Preparing taxes for your business can feel like navigating a dense jungle, but with the right tools, it becomes a much smoother journey. If you're a business owner, you've likely heard of TurboTax Business. The big question often is: How much does TurboTax Business 2024 cost? Let's dive in and break down everything you need to know about pricing, features, and how to get your business taxes done right.
Step 1: Understanding Your Business Tax Needs – Are You a TurboTax Business Candidate?
Before we even talk about pricing, let's figure out if TurboTax Business is the right fit for you. It's crucial to understand that "business" taxes can mean different things, and TurboTax offers various products tailored to specific entity types.
Are you a sole proprietor or a single-member LLC? If so, your business income and expenses are typically reported on Schedule C of your personal Form 1040. For this, you might need TurboTax Home & Business, or even TurboTax Self-Employed.
Do you own a multi-member LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp, partnership, trust, or estate? This is where TurboTax Business (the specific product we're discussing) comes in. This version is designed for more complex business structures that require separate tax returns (Form 1120, 1120-S, 1065, 1041, etc.).
Engage with us! Before we go further, take a moment to consider your business structure. Do you file a separate tax return for your business, or is it reported on your personal return? Knowing this will help you pinpoint the exact TurboTax product you need!
How Much Is Turbotax Business 2024 |
Step 2: Decoding the Price Tag: How Much is TurboTax Business 2024?
QuickTip: Let each idea sink in before moving on.
Now for the main event! As of mid-2025 (for the 2024 tax year), the typical price for TurboTax Business 2024 Federal Only + E-file (Windows Digital Download) generally falls in the range of $140 to $190.
Average Retail Price: You'll often see it listed around $189.99.
Potential for Discounts: Keep an eye out for sales and promotions from various retailers like Best Buy, Staples, Sam's Club, or even directly from Intuit (TurboTax's parent company). We've seen prices drop significantly during early filing season or special offers, sometimes as low as $113.99.
Sub-heading: What's Included in the Base Price?
The base price for TurboTax Business 2024 typically includes:
Federal Tax Filing: This covers the preparation and e-filing of your federal business tax return (Form 1120, 1120-S, 1065, or 1041).
Five Federal E-files: Most versions of TurboTax Business allow you to e-file up to five federal business returns. This is great if you manage taxes for multiple entities or need to file amendments.
Windows Compatibility: It's important to note that TurboTax Business is typically a Windows-only desktop product. If you're a Mac user, you'll generally need to look at TurboTax Home & Business or explore online options, as the dedicated "Business" desktop software is not usually available for macOS.
Quick Employer Forms: This feature helps you create and e-file W-2s and 1099s for your employees and contractors.
Sub-heading: The Additional Costs: Don't Forget State Filings!
QuickTip: Skim the intro, then dive deeper.
While the federal filing is included, state business tax returns are almost always an additional cost.
State Download: You'll typically need to purchase and download the relevant state module separately. These can cost anywhere from $40 to $60 per state.
E-filing State: There might also be a separate e-filing fee for state returns, though sometimes it's included with the state module purchase.
Step 3: Exploring the Flavors: TurboTax Business vs. Other TurboTax Products
It's easy to get confused with the various TurboTax offerings. Let's clarify:
TurboTax Business (Desktop): As discussed, this is for separate business entities like S-Corps, C-Corps, Partnerships, Multi-Member LLCs, Trusts, and Estates. It's a desktop software.
TurboTax Home & Business (Desktop): This product is designed for sole proprietors, single-member LLCs, and independent contractors who report their business income and expenses on Schedule C of their personal Form 1040. It often comes with state filing included or at a discounted rate for one state. This version is available for both Windows and Mac.
TurboTax Self-Employed (Online): This is the online version for sole proprietors and single-member LLCs, providing features for Schedule C filers. Its pricing can vary and often includes options for live expert help.
TurboTax Live Assisted Business: This is a higher-tier service offered by TurboTax where you get unlimited expert help as you go, and a final review before you file. This is generally priced much higher than the desktop software, starting in the range of $700 or more, plus state fees.
TurboTax Live Full Service Business: This is the most comprehensive option where a tax expert prepares and files your entire business tax return for you. This service comes at a premium price, potentially costing upwards of $700 to over $1000, depending on the complexity of your business and state filings.
Step 4: Where to Buy TurboTax Business 2024
QuickTip: Pause after each section to reflect.
You have several options when it comes to purchasing TurboTax Business:
Directly from Intuit's TurboTax Website: This is often the most straightforward way, ensuring you get the latest version and direct support.
Major Retailers (Online and In-Store):
Best Buy
Staples
Amazon
Sam's Club
Costco (sometimes offers exclusive bundles or discounts)
Quill
Software Download vs. Physical Product Key Card: Most purchases nowadays are digital downloads. You'll receive a product key to activate the software. Some retailers might still offer physical product key cards.
Step 5: Making Your Purchase: A Step-by-Step Guide
Let's assume you've decided TurboTax Business 2024 is the right choice for your entity. Here's a general guide to purchasing:
Visit a Reputable Retailer or the TurboTax Website: Navigate to the product page for "TurboTax Business 2024."
Verify the Product: Double-check that you are indeed selecting "TurboTax Business 2024" and not "Home & Business" or any other personal tax software, unless that's what you actually need.
Check for Current Deals: Look for any promotions, discounts, or bundle offers. Prices can fluctuate.
Add to Cart: Select the digital download option (most common).
Proceed to Checkout: Enter your payment and contact information.
Receive Your Product Key/Download Instructions: After purchase, you'll typically receive an email with your product key and instructions on how to download and install the software. Be sure to check your spam or junk folder if you don't see it.
Download and Install: Follow the instructions to download and install the TurboTax Business software on your Windows computer.
Activate the Software: Launch TurboTax Business and enter your product key to activate it. You'll likely need to create or log in to an Intuit account.
Step 6: Maximizing Your Business Tax Experience with TurboTax
QuickTip: Stop scrolling, read carefully here.
Once you have TurboTax Business, here's how to make the most of it:
Sub-heading: Gathering Your Documents
Before you even open the software, have all your business financial documents in order. This includes:
Income statements (P&L)
Balance sheets
Bank statements
Records of all business expenses (receipts, invoices)
Asset purchase details (for depreciation)
Payroll records (if you have employees)
Prior year tax returns (for easy import)
Sub-heading: Utilizing Key Features
Import Previous Year's Data: If you used TurboTax Business in the past, import your prior year's return to save time.
Guided Interview: TurboTax uses a question-and-answer format to guide you through the process, prompting you for relevant information.
Industry-Specific Deductions: The software helps identify deductions and credits specific to your industry, ensuring you don't miss out on savings.
Asset Depreciation: It assists with calculating and reporting depreciation for your business assets.
W-2 and 1099 Creation: Use Quick Employer Forms to easily create and e-file these forms for your employees and contractors.
Error Checks and Audit Alerts: TurboTax performs thousands of checks to ensure accuracy and flags potential audit triggers.
Sub-heading: Seeking Support
TurboTax offers free U.S.-based technical support (hours may vary).
If you need tax advice, consider upgrading to a "Live Assisted" or "Live Full Service" option, but be prepared for the higher price tag.
Step 7: Final Review and Filing
Review Thoroughly: Before e-filing, meticulously review your entire return. Take your time, even if you feel confident.
Address Any Alerts: TurboTax will highlight any areas that need attention or could trigger an IRS audit. Address these before filing.
E-file Federal and State: Once satisfied, e-file your federal business return. Then, purchase and file your state business return if applicable.
Keep Records: Save digital and/or physical copies of your filed returns and all supporting documentation for your records. The IRS generally recommends keeping tax records for at least three years, and in some cases, longer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to TurboTax Business 2024:
How to know if I need TurboTax Business or Home & Business?
If your business is a multi-member LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp, partnership, trust, or estate, and files a separate tax return (e.g., Form 1120, 1065), you need TurboTax Business. If you're a sole proprietor or single-member LLC and report on Schedule C of your personal Form 1040, you likely need TurboTax Home & Business.
How to purchase TurboTax Business 2024 for Mac?
Unfortunately, the dedicated TurboTax Business desktop software is typically Windows-only. Mac users generally opt for TurboTax Home & Business (if they are sole proprietors/single-member LLCs) or utilize a professional tax preparer for more complex business structures.
How to get a discount on TurboTax Business 2024?
Look for promotions during the early tax season, around Black Friday/Cyber Monday, or directly from retailers like Best Buy, Staples, Amazon, or Sam's Club. Sometimes, bundling with other Intuit products (like QuickBooks) can offer savings.
How to install TurboTax Business 2024 after purchase?
After purchasing the digital download, you'll receive an email with a product key and a link to download the software. Click the link, run the installer, and follow the on-screen prompts. You'll enter your product key to activate the software.
How to file state business taxes with TurboTax Business 2024?
State business tax forms are sold separately as a download within TurboTax Business. After completing your federal return, the software will prompt you to purchase and download the relevant state module to prepare and file your state return.
How to get help while using TurboTax Business 2024?
TurboTax Business includes free U.S.-based technical support by phone. You can also find answers in their online support articles and community forums. For tax advice, consider upgrading to a "Live Assisted" option.
How to import last year's tax data into TurboTax Business 2024?
When you start a new return in TurboTax Business 2024, it will typically give you the option to import data from your previous year's TurboTax return file. This saves time and ensures consistency.
How to generate W-2s and 1099s using TurboTax Business 2024?
TurboTax Business includes "Quick Employer Forms," which allows you to create and e-file W-2s for employees and 1099s for contractors directly within the software.
How to ensure accuracy and avoid audits with TurboTax Business 2024?
TurboTax performs thousands of error checks as you go and offers "Audit Alerts" to flag areas that might attract IRS attention. Ensure you accurately input all your information and address any warnings before filing.
How to save my TurboTax Business 2024 return?
TurboTax automatically saves your progress as you work. You can also manually save your return at any point by going to the "File" menu and selecting "Save" or "Save As." It's always a good practice to save copies to your computer and/or cloud storage.