Clarification about TurboTax Usage and Tax Situation

[4thfarhad]

Dear TurboTax Support Team,

I am reaching out to seek clarification about a couple of questions I have regarding the TurboTax software and my tax situation.

Firstly, I recently encountered a prompt while using TurboTax that asks for a $69 payment to update the software. Could you please confirm if this fee covers usage for the upcoming year's tax return as well, or if it's solely for the current year?

Secondly, I have a fairly straightforward tax situation with only two W-2 forms and no additional income sources. However, I noticed that the software categorizes my case as complicated, possibly due to my mention of using Covered California health insurance. Given the simplicity of my tax return, I would appreciate it if you could review my inputs and assist in ensuring that my situation is accurately reflected in the software.

Thank you for your time and assistance. I look forward to your response

[xmasbaby0]

The fee for using online TurboTax software is one tax return per fee.  There is new software for every tax year; you cannot use 2022 software for a 2023 return next year.    The  current online software is for 2022 returns--no other year.   In late November/early December, software for 2023 tax returns will become available.   

If you purchase the CD/download---also known as "desktop" software----that software is also only for one specific tax year.  It cannot be updated for a future tax year.  The CD/download can only be used on a full PC or Mac; it cannot be used on any sort of mobile device.

If you want help from a tax expert then you have to pay extra for one of the "Live" versions of the software so that your return can be reviewed by an expert and you can receive help with your tax preparation.   Only the "Live" versions provide that help.   Otherwise, no one else can see your return or review your return or account in any way.  You can ask questions here in the user forum or contact customer support, but we cannot see your information or your return.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/choosing-a-product/help/how-do-i-get-turbotax-live/00/27305

[xmasbaby0]

How can I see my TurboTax  fees?   

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2565973-how-do-i-review-my-fees-in-turbotax-online

If your TurboTax fees are higher than expected, you can reduce them by removing add-ons:

• Remove Premium Services
• Remove MAX Defend & Restore
• Remove a state
• Remove PLUS Help & Support
• Remove Pay With Your Refund

[NCperson]

@4thfarhad - this is the Intuit pricing mattrix for th online version

https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/online/

What qualifies as a simple tax return?

If you have a simple tax return, you can file for free yourself with TurboTax Free Edition, or you can file with TurboTax Live Assisted Basic or TurboTax Live Full Service Basic at the listed price. A simple tax return is one that's filed using IRS Form 1040 only, without having to attach any forms or schedules. Only certain taxpayers are eligible.

Situations covered (assuming no added tax complexity):

• W-2 income
• Interest or dividends (1099-INT/1099-DIV) that don’t require filing a Schedule B
• IRS standard deduction
• Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
• Child Tax Credit (CTC)
• Student loan interest deduction

Situations not covered:

• Itemized deductions
• Unemployment income reported on a 1099-G
• Business or 1099-NEC income
• Stock sales
• Rental property income
• Credits, deductions and income reported on other forms or schedules (for example, income related to crypto investments)

[VolvoGirl]

$69 is to upgrade from the Online Free Edition to Deluxe.  It is only for 2022 and if you need to do a state return will be another $59.   Then if you want the fees deducted from a federal refund is another Extra $40 Refund Processing Service charge (45 in California).  So try to pay upfront with a credit card or debit card.  You can get a prepaid Visa at Walmart etc.  if you don't have a credit card.