I purchased a TT 2019 license from Costco and started my taxes back in early Feb. As normal, everytime I open TT, it checks for the latest updates. I just updated as tax submission date has changed. Now after the updates, I cannot access the application as it's asking for the activation code. I now longer have the code as I tossed it in the trash after installing it on my laptop. How do I get past this?
See the link below for troubleshooting this problem:
Hi,
I've tried all 4 methods today, after applying updates and it's still asking for my activation code. I'm stuck. Please help.
eric
Sometimes it's best to talk to someone.
The most efficient way for you to connect with the right person to get the help you need is to select the version you are using below.
We're open daily from 5 AM to 9 PM PT.
Yeah, the software updater is worthless, and asking for a license code on last year's software is a great way to ensure people don't buy this lousy product this year. I am going to complain to Costco.com, they at least care about their customers.
@Reloder Please reach out to TurboTax Customer Support for one-on-one assistance with troubleshooting the issue you are experiencing with the software update.
I'm locked out as well. This is absolute garbage!!! Every other update it does this to me. It's not every launch, so that topic is useless. It asks me after some, but not all updates. My guess it's a tool against PIRACY, which I support. But don't screw over the people who bought the thing. I have boxes from 2002 until current. I think it's time I look elsewhere. This is garbage.
Yea, yea, yea, I know... CONTACT US. Fill out a giant form, wait on hold, talk to someone to be "blessed" and hopefully get someone that can help. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have to call daddy to use software that I've purchased. Actually, maybe I'll pirate it next year. Already being treated like a criminal!!!
@FU-IN-thebutt-TUIT If you have already tried the troubleshooting steps in the TurboTax FAQ below, then please reach out to our TurboTax Customer Care Team for assistance.
TurboTax 2019 and TurboTax 2020 requests license activation at every launch
The best and most efficient way for you to connect with the right person to get the help you need is to select the version you are using below. Use the web form and type your question or a keyword. You will get an appropriate phone number for your issue. (You will not get a phone number if you use the link outside of operating hours.) We're open daily from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM PT.
I just read another thread where 2 people said when they took a thumb drive out of their laptop, there was no repeat activation screen Sure enough, I had a thumb drive in and when I removed it I got past the problematic activation. This did not work on my desktop however, but worth a try for a laptop.
I already filed with TurboTax Premier 2019. The last time I opened it was July 2020. Fast forward March 2021, I'm trying to open it again to take a look at some stuff on the same computer, it made me update the software so I did. After that I'm prompted with the dreaded activation prompt. I did swap the motherboard while keeping all the same components. Someone please tell me changing components doesn't trigger another activation code prompt. I just bought TurboTax Premier 2020 and activated it. I also just bought a new CPU I want to put in now, but now I'm scared to do it thinking it might make me activate TurboTax again.
@mchu519 Please contact customer support here for further assistance so that we can take a look at what is going on to better assist you.
Make sure you have the exact same external drives plugged in as when you activated TurboTax. I've found that unless I have my three desktop drives plugged in, TurboTax will ask for activation. Others have to make sure their drives are not plugged in. The activation process apparently uses external drives as part of establishing the signature to verify that its the same computer that was activated. Bad design. This means I can only use TurboTax on my laptop when I'm at my desk at home, three large drives with their power supplies and the port replicator they connect thru are not very portable.
None of these methods works for me either. This happened with 2019 and now with 2020
@bskinn Please reach out to our live representatives so that you can receive one on one assistance with the issue you're facing: Contact TurboTax
Ok, guys. I know it's frustrating to get through this, but the EXPERTS have told us again and again and again to contact customer support if none of the suggested solutions work. So, I clicked on the customer support link provided by the EXPERTS, fill out the form re my activation concern, and send it out. It then automatically generated a service number along the phone number to call. In less than 10 minutes speaking to a customer rep, I got a new FREE license code good for 5 computers. It appears TT knows this issue has been around since 2019. Please contact customer support. Good luck.
Since I can't comment on the article you reference. I'm commenting here. The article isn't accurate or complete and the issue is not solved. I installed a new printer after installing TurboTax - I had to disconnect the printer to make it work. Re-entering a valid Activation code on the same computer/install should be sufficient and shouldn't require an hours long call with tech support.
I addition if you added a printer since installing TT, it will cause the same issue, unplug the printer and it worked for me.
This solved the issue for me (took out my thumb drive from my laptop). Thanks for the info!
I removed my thumb drive on my laptop and TT didn't ask for my code anymore. Thank you so much.
Kevin
I had this problem when working on my 2020 return so it was not fixed after 2019.
For me the fix was simple - I had a flashdrive in a port - unrelated to TurboTax but it doesn't seem to matter. As soon as I safely removed the flashdrive, TurboTax opened up and I could continue my return. Many people store their returns on a portable flashdrive - I suggest you store it on the computer harddrive until you are finished. Hope this works for others.
Had this problem today. Very frustrating. This is first year I downloaded the product from Costco, I usually buy the CD from Walmart but Walmart is not selling it anymore. I wish I had bought the CD from Costco instead of doing the download. Anyhow - after an hour looking around on the internet I called costco.com on-line support and they immediately sent a message to intuit to resend the license key to me. She said it would take up to 24 hours but it only took 30 minutes. I entered the key and I was back in business. All this on a Saturday afternoon. I'm shocked to see that Intuit support only works 9-5. You think they would work weekends during tax filing season.
This worked for me today!
After I installed 2020 version and added the license code, it worked fine.
Then some time later, I plugged in a USB drive while TurboTax was running, no error either. It run fine next day as well.
Then this morning I need to e-file the return, TurboTax asked for license code again.
I called customer support, stayed with them for 20 minutes waiting for a solution. While waiting, I found this post and removed the USB drive, and it worked. I told TurboTax support, they have no idea of this bug!
Why the hell license code is tied with external drive!