Amended Return and Surprise Fee

[CM123456]

I purchased the most expensive TurboTax version available on the website "Full Service Self-Employed"  I submitted my returns but received a few simple K-1s two months later.  I requested an amendment but was told I would have to play an extra $300 + a MA state filing fee.  I'm a little upset about a surprise fee not listed on their website that doubles the cost of my return.  

- Do I really have to file an MA state return if I did not make any money in MA?  I have only a ($2,200) K1 passive loss.  MA returns only need to be filed if you make $8,000.  Did the tax agent incorrectly tell me I have to file an MA return?

- Can I downgrade to the Self-Employed Live plan somehow, so I can just enter the information myself?  (obviously not looking for a refund, but I'm perfectly content amending and filing myself in the usual interface).

It just seems entirely unreasonable to have to pay $400 to file an amendment that probably takes 30 minutes.  

[DoninGA]

If you used the 2021 online Full Service option for Self-Employed ($389) there is no charge to amend your 2021 tax return.

You need to contact your Full Service Tax Expert for assistance with this issue during business hours, 5 AM to 5 PM, PT, Monday–Friday

See this TurboTax support FAQ for how to contact your Full Service Tax Expert - https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/tax-expert/contact-full-service-expert/L...

[CM123456]

I did that.  The Tax Expert was the one who told me it will cost an extra $312 for a total cost of $599.  Seems strange because I don't see that advertised, and I had a discount code on the original price which that doesn't account for.

[DoninGA]

There is no filing fee for either a federal or state tax return using the online editions. 

There is a charge for the use of the state software which would be $54 if using any of the Live editions (except Basic).

Take a look at your actual charges for the online account and verify that you were charged for one of the Live editions.  See this TurboTax support FAQ for checking your account fees - https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/intuit-account-billing/review-fees-turbo...

The only reason for an up charge when amending a tax return is if you need to upgrade your account because your current account does not support the reason for amending.  Such as using the Basic or Deluxe edition and adding investment income where you need the Premier edition.  Or using the Basic, Deluxe or Premier edition and you need to amend for self-employment income and expenses using the Self-Employed edition.

Not knowing why the Tax Expert indicated you needed to upgrade Contact TurboTax support on Monday for assistance.

See this TurboTax support FAQ for contacting support - https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/using-turbotax/help/what-is-the-turbotax-phone-number/00/25632

Support can also be reached by messaging them on these pages https://www.facebook.com/turbotax/ and https://twitter.com/TeamTurboTax

[CM123456]

Here's the actual message:

"The amount for me to prepare your return is $311.80 as it would change to a complex return. A Complex return cost $599 you originally paid $287.20 for Premier, meaning you would owe $311.80 plus a state. If you want to amend yourself you would not be able to prepare it in TurboTax."

I guess I'm just kind of upset because

1) I didn't know such a price bracket $599 existed.  I can't find it on the website.  It's a very large surprise fee.

2) If it does exist, the price she's quoting me removes my original $101.80 discount.  Why would I be losing my discount on my original filing?

3) I think she's wrong about filing a state tax and she's supposed to be the expert.

I agree with you calling them is a good idea, but I work during those hours and can't really take time off to call during my work hours.

But I guess re-reading that answers one of my questions.  If you pay more, you cannot downgrade and do things yourself anymore.

[Critter-3]

Let me explain ... you did NOT use one of the DIY programs ... you employed a third party CPA to complete and file a 2021 tax return for the original price you agreed to pay. 

Now to file the amended return you can:

(1) pay the upgrade fee the CPA is quoting you if you want them to do it

(2) do the amendment yourself manually ... get the forms from the IRS to fill in and mail

(3) use one of the TT programs (I suggest you ask TT for a downloaded Deluxe version if they will give you one for free otherwise buy one)

(4) use a different tax pro

[CM123456]

Great idea with the downloadable version.  I imagine I would be able to do it there and confirm the CPA's numbers as well.

Any idea on the need to do an MA state tax return if I don't live there and didn't make any money there?  Near as I can tell, I don't need to, but the CPA wanted to do one and charge me for it.

[Critter-3]

Maybe you said the K-1 came from MA and/or the K-1 had MA information on it somewhere ... only they can tell you why they believe you need to file a MA return for this income.