Why was I charged $90 after entering license from Costco Turbotax home & business?

[PRICEJCP3789]

I purchased the Turbotax Home & Business at Costco. Then entered the license code but was nevertheless charged $90 to file the return. Why did I pay $65 for the d. code when the stupid site is just banging me full price for the service as if I never entered the code. What is this?

[Kat]

Did you somehow use the Online platform (web-based) instead of opening the Desktop program?  Users do sometimes get confused.  I'm linking you to a TurboTax FAQ that explains the difference in the two platforms.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/choosing-a-product/help/what-s-the-difference-between-turbotax-onl...

NOTE:  The Online program (equivalent to TT Home & Business in Desktop) is called TurboTax Self Employed, and is currently priced at $90).

Have you already completed and e-filed your return?  

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[PRICEJCP3789]

The return was completed and filed. Now how do I get my $90 back? This is so deliberately confusing. The gD disk and box has directions that I followed to a T. I guess that doesn't mean anything when the site is like a three armed bandit.  

[Kat · Accepted solution]

@PRICEJCP3789 I'm not a TurboTax employee.  I'm a user just like you.  What I'd suggest is contacting TurboTax Customer Support tomorrow during business hours.   I'm hopeful that a TT agent will be able to help.

The thing is, you purchased the CD from Costco, and can't return it to them since you've opened it.  So I'm not sure what to suggest.  I admit that differentiating between the platforms can be confusing, but wouldn't agree that the website is a "bandit".  😉  So sorry you got mixed up on this one.

Here's a FAQ for contacting Support.  Best of luck!

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/using-turbotax/help/what-is-the-turbotax-phone-number/01/25632

[PRICEJCP3789]

I called customer service but they couldn't do anything for me. Very disappointed. Next year I'll look for a way to do the taxes that is more straightforward. 

[Kat]

@PRICEJCP3789 I am SO sorry.  A costly mistake, but now you know.  I'd hope that since you're now familiar with TurboTax software, you'd stay with them.   I've used TurboTax for so many years now, and I love it.

[PRICEJCP3789 · Accepted solution]

Why would I stay with such a chinchy company? I returned the Turbo Tax product to Costco and they gave me a refund. I never really used it. Turbo Tax was cowardly and cheap; they refused to do anything for me. They should have stepped up and refunded me the ridiculous $90 charge due directly to being misled by their website, which is designed to suck everybody in. IT ASKED ME FOR MY LICENSE KEY AT THE BEGINNING ON THE ONLINE SITE. I will never deal with Turbo Tax again. I will go to H&R Block[heads]  or some other tax preparer. 

[Kat]

I don't work for TurboTax.  Just a volunteer.  So glad you were able to get a refund from Costco!  Had you purchased the CD directly from TurboTax, they would gladly have refunded your $90.  They just couldn't refund for an item purchased elsewhere.  As you would expect, TurboTax sells their product to the retailers at a discounted price.    

I don't think you were in the Online platform when you were asked for the license code.  Based on the info below (link), the license code is only required for the Desktop platform (CD/Download).  So I'm not sure where the mix-up occurred.  I'm just happy you got your money back.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/tax-topics/help/why-am-i-being-asked-for-a-license-code/01/872421

In my experience, TurboTax is not chinchy, cowardly or cheap.  They aren't a perfect company, but I've been satisfied with their product for years.  

Best of luck!