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Get early filer savings and free 2021 simple returns at TurboTax

TurboTax is offering up to $20 off through for those who file now through the end of the month. If you have simple tax needs or are in the military, TurboTax has free options as well.

Tuong Nguyen Content Producer
2 min read
self-employed-filing

There's no extension on the 2021 tax filing deadline this year, but you can save money on tax preparation by filing early.

Damir Cudic/Getty Images

Heads up: Taxes are due Monday, April 18, this year. If you're the type to get things out of the way early (and want to get your refund more quickly), here's another reason to do so: free and discounted filing options. 

Free tax options at TurboTax

If your income situation is relatively straightforward -- say, no capital gains or stock sales -- you have some free tax filing options at your disposal. For instance, if you don't exceed the income limit ($73,000 this year), you may be eligible to file online and for free. (The IRS provides list of free tax prep options.) 

To qualify for the TurboTax Free Edition, here are the qualifications: 

  • W-2 income
  • Limited interest and dividend income reported on a 1099-INT or 1099-DIV
  • Claiming the standard deduction
  • Earned income tax credit (EITC)
  • Child tax credits
  • Student loan interest deduction

Further, the TurboTax Free Edition only covers customers with a simple tax return, which means those filing a standard 1040. 

Read More: The IRS has started accepting 2021 tax returns. Here's what to know before you file

Act soon and you can get for free TurboTax Live Basic with expert advice along the way or TurboTax Live Full Service Basic with tax experts who will do your taxes for you, offers expire Mar. 31. Find out more about TurboTax Live and Full Service.

Get up to $20 off

Earn more than $73,000? Have itemized deductions, capital gains or additional "schedule" forms you need to file? You're not eligible for the free options above, but if you act now, you can get a discount. Early tax filers can get up to $50 $20 off when they sign up for TurboTax. You can get TurboTax Deluxe for $49 (previously $59), Premier for $74 (previously $89) or Self-Employed for $99 (previously $119). 

Prefer to file your taxes offline? TurboTax also offer the disc and downloadable versions of their software (for Mac and PC) over at Amazon. Get federal and state filing with Deluxe for $50 ($10 off), Premier for $70 ($10 off) or Home & Business for $80 ($20 off). Don't forget to select the download or physical CD option before you check out.

See more TurboTax coupon codes: CNET coupons

Military filing for free

Serving in the military? You can get your returns filed for free (both federal and state) with TurboTax's military savings. Active-duty enlisted service members and reservists can simply upload their military W-2 and verify their rank to qualify. This offer includes TurboTax Free Edition, Deluxe, Premier and Self-Employed filing products. It's not available to officers.

Be sure to check out our tax guide for filing tips, stimulus credit information and more.

Still have questions? CNET has a plethora of information about how to file your taxes online

Read more: Best tax software for 2022: TurboTax, H&R Block, Jackson Hewitt and more

Update, March 3: This story was originally published earlier and has been updated to reflect that the original discount of $50 has dropped down to $20 off.

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