Turbotax 2023 desktop has a programming error

[Computer Guy]

On some forms, when I make a change, it does not recalculate.  It seems to remember the previous (first) entry.  When I remove the entry (zero it out), the totals do not change.  My only remedy is to remove the form and re-enter it completely to get correct totals.

Is there a reward for finding such an error like Microsoft / Google / etc offer <smile>?

[rjs]

On what specific form, and what line or entry, does this error occur? Are you making the entry in the Step-by-Step interview or in forms mode?

In some cases in the interview you might have to go to the next screen, or even the end of a topic, before it recalculates. In forms mode you might have to press Tab or click on another entry before it recognizes the change.

No rewards. Sorry.

[Computer Guy]

I am using the step-by-step.  Here's one error I have identified.  See if you can replicate it.

Enter a 1099-K ... report $7000 ... check the box for "not all is income" and put $1500 (example) in the subsequent field.  So, now it shows only $5500 income.

Enter ANOTHER 1099=K ... report $6000 ... check the box for "not all is income" and put in $1900.  So, this 1099-K reports $4100 income. 

Move to the next business income.  It will show of the 1099-income of $9600 ($5500+$4100).

Now go back to the 1099-K step-by-step area.  Edit one of the 1099's and simply uncheck the box for "not all is income" (do NOT remove the dollar amount - just uncheck the box). 

The change is not noticed and no recalculations take place no matter how far you proceed or even if you save / reload the tax return.

That's just one of several similar bad programming errors I have documented.

[rjs]

I don't see a box that says "not all is income," which you put in quotes. Do you mean the box that says "This amount in box 1a is too high or includes some personal transactions"?

If that's the box you are referring to, I see your point. The wording is poor. It seems like the check box really means "show me the field where I can enter an amount to be excluded." Unchecking the box hides the field on the screen, but does not remove the entry. That seems to be a design decision, not an error. The remedy is to simply delete the amount or change it to zero before you uncheck the box. That works for me. You do not have to "remove the form and re-enter it completely," as you stated in your original question.

You also said "When I remove the entry (zero it out), the totals do not change." I am not seeing that. If I delete the excluded amount or change it to zero the totals recalculate as soon as I press Tab or click somewhere else on the screen.

(You can test this with one 1099-K in business income. Having two 1099-Ks doesn't seem to make any difference.)

I doubt that TurboTax would consider this a software defect. I don't think they will do anything about it unless there are a lot of complaints. I have not seen any other complaints about it.

[Computer Guy]

Well, I disagree.  If the check box is designed to make a field available, removing the check should zero the field.  Otherwise, I have an entry in a field that I can't see.  That's a bug.  And there's more like it. 

$90 for software and I really can't trust it.  Thanks for your replies.

[potentilla]

unable to figure where else to post this or send in. But, turbotax home& business 2024 New York state tax program gives the option to give funds to "Gift for Lyme and Checkmark-Borne Diseases Education/Research/Prevention Fund". This is obviously supposed to be "Gift for Lyme and Tick-Borne Diseases ...".  Brilliant AI interpreted "tick" as checkmark 🙂

[rjs]

@potentilla  I have reported the error in the wording to TurboTax.