AI tax filing vs TurboTax: what it really costs
Everyone knows the TurboTax move: it says "free," then the price climbs at checkout the moment your taxes are anything but the simplest. If you run a business or have 1099 income, "free" is rarely what you pay.
Where the cost really comes from
- Upsells at checkout: state filing, "deluxe," "self-employed," audit add-ons — each one nudges the price up.
- Your time: hours clicking through screens, hoping you did not miss a deduction.
- No real review: the software checks math, not judgment.
How AI-assisted filing is different
- One clear price, no surprise upsells at the end.
- Built for business income — the deductions people miss are the whole point.
- A licensed preparer reviews and files it — a person, not just software, stands behind the return.
- If you earn through Luxucleen, your numbers flow in automatically.
The honest bottom line
For a simple W-2 return, free software is fine. The moment you have a side business, 1099s, or real deductions, a flat honest price plus a human review usually costs less than TurboTax's upsold tiers and catches more.
Do my taxes with AI →One price, no upsells, a licensed preparer reviews and files. Cheaper than TurboTax for business income.General information, not tax advice. Actual filing is performed and signed by a licensed tax preparer; your situation may vary. TurboTax is a trademark of its owner and is named only for comparison.