Taxes can be daunting, and sometimes, you realize you might have started with the wrong TurboTax product. Maybe your financial situation changed, or you simply misunderstood which version best suits your needs. Don't fret! Changing your TurboTax type is often possible, especially if you haven't yet filed your return. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, helping you navigate the TurboTax platform with confidence.
The Grand Overview: Why Would You Even Need to Change Your TurboTax Type?
Before we dive into the "how-to," let's quickly understand why you might find yourself in this situation. TurboTax offers various editions – Free, Deluxe, Premier, Self-Employed, and their "Live" versions (Assisted or Full Service). Each is designed for different tax complexities:
TurboTax Free Edition: Ideal for simple tax returns, typically W-2 income with the standard deduction, and limited credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit.
TurboTax Deluxe: Good for homeowners, those with significant deductions like medical expenses or charitable contributions, and those who need to itemize.
TurboTax Premier: Best for investors (stocks, bonds, cryptocurrency) and those with rental property income.
TurboTax Self-Employed (now often integrated into Premium): Essential for freelancers, independent contractors, or small business owners with Schedule C income and expenses.
TurboTax Live Assisted/Full Service: These versions offer on-demand help from a tax expert or have an expert prepare your return entirely.
It's easy to start with one and then realize your tax situation is more (or less) complex than you initially thought. Perhaps you started with Free, then remembered you sold some stock. Or maybe you opted for Live, but now feel comfortable doing it yourself. Whatever the reason, knowing how to adjust is key!
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| How To Change Turbotax Type |
Step 1: Assess Your Current Situation and Identify Your New Needs
Hold on a second! Before you click anything, take a deep breath and ask yourself: What exactly do I need to do with my taxes this year?
Did you realize you have investment income (stocks, crypto)? You'll likely need Premier.
Are you self-employed with business expenses? Self-Employed/Premium is probably your go-to.
Did you initially choose a paid version but realize your tax situation is super simple and qualifies for Free? You might want to downgrade.
Did you select a "Live" option, but now want to tackle it yourself? You'll need to switch from Live to a DIY version.
This initial assessment is crucial because it will dictate the path you need to take within TurboTax. Jot down any new income sources, deductions, or credits you need to report.
Step 2: Navigating TurboTax: Before Filing and Payment
This is the easiest scenario for changing your TurboTax type. If you haven't paid for your return or filed it yet, you have the most flexibility.
Tip: Read at your own pace, not too fast.
Sub-heading 2.1: Downgrading Your TurboTax Online Product (Before Payment/Filing)
If you've started with a higher-tiered online product (like Deluxe, Premier, or any Live version) and realize you don't need its features, you can often downgrade.
Log In to Your TurboTax Account: Go to the TurboTax website and sign in.
Access Your Return: Open your current tax return.
Look for "Switch Products" or "Tax Tools":
In the left-hand menu (sidebar), you might see an option like "Switch Products" or "Tax Tools." Click on it.
If you selected "Tax Tools," a sub-menu usually appears. Look for "Switch Products" or "Clear & Start Over."
Select "Downgrade": If available, click on "Downgrade."
Choose Your Desired Product: TurboTax will present you with options for lower-priced products. Select the one that now fits your needs.
Confirm the Downgrade: Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm your selection. Your data should transfer over, and the return will adjust to the new product's features and pricing.
Sub-heading 2.2: Clearing and Starting Over (If Downgrade Isn't Available or You Want the Free Edition)
Sometimes, the "Downgrade" option isn't visible, especially if you've interacted with a tax expert in a "Live" version or if you're trying to go all the way back to the Free Edition from a significantly higher tier. In these cases, clearing your return is the next best option as long as you haven't paid or filed.
Log In and Access Your Return: Same as above, sign in and open your return.
Go to "Tax Tools": In the left-hand menu, click on "Tax Tools."
Select "Clear & Start Over": From the sub-menu, choose "Clear & Start Over."
Acknowledge the Warning: TurboTax will warn you that this will delete all the information you've entered. Make absolutely sure you want to do this! If you're okay with restarting, confirm.
Choose Your New Product: After clearing, you'll be brought back to the start of the process, where you can carefully select the correct TurboTax product for your situation. Look for the small print at the bottom of the product selection boxes to ensure you pick the desired version (especially if trying to get to the free option).
Step 3: Changing Your TurboTax Type: After Payment, Before Filing
This scenario is a bit trickier but still manageable. If you've already paid for a TurboTax product but haven't actually transmitted your return to the IRS/state, you might have limited options for downgrading without a refund process. However, upgrading is usually straightforward.
Sub-heading 3.1: Upgrading Your TurboTax Online Product (After Payment, Before Filing)
Tip: Summarize each section in your own words.
If you paid for Deluxe and then realized you need Premier for your stock sales, upgrading is typically seamless.
Log In and Open Your Return: Access your TurboTax account and return.
Enter Relevant Information: As you enter information that requires a higher product (e.g., investment income, self-employment income with expenses), TurboTax will often automatically prompt you to upgrade.
Follow On-Screen Prompts: Accept the upgrade, and TurboTax will adjust your account. You'll likely just pay the difference in price.
Manual Upgrade Option: If the automatic prompt doesn't appear, navigate to the "Review Your Order" or "File" section. There, you might see an option to "Upgrade" your product.
Sub-heading 3.2: Downgrading After Payment (But Before Filing)
This is where it gets complicated. Generally, TurboTax doesn't allow direct downgrades after payment for online versions. The system is designed to facilitate upgrades. If you've paid for a higher version and realize you need a lower-priced one, your primary options are:
Contact TurboTax Customer Support: This is often your best bet. Explain your situation clearly. They might be able to process a refund for your current purchase and allow you to restart with the correct version, or offer a direct solution. Be prepared to explain why the initial product was incorrect.
Clear and Start Over (and seek a refund): If customer support can't directly downgrade, you might have to clear your return (as described in Step 2.2) and start anew with the desired product. Then, you'll need to contact TurboTax to request a refund for your initial, incorrect purchase. Keep all your payment details handy.
Step 4: Dealing with TurboTax Desktop (CD/Download) Products
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TurboTax Desktop versions (Basic, Deluxe, Premier, Home & Business) function differently from the online versions. Once you've purchased and installed a desktop product, it usually contains all the necessary forms for various tax situations. The difference between the editions largely lies in the level of guidance and assistance provided.
Sub-heading 4.1: Upgrading/Downgrading within Desktop Software
No Direct "Type Change": You generally don't "change" the type of TurboTax Desktop software you're using in the same way as online. If you bought Premier, it has all the forms Deluxe has, plus more. If you bought Deluxe, it usually has enough forms for most situations, but might not provide as much guidance for complex scenarios as Premier or Home & Business.
Accessing All Forms: In the Desktop version, you typically have access to all forms regardless of the specific edition (with minor exceptions for Basic). The higher editions simply offer more specialized guidance and tools. So, if you're using Deluxe and realize you need to report stock sales, you can often still access Schedule D.
Consider a New Purchase (if truly insufficient): If you find your current Desktop version truly lacks the necessary functionality or guidance for your very specific tax situation (which is rare, as higher versions bundle features), you might consider purchasing a higher-tier desktop product. However, this is usually unnecessary as the forms are typically present.
QuickTip: A slow read reveals hidden insights.
Sub-heading 4.2: Switching from TurboTax Online to Desktop (or vice versa)
Online to Desktop: If you started your return in TurboTax Online and now prefer to use the Desktop software (perhaps for more control or to avoid online fees), you can often transfer your data.
Save Your Online Return: Look for an option to save or download your tax data file (.tax file) from your TurboTax Online account.
Install Desktop Software: Purchase and install the TurboTax Desktop software.
Import Data: Within the Desktop software, there should be an option to "Continue From TurboTax Online" or "Import from TurboTax Online." Follow the prompts to import your saved data.
Important Note: If you paid for the online version, you may need to contact TurboTax support to inquire about a refund if you're switching to Desktop.
Desktop to Online: This is less common, but if you started on Desktop and want to switch to Online, you would generally need to manually re-enter your information into the online platform. There isn't typically a direct import tool from Desktop to Online.
Step 5: After Filing: Amending Your Return (Not Changing Type)
Once your tax return has been filed (e-filed and accepted by the IRS/state, or mailed), you cannot change your TurboTax product type for that tax year's return. At this point, if you need to make changes, you will need to amend your tax return.
Sub-heading 5.1: The Amendment Process
Wait for Acceptance: Ensure your original return has been fully accepted by the IRS and your state (if applicable).
Access Your Filed Return: Log back into your TurboTax account.
Initiate an Amendment: Look for an option like "Amend (change) a filed return" or "Amend my 20XX return."
Make Necessary Changes: TurboTax will guide you through the process of making the corrections. You'll only modify the fields that need updating.
Review and Re-file: After making changes, review your amended return carefully. You'll typically file an amended return (Form 1040-X for federal) by mail. TurboTax will generate the necessary forms.
Key Distinction: Amending a return is about correcting information on an already filed return, not changing the TurboTax product you used to prepare it. The type of TurboTax product you used to file the original return won't change, but the amended return will reflect your updated tax situation.
Important Considerations and Tips
Save Your Work Regularly: Especially if you're contemplating changing product types, ensure you save your progress frequently.
Read Prompts Carefully: TurboTax often provides clear prompts and warnings. Don't click through them blindly.
Understand the Implications of "Live" Products: If you opt for a TurboTax Live product, know that engaging with an expert might lock you into that service, making downgrades more challenging without clearing your return.
Check for Discounts: Sometimes, closer to tax season, different product types might have various discounts or offers. Be mindful of pricing as you consider changes.
Clear Your Cache and Cookies: If you're experiencing technical glitches or options aren't appearing as expected, clearing your browser's cache and cookies can sometimes resolve the issue.
Try a Different Browser: Occasionally, using a different web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, etc.) can help if you're encountering display problems.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Tip: Slow down at important lists or bullet points.
Here are 10 common questions about changing TurboTax types, with quick answers:
How to change from TurboTax Live to a "Do-It-Yourself" version?
You can typically downgrade from a Live product by selecting "Switch Products" in the left menu and choosing "Downgrade," as long as you haven't already used the expert advice feature. If you have, you might need to "Clear & Start Over" (if not paid/filed) or contact support.
How to downgrade TurboTax after payment but before filing?
This is generally not possible directly. Your best options are to contact TurboTax customer support for assistance or, if they approve, clear your return and then request a refund for the initial payment.
How to upgrade TurboTax after payment but before filing?
Yes, this is usually straightforward. TurboTax will often prompt you to upgrade automatically as you enter information requiring a higher product, or you can look for an "Upgrade" option in the "File" or "Review Your Order" section. You'll pay the difference.
How to switch from TurboTax Online to the Desktop version?
You can typically save your in-progress return from TurboTax Online as a .tax file, then open your TurboTax Desktop software and use the "Continue From TurboTax Online" or "Import" option to transfer your data.
How to change TurboTax to the free edition if I accidentally started with Deluxe?
If you haven't paid or filed, look for "Switch Products" or "Tax Tools" and then "Downgrade." If that's not available, you can "Clear & Start Over" to return to the product selection screen where you can choose the Free Edition.
How to change my TurboTax product if I already filed my taxes?
You cannot change the product type for a filed return. If you need to make changes, you must amend your tax return. TurboTax provides guidance on how to do this (e.g., filing Form 1040-X).
How to tell which TurboTax product I need for my tax situation?
TurboTax has a "Compare Products" page on its website that details the features and limitations of each version. Consider your income sources (W-2, self-employment, investments), deductions (itemized vs. standard), and credits when choosing.
How to get a refund if I bought the wrong TurboTax product?
For online products, if you haven't filed, contact TurboTax customer support. For desktop software purchased from a retailer, you'll typically need to go through the retailer's refund policy, or in some cases, TurboTax's direct refund form.
How to restart my TurboTax return from scratch?
If you haven't paid or filed, you can use the "Tax Tools" menu and select "Clear & Start Over." This will erase all entered data, allowing you to begin fresh and select a different product.
How to avoid accidentally selecting the wrong TurboTax product next year?
Carefully review the features of each TurboTax edition before starting. Don't rush through the initial setup screens. If in doubt, start with a lower-tier product, as upgrading is usually easier than downgrading.
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