For those that follow this thread, here is where things landed:
1) Microsoft Benefit through MetLife legal plans only covers online version of TurboTax. You can apply the 'value' to a full service or chat support for an additional fee.
2) Short Term Rental: the online version (2024) doesn't effectively support STR submissions. I spent 3.5 hours on chat with TurboTax tech support and a CPA to make adjustments to my return. It will only apply deductions if you are considered a Real Estate Professional. You also have no access to the actual forms.
3) Intuit TurboTax Premier (software download) was able to pick-up where I left off online and allow me to complete the form as expected. Once I confirmed that it qualified as non-passive income, the deductions applied correctly. I've submitted my Federal return and it was accepted.
The CPA (via chat) was apologetic for the time it took and the inability to file as I needed. Unfortunately they could not provide access to the software version without me paying full price for a license. This was frustrating after paying for tax preparation as a part of the legal benefit.
Bottom line, if you have an STR, start and end with the Premier software version. If you have the Microsoft benefit, know that this is not included.
