Since my very first year of working, I have used TurboTax to help me get my taxes done.
That was more years than I would like to admit. And although I’ve used other services throughout that time, I always end up coming back to TurboTax.
As a gig worker, there are so many things to consider when it comes to taxes, and the rules seem to change every single day.
What form am I supposed to get? Are my tips taxed? How do I save the most, or even get a refund?
Tax time isn’t fun for anyone. It can cause stress, anxiety, and hurt your wallet all at the same time.
TurboTax helps gig workers get it done, get it done right, and have confidence that it is done right. In this article, we’ll cover:
- What to know before filing with TurboTax
- Which TurboTax service is the right fit for you: Do It Yourself, Expert Assist, or Expert Full Service
- How to plan for taxes all year with TurboTax Expert 365 Business Service
Ready to file? Get a 20% discount with our link
What Rideshare Drivers Need to Know Before Filing With TurboTax
TurboTax offers multiple options that are well-suited for gig workers. Before choosing one, there are a few things to understand.
First, you need to remember that you are a self-employed individual. This adds complications to your taxes that TurboTax helps with, but it does require using a self-employed tier of their service.
Next, if you have a “regular” job, you’ll receive a W-2, and that’s typically all you need. As a gig worker, however, you’ll receive additional documents. These may vary from one service to another, or from year to year, depending on how much you earn. Common forms include the 1099-K, 1099-MISC, and 1099-NEC. Each one is slightly different and used for different purposes.
Finally, consider how much of your income comes from one source versus multiple sources. This isn’t just about “gig work” in general, but the many different apps you may drive or deliver for. You might “just do delivery,” but that could mean Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub, Skipcart, or others. Each platform provides its own documents and needs individual attention.
With those things in mind, I’ll share the three levels of service TurboTax offers.
How to Choose TurboTax Tiers for Gig Workers
TurboTax Do It Yourself
Current Price: $0-$104 for federal and state taxes. State taxes are between $0-$59 per state.
Although this is called “Do It Yourself,” it’s not something I would describe as completely on your own.
TurboTax walks you through a clear, step-by-step process to make sure everything is accounted for.
If you’ve used TurboTax before, much of your previous information will already be there, which saves time when entering details.
It also asks questions about changes in your life to help ensure you’re getting every deduction possible, such as getting married, having a child, buying a car for rideshare, and more.
When you’re finished, TurboTax CompleteCheck reviews your return for errors, giving you the confidence you want before filing.
TurboTax Expert Assist
Current Price: $40-$160 for federal taxes. State taxes are an additional cost of between $54-$64 per state.
If you like the pricing of Do It Yourself but want help from a real expert, this option may be for you.
You’ll still answer questions and input your information on your own, but anytime you have a question, a tax expert is available to help with your specific situation.
At the end of the process, a tax expert performs a final review of your return to make sure nothing was missed and everything was entered correctly.
TurboTax Expert Full Service
Current Price: $150 for federal and state taxes if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year, valid through 3/18. Otherwise, starts at $95, and the final price varies based on the complexity of your taxes and the forms you have (state additional).
When I first started doing my own taxes, I wanted to handle everything myself, mostly to save money.
Now, if I can spend a little and have someone else do all the work, I’m more than happy to let them.
With TurboTax Expert Full Service, you can hand everything over to a professional and let them manage the entire process.
You get the confidence of knowing someone who understands taxes as well as you understand driving your car is handling it all. They sign on your behalf and take care of any issues that may come up.
Ready to file? Get a 20% discount with our link
Year-Round Tax Support With TurboTax Expert 365 Business
One of the biggest mistakes people make with finances and taxes is only thinking about them once a year.
Working with a tax expert throughout the year helps you set clear goals, plan ways to keep more of your money, and be fully prepared when tax season arrives.
TurboTax offers this support through their Expert 365 Business service.
For $99 per month, you can get help whenever you need it.
Is TurboTax Right For Gig Workers?
Yes.
The most important thing is staying on top of your taxes and actually getting them done.
With TurboTax, you get the support you need, avoid missing important details, and have peace of mind knowing your return is accurate.
TurboTax doesn’t stop there, either. For those who want to take control of their financial future, they also offer year-round support to help you stay confident and prepared.
