How do I get out of expert assist? I'm stuck in it and can't get out.

[DoninGA]

See this TurboTax support FAQ for removing Live Assist - https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/intuit-subscriptions/remove-turbotax-liv...

[xmasbaby0]

HOW CAN I DOWNGRADE TO A LOWER VERSION

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/change-service-level/downgrade-lower-pri...

[smkautz]

The first link says:

If you started in TurboTax Expert Assist

You can clear your return and start over as long as you haven’t paid yet. After clearing your return, you can select the TurboTax product that best suits your needs.

This (italicized part) does not work.  It just sends me back through exactly the same screens in which the only way to move forward turns on Expert Assist.  I can find no way to select a different product.

I've also tried the "downgrade" option under the Tools menu, gives me just the option to downgrade from "Expert Assist Premium" to "Expert Assist Basic", which does me no good.

[DoninGA]

@smkautz Can you post a screenshot of what you see after clear your tax return?  Click on the camera icon at the top of the post to upload a screenshot.

[smkautz]

Sometimes it sends me back to the login screen, which leads to the splash screen "Welcome back to turbo tax for another year!", but in some attempts it has just taken me directly to the splash screen.  In either case the splash screen only lasts a few seconds, followed by the attached.  I can find no way to proceed forward that doesn't end up in exactly the same death spiral.  I have tried clearing all cookies, with no noticeable impact.

[DoninGA]

@smkautz I thought "Maybe" there would be a way to go back to the standard online editions from the screen you were landing on.  Does not look like that is an option.

Other than trying to get help from TurboTax support, my only suggestion and not a good one for you, would be to create a new online account with a new User ID.

For TurboTax support - Use this phone number and select TurboTax - 1-800-4-INTUIT (1-800-446-8848)

[mgw17]

Did you find the solution to this? I am also stuck in this never ending loop.

[DianeW777]

The instructions to remove expert assist can be followed in the link below. It's a process of downgrading.

• How do I remove TurboTax Expert assistance?

@mgw17 

[smkautz]

No.  I gave up in frustration and used FreeTaxUSA.  It's a similar interface, was able to upload a pdf of last year's tax return and it autofilled most things that carry over.  I have a rental property, and it was able to correctly fill in most of the depreciation numbers.  I checked everything by hand to be sure and I think it's ok.  Saved $150 too.  Looks like bye bye Turbo Tax for me.

[nihilist]

on the page that starts "based on your situation we recommend" click on the tiny blue "see other turbo tax products" near the bottom.  a popup will display a table.  scroll down to the bottom of the table.  under the "do it yourself" column click the tiny blue "select".  Click done.

[dangwu]

If you keep going through with the Expert Assist, you will get to the third screen with the left side panel, where you will see Tools and click on it to see a downgrade option. Keep downgrading twice to clear and restart to use the basic. Such bad UX TBH

[AlaskanSin]

I didnt realize till after i paid and there is no way according to support to give me a partial refund. I've been using turbo tax for 14 years and think my issue could be resolved pretty easily and they could keep getting money from me every year if they just refunded this thing i didn't ask for in the first place.

[MarkSz]

I highly recommend that people file a complaint with their State Attorney General's Office. The sleazy underhanded way that Intuit/TurboTax is forcing people into an option they don't want is certainly unethical and likely illegal as well.

MA State Attorney General Office:  

https://massago.hylandcloud.com/251appnet/UnityForm.aspx?key=UFKey

National Office of Attorney Generals is:  

https://www.naag.org/our-work/center-for-consumer-protection/consumer-file-a-complaint/