The symptoms of my problems, along with the behavior I should have expected per VolvoGirl’s suggestions, led me to suspect that my copy of TurboTax somehow did not accept updates.
I uninstalled the TT software and tried to reload it but my license key didn’t work.
I thought about buying a new copy, but realized that purchasing a $15 upgrade would do the same thing.
I bought the business-rated version.
I downloaded it, it installed, it accessed my 2024 file, and it completed my return—all in less than 5 minutes. Acceptance by IRS took only another 30 minutes.
I’m posting this to help anyone else who might have this problem.
For the second time in two years, I am disappointed in Turbo Tax for not taking responsibility to help me (and others) navigate severe software bugs.
