topic Missing License code in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

Missing License code

Heightsman1 — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 23:44:04 GMT

I purchased Turbo Tax 2025 from Costco. I entered the license code and downloaded both the Federal and State programs, entered my data and submitted my returns to both through Intuit. I have received the Federal refund.

Today I tried to open the Turbo tax program and was directed to the activation screen. When I type in the License code, I get an error message that the code is already being used and am directed to the login screen. When I try to login, I am directed to the activation screen. This loop is forever.

I contacted Turbo tax and spent 45 minutes with them . They claim that they cannot find the license code in their system. However I used the code and submitted the returns. My account verifies that I downloaded the 2025 State program. I could not do this without downloading the fed program first. This is obviously a coding error or glitch on their part Their only comment was that I should go back to Costco and get a refund. Costco has a no refund policy.

Anybody have any suggestions for a next step? I would like to have the return incase I need to amend the return.

Re: Missing License code

mesquitebean — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 00:07:43 GMT

@ Heightsman1 wrote:
Their only comment was that I should go back to Costco and get a refund. Costco has a no refund policy.
Anybody have any suggestions for a next step? I would like to have the return incase I need to amend the return.

Is the license code not displayed when you use the Products tab of your Intuit Account? I'm surprised Customer Support couldn't find it. Some characters are confusing such as 0 (zero) and O (letter), 1 (one), l (lower el), I (capital i), etc.

These are just some thoughts on how I might troubleshoot if it were me. And I'll tell you how to invoke the refund policy below, if needed.

Did you change anything in your computer hardware system lately that was different then when you originally activated your software and filed your returns? For example, do you have a thumb drive or external device plugged into the computer that wasn't there when you first activated the software? Or vice versa, when you installed the software, was there a thumb drive/external storage device plugged in? Or have you installed a new hard drive, etc.?

Try running your TurboTax as an administrator to see if it stills give you the activation screen. In Windows, to do that right-click on the icon and in the popup choose Compatibility tab, and then "Run this program as an administrator."

Keep watching the thread to see if anyone suggests something else.

TurboTax has a 60-day 100% satisfaction guarantee--no matter where the software was bought. If you end up invoking that, see the FAQ below. If you request a refund, be aware it will have you enter the current license and will deactivate it.

Refund Request

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/intuit-refunds/request-refund-turbotax-product/L834M6uyW_US_en_US

The request submission form will ask for a photocopy of your Costco receipt, and there is a box where you can explain the details of your reason for requesting. If you lost the receipt, you can get a reprint in store or at the Costco website.

Re: Missing License code

mesquitebean — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 00:20:23 GMT

@Heightsman1

Also, you can look at this. I don't know if this will help with the activation or not. Go into your Intuit Account to the tab "Sign In & Security." Scroll down to the section "Account activity." Look at your account activity history. Does it show anything out of the ordinary? It may show the current"active" device and recent inactive devices. It may even show more than one active device. If you click on each incident a dropdown will give you some history and also a way to "end session" for that device if needed.

Re: Missing License code

Heightsman1 — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 00:20:03 GMT

Thank you for you detailed reply. amazingly, I tried to open Turbo tax this AM and of course had to download an update. The first one took 5 min., then had a second for 3 min, then a third for 7 min. After that i was asked for my account. (Somehow I have two of maybe three accounts) Well I put in the account info for what I think is my main account and, lo and behold, the program opened. I have a feeling that somehow the fed download is on one account and the fed on another. Still don't know why they couldn't see my license code. Anyway I now have access to TT.

Thanks again.

Re: Missing License code

mesquitebean — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 01:20:30 GMT

Congrats. I'm glad you got back into your program. I don't know why TurboTax Support couldn't see it as a valid license code. Maybe they meant they couldn't see it for the particular account you had originally called them about. In any case, sounds like you are good, hopefully. Good luck.