How to get out of Free File program

Forum|Forum|6 years ago
February 2, 2020
54 replies
150 views

I was filing my taxes and I clicked on the free file program to learn more about it and i accidentally accepted to start using it. I don't qualify but now it wont let me go back to the regular filing and wont let me submit at the end. How do I fix this?

Critter

Level 15

If you mean the IRS FREE FILE program then you are in luck this year ... they made it easier to switch ...

Log out and then click the FREE online version here : https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/online/ and log in using the same userID to continue the return. You may be required to upgrade if the free version will not support your return.

katiethegingerAuthor

Level 2

That didn't work. It still had me using the free file program and even if I clear and submit it has me start over using it

Critter

Level 15

Well then your only other option is to start a new return with a new userID ... choose the version you want and then start a new account ... if you are automatically logged in then log out and start a new account.

yeowang

Level 2

Is there really no other way?

mesquitebean

Level 15

@ stephaniesohn wrote:
Is there really no other way?

We don't know what all you have done. But here are some detailed steps that will hopefully let you stay in the same account and keep your current data. If you've been using TurboTax IRS Free File Program at its special website to prepare your 2019 return and don't qualify, and want to go back to a paid edition of TurboTax at the Online TurboTax website to finish and file your return, here's how:

First log out of all Intuit accounts.
Delete your browser Internet cache and any Intuit-related cookies.
Close your browser and reopen it.
Go to https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/compare/online/
When you arrive there, do NOT sign in yet.
Choose the product you want like you hadn't even started a return before, and click on "Start for Free".
It will ask how you did your taxes last year. Say "TurboTax", and then it will ask you to sign in.
When you log in, it may recognize you were using the IRS Free File Program and should ask you if you want to switch to a TurboTax commercial product and not use the IRS Free File Program anymore. Say "yes".
Hopefully, that will put you back in regular Online TurboTax while keeping your originally-entered info.

mesquitebean

Level 15

@ stephaniesohn What are you doing???? Why are you now asking about the TurboTax IRS Free File Program?

You have a thread from several weeks ago I just found that says you have already filed your return back in April using Online Premier.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/after-you-file/discussion/i-already-filed-my-2019-tax-return-but-i-would-like-to-contribute-more-money-to-my-hsa-for-tax-year/01/1399516#M329256

That's confusing. Why are you now several weeks later asking about the TurboTax IRS Free File Program? Are you preparing a return in a different account for someone else, such as a family member?

taxmo

Level 2

All, I was able to switch back after I did all the steps listed by @mesquitebean AND I switched from Chrome to Safari (I promise to switch back to Chrome for everything after I'm done with my taxes).

mesquitebean

Level 15

@taxmo wrote:
All, I was able to switch back after I did all the steps listed by @mesquitebean AND I switched from Chrome to Safari (I promise to switch back to Chrome for everything after I'm done with my taxes).

Good news! I don't know if there was something particular to your Chrome browser that was preventing it, or perhaps a retained cached page/cookie that was obviated by using a different browser, but in any case glad that switching browsers allowed you to successfully use the steps I listed to make the switch back. Thanks for reporting back.

Several users have reported success with those steps in this and other threads. But even if one were to continue to be unsuccessful, all is not lost. To avoid having to start over one could download the *.tax2019 data file from the TurboTax IRS Free File Program and open it in purchased and installed TurboTax desktop software (CD/download) to continue and file the return.

rmathews

Level 2

This actually worked!!! Even the support team at TurboTax could not help me figure this out. Thank You!

mesquitebean

Level 15

@rmathews wrote:
This actually worked!!! Even the support team at TurboTax could not help me figure this out. Thank You!

You're welcome. I'm glad the steps worked for you. Good luck.

Anonymous

@mesquitebean hello, thanks for all the assistance you've offered with this! Unfortunately, i tried all the steps you listed (even tried using incognito in a different browser - edge instead of chrome) and after I sign in, it takes me right back to the free IRS tax version I worked on every time. Any ideas on what else i could try?

natureholic

Level 2

I JUST SWITCHED FROM IRS FREE version to deluxe. You have to select free version even before logging in and then there will be a pop-up notice to select whether you want to continue with IRS Free File or Free Turbotax package. Hope this helps!