Hello all:
Thank you to SUPER Kat and others who have let us know the feature (release notes) is being deprecated, or at least that is the current information from Intuit/TurboTax. Also to cummingscm who has explained past behavior for release notes. I hope cummingscm is correct and the release notes start later in the year, but I fear they are feature that TurboTax is planning to permanently remove/deprecate, as has been stated elsewhere. After all, they are not easy to write properly, and might save some $ for other purposes.
To the extent that the moderators can forward user input to those responsible for the program and its features, please do so. From this user's perspective, this is very very bad change. The feature should be left intact, and improved, so that users know exactly what is included, and so that downloaded information can be checked to make sure it is what TurboTax is supposed to be downloading or upgrading our software with, (such as file hashes). Please carry that message to Intuit/TurboTax personnel responsible for this change, if you can.
Why? Because we all need to know what to expect - not just what forms have been updated, but rather all things that change the user's observed behavior of the program. This may not have been done in the past, but we should all realize that the online connectivity environment and program complexity is changing and the likelihood of unintentional programming errors and problems occurring, as well as hacks, malware, and so forth, affecting important programs, such as TurboTax, is increasing.
Keeping track of changes, and writing a meaningful description of all changes, and what to expect from them, is a time consuming and very difficult job. Just like most technical writing. But it is one of many keys to proper software development and quality software, and it should help users and TurboTax more effectively resolve issues and prevent problems. IMHO, it is unconscionable for TurboTax to remove this feature, if they want to provide software of adequate quality, and hope to retain their users. And they should work to improve it, as noted above. Among other things, good release notes should help users provide higher quality and more useful feedback on changes that either break something or do not resolve intended issues. There are many other reasons that release notes can help both TurboTax and its users, but the bottom line is that release notes should not be deprecated. Yes, it will save some money now, but in the big scheme of things, it is a short term gain that will result in more problems in time.
Again, thanks to the moderators and/or others who are willing to communicate this user's input to those who should maintain and improve release notes, rather than deprecate them.
If you made it this far, thanks for reading this,
BobC2020
