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Will turbo tax still take the money for the deluxe version out of my refund even though I was forced to not use the free version?

 
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5 Replies

Will turbo tax still take the money for the deluxe version out of my refund even though I was forced to not use the free version?

Turbotax Online is "free to start" but the price you pay at the end is determined by the complexity of your tax return (what forms you need) and any extra services you request, rather than your income or the amount of your refund.  If you agreed to the upgrade, and you paid on checkout or you agreed to have your payment deducted from your refund, that is normally final.  Making the payment is taken as proof that you are satisfied with the service.



There is a separate version of Turbotax that is co-sponsored by the IRS Free-File alliance that is free to all users, even for complex tax returns, up to $34,000 of income, or $68,000 for active duty military.  (Other companies may have higher income limits on their Free File Alliance versions.)  The IRS requires that Free File Alliance versions be completely separate, and they can't offer paid upgrades or additional services like Audit Support, Refund on a Debit Card, Refund Advance (Loan) or Live Assistance.   

The best way to access the Free File Alliance version is directly on the IRS web site. https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/about-the-free-file-alliance

The direct link to the Turbotax Free File Alliance version is here.  You have to make a separate account with a separate user name and password. https://turbotax.intuit.com/taxfreedom/ 

Because of some news reports and confusion over who qualifies for the IRS free version (the "Really really free" version instead of the "free to start" version, you may have some luck contacting customer support if you believe that you should have qualified for the really really free version.  But, it depends on your income level.  

If you want to discuss your fees with customer support, you need to contact them directly.  Use the keyword "billing issue" rather than "refund", which will take you to information about your IRS refund.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/6386875


Will turbo tax still take the money for the deluxe version out of my refund even though I was forced to not use the free version?

The thing is I made 25,000 last year. I'm 25 years old single never married no kids, my taxes were easy. Intuit said I qualified for the really really free version because I made under 34,000. I still got forced into buying the deluxe version.

Will turbo tax still take the money for the deluxe version out of my refund even though I was forced to not use the free version?

Then you were on the wrong web site.  IRS regulations require that the Free File Alliance version be a separate web site, and it is not allowed to offer any paid upgrades or services -- no add ons or upsells of any kind.  If you were upgraded to Deluxe, you must have been on the regular "free to start" site.  There are a few things that can kick you over into Deluxe even when you are single and low income, probably student loan interest in your situation.

The Free File Alliance version is a separate web site and you have to make a new account with a new user name and password, you can't re-use a regular turbotax from a previous year.  And if your web browser is set up to automatically log you in to your regular account, you may have to turn this feature off or delete your browser history and cookies to stop from being logged into the regular site by mistake.

You can certainly call customer support, we don't know what they are offering but they do have someone who is trained on this issue.

Will turbo tax still take the money for the deluxe version out of my refund even though I was forced to not use the free version?

What a scam! It starts off as FREE, then forces you to go deluxe or you can't file! Almost $200 to file a simple return. 

Will turbo tax still take the money for the deluxe version out of my refund even though I was forced to not use the free version?

Have you tried the IRS FREE FILE option for a totally free fed & state returns ???

 

Here's how Free File works:

  1. Go to gov/freefile to see all Free File options.
     
  2. Browse each of the 10 offers or use a "look up" tool to help you find the right product. Each Free File partner sets its own eligibility standards generally based on income, age and state residency. But if your adjusted gross income was $69,000 or less, you will find at least one free product to use. Two products are in Spanish.
  3. Select a provider and follow the links to their web page to begin your tax return.
  4. Complete and e-file your tax return only if you have all the income and deduction records you need. The fastest way to get a refund is by filing electronically and selecting direct deposit. If you owe, use direct pay or electronic options.

You do not have to be EITC eligible in order to qualify for Free File. Any individual or married couple that meets the income limitation can qualify. First-time filers or college students are key users. Military personnel who meet the income requirement can use any of nine partner products. And seniors who want to file the new Form 1040-SR because they are over 65 and taking the standard deduction also can use Free File.

Remember, if you meet the income requirement you will find at least one free online product. To avoid fees for state tax returns, look for a partner that offers free state tax return preparation or check out your state's tax agency website to see if they are members of the State Free File program.

                                                        

 

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