Here’s What It’s Like to Use TurboTax’s Mobile App to File Taxes on Your Own (2026)

I used TurboTax filing my taxes for several years. This is the most popular DIY tax service, and also often the cheapest and arguably the simplest. TurboTax has the filer in mind by using an easy-to-use interface, offering expert help available, with different automatic document upload options; helpful advice and information regarding tax requirements; and transparent, low-cost options for every type of filer.

The service makes it much easier for loyal users by storing information from previous years, allowing easy automatic downloading, and remembering previously used choices and forms from years past. Doing my taxes as a repeat user with TurboTax takes a fraction of the time of other tax services I’ve tested. (Need a place to start? I have a guide on how to file your taxes online for additional help.)

Yes, you can actually deposit for free

If you haven’t tried TurboTax, now is the best time to see if it’s right for you (and be able to file your return for free). You can file your taxes at both the state and federal level for $0 right now. There are just a few requirements for this great free deposit offer. You must not have filed a return with TurboTax previously (and you are changing providers) and you must file in the TurboTax mobile app by February 28. You will need to both start and produce in the mobile app; This is only eligible for DIY (self-guided) tax services and excludes expert assistance products. This means that it only applies to Simple Form 1040 returns (meaning no schedules except the EITC, CTC, Student Loan Interest, and Schedule 1-A forms are eligible).

One downside to TurboTax is that while it is (in my opinion) the easiest to use interface with seamless auto-upload features, it can be a bit more expensive than similar competitors. I have used FreeTaxUSA in the past when my income was lower and my taxes were simpler. The service is very similar in design to TurboTax, and while it’s still an inexpensive option, it’s not entirely free, as it charges $16 for filing a state return. Additionally, when I tested the service last year, FreeTaxUSA gave me the highest amount of taxes owed out of all the services I tested.

TurboTax filed more than twice as many free returns as FreeTaxUSA last year (based on the total number of federal and state returns filed in tax year 2024). And this tax season, more than 100 million people in the United States are eligible to file for free with TurboTax. If you file your own federal and state returns using DIY TurboTax products, filing will be free if you use the mobile app through February 28.

Classify in your hands

Filing taxes can be confusing and potentially costly. While I urge everyone who has not filed a return with TurboTax to take advantage of the free federal and state filing agreement through the mobile app, there are several options if you have already filed with the service or have more complicated returns that may require additional assistance.

There are three options for depositors: DIY, where you deposit yourself with step-by-step instructions (the previously mentioned service eligible for the free deposit offer); Expert Assist, where you get help from tax experts throughout the process and have the expert review it before submitting; or you can also entrust your taxes entirely to a local tax professional with Expert Full Service. Prices vary depending on the tier you choose and when you deposit (the earlier, the cheaper, especially if you can deposit before March).

The filing process begins with a helpful questionnaire so the program knows which sections apply to you, like dependents, assets, and education, so you don’t struggle with things that aren’t relevant. At first, TurboTax also estimated how long it would take to complete and asked me how I filed my return last year. No other service I had previously tested did this either, which was useful for estimating how long the process would take.