Info for TurboTax users (desktop version-CD or download)

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

I want to share my some things I have learned recently. If you have used TurboTax installed on your computer for many years like I have, you may not know that Intuit has watered down their cheaper editions of TurboTax for 2014 forcing many to "buy up" to prepare their return this year.

I have used TurboTax Basic ($19.99 last year) for foreign Income exclusion (Form 2555), investments and capital gains (schedule D), a small business (Schedules C and SE), itemized deductions (Schedule A)...and so forth.

For 2014 if you need Schedule D, you can't even use Deluxe. You must move up to Premiere. The form is not included below that level. If you have a small business, you have to move up to Home and Business. That is three levels upgrade for me or going from the $20 range to approaching the $100 range.

What I learned this week--

Finally this week Intuit is responding to the outrage of it's loyal customers and will give you $25 back after you e-file this year if you bought or downloaded TurboTax Deluxe or higher last year and e-filed your return and had to buy an upgrade this year. The URL for that info is https://turbotax.intuit.com/25back

Unfortunately I don't qualify because I used Basic last year, even though I have been a loyal customer over 12 years.

Meanwhile H&R Block has been offering unhappy TurboTax users a free download of their Deluxe version which includes all of the forms mentioned above. You are supposed to email SwitchToBlock@hrblock.com

Include name, address, operating system (Windows/Mac) and receipt of your TurboTax purchase or proof of download.

I emailed them Tuesday morning to ask a question:

Question about the offer

I have used TurboTax desktop (Windows) for about 12 years now, but have not purchased the 2014 edition. I am irate with Intuit and am trying to choose a new software.

If I can't find my Target receipt from Jan 2014, would you accept a photo of 12 years of TurboTax CDs?

Their reply Thursday night:

RE: Question about the offer

Hello,

Your explanation below is enough for us. We will process your request and you should receive your "free" H&R Block Deluxe tax software in the next three business days.

Thanks.

I received my free download Friday afternoon. It includes 5 free e-files and a free download of State income tax edition (which I don't need in Texas).

[CowBoE 429]

I want to share my some things I have learned recently. If you have used TurboTax installed on your computer for many years like I have, you may not know that Intuit has watered down their cheaper editions of TurboTax for 2014 forcing many to "buy up" to prepare their return this year.

I have used TurboTax Basic ($19.99 last year) for foreign Income exclusion (Form 2555), investments and capital gains (schedule D), a small business (Schedules C and SE), itemized deductions (Schedule A)...and so forth.

For 2014 if you need Schedule D, you can't even use Deluxe. You must move up to Premiere. The form is not included below that level. If you have a small business, you have to move up to Home and Business. That is three levels upgrade for me or going from the $20 range to approaching the $100 range.

What I learned this week--

Finally this week Intuit is responding to the outrage of it's loyal customers and will give you $25 back after you e-file this year if you bought or downloaded TurboTax Deluxe or higher last year and e-filed your return and had to buy an upgrade this year. The URL for that info is https://turbotax.intuit.com/25back

Unfortunately I don't qualify because I used Basic last year, even though I have been a loyal customer over 12 years.

Meanwhile H&R Block has been offering unhappy TurboTax users a free download of their Deluxe version which includes all of the forms mentioned above. You are supposed to email SwitchToBlock@hrblock.com

Include name, address, operating system (Windows/Mac) and receipt of your TurboTax purchase or proof of download.

I emailed them Tuesday morning to ask a question:

Question about the offer

I have used TurboTax desktop (Windows) for about 12 years now, but have not purchased the 2014 edition. I am irate with Intuit and am trying to choose a new software.

If I can't find my Target receipt from Jan 2014, would you accept a photo of 12 years of TurboTax CDs?

Their reply Thursday night:

RE: Question about the offer

Hello,

Your explanation below is enough for us. We will process your request and you should receive your "free" H&R Block Deluxe tax software in the next three business days.

Thanks.

I received my free download Friday afternoon. It includes 5 free e-files and a free download of State income tax edition (which I don't need in Texas).

I've used Turbo Tax couple of times, but mostly I've stayed with TaxCut (and not H&R Block) for many years now.

Thanks for the info...

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

I've used Turbo Tax couple of times, but mostly I've stayed with TaxCut (and not H&R Block) for many years now.

Thanks for the info...

I used TaxCut from 1993 for about 10 years and LOVED it. The only reason I switched is because TurboTax began offering downloads straight from my bank and broker. It was so convenient to click "download" and magically the 1099s were duplicated and stock sales, long and short term capital gains, interest, and dividends were magically filled in on the proper schedules. Love that convenience of not having to manually fill out those Schedules. HRBlock is supposed to do the same, so we will see how that goes once my statements are final. Because they gave me free software, I am going to try them out at least this year. Not overly impressed at first glance but trying to keep an open mind.

[CowBoE 429]

I used TaxCut from 1993 for about 10 years and LOVED it. The only reason I switched is because TurboTax began offering downloads straight from my bank and broker. It was so convenient to click "download" and magically the 1099s were duplicated and stock sales, long and short term capital gains, interest, and dividends were magically filled in on the proper schedules. Love that convenience of not having to manually fill out those Schedules. HRBlock is supposed to do the same, so we will see how that goes once my statements are final. Because they gave me free software, I am going to try them out at least this year. Not overly impressed at first glance but trying to keep an open mind.

I had a typo up there...

"...with TaxCut (and now H&R Block)..."

That said, H&R Block software does auto download your W2, 1099,

and stock trading data from all major institutes. The stock data is

particularly convenient so that you don't have to enter whole bunch of them in manually

which can be quite error-prone. But you still have to check for accuracy of washed sales...

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

I had a typo up there...

"...with TaxCut (and now H&R Block)..."

That said, H&R Block software does auto download your W2, 1099,

and stock trading data from all major institutes. The stock data is

particularly convenient so that you don't have to enter whole bunch of them in manually

which can be quite error-prone. But you still have to check for accuracy of washed sales...

Oh, I wondered what happened to TaxCut. It wasn't Block when I used them. But I did notice Block has the good old "Shoebox" in the menu bar which was a familiar TaxCut feature. I thought Block had pinched the term. I hope I like the software. Maybe just a learning curve to get used to their look.

[CowBoE 429]

Oh, I wondered what happened to TaxCut. It wasn't Block when I used them. But I did notice Block has the good old "Shoebox" in the menu bar which was a familiar TaxCut feature. I thought Block had pinched the term. I hope I like the software. Maybe just a learning curve to get used to their look.

H&R Block bought Tax Cut...initially they had both names on the box at the beginning

of the merger, and now they just go with H&R Block.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

An update to my TurboTax saga. I guess I complained enough on surveys and their forum. I got an email saying if I used TurboTax Basic last year they would upgrade me free to whatever level I needed this year to accomplish the same thing as last year. All I had to do was buy Basic again and call them.

Basic was on sale at BestBuy for $9.99 and I used a reward certificate so paid $4.99 for my TurboTax software. I installed it, then called the number. Bingo! it is now the $100 version Home and Business. They have promised to go back next year to including those forms on lower levels of their software.

Winning.

[KVE 29]

An update to my TurboTax saga. I guess I complained enough on surveys and their forum. I got an email saying if I used TurboTax Basic last year they would upgrade me free to whatever level I needed this year to accomplish the same thing as last year. All I had to do was buy Basic again and call them.

Basic was on sale at BestBuy for $9.99 and I used a reward certificate so paid $4.99 for my TurboTax software. I installed it, then called the number. Bingo! it is now the $100 version Home and Business. They have promised to go back next year to including those forms on lower levels of their software.

Winning.

Lucky, I just purchased Turbo Tax Home and Business because of my business. My wife has been using basic for years. Edited February 23, 2015 by KVE

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Lucky, I just purchased Turbo Tax Home and Business because of my business. My wife has been using basic for years.

Last year Basic handled Schedule C and SE for my husband's business. It had Schedule D for investments. They left Schedule C out of every version lower than Home and Business this year. I will paste my email below. Maybe you can call the number and get some money back or an upgrade if you haven't installed. Just tell them you got the email saying Basic counts as well as using Deluxe last year. All they publish is the rebate is for Deluxe users.

------------

Dear Xxxxxxxxx,

You may have heard that we made changes this year to TurboTax desktop products (CD or download) and that some of our products no longer included the same forms they have included in the past. Many of our customers were not happy with this move and told us that you want the TurboTax desktop product you've used in the past to do what it has always donehandle your tax situation. We heard you. It's time we make it right.

If you bought a TurboTax Basic CD or download last year and are required to upgrade this year, you can call us at 1-888-777-4160 and we'll help you do that at no additional cost. This means you'll get the forms you need without paying anything extra. Learn more.

If you're a returning TurboTax Basic CD or download customer and you've already filed using TurboTax Deluxe, Premier or Home & Business, we're offering you $25 cash back. Simply call 1-888-777-4160 to claim your money.

Next, we are committed to bringing back the product you know and love. By the time you are ready to prepare and file your taxes next year, the TurboTax desktop product you trusted in the past will include the forms you've counted on for years.

I understand our actions have caused anger and frustration, and our response has been far too slow. TurboTax is committed to regaining your trust and providing you with the level of excellence you have come to expect.

Thank you for your feedback and continued loyalty,

Sasan Goodarzi and the TurboTax Team

General Manager, Intuit TurboTax

----------------

[KVE 29]

Last year Basic handled Schedule C and SE for my husband's business. It had Schedule D for investments. They left Schedule C out of every version lower than Home and Business this year. I will paste my email below. Maybe you can call the number and get some money back or an upgrade if you haven't installed. Just tell them you got the email saying Basic counts as well as using Deluxe last year. All they publish is the rebate is for Deluxe users.

------------

Dear Xxxxxxxxx,

You may have heard that we made changes this year to TurboTax desktop products (CD or download) and that some of our products no longer included the same forms they have included in the past. Many of our customers were not happy with this move and told us that you want the TurboTax desktop product you've used in the past to do what it has always donehandle your tax situation. We heard you. It's time we make it right.

If you bought a TurboTax Basic CD or download last year and are required to upgrade this year, you can call us at 1-888-777-4160 and we'll help you do that at no additional cost. This means you'll get the forms you need without paying anything extra. Learn more.

If you're a returning TurboTax Basic CD or download customer and you've already filed using TurboTax Deluxe, Premier or Home & Business, we're offering you $25 cash back. Simply call 1-888-777-4160 to claim your money.

Next, we are committed to bringing back the product you know and love. By the time you are ready to prepare and file your taxes next year, the TurboTax desktop product you trusted in the past will include the forms you've counted on for years.

I understand our actions have caused anger and frustration, and our response has been far too slow. TurboTax is committed to regaining your trust and providing you with the level of excellence you have come to expect.

Thank you for your feedback and continued loyalty,

Sasan Goodarzi and the TurboTax Team

General Manager, Intuit TurboTax

----------------

You, my friend, are brilliant. I called up told them my wife used to buy them and she bought Basic in 2013, the lady looked at the difference between what I paid and the current basic and refunded me $85.40 to my card. She said it would take about 2-3 weeks. Phone call lasted 12 minutes and most of it was her typing things up and silence.

The funny thing is when I went on the website it only talks about a $25 refund and only if you had Deluxe in the previous year. Also it only allows you to upgrade from Deluxe to the high versions for free if you had already purchased Deluxe prior to the announcement.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

You, my friend, are brilliant. I called up told them my wife used to buy them and she bought Basic in 2013, the lady looked at the difference between what I paid and the current basic and refunded me $85.40 to my card. She said it would take about 2-3 weeks. Phone call lasted 12 minutes and most of it was her typing things up and silence.

Yeehaw! as we say in Texas. (We really don't say that.). That's a nice chunk of change back in your pocket.

The funny thing is when I went on the website it only talks about a $25 refund and only if you had Deluxe in the previous year. Also it only allows you to upgrade from Deluxe to the high versions for free if you had already purchased Deluxe prior to the announcement.

Exactly, and that's why I kept after them because I have purchased many years of Intuit products....12 years of TurboTax, five versions of Quicken, and Medical Expense Manager. I spoke to customer service a couple of times and was told about the $25 back the second call, then found out I was ineligible. So when I got the survey for the customer service call, I complained again.

Then that email came with my name, not just Dear Customer. So I called the number to ask what I needed to do. I got a follow up email from that phone lady which included a direct quote from something I had previously written but did not discuss on the phone. So they had my complaint associated with me and she copied it out of my customer record exactly as I had put it in writing before.

Customer Question: "I do not qualify for the $25 rebate because I used Basic in 2013. It allowed me Schedule D, C, SE. Now I need three upgrade levels. I have purchased TurboTax CDs for 12 years, but didn't happen to buy Deluxe last year."

Glad my complaining helped you too.

[Avery Cates 1,141]

One other thing if you're using TurboTax, certain states are rejecting returns from it due to rampant fraud.

Some have re-opened taking filings via it, but others may not have. Be sure to research if your state(s) is/are affected by that.

[ChristinaG 91]

That is really interesting to read.... thank you to all for your input!!

Avery, would you know (or point me in the direction of) which States are not accepting returns using Turbo Tax? I've used it here in Canada for a number of years and I've enjoyed how easy it is..... hubby and I are now getting ready to work on our 2014 stuff and Turbo was one I was going to consider....

Thanks

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

That is really interesting to read.... thank you to all for your input!!

Avery, would you know (or point me in the direction of) which States are not accepting returns using Turbo Tax? I've used it here in Canada for a number of years and I've enjoyed how easy it is..... hubby and I are now getting ready to work on our 2014 stuff and Turbo was one I was going to consider....

Thanks

I have read that was resolved by TurboTax shortly after it was halted around Feb 6 by updating security measures. A number of state files were rejected because returns on the SSN had already been filed. They think it may have been because names and SSNs were obtained by breaches in other company websites like BlueCross Blue Shield and used to file state returns.

TurboTax response is here http://blog.turbotax.intuit.com/2015/02/06/turbotax-resumes-e-filing-for-states/

[ChristinaG 91]

Cheers!