How to Get Free TurboTax Tax Preparation Software

It's bad enough having to pay taxes, but having to pay for tax preparation software is just adding insult to injury. There are lots of great articles and ideas regarding free tax software, but this one is about the wonderful TurboTax software free to military members via USAA Bank. For years, I paid full price for this great TurboTax tax preparation software, so I'm trilled to have finally found the TurboTax software I trust for free.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet access

1. Become a member of USAA Federal Savings Bank. USAA was founded in 1922 by a small group of Army Officers who agreed to insure each others' vehicles. Almost 100 years later, USAA is open to all military members and their children, and consistently receives superior ratings for their insurance, banking and investment services. The link below will take you to the membership homepage. If you qualify for membership, it's free.

2. Once you're a member of USAA bank, you'll be able to access the members-only benefits, often displayed on their homepage. Look for the link for at 25% discount off TurboTax tax preparation software under the Advice tab, or as a banner over your accounts when you login to USAA. That's right, even if you don't qualify for the free tax preparation software, you still get a 25% discount on TurboTax tax software, and that's not too bad either.

3. Click on the "get started" button next to the TurboxTax offer, and you will be taken to a warning screen that you are about to leave the USAA site. That's ok. Click on "continue", and you will be taken to the TurboTax site, customized just for USAA members. In the bar on the right, toward the bottom of the screen, is a link to the "Freedom Edition". This is the free TurboTax tax preparation software you want. Click on that link to see if you qualify. If so, go right ahead and prepare and file your taxes online with TurboTax, for free.

4. Surprisingly, you may even be able to file your STATE taxes for free! Get more information about free state tax filing through the Freedom Edition TurboTax link.

Tips & Warnings

• It helps to have last year's taxes available for reference.
• Try to gather all your paperwork in one place throughout the year for easy access come tax time.
• Even if you don't qualify for this particular program, TurboTax may still be the easiest way to prepare your taxes. For more information, check out resource links below.

Resources

• USAA Bank
• Amazon.com/TurboTax
• TurboTax.com

[chrismil15]

on 2/23/2009 Wow I didn't even know I was entitled to this AND I'm in the military. haha I learn something new everyday. Thanks for the tip I hate paying the fee every year. Great article 5*

[Mocha]

on 2/13/2009 Great resource, I am going to look into this for our taxes this year, thanks for sharing.

[2besure]

on 1/28/2009 It certainly makes things a lot easier!

[Punkuns]

on 1/28/2009 Valuable information! Thank you!

[DenimDragonfly]

on 1/28/2009 Great article! 5 *'s and a recommend!