Have you found yourself knee-deep in tax forms on TurboTax, only to realize you accidentally signed up for TurboTax Live Premium and now you're wondering how to shed that extra cost? You're not alone! Many users find themselves in this exact situation, often feeling a bit bewildered by the options (or lack thereof) to downgrade. The good news is, while it might not always be as straightforward as a single "cancel" button, it is possible to remove TurboTax Live Premium and switch to a more suitable version for your needs.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, helping you navigate the TurboTax interface to get exactly what you need without paying for what you don't. Let's get started!
Understanding TurboTax Live Premium: What Is It, Anyway?
Before we dive into how to remove it, it's helpful to understand what TurboTax Live Premium offers. TurboTax Live Premium is generally designed for taxpayers with more complex financial situations, such as those with investments, rental properties, or self-employment income. The key feature is access to on-demand, live help from a tax expert, who can review your return and answer your questions. In some cases, with TurboTax Live Full Service, an expert will even do your taxes for you from start to finish.
While this level of support can be invaluable for some, it comes at a significantly higher price point compared to the standard "Do It Yourself" versions like TurboTax Deluxe or Premier. If your tax situation is relatively straightforward, or you realize you don't need the extensive live expert assistance, then downgrading is definitely the way to go.
Step 1: Assess Your Situation and Determine Your Desired Product
Ready to take control of your tax filing experience? The very first step, and a crucial one, is to understand why you want to remove TurboTax Live Premium and what product you actually need. Did you accidentally click an upgrade? Did your tax situation become simpler than you anticipated?
Sub-heading: Why Downgrade?
Cost Savings: TurboTax Live Premium is significantly more expensive. If you're comfortable doing your own taxes and don't require live expert assistance, downgrading can save you a substantial amount of money.
Unnecessary Features: If your tax situation is simple (e.g., just W-2 income and standard deductions), the advanced features and expert access of Live Premium are likely overkill.
You Haven't Used Live Services: This is key! If you haven't yet connected with a live expert or used any of their review services, your chances of a smooth downgrade are much higher.
Sub-heading: Choosing Your New TurboTax Product
TurboTax offers various versions, each catering to different tax complexities. Consider which one best fits your needs before attempting to downgrade:
TurboTax Free Edition: Ideal for simple returns (Form 1040 only, limited credits like EITC or Child Tax Credit).
TurboTax Deluxe: Best for most taxpayers, covering all basic features, plus itemized deductions (e.g., mortgage interest, charitable donations) and common tax credits.
TurboTax Premier: Designed for those with investments (stocks, bonds, mutual funds, cryptocurrency), rental property income, or employee stock plans.
TurboTax Self-Employed: For freelancers, independent contractors, small business owners, and gig workers who need to report self-employment income and expenses (Schedule C).
Think carefully about your financial situation this past year. Do you own a home? Have investments? Work freelance? This will guide your decision.
Step 2: Navigate to the "Switch Products" or "Downgrade" Option
Now that you know what you're aiming for, let's get into the TurboTax interface. This is where many users get stuck, as the option isn't always prominently displayed.
Sub-heading: Accessing Your Return
Log In to Your TurboTax Account: Go to the official TurboTax website and sign in with your credentials.
Open Your Return: Make sure you've opened the tax return you're currently working on. If you've just logged in, it should typically take you directly to your active return.
Sub-heading: Locating the Downgrade Feature
The exact location of the "Switch Products" or "Downgrade" option can vary slightly depending on the year's interface, but here's where to look:
Look for the Left Menu Bar: Once your return is open, direct your attention to the left-hand menu on your screen.
Find "Tax Tools" or "File":
Some users report finding "Switch Products" under "Tax Tools." Click on "Tax Tools" and then look for an option like "Switch to Free Edition" or "Downgrade."
Other users have found the "Downgrade" option by selecting "File" (as if you're ready to file), and then proceeding through the screens until you reach an order summary or review your order section. Here, you might see a "Downgrade" button or link.
It's important to note: If you don't see the "Switch Products" or "Downgrade" option, it might be because you've already utilized some of the Live Expert features. In such cases, the process becomes a bit more involved, as detailed in the next step.
Step 3: What if the "Downgrade" Option is Missing or Greyed Out?
This is a common frustration point. If you've already engaged with a TurboTax Live expert, even briefly, the direct downgrade option might disappear. Don't despair! You likely have another path: clearing your return and starting over.
Sub-heading: The "Clear and Start Over" Method
This method effectively resets your current tax return, allowing you to choose a different product from the beginning.
Back Up Your Information (Crucial!): Before you do anything, take screenshots or make detailed notes of all the information you've already entered. This includes:
Income details (W-2s, 1099s, etc.)
Deductions and credits you've identified
Any specific forms or schedules you've worked on
Personal information already entered This will save you immense time and effort when re-entering data.
Locate "Clear & Start Over":
Within your open TurboTax Online return, go to the "Tax Tools" option in the left menu.
Under "Tax Tools," you should find "Clear & Start Over."
Confirm and Proceed: TurboTax will ask you to confirm that you want to clear your return. Read the warnings carefully. Once confirmed, your return will be reset to a blank slate.
Choose Your Desired Product: After clearing, you'll be prompted to select a TurboTax product. This is your chance to choose the correct version (e.g., Deluxe, Premier, or even Free Edition if applicable) instead of TurboTax Live Premium.
Sub-heading: Important Considerations for Clearing Your Return
Payment Status: This method works best if you haven't paid yet for TurboTax Live Premium. If you've already paid, a refund might be necessary, and that often requires contacting customer support (see Step 5).
Time Commitment: While tedious, re-entering data is usually faster the second time around, especially with your notes or screenshots.
Desktop vs. Online: This guide primarily focuses on TurboTax Online. If you're using a desktop version, the process for changing products or clearing your return might differ slightly, but the principle of starting fresh is often the solution.
Step 4: Confirm Your Downgrade and Continue Your Taxes
Once you've successfully downgraded (either by using the "Switch Products" option or by clearing and starting over), you'll need to confirm your selection.
Sub-heading: Reviewing Your New Product
After downgrading or starting fresh, double-check the product name displayed in your TurboTax account to ensure it's the version you intended.
The pricing displayed should now reflect the lower cost of your chosen product.
Sub-heading: Proceeding with Your Tax Preparation
Continue entering your tax information as usual. If you cleared your return, patiently re-enter the data you backed up.
Remember to take advantage of any remaining free features in your new product.
Step 5: Contact TurboTax Customer Support (If All Else Fails)
If you've tried the above steps and are still stuck, or if you've already paid for TurboTax Live Premium and need a refund or a forced downgrade, it's time to contact TurboTax customer support directly.
Sub-heading: When to Contact Support
You've tried downgrading and clearing your return, but the options are unavailable or ineffective.
You've been charged for TurboTax Live Premium and believe you shouldn't have been.
You used Live Expert services but now wish to dispute the charge or downgrade retrospectively.
Sub-heading: How to Reach TurboTax Support
Visit the TurboTax Support Website: Go to
turbotax.intuit.com/support.Search for Your Issue: Often, typing in your specific problem (e.g., "downgrade TurboTax Live Premium") can lead you to relevant articles or community forums that might offer a quick solution.
Find Contact Options: Look for options like "Contact Us," "Get Help," or "Talk to a Specialist." TurboTax typically offers:
Live Chat: Often the fastest way to get a direct answer.
Phone Support: You can generally find a phone number (e.g., 1-800-446-8848). Be aware that wait times can be long, especially during peak tax season.
Community Forums: While not direct support, the TurboTax community can be a valuable resource for finding solutions to common issues.
When contacting support, be prepared with your account information and a clear explanation of your situation. Politely but firmly explain that you wish to remove TurboTax Live Premium and what product you intend to use instead. Be ready to provide screenshots if they ask.
Key Takeaways and Prevention Tips
Act Early: The easiest time to downgrade is before you've used any Live Expert services or paid for your return.
Read Carefully: Always read the product descriptions and pricing before you begin your return or accept any upgrades. TurboTax often has prompts to upgrade to Live products, and it's easy to click through without realizing the implications.
Understand Product Differences: Knowing the distinction between TurboTax's various offerings (Basic, Deluxe, Premier, Self-Employed, and their Live counterparts) will help you choose wisely.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to check if I have TurboTax Live Premium?
You can typically see your current TurboTax product version displayed at the top of your screen when you're logged into your return, or in your account settings/order summary.
How to avoid getting TurboTax Live Premium in the first place?
Be mindful of the product selection screen when you start your return. Carefully choose the "Do It Yourself" version that aligns with your tax situation, and decline any offers to upgrade to Live services unless you specifically need them.
How to tell if I've used Live Expert services?
If you've interacted with a tax expert via chat, phone, or had your return reviewed by one, you've used Live Expert services. Even initiating a chat session might be considered usage by TurboTax.
How to get a refund after downgrading from TurboTax Live Premium?
If you've already paid for Live Premium and successfully downgraded, you'll likely need to contact TurboTax customer support directly to request a refund for the price difference.
How to downgrade TurboTax Desktop versions?
For TurboTax Desktop, downgrading isn't usually an option in the same way. You'd typically need to purchase and install the lower-tier software, and then potentially import your data from the higher version, or simply start a new return with the desired software.
How to switch from TurboTax Live Full Service to "Do It Yourself"?
This is often the most challenging downgrade. If an expert has already started or completed your taxes, you almost certainly need to contact customer support and might have to clear and start over, potentially forfeiting some of the initial payment for the expert's time.
How to contact TurboTax customer support for a downgrade?
Visit the TurboTax support website (turbotax.intuit.com/support), search for your issue, and look for options like "Contact Us" or "Talk to a Specialist" to find live chat or phone numbers.
How to know which TurboTax product is right for me?
Consider your income sources (W-2, investments, rental property, self-employment), deductions you plan to take (standard vs. itemized), and any specific tax credits you're eligible for. TurboTax's website has a product comparison tool that can help.
How to clear my return if the "Clear & Start Over" option isn't visible?
While rare, if "Clear & Start Over" isn't an option, it usually means you've reached a point where your return is nearly finalized or has been transmitted. In this scenario, your only recourse is to contact TurboTax customer support.
How to prevent accidental upgrades in the future?
Always review pricing and product descriptions before clicking "Continue" or "Accept." Be cautious of pre-checked boxes or automatic upgrades suggested during the process.