Is the tax season causing you a bit of a headache? Perhaps you started your taxes with TurboTax Premier, only to realize that your situation isn't quite as complex as you initially thought, and the more affordable TurboTax Deluxe would perfectly suit your needs. Don't worry, you're not alone! Many users find themselves in this exact predicament. The good news is that for TurboTax Online, switching back to Deluxe is often possible, though it might require a bit of a reset. For desktop versions, it's a different story.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of switching back to TurboTax Deluxe, ensuring you only pay for the features you truly need. Let's dive in!
Understanding the Differences: Deluxe vs. Premier
Before we begin the switching process, it's crucial to understand why you might have been directed to Premier in the first place and what Deluxe offers.
TurboTax Deluxe: This version is generally ideal for homeowners, individuals with significant deductions like mortgage interest and property taxes, charitable contributions, and those looking to maximize over 350 deductions and credits. It handles common tax situations very well.
TurboTax Premier: Premier is designed for taxpayers with more complex financial lives. This includes individuals with investment income (stocks, bonds, mutual funds, employee stock plans, cryptocurrency), and rental property income. If you have capital gains or losses, or if you're a landlord, Premier provides the necessary tools and guidance.
The key takeaway is that if your tax situation doesn't involve investments, capital gains/losses, or rental properties, you likely don't need Premier and can save money by switching to Deluxe.
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| How To Switch Back To Turbotax Deluxe |
Step 1: Assess Your Current Tax Situation and TurboTax Version
So, you're thinking of downgrading? Fantastic! Let's start by confirming if TurboTax Deluxe is truly the right fit for you.
A. Review Your Financial Landscape
Take a moment to look at your income sources and deductions.
Do you have W-2 income only?
Do you own a home and itemize deductions (mortgage interest, property taxes)?
Did you make significant charitable contributions?
Do you have student loan interest or education expenses?
Crucially, do you have any income from stocks, bonds, mutual funds, cryptocurrency, or rental properties?
If your answer to the last question is "no," then TurboTax Deluxe is very likely sufficient for your needs. If you do have these types of income, Premier (or even Self-Employed/Premium for business income) is typically required.
B. Identify Your TurboTax Product
Are you using:
TurboTax Online: You access it through a web browser. This is generally the easier version to switch products with.
TurboTax Desktop (CD/Download): You installed software on your computer. Downgrading with this version is much more challenging, and often impossible without a full refund and repurchase.
Knowing which version you're using is the most critical first step!
Tip: Bookmark this post to revisit later.
Step 2: Downgrading TurboTax Online (The Most Common Scenario)
If you're using TurboTax Online, you're in luck! While it often involves clearing your return, it's a straightforward process.
A. Access Your TurboTax Online Account
Sign In: Go to the TurboTax website (turbotax.intuit.com) and sign in to your account.
Continue Your Return: Once logged in, you'll typically see an option to "Continue my return" or "Take me to my return." Click on this to open your in-progress tax return.
B. Navigate to the "Clear & Start Over" Option
This is the key step for downgrading.
Look for "Tax Tools": On the left-hand menu (or sometimes at the top right, depending on your screen size), locate and click on "Tax Tools."
Select "Clear & Start Over": From the "Tax Tools" dropdown menu, choose "Clear & Start Over."
Important Note: If you're using a tablet or phone, you might find this option by clicking the "three parallel lines" (often called a "hamburger menu") in the top left corner to expand the menu. It's generally recommended to perform this action on a desktop or laptop for the best experience.
C. Confirm and Reset Your Return
Confirmation Prompt: TurboTax will ask you if you're sure you want to clear your return. This means all the data you've entered so far will be deleted.
Proceed with Caution: If you're confident that Deluxe will cover your needs and you haven't paid or registered your return yet, click "Yes."
Crucial Point: You cannot clear and start over if you've already paid for your TurboTax Online product or registered your return. If this is the case, your options become more limited (see Step 4).
D. Select Your Desired Product (TurboTax Deluxe)
New Product Selection: After clearing your return, TurboTax will prompt you to select a product to begin a new return.
Choose Deluxe: Carefully select "TurboTax Deluxe" (or whatever the current year's equivalent is for itemized deductions and common tax situations) and start entering your information from the beginning.
Self-Correction Tip: If you accidentally started with Premier because you clicked on something related to investments but then realized you don't have any, this "Clear & Start Over" method is your best path to getting back to Deluxe.
Step 3: Dealing with TurboTax Desktop Editions (A Different Beast)
Switching back to Deluxe with TurboTax Desktop (CD/Download) is unfortunately much less flexible than with the online version.
A. Understand the Limitation
No Direct Downgrade: Unlike the online version, you cannot directly downgrade a TurboTax Desktop edition (e.g., from Premier to Deluxe) once it's installed and you've started a return. TurboTax Desktop editions are generally designed as standalone purchases for specific functionality.
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B. Your Options (Limited but Possible)
Refund and Repurchase (If Eligible):
Check Refund Policy: If you recently purchased TurboTax Premier Desktop and haven't yet filed or used it extensively, you might be eligible for a refund. TurboTax has a refund policy, often with a 60-day window from the purchase date.
Contact TurboTax Support: You'll need to contact TurboTax customer support directly to inquire about a refund for your Premier Desktop software. Be prepared to explain your situation.
Purchase Deluxe: If you receive a refund, you can then purchase the TurboTax Deluxe Desktop edition.
Start a New Return with Deluxe (If You Haven't Used Premier Extensively):
If you just opened Premier and realized your mistake before significant data entry, and you're not looking for a refund on the Premier purchase, your simplest (though not ideal) option might be to simply purchase and install the TurboTax Deluxe Desktop software separately and start your return from scratch in that new installation.
This means you'd have paid for Premier unnecessarily, but it might be quicker than navigating refund processes if time is of the essence.
Utilize Premier's Included Features:
Remember that all TurboTax Desktop editions include the same forms and schedules. The difference is primarily in the guided interview and the help/support provided for specific tax situations.
If you've already made significant progress in Premier Desktop, and a refund isn't feasible, you can still complete a simpler return using Premier. You might just be paying for features you don't use, but it's often less hassle than restarting entirely if you're deep into the process. The program will simply guide you through the sections relevant to your input.
Step 4: Important Considerations After Downgrading
Congratulations on making the switch (or understanding your options)! Here are a few final, crucial considerations.
A. Data Re-entry (For Online Users)
Be Prepared to Re-enter: When you "Clear & Start Over" in TurboTax Online, all your previously entered data is erased. This means you'll need to re-enter all your income, deductions, and other tax information into the newly selected Deluxe version.
Gather Your Documents: Have all your W-2s, 1099s, mortgage statements, charitable contribution records, etc., readily available to make the re-entry process as smooth as possible.
B. Review Your Fees
Confirm the Price Change: After successfully switching to Deluxe Online, double-check the fee breakdown before you file. Ensure that you are now being charged the price for TurboTax Deluxe, not Premier.
Access Fee Details: You can usually find a "Review my fees" or similar option within your TurboTax Online account before you pay or file.
C. Watch for Automatic Upgrades
Be Mindful During Data Entry: As you re-enter your tax information in Deluxe, TurboTax might automatically suggest an upgrade to a higher version (like Premier) if you enter data that it deems requires that version (e.g., investment sales).
Understand the Triggers: If this happens, carefully consider why it's prompting the upgrade. Is it truly necessary based on your actual tax situation, or did you accidentally enter something that triggered it? If it's a mistake, you might need to adjust your entry or, in rare cases, clear and start over again if you're absolutely sure Deluxe is sufficient.
Step 5: Maximizing Your Deluxe Experience
Now that you're comfortably in TurboTax Deluxe, make the most of its features!
A. Utilize Deduction Maximizer
TurboTax Deluxe is known for its ability to help you find hundreds of deductions and credits. Pay attention to the prompts and questions it asks to ensure you're claiming everything you're entitled to.
B. Import Data
QuickTip: Stop scrolling fast, start reading slow.
If available, use the feature to import W-2s and other tax documents from participating employers and financial institutions. This can save you a lot of time and reduce data entry errors.
C. Take Advantage of "ItsDeductible"
If you made non-cash charitable donations, the "ItsDeductible" tool (included with Deluxe) can help you accurately value those items, which is essential for maximizing your deductions.
D. Review Thoroughly
Before filing, always take the time to review your entire return. Make sure all information is accurate and that you haven't missed anything. TurboTax's review process will help catch errors, but a careful personal review is always recommended.
10 Related FAQ Questions:
How to check which TurboTax version I am currently using?
You can usually see the version name (e.g., "TurboTax Deluxe," "TurboTax Premier") displayed prominently on your account dashboard or at the top of your screen within the program once you log in. For desktop versions, it's typically on the software's main screen.
How to know if TurboTax Deluxe is sufficient for my tax situation?
TurboTax Deluxe is usually sufficient if you have W-2 income, itemize deductions (homeownership, charitable contributions, medical expenses), or have student loan interest. It is not sufficient if you have investment income (stocks, bonds, crypto, ESPPs) or rental property income.
How to get a refund for a TurboTax Desktop product if I want to switch?
You need to contact TurboTax customer support directly. Refunds for desktop products are typically handled on a case-by-case basis and are often only available within a specific timeframe after purchase if the product hasn't been used for filing.
How to clear and start over in TurboTax Online?
Tip: Check back if you skimmed too fast.
Log in to your TurboTax Online account, go to "Tax Tools" (usually on the left-hand menu), and then select "Clear & Start Over." Confirm that you want to delete all entered data. This option is only available if you haven't paid or registered your return.
How to avoid being upgraded to a higher TurboTax version unnecessarily?
Be mindful of the questions TurboTax asks. If you don't have investments or rental properties, avoid entering information that would trigger those sections. Only input data relevant to your actual tax situation.
How to import my W-2 data into TurboTax Deluxe?
During the tax interview process, TurboTax Deluxe will prompt you to import your W-2. You can typically do this by searching for your employer and entering information from your W-2 form, or sometimes by uploading a PDF.
How to track charitable donations using TurboTax Deluxe?
TurboTax Deluxe includes a tool called "ItsDeductible." You can access this within the program to record and value your non-cash charitable contributions, helping you maximize those deductions.
How to review my fees in TurboTax Online before filing?
Before you proceed to the payment or filing stage, there's usually a section or link, often labeled "Review my fees," that allows you to see a detailed breakdown of the charges for the TurboTax product you're currently using.
How to contact TurboTax customer support for assistance?
You can usually find contact options (phone, chat) on the TurboTax support website (ttlc.intuit.com). Be prepared with your account information and a clear description of your issue.
How to ensure all my deductions are captured in TurboTax Deluxe?
Engage fully with the interview questions. TurboTax is designed to ask questions that uncover potential deductions and credits. Don't skip sections that might apply to you, and consider using the "Deduction Maximizer" features it offers.
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