Tax Simulations
Everyone has to deal with taxes at some point, but not all tax situations are the same. Learn about how to prepare and file taxes through the following tax simulations to remove the fear of Tax Day, forever!

There’s more to know about taxes than that they are just taken out of your paycheck!

Taxes are taken from your gross pay to pay for things like roads, first responders, and public schools. You may benefit now from paying these taxes.

Your Medicare and Social Security taxes help pay for health care and living costs for citizens who are retired or disabled. You may benefit now or later from paying these taxes.

You’ll need to file your taxes each year to make sure that you’ve paid the right amount. If you paid too much in taxes during the past year, you’ll get a refund. If you’ve paid too little in taxes, you’ll owe the IRS money.

Learn more about how to file for specific tax situations by helping a character prepare their own taxes. Select a tax simulation to begin!

Tax Simulations

Click the Filing Your Taxes simulation to begin. Once you have completed the first simulation, select one or more of the remaining simulations to explore how different life situations can impact your taxes.

20-25 min

Filing Your Taxes

Carlos learns how to file his taxes using tax preparation software.

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Filing Your Taxes

5-10 min

Tax Credits for Families

Martin helps his family claim child deductions that they have missed in the past.

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Tax Credits for Families

5-10 min

Taxes for Gig Workers

Chinwe is surprised to learn her gig-economy job is considered self-employment and that she needs to pay taxes.

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Taxes for Gig Workers

5-10 min

Taxes for Students

Dana learns how to report tuition statements from her school and about claiming student loan interest and educational expenses on her taxes.

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Taxes for Students

5-10 min

Taxes for Investments and Cryptocurrency

Ailani learns her responsibilities in reporting earnings from investments and cryptocurrency on her taxes.

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Taxes for Investments and Cryptocurrency

Testimonials
Let's hear what students and educators are saying about our program.
"The TurboTax Simulation has given me more confidence related to future tax filings by providing me with practical, hands-on experience in preparing and filing taxes. It allowed me to understand the process and identify potential deductions that my family might be eligible for, which I may not have been able to do on my own."
Cristian (Student)
New Hampshire
"The TurboTax simulation helped the students to understand the process of completing their taxes as most of them are starting to do their own taxes. Students started to take a more active role in their own finances, rather than allowing their parents to take the lead, because they had the knowledge to help support their process."
Ms. Boye-Doe (Educator)
California
"My biggest takeaway from the TurboTax Simulation was the importance of planning ahead and taking all relevant deductions into account. This knowledge will allow me to better understand the tax system and make informed decisions that will save me money."
Dianna (Student)
Florida
"A critical problem that our students face is not having had experience of the “real world” before they are suddenly thrust into it at 18. The TurboTax Simulation allows them to “get their feet wet” in a low-stakes manner and learn about some of the essential adult requirements of life they will be facing!"
Ms. Lobato (Educator)
California
"Learning about taxes in school and participating in the TurboTax Simulation program was an essential step in becoming more financially responsible. The knowledge and skills I gained from this experience have given me more confidence when it comes to tax preparation and have helped me understand the importance of staying organized and informed."
Lorena (Student)
Florida
"The TurboTax simulation was crucial in helping engage the students, because they could see and experience real-life scenarios right at their fingertips. This was better than any role-play I could have created, as the simulations were relevant and applicable to their current lives."
Mr. Moore (Educator)
Idaho
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Testimonials
Let's hear what students and educators are saying about our program.
"The TurboTax simulation is a simple and clear online illustration of how taxes are calculated, how and when to pay, deductions and credits as well as taxes on investments and crypto currency."
Meg F.
Baltimore City College
"As a Community College Entrepreneurship Educator, I look forward to using the Tax Stimulation and resource guide in my Spring Classes. This is a much-needed and under-discussed subject. It is equity and teaching students financial literacy. I can't wait to have rich discussions and role-play scenarios with my students."
Fatema B.
Los Angeles City College
"My time was very well spent educating myself with the Intuit TurboTax Simulation, and I'd definitely recommend this to any friends or family who still need a better understanding of filing taxes"
Alex D.
Bergen County Academies
"I feel TurboTax simulations help understand filing taxes is not a scary thing they can't do."
Mary J.
Grundy Center CSD
"This is going to be a great tax tool for students to practice what they had learned in the lecture lessons. Thanks Intuit."
Luis A.
Long Island Business Institute
"I have gained a lot more confidence in future taxing filings through the Intuit TurboTax Tax Simulation because it provided an in-depth walk through of how tax preparation software works, advice on how to receive refunds, and the information/documentation required to file your taxes."
Roxanna A.
Middlebury College
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Testimonials
Let's hear what students and educators are saying about our program.
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"Since I am a high school senior applying for colleges and universities, learning about taxes could not have come at a better time. Ultimately, after completing the TurboTax Simulation, I feel much more confident in my knowledge of tax forms and how to file them."
Emerson S.
California
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"My biggest takeaway from the simulation is that anyone is capable of filing their taxes. No matter the language you speak, TurboTax will guide you throughout the whole process through pictures and clear instructions. There is no need to be afraid of mistakes or taxes."
Jesus C.
Connecticut
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"Through the TurboTax Simulation, I was able to gain hands-on experience in filing taxes that was realistic to my experience. The simulations also helped me to better understand tax forms, credits, and deductions that are relevant to my life."
Tanya V.
North Carolina
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"There are so many different parts of paying taxes and TurboTax has given me a thorough overview of the tax world and rules that apply. I was always overwhelmed to think about taxes but when you break it down into parts like this, it is much more manageable and easier for someone my age to absorb."
Nathan T.
California
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Testimonials
Let's hear what students and educators are saying about our program.
h
"The simulations have not only helped me, but members of my family acquire greater knowledge on taxes and how to better manage them."
Brianna
New York (2022 Student Scholarship Winner)
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"The Intuit TurboTax simulations provided a beneficial demonstration when trying to break down taxes for my parents who even after decades of filing taxes did not have a clear idea of why exactly they received a refund."
Seydel
Texas (2022 Student Scholarship Winner)
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"Going through each tax simulation and reviewing the different life scenarios, gave me a better sense of how I could approach filing my taxes while considering my life circumstances."
Anakaren
Nevada (2022 Student Scholarship Winner)
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