2020 Turbo Tax won't open

[MimiTN]

I had the exact same experience, with both the 2020 version and the 2021 version.  Program worked fine when first installed then one day, would check for updates and then just close.  New Macbook, MacOS was current and met their requirements.  Intuit customer support was not helpful (spent HOURS on the phone with them uninstalling/reinstalling/typical support nonsense they run you through when they have no idea what to do), which ended with them giving me free online filing (which I had no choice but to accept because I needed to file, and by the way, required me to COMPLETELY REDO MY RETURN), but I really do not want to file my taxes this way on an ongoing basis.  This is a known issue they are not addressing (obviously, since the program did the exact same thing last year and it’s still doing it this year).  Too bad, because I really prefer their product; however, it’s useless if you can’t open it!  TT is supposed to make your taxes easier to file, not harder.  I have used TT for years, and loved it without issue, until 2020.

[Stu707]

I understand your frustration with Intuit. Like you I am thoroughly familiar with TT and have been using it for years. I don't want to stop using it.

I have to commend them for responding promptly to my message with a solution that works.

Since I have not had this problem with any other software, I have to assume that Intuit’s software engineers need to do a better job of designing and testing TT before releasing it to the public.

[kathyram]

Tried this but didn’t work. 

[macuser_22]

If this is a Mac then first restart the Mac.  If the problem persists then:

Corruption could have occurred in the Application or in an associated preference or support file.

The best remedy is to totally uninstall TurboTax and all associate files and then re-install. That will not delete or change any .tax2020 data file that had already been created with the tax data.

To uninstall the application and all associated files need to be deleted and then the application reinstalled. If there was a state then the state must also be reinstalled.

To remove TurboTax from your computer, you'll need administrative rights.

Here is a FAQ for how to uninstall Mac
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901210-remove-uninstall-turbotax-for-mac

[MimiTN]

Tried this, doesn't work, nor did it work last year.  It would be helpful if your tech team would stop giving out the standard, uninstall/reinstall advice and actually fix your program.  

[LindseyLO]

You can click here to access assistance with your TurboTax program not opening. 

[MichelleGuil]

I'm also having issues where the application is still there but have lost my returns

[SForrestLO]

This Turbo Tax FAQ will provide troubleshooting steps. What are the TurboTax Desktop Mac Install Troubleshooting Tips?https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/installing/help/turbotax-for-the-mac-installation-troubleshooter/0...

[ctaran5980]

I purchased turbo tax 2021 as a cd at Best Buy.  I downloaded the disc on to my 2018 Mac and it opened briefly then crashed.  It  now will not open at all despite being in the finder and menu bar.  I then tried using it as a guest  user and it will open on that, but even though I have shared files clicked I can not transfer last years into the guest account.  I would like to know why Turbo tax will not open in my main  site.  Its very frustrating thinking I wasted my money on something I can not open.  I have used turbo tac since 2011 and this has never happened before. 

[mesquitebean]

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@ ctaran5980 wrote:

I purchased turbo tax 2021 as a cd at Best Buy.  I downloaded the disc on to my 2018 Mac and it opened briefly then crashed.  It  now will not open at all despite being in the finder and menu bar.  I then tried using it as a guest  user and it will open on that, but even though I have shared files clicked I can not transfer last years into the guest account.  I would like to know why Turbo tax will not open in my main  site.  Its very frustrating thinking I wasted my money on something I can not open.  I have used turbo tac since 2011 and this has never happened before. 

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What OS version is on your MAC?  

The TurboTax 2021 CD/download version requires macOS Catalina 10.15 or later.

FAQ:  Minimum system requirements for Mac version:
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899173-minimum-system-requirements-for-turbotax-mac-software

[ostrand]

I had same problem last year, it's taken me forever to figure out what to do, no thanks to turbo tax which was no help at all. You are right that you have to log into the mac as a different user. Then you need to transfer the tt file from one user to another. It worked for me, although I will never buy tt again for a mac, I use my Surface tablet now with no problems. Here's what I googled to tell me how to transfer files.

How to transfer files between two user accounts on your Mac

[ctaran5980]

thank you! I appreciate your  answer!!

[ctaran5980]

thank you yes, I am on the most recent macOS Monterey version 12.1

[dalfstad]

I have already spent over two hours trying to open the download on this program. Now I will be returning it, I have used this for many years and am Sooo frustratrated!!!!!!!!!!!!

[macuser_22]

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@dalfstad wrote:

I have already spent over two hours trying to open the download on this program. Now I will be returning it, I have used this for many years and am Sooo frustratrated!!!!!!!!!!!!

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If this is a Mac then:

if you get the message "TurboTax cannot be opened because Apple cannot check it for malicious software" then that is caused by the Apple "Gatekeeper" introduced with OS X 10.15 (Catalina).

That has nothing to do with TurboTax and will happen for any application not purchased from the Apple Store.

See this Apple article on this: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202491

And this TurboTax help article: https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/troubleshooting/help/turbotax-for-mac-won-t-open-when-installed/00...

For older Mac systems when TurboTax will not open.
See:

Be sure that System Preferences -> Security & Privacy -> General -> Allow apps downloaded from App Store and identified developers is checked.

Go to the Applications folder and select the TurboTax application in the Finder and right click with the mouse (or control click) ans select the top "open". That should force the first open. After that it should open normally.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899267-administrator-rights-mac