If you’re a senior filing your taxes or helping someone who is, you might be wondering: Does TurboTax offer a senior discount? Or maybe you’ve heard about AARP and tax filing perks and want to know if they include savings with TurboTax.
The good news is that there are ways for seniors and retirees to save on tax prep, and TurboTax can work really well for older filers. This is espescially true wth their “early bird special,” which AARP members might love.
Let’s talk about how seniors, retirees, and AARP members can get the best deal on TurboTax, plus why their software is so popular with seniors.
TurboTax AARP Discount | Senior Discount | Early Bird Special | Tips | Codes
Does AARP Offer a Discount on TurboTax?
The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) is a trusted organization that often negotiates benefits for its members, including discounts and tax help.
Here’s what AARP members should know:
- AARP doesn’t include a specific TurboTax discount as part of its membership benefits, but might provide members a link to the featured public offer here
- But AARP does offer free tax preparation services—not through TurboTax, but through the IRS-sponsored AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program.
The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program is a volunteer service that offers in-person and virtual tax preparation help, especially geared toward people over 50 and low-to moderate-income taxpayers. This service uses trained volunteers to help complete your taxes for free, and it’s available in communities all over the U.S.
So while AARP doesn’t give you a direct TurboTax discount, it does offer a free alternative for seniors who prefer live help or don’t want to use software.
Does TurboTax Offer a Senior Discount?
TurboTax doesn’t have a specific senior discount just based on age alone. That means you won’t find something like “TurboTax 20% off if you’re 65+” built into their featured promotion. Any websites like Senior Living or AAA offering a “TurboTax senior discount” are really just repackaging the same featured offer tha we all qualify for.
That said, TurboTax does run one or two featured disocunts at a time for all filers. These aren’t age-specific, but seniors can absolutely take advantage of them. These might include:
- A percentage off TurboTax Deluxe, Premier, or Self-Employed
- Promotional pricing for first-time filers
- Great deal early in the tax season; an “early bird special,” if you will
During tax season (January through mid-April), TurboTax has lower tiered pricing if you start your return early. Seniors who are comfortable with digital tools can snag these discounts well before the April deadline.
Additionally, if you’re filing a simple return, like just a Social Security benefit and limited additional income, you might qualify for TurboTax Free Edition (more on that below). That’s essentially the best “discount” of all: free tax filing.
*~37% of taxpayers qualify. Form 1040 + limited credits only. (no schedules except for Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and Student Loan Interest).
The TurboTax “Early Bird Special” for AARP Members
I know I’m getting older because my wife and I find ourselves taking advantage of happy hours and early bird specials at local restaurants. That way we can save some money and be home before it gets crowded.
It’s really the same concept with TurboTax. File early and save! If you file in January or February, you’re going to get a better discount than later in the tax season when the crowd forms and prices are marked up. So, consider filing early to take advantage of TurboTax’s early bird pricing as you might save an extra $20 or more with the featured discount!
Why Seniors & Retirees Should Consider Using TurboTax
Even though there’s no specific “senior discount”, TurboTax is still a great choice for many older filers. Here’s why:
1. Easy to Use
I don’t like tv remote controls with 32 buttons or phones that are much smarter than me. TurboTax guides you step-by-step with simple questions like “Did you get Social Security benefits?” or “Did you have retirement income?” Everything is worded clearly, and the interface shows helpful explanations as you go.
2. Importing Documents
If you have retirement income from investments, dividends, or interest, TurboTax can often import those 1099 forms automatically. That saves seniors time and reduces the risk of errors.
3. Built-In Error Checking
TurboTax checks your numbers as you go and can flag missing deductions or possible credits. For seniors on fixed incomes, making sure you’re not overpaying is a big peace-of-mind feature.
4. Consider LIVE Assistance!
Once I started using TurboTax LIVE assistance I never looked back. Basically, it’s a video chat window in the corner of your computer monitor with an actual tax professional. They can hear you and see your screen, but can’t actually see you. (or your cats?)
I love it because they can walk you through any questions and see your actual return, guiding you through any part of the process that you need a little help with.
A Few Quick Tips for AARP Members Using TurboTax
Here are some practical tips to make your tax-filing experience easier as a Senior, AARP member, and/or retiree:
- Start early! You’ll have time to catch tricky questions, missing forms, and take advantage of the best promotional pricing before March.
- Gather documents first: W-2s, 1099s, Social Security statements, and any pension info should be in one place before you begin.
- Use free help if needed: If TurboTax feels overwhelming, the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers can walk you through it for free.
- Watch for promos: TurboTax discounts often pop up in January and February, so check their site or partner promos before paying in full.
4. Support Options
If you need help, TurboTax offers online support and live help options (LIVE costs extra). That can be a great backup if you run into questions while filing. Personally, I use LIVE assistance every year and find it invaluable; espescially with investments and potential deductions
5. Free Filing When Your Return Is Simple
If your tax situation is straightforward, say, Social Security benefits plus maybe one other form of income, you might qualify for TurboTax Free Edition. That version lets you file federal and state returns at no cost. It’s not guaranteed for every situation, but many seniors do qualify.
So, In Summary
While TurboTax does not promote a specific senior or AARP discount, they do always have a featured promotion which filers of all ages can take advantage of. Although that same discount is promoted to seniors and retirees through organizations like AARP or Chase Bank, it’s really just the same discount packaged differently to appeal to seniors. However, the savings from that promotion is always better early in the tax season, so consider it an “early bird discount.”
Thanks for stopping by Mighty Taxes, and good luck this tax season!