Why was turbotax software so late to be helpful

[Bothered]

I am guessing this is the new normal so, unless I can purchase, install, and use TT for 2025 taxes by mid December 2025 and get my money back if the same issue exists then this is my last year to use TurboTax.

Someone please explain the cause of the extreme delays.

The rest is more of a detailed explanation so feel free to skip.

For MANY years TurboTax has been purchased in the year for which taxes were to be filed.  This year that was not so because Costco did not stock the "desktop" version until 2025.  Even if it had been purchased in 2024 it was not until January 9, 2025 that some income items were available.  Pension income but mainly estimating taxes with the information entered!

Had TurboTax even allowed seeing the estimated taxes before the end of the year I would have been able to withdraw money from my IRA with very little taxes needing to be paid.  I had chosen NOT to withdraw some money from the IRA as I am not 73 yet but would have to avoid the higher taxes in future years.

[Bothered]

BTW, AARP has a decent online estimator (which was all I needed in 2024) and it matches TT.  I'm guessing it was available in 2024.

[VolvoGirl]

The Desktop Home&Business program was available from Costco in 2024 at least from Costco Online.  And they are only selling the download now, no CDs.  Since you now have to log into an Intuit Account when you first install it, all your downloads and licenses are listed there (even if you bought it from somewhere else) so if you need to install it again or install on another computer, even on the other operating system (Windows, Mac) you can download it again. 

And even though some step by step interview sections weren't ready you could enter them  (like 1099R)  in the Forms Mode.  

[Bothered]

Thanks.  I will test the forms mode shortly.  It was not available in the store we shop at but was available on-line.  Still, the application was not, and may still not be, fully functional until January 9.  That makes it an unacceptable choice.  I thought not being interviewed but selecting the items to be entered would have worked.  FYI, I don't like having to log in either and that was a primary reason for always buying the desktop version rather than the on-line version.

Again, thanks for the work-around.

[VolvoGirl]

And you know….Starting for 2024 tax returns they only sell the Desktop program as a download.  Sorry no more CDs.  Since you now have to log into an Intuit Account all your downloads and licenses are listed there (even if you bought it from somewhere else) so if you need to download to install it again or install on another computer, even on the other operating system (Windows, Mac).

Also there are a lot of updates coming out now.  I updated yesterday and today was another update and I hear there might be another update later today Friday 1/10.  

[Bothered]

Thanks again.  I don't mind downloading rather than having a CD.  I don't like having to sign into TT each time the report is opened.  Yes, I expect updates.  and don't consider myself complete into early April.

FYI, the reason I want to know the estimated taxes so that I can make two decisions.  One, how much to take out of my IRA, prior to being forced.  Reason, it has been suggested, for about 5 years, that tax rates must return to the 60's rates.  That would devastate us so I have been reducing my IRA.  I decided not to for 2024 and now regret it.  Also, I like to OWE taxes for multiple reasons.  However, I want to avoid penalties so a quarterly payment is usually made on January 15.

Again, thanks for the info.  Now, Girl, go enjoy your Volvo!  (ok bad joke, but, hopefully, it made you smile!)