Updated on Sunday, February 1, 2026: With the tax season officially underway, many of us will turn to TurboTax to file. The good news? You don’t have to pay full price. We’ve rounded up the best TurboTax deals to help you save before the April 15th deadline. Here are the top offers available now:
1. 20% Off Federal Tax Return Discount
TurboTax is offering a 20% instant discount on federal tax products purchased directly from Intuit through March 30, 2026. The discount applies after any seasonal pricing and only covers federal returns, with state filings handled separately. Eligible savings are automatically applied at checkout.
2. Free Filing for New Users
If TurboTax wasn’t used last year, new users can file their taxes for free through the TurboTax or Credit Karma mobile app. The self-guided option allows both federal and state returns to be submitted at no charge. This option can handle more complex income, such as freelance earnings, investment income, or rental property. To take advantage of the offer, returns must be completed in the app by February 28, 2026.
3. Early Filing Reduces Costs
Filing earlier in the season can reduce the price of a TurboTax federal return by up to $40 if submitted by February 27, 2026. Users still have the choice of self-filing or working with a tax professional.
4. File for free with TurboTax Free Edition
TurboTax’s Free Edition. ~37% of filers qualify. Simple Form 1040 returns only (no schedules, except for EITC, CTC, student loan interest, and Schedule 1-A).
5. TurboTax Freedom Edition for Military Members
Active-duty military members in pay grades E1 through E9 can file their taxes at no cost using the TurboTax Freedom Edition. Service members above that pay grade are still eligible for discounted pricing. A military W-2 from the 2025 tax year is required to qualify. This program is designed to simplify tax filing for active-duty personnel and reduce administrative burden.
No TurboTax Discount for Vanguard Customers in 2026
In previous years, Vanguard account holders benefited from TurboTax discounts as part of a collaboration between the two companies. Unfortunately, for 2026, no such offer seems to be available (the previous offer link no longer applies a discount). Vanguard customers are encouraged to check their online accounts for potential personalized offers, but there is no general promotion this year.
This change is significant because many Vanguard users rely on tax filing software like TurboTax to handle the complexities of reporting investment income, dividends, and capital gains. While the lack of a discount may be disappointing, Vanguard customers can still take advantage of TurboTax’s other promotions or explore other tax software options.
Vanguard: An Overview of the Investment Giant
History and Background
Vanguard was founded in 1975 by John C. Bogle, who aimed to create a client-focused investment company with low fees and straightforward solutions. Vanguard is best known for pioneering the concept of index funds, which offer a low-cost way to invest in a diversified portfolio of stocks or bonds.
One of the unique aspects of Vanguard is its ownership structure. Unlike most financial companies, Vanguard is owned by its funds, which are in turn owned by its investors. This structure eliminates conflicts of interest and allows Vanguard to prioritize long-term value for its clients.
Key Features of Vanguard
- Low Fees: Vanguard is synonymous with low-cost investing, offering some of the industry’s lowest expense ratios.
- Wide Range of Products: The company provides mutual funds, ETFs, IRAs, and 401(k) plans.
- Index Fund Expertise: Vanguard’s index funds and ETFs are among the most popular in the world, known for their reliability and cost efficiency.
- Retirement Planning: Vanguard offers extensive resources for retirement savings, including target-date funds and personalized advisory services.
How Vanguard Relates to Tax Season
Investing with Vanguard comes with tax implications, particularly for those holding taxable brokerage accounts or tax-advantaged retirement accounts. Understanding these implications can help you plan better for tax season.
1. Taxable Accounts
- Capital Gains: Selling investments for a profit triggers capital gains taxes. Long-term gains (held for over a year) are taxed at a lower rate than short-term gains.
- Dividends: Vanguard funds often distribute dividends, which are taxable. Qualified dividends are taxed at a lower rate than ordinary income.
2. Tax-Advantaged Accounts
- IRAs and 401(k)s: Contributions to traditional IRAs and 401(k)s may be tax-deductible, while earnings grow tax-deferred. Withdrawals in retirement are taxed as ordinary income. Roth accounts, on the other hand, are funded with after-tax dollars, allowing for tax-free withdrawals later.
3. Tax-Loss Harvesting
Investors can use losses from poorly performing investments to offset gains elsewhere in their portfolio. This strategy, known as tax-loss harvesting, is a way to reduce taxable income.
4. Tax Forms Provided by Vanguard
Vanguard issues several key tax forms, including:
- 1099-DIV: Reports dividends earned.
- 1099-B: Details capital gains or losses from asset sales.
- 5498: Summarizes IRA contributions.
These forms are available online and can often be imported directly into TurboTax or other tax software for easy filing.
How to Sign Up for Vanguard
Getting started with Vanguard is straightforward. You can open an account online by visiting their website, selecting the type of account you want (e.g., brokerage, IRA, or 401(k)), and completing the application process. You’ll need to provide personal information, such as your Social Security number, and fund the account with an initial deposit.
Pros and Cons of Vanguard
Pros
- Cost Efficiency: Vanguard’s low fees mean more of your money stays invested.
- Diverse Options: A broad range of funds allows investors to tailor their portfolios to specific goals.
- Reputation: Vanguard is widely regarded as a trusted name in investment management.
- Tax Advantages: Its tax-advantaged accounts and low-turnover funds help minimize tax liabilities.
Cons
- Limited Features for Active Traders: Vanguard is not ideal for frequent traders or those seeking advanced trading tools.
- Interface: Some users find Vanguard’s platform less intuitive compared to competitors.
- No TurboTax Discount in 2026: This change may frustrate investors accustomed to past benefits.
Maximizing Tax Season Efficiency with Vanguard and TurboTax
Even without a dedicated TurboTax discount for Vanguard customers in 2026, there are still ways to streamline tax season:
- Organize Tax Documents: Ensure all necessary forms, like 1099-DIVs and 1099-Bs, are ready before filing.
- Use TurboTax Import Features: TurboTax allows users to directly import Vanguard tax data, reducing the risk of errors.
- Consult Advisors: Vanguard’s financial advisors can help you optimize your portfolio for tax efficiency.
- Stay Informed: Take advantage of Vanguard’s educational resources on tax-loss harvesting and other strategies.
Our Final Thoughts
TurboTax’s 2026 discounts provide plenty of opportunities to save during tax season, even as Vanguard customers face the absence of a dedicated offer. By leveraging TurboTax’s integration capabilities and understanding the tax implications of Vanguard accounts, you can navigate tax season with confidence. While the loss of a Vanguard-specific discount may feel like a setback, the overall resources and support offered by both companies continue to make them valuable partners in managing your finances and investments.