depending on promotions and add-ons. Assumptions: one self-employment schedule, no extensive calculations, and standard deductions.
In terms of per-unit pricing, the federal filing is commonly priced as a base amount plus optional state fees. A common structure is a base price around $60–$90 for federal and $40–$60 per state. Prices can vary with the inclusion of live help, audit protection, or additional forms.
Cost Breakdown
| Component | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $0 | $60 | $120 | Software tier and features |
| Labor | $0 | $0 | $0 | Self-prepared return; no professional labor included in standard pricing |
| Taxes | $0 | $0 | $0 | Tax preparation software fee; taxes handled by user |
| Permits & Licenses | $0 | $0 | $0 | Not applicable for software purchase |
| Delivery/Disposal | $0 | $0 | $0 | Digital delivery; no physical disposal costs |
| Warranty | $0 | $0 | $0 | Software warranty varies by plan |
| Overhead | $0 | $0 | $0 | Minimal impact in typical self-prep usage |
Assumptions: region, personal tax complexity, and number of forms affect totals.
What Drives Price
Plan features and the presence of live help or audit support significantly influence cost. Self-Employed editions typically scale with the number of forms, states, and whether E-file offers are bundled.
Another driver is the inclusion of additional services, such as Live CPA help or audit defense. Regional promotions and multi-year discounts can reduce the effective per-year price.
Ways To Save
Shop promotions and bundling with state filings or live help can trim costs. Consider using free federal filing options when eligible, then pay only for-state returns.
Consider preparing the return yourself with the Self-Employed tier and adding on Premium support only if you anticipate needing direct access to a professional. Annual renewals may change pricing; compare year-over-year.
Regional Price Differences
Prices can differ by geography due to state filing fees and promotions. Urban markets often feature more frequent discounts or bundles than Rural areas.
Regional pricing examples show typical deltas: Northeast packages may add a modest state fee, while the Midwest may offer lower base states pricing. Expect +/- 10–20% variation between regions.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Basic Scenario
Specs: 1 Federal return, 1 state, Self-Employed
Labor/Hr: Self-prep
Totals: $120 (federal) + $40 state = $160 total
Assumptions: straightforward Schedule C, standard deductions.
Mid-Range Scenario
Specs: 1 Federal return, 2 states, Self-Employed, Standard Audit Defense add-on
Labor/Hr: Self-prep with optional help for random questions
Totals: $120–$180 federal/state mix + $40–$100 add-ons = $200–$280 total
Assumptions: moderate complexity, basic schedules included.
Premium Scenario
Specs: 1 Federal return, 3–4 states, Self-Employed, Live CPA help
Labor/Hr: Guided assistance; expert review
Totals: $200–$260 base + $60–$140 add-ons = $260–$400 total
Assumptions: higher complexity, multiple forms, and enhanced support.
Assumptions: region, state count, and form complexity influence quotes; always verify current promotions.
FAQ on Price And Cost
Is TurboTax Self-Employed expensive? Relative to DIY options, prices reflect access to guided forms and support. For simple returns, costs stay modest; for complex self-employment filings, total may rise with add-ons.
Do I need live help? Not always. The Self-Employed plan covers most needs, but live help and audit protection add meaningful value for some filers.
Can I deduct software costs? Software fees are considered personal expenses for tax purposes, not deductible as business expenses on the return itself.