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New Member
posted Apr 4, 2022 5:37:03 PM

How To OPT OUT of AUDIT DEFENSE

If you are like many of us ...trying to figure out how to OPT OUT of the pre-determined choice by Turbo Tax for $45...has been challenging!  There have been many suggestions etc and Alot of confusion. But this worked for me:

 

Within TurboTax, simply go to

-SHOW TOPIC LIST (Black Tab / Top Right)

-Select #4 REVIEW / Audit Defense  **Note it may be hiding under the Review Your Return / Analysis / Smart Check drop down arrows

- This will take you to Audit Protection Risk Results page -- Select Continue to next page

-You can now select NO THANKS for the Audit Defense @ $45

 

When I got to the end of my return & ready to file it had been removed from the misc. added charges. 

 

ALSO -- Turbotax initially states that its Free to File Federal but State filing is $20 ... when I went to make the credit card payment ..it was now $25 - ?!! 

0 8 3399
8 Replies
Intuit Alumni
Apr 4, 2022 6:04:39 PM

By any chance are you in California? 

 

Also, the discount for Turbo Tax ended on March 31st, there for the e-filing fee is now $25. You can find this information on our website.

 

 

 

 

Intuit Alumni
Apr 4, 2022 6:05:35 PM

By any chance are you in California? 

 

Also, the discount for Turbo Tax ended on March 31st, there for the e-filing fee is now $25. You can find this information on our website.

New Member
Apr 6, 2022 2:08:13 PM

Hello.  No I am not in California...why do you ask?

 

Regarding the e-filing fee...  it may show the discount on the website; but when I was within the Turbotax software...I thought I saw state e-file of $20. I had asked my husband if he wanted to pay $20 to e-file or simply mail the returns this year. -  ?? 

Intuit Alumni
Apr 9, 2022 7:34:23 AM

You may need to contact customer service directly for assistance about charges. Please see the following information here for more details.

Level 1
Feb 25, 2025 2:37:18 PM

I did the steps you suggested and I checked the option "Please remove from my shopping cart. I don't want professional representation with Audit Defense anymore" then continue, next page it asks "Are you sure you want to give up the extra protection with Audit Defense? I clicked Yes, then next page it shows my federal and state refund, hit continue, then that same window with "Advantage Only" 20% Discount is checked can't uncheck and can't get rid of Audit Defense.  It doesn't work for 2024

Expert Alumni
Feb 25, 2025 4:38:46 PM

Yes. If you changed your mind about MAX, you can remove it as long as you haven't already paid for it.

Note: If your TurboTax navigation looks different from what’s described here, learn more.

When you're in your return:

  1. Open or continue your return.
  2. Select File.
  3. Continue until you get to Step 1, Review your order, then select Start.
  4. When you get to your order summary, select Remove under Max Benefits.
  5. On the following screen, select Remove MAX.

@doesmyown 

New Member
Mar 18, 2025 6:44:07 PM

I found a work-around for this.

First e-file your Federal return (Select file your State return later - The audit defense does not get added and you dont have to pay anything)

Once this goes through, go back to File and select e-file your State return. Once on the order page, you only have to pay for the State filing - $25, Audit defense is not added)

New Member
Mar 30, 2025 4:32:07 PM

Bless You!!!  This worked.  I had been going around and around, even tried to call Turbo Tax Intuit.. I was losing my mind, and then I saw your work around.  You saved my afternoon hair pulling episode.

 

Thank you.