I am logging in to TurboTax for the first time. It is recommending Expert Assist. I do not want this. How do I decline it?

[JohnB5677]

To decline Expert Assist, look for a "Switch to Do-It-Yourself" or "See other TurboTax products" link,

If you are prompted during initial setup and cannot find a skip button, try clicking "See other TurboTax products" and manually select a self-service version. 

If you are already locked in, you may need to clear your return to start over

[phantomofutopia]

Last I checked there was no reasonable competitor to TurboTax. Pity. This is sufficiently aggravating that, given a choice, I would abandon all Intuit products. I was effectively forced to pay for a service I don't want and cannot use. Your proposed solution - to abandon the 5 hours of work I have put in getting this done and start again hoping I can find a hidden button I was unable to see when I first started using the program (yes, I did search for it and yes, I am technically savvy with computers) is wildly unreasonable.

[CatinaT1]

If you are not using TurboTax Expert Assist you can follow these steps:

Follow these steps to downgrade to a different TurboTax Online product:

1. Open your return if you haven't already.
2. In the left menu, select Switch Products.
3. Select Downgrade.

You can remove TurboTax Live as long as you haven't used the Tax Expert feature. Here's what to do:

1. With your tax return open, select File.
2. Proceed through the screens until you reach the Just a few steps left... screen, then select Start or Revisit next to Step 1: Review Your Order.
3. On the order summary screen, select Downgrade.

If you don't see Downgrade or already used the Tax Expert feature, 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.

Keep in mind: If you want to receive help from a tax expert, you’ll need to use TurboTax Live.

[phantomofutopia]

I see the "downgrade" option, but when I select it I am warned that it will not necessarily support all the forms I need. I can downgrade to basic but cannot downgrade to remove Tax Expert Assist.  My next step (according to TurboTax) is to actually file the return.

I have not used Taxpayer Assist. I never wanted the Assist. I do not want to wipe out the 3.5 hours of work I have done getting this far. 

[CatinaT1]

Here is a link to contact  Turbo Tax Customer Service.