Let’s be real for a second. Most of us look at tax season with the same enthusiasm we reserve for a root canal. You know you have to do it, but you'd rather be doing literally anything else. That’s why the "Full Service" option from TurboTax is so tempting. You basically just dump your digital shoebox of receipts on someone else’s virtual desk and walk away.
But then comes the big question: how much does TurboTax Full Service cost?
If you go looking for a straight answer, you might feel like you're trying to read a map in a blizzard. Prices shift. They change based on when you log in. They change based on how "messy" your life is. Honestly, it's a lot.
The Short Answer (And the "But...")
Right now, for the 2025-2026 tax season, TurboTax has been pushing a $150 flat-fee special for new customers. This includes both your federal and state returns. If you’ve never used an expert to file through them before, that’s a pretty solid deal. It’s basically their way of getting you through the door.
But—and this is a big but—if you aren't a new customer or you miss that specific promo window, the pricing gets... colorful.
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Standard pricing for the TurboTax Expert Full Service (the new name for Live Full Service) typically starts around $89 to $129 for the federal return alone. Once you add a state return, you’re looking at another $49 to $64 per state. If you live in a place like California or New York, that "flat fee" feeling disappears fast.
Breaking Down the "Hidden" Complexity
Taxes aren't just taxes. A single W-2 from a 9-to-5 job is a breeze. But if you’ve been dabbling in crypto, or you finally bought that rental property in the desert, your price is going to climb.
TurboTax uses a "form-based" pricing model for their Full Service tier if you don't land a flat-rate deal. Think of it like a menu at a sushi restaurant where everything is a la carte.
- Business Income (Schedule C): If you’re a freelancer or a small business owner, expect to pay more. Depending on your expenses, this can add anywhere from $80 to $200 to your base price.
- Investment Tangles: Sold some stocks? Traded Ethereum? Form 1099-B filings often carry a surcharge of about $40.
- Rental Properties: Reporting that Airbnb income (Schedule E) can tack on extra costs as well.
It’s not that they’re trying to trick you. It’s just that an expert spending five hours on a complex corporate-to-personal flow costs the company more than someone spending 20 minutes on a standard 1040.
Why Does the Price Keep Changing?
You might notice the price you see in January isn't the price you see in April. TurboTax is famous—or maybe infamous—for "early bird" pricing.
Basically, the earlier you get your documents to them, the cheaper it is. As the April 15th deadline (or April 18th, depending on the year's calendar) approaches, those base prices creep up. They might jump by $20 or $30 just because the experts are suddenly underwater with work.
Pro Tip: If you want the lowest price, don't wait until March. Getting your stuff in by mid-February can literally save you enough for a decent dinner out.
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Is the Full Service Worth the Premium?
When you ask how much does TurboTax Full Service cost, you’re also asking about value. Why pay $150+ when the DIY software might only cost you $60?
I’ve talked to people who swear by it because of the Expert Approved Guarantee. If the IRS comes knocking because of a mistake the TurboTax expert made, TurboTax pays the penalties and interest. For some people, that "sleep at night" factor is worth every penny.
Also, you get a dedicated human. You can actually hop on a video call and say, "Hey, why is my refund so much lower this year?" and they have to explain it to you. That beats arguing with a chatbot any day of the week.
The Business Side: Expert Full Service Business
If you’ve moved beyond a side hustle and actually have an S-corp or a Partnership (Form 1065 or 1120-S), you aren't in the $150 territory anymore.
For real business entities, the cost can jump significantly. We’re talking $180 to $200+ for desktop versions or specialized "Expert 365" subscriptions that run around $99 a month. It’s a different league of filing.
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Real-World Math: A Quick Comparison
Let's look at a "normal" person named Sarah. Sarah is a freelance graphic designer who owns a home.
- Federal Base: $129
- State Return: $64
- Schedule C (Business): $100
- Total: $293
Wait, Sarah thought it would be $150! This is where people get frustrated. If Sarah isn't a new customer or if she has more than just a "simple" return, that $150 promotional price doesn't apply. This is why reading the fine print is annoying but necessary.
The "Refund Processing" Gotcha
Here is something almost nobody talks about until they get to the final screen. TurboTax gives you the option to "Pay with your Refund." It sounds great. No money out of pocket today!
But they usually charge a $40 fee just for the "convenience" of taking the money out of your refund. Honestly? Just pay with a credit card. Don't give them an extra $40 for a transaction that takes them zero effort.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're sitting there with a pile of forms and a headache, here is how you should handle this:
- Check for the Promo: Log in right now to see if the $150 federal + state flat-rate offer is available to you. If it is, and your taxes are complex (stocks, 1099s), lock it in immediately.
- Gather First, Pay Later: You don't actually pay until you're ready to file. You can go through the whole process, see what the "expert" thinks, and see the final price tag before you commit.
- Audit Your Own Complexity: If you only have one W-2 and no house, don't use Full Service. Use the Free Edition. It’s literally free. Don't pay for an expert you don't need.
- Compare to a Local CPA: If your quote from TurboTax starts hitting the $400 range (which happens for some small biz owners), call a local accountant. You might find a local pro who charges the same but gives you better year-round advice.
The reality is that how much does TurboTax Full Service cost depends entirely on how much of your "tax life" you're willing to manage yourself. If you want zero stress, you'll pay the premium. Just make sure you do it before the March price hikes hit.