Turbotax program updates

[EDSD]

I file paper copy of taxes. The software is installed on Windows machine. I can easily turn the updates off. But, when can I be sure that I do not need to install any more updates and file my taxes. I am concerned that after filing my paper copy there may be an update which could render the filed taxes invalid.

After an update the software does not even tell me whether the update was only cosmetic and does not impact my already filed paper return? After the update the software simply states the following:

Program Updates (Released 3/27/2025) Program Updates.

No mention of what changed, Federal, State or which form.

[MarilynG1]

If the update had changed your returns, the refund meter at the top would change.  You can also view a PDF copy of your return after the update, and compare it to the one that you filed to verify that nothing changed.  

@EDSD 

[EDSD]

Hello Marilyn:

Thanks for your prompt response. Once I have mailed a paper copy of the return to IRS I would like to believe that I am done for this tax year. Am I hearing that I need to keep updating the software in case there is a significant change and I need to file an amended return?

      There needs to a sharp cutoff date, after which my responsibilities as a tax payer are over. From then on the responsibility should lie either with the IRS in case the form was incorrect or with Intuit if there was bug in the software.  Your guidance in this matter is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Edsd

[MarilynG1]

I totally understand your concern.  If you've saved a PDF or paper copy, you don't need to check for updates on a regular basis.

When you transfer 2024 to 2025, you could open 2024 first to see if any numbers have changed before transferring. 

We at Intuit TurboTax want our users to be completely delighted with their experience using our products and services, and successful in their financial lives and businesses. 

Once you file your return, as long as the settings to receive communication from Intuit don’t block it, you will see a pop-up message or receive an email with a survey asking you about your experience. We encourage you to leave your notes and comments there. “Voice of the Customer” notes and comments are read and acted upon.

If you are using TurboTax Desktop, you can also leave feedback at the Final Steps tab:

[EDSD]

Hi Marilyn:

I appreciate your addressing the points that have been raised. Please note the following:

1. What is a firm cutoff date each year after which we can confidently file a paper copy of the return for federal and state, and NOT have to wait any longer for any further updates to the software?

2. Next year, when transferring the 2024 return to 2025 after updating the 2024 software,  if I find that the numbers have indeed changed, is it incumbent upon me to file amended federal and state returns?

Your clarification of these two points will greatly reduce the tax filing stress each year.

Thanks

Edsd

[EDSD]

Hi Marilyn:

     Not quite sure what response I received regarding the two specific points I had raised in my last communication. Since the tax filing deadline is imminent, please clarify if there is a cutoff date after which I can file a paper copy of my 2024 federal and state taxes without having to worry about updates that might alter my return.

Thanks

Edsd

[SteamTrain]

@EDSD 

Not sure anyone can give you an exact date..

BUT

Usually, by 1 April (heck, early March), all of the changes of any significance have been fixed. 

All that may be left is subtle stuff, but only rarely something that affects maybe 0.1% of all taxpayers.

What I do is prepare and file from my desktop, and turn off the updates after filing........But..I also install the desktop software on my laptop computer along with a copy of my filed tax return.  Then I run the weekly updates on the laptop....and if my refund/balance due doesn't change on the laptop, I know I can update my main program on my desktop computer. 

Yep, I still wouldn't know what changed, but at least I would have the most recent/updated software.

But...what if the $$ change on the laptop??? If only a few $$, I'd probably ignore it, but if more significant  $$ amount, I could print a copy of the tax return from the laptop ...then compare it to my copy of the mailed in tax return to see what changed, and decide from there whether it was some detailed setting that I had to re-set...or maybe have to do an amended tax return.

[EDSD]

Good Morning Marilyn:

I truly appreciate your detailed and timely reply. Will the software permit installation and activation on two machines with the same activation code? If so, for customers who own two or more Windows 10 or higher machines the strategy seems workable though not ideal. For those of us who have only one machine, it is difficult to manage software updates after a certain date close to April 15th..

     Following the Windows update strategy, I suggest that Intuit classify Turbo Tax updates as either "Optional" or "Mandatory", optional being more cosmetic in nature. It would also help if we were told what the update is for.  In addition, in the interest of customer sanity, Intuit needs to set a date limit on Mandatory updates.

Again thanks for your diligence. I look forward to hearing back.

Edsd

[EDSD]

Good Afternoon Marilyn:

After our discussion I was going to print and file the taxes today hoping all updates were over in March.. However, before printing the return I hit the update button and got the following message

Let's install the latest updates

These updates include the latest changes and other important info. It will take approximately 2 minutes".

After the update provided the following details:

Program Updates:

            (Released 4/2/2025) Program Updates

State updates released 4/2/2025

     So it begs answering the question, when can we stop checking to avoid having to file an amended return? Someone  higher up in the management chain at Intuit needs to provide you an answer that you can share with the Intuit's customers.

Thanks

Edsd

[fanfare]

If you are paranoid, file Form 4868 to get until Oct 15 to file.

You still have to pay what you owe by April 15th

If  a change comes, you may owe more, but you won't have to amend your Form 1040.