All Posts

Yes, an upgrade is required because form 8889 is generated. TurboTax Free Edition (and sometimes the "Basic" version) only handles simple 1040 returns with standard deductions. Because Form 8889 is considered a "Specialized Form" (like those for investments or self-employment), TurboTax moves you into the Deluxe tier to support the calculations and e-filing of that specific form.

For Online TurboTax here's one way:   With the return open, go to the left menu column and click on TAX TOOLS, then the subtab TOOLS. In the Tools Center choose the blue button Topic Search. In the topic search line enter the phrase estimated tax payments without quotes. Make the selection in the list (it may already be highlighted), and either double-click it or click the GO button. Next screen is Estimates and Other Income Taxes Paid. Expand the section Estimated Tax Payments. Choose the appropriate category and tax year you are reporting (Federal, state, local) and click START or Revisit. NOTE:  Before filing, make sure your Federal estimated tax payments correctly show on the Form 1040, Line 26, and that any state estimated tax payments (if applicable) show up on your state return.

Make sure to check your son's personal information, like his name & address. Make sure the information matches what the CRA has on file for him. If you are not sure what they have on file, you can call and confirm it with them.    If you are in Canada or the United States, you can call the CRA at 1-800-959-8281. If you are elsewhere, you can call 613-940-8495. This page has more ways to contact the CRA: Contact the Canada Revenue Agency   If he has a NAC (Netfile Access Code), try removing it; it is not mandatory.    Also please make sure that all Mandatory Questions are answered. If he's not filing for the first time, make sure to answer No to the question "Is this your first tax return being filed with the CRA?". If you are still not able to resolve this issue, please contact our phone support team for more assistance.     

The IRS tells you to allow up to five days for your refund to post to your account.   No one can tell you what time of day your bank will post the deposit.   Banks have varying protocols for posting deposits.

Yes, handling client calls, texts, scheduling, and aftercare communication from your home office can qualify as business use.    To claim the home office deduction, the space must be used regularly and exclusively for business and must be your principal place of business for administrative or management activities if you don’t perform those tasks elsewhere.    Home Office Deduction  

Warning to federal pensioners. Turbo Tax mistakenly recomputed the non-taxable portion of my pension using its simplified method form. It also did it using 2025 as the first year. I answered the question about the taxable amount on the 1099 and said that it was correct. I also answered that 2025 was not the first year I received it. Nonetheless the software insisted on recomputing the simplified method and doing it incorrectly. Unfortunately I did not catch it before filing. C'est la vie!

Yes. I removed the B and was able to e-File.    As a precaution, I went to Search | California Secretary of State and searched for my file number without the B to make sure I'm not overlapping another company.

I was able to correct these percentages in Forms mode by overriding values on the "Underpayment Statement".   In my case the penalty that the FTB would calculate on their own, without any quarterly info, would be fairly high.  The penalty when I calculate it myself using quarterly info is much lower.  So no point in waiting for the FTB to send me a large bill... better to be proactive.

Do you want to apply part of your refund to next year or delete an amount you applied?   To change the entry you made to apply your  Federal refund to next year Federal Taxes Tab or Personal (H&B version) Other Tax Situations Additional Tax Payments Apply Refund to Next Year - Click the Start or Update button 

You cannot change the tax year.   The current online program is for 2025 only.   Only a 2025 return can be prepared online and only a 2025 return can be e-filed.   Online preparation and e-filing for 2022, 2023, and  2024 is permanently closed. Note:  The desktop software you need to prepare the prior year return must be installed/downloaded to a full PC or Mac.  It cannot be used on a mobile device.   To file a return for a prior tax year  If you need to prepare a return for 2022, 2023, or 2024  you can purchase and download desktop software to do it, then print, sign,  and mail the return(s) https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products/ You may also want to explore purchasing the software from various retailers such as Amazon, Costco, Best Buy, Walmart, Sam’s, etc.   Remember to prepare your state return as well—if you live in a state that has a state income tax.   https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/state-taxes/contact-state-department-revenue/L9qVToi02_US_en_US?uid=m6e06um0     When you mail a tax return, you need to attach any documents showing tax withheld, such as your W-2’s or any 1099’s.  Use a mailing service that will track it, such as certified mail so you will know the IRS/state received the return.   Federal and state returns must be in separate envelopes and they are mailed to different addresses.  Read the mailing instructions that print with your tax return carefully so you mail them to the right addresses.  

Comment /questions 1. good catch, clearing cookies and cache does a lot with the program 2 - yes, it is expected in the Friday fix so this weekend you can settle in and get your taxes done. 3. It should  I recommend leaving feedback where it will be read and acted upon.   We at Intuit TurboTax want our users to be completely delighted with their experience using our products and services, and successful in their financial lives and businesses. Once you file your return, as long as the settings to receive communication from Intuit don’t block it, you will see a pop-up message or receive an email with a survey asking you about your experience. We encourage you to leave your notes and comments there. “Voice of the Customer” notes and comments are read and acted upon.  If you are using TurboTax Desktop, you can also leave feedback at the Final Steps tab.