Feeling a little buyer's remorse about that "Audit Defense" add-on in TurboTax? You're not alone! Many users find themselves wondering how to remove this service, whether it's because they decided it's unnecessary, their financial situation changed, or they simply want to reduce their tax preparation fees. The good news is, in many cases, it is possible to remove it. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step.
The Great Unsubscribe: How to Remove Audit Defense from TurboTax
Before we dive in, let's understand what Audit Defense is. TurboTax's Audit Defense service, often provided through a partnership with TaxAudit, offers professional representation in the event your tax return is audited by the IRS or a state taxing agency. While it can provide peace of mind for some, it comes at an additional cost and isn't always needed, especially for straightforward returns.
So, are you ready to reclaim control over your TurboTax fees? Let's get started!
Step 1: Identify Your TurboTax Product and Filing Status
This is the crucial first step that will dictate your approach. TurboTax offers various products (Online, Desktop software, Live) and the way Audit Defense is integrated can differ.
Sub-heading: TurboTax Online Users
If you're using TurboTax Online, Audit Defense is often bundled with packages like "MAX Benefits" or "PLUS." You typically add these before you e-file.
Sub-heading: TurboTax Desktop Software Users
For desktop users, Audit Defense might have been offered as a standalone add-on or as part of a "Premium Services" bundle. Especially for California filers, if you chose to pay your state e-file fee out of your federal refund, Audit Defense (as part of Premium Services) might have been automatically added. This is a common point of confusion.
Before you proceed, ask yourself:
Have I already e-filed my return? This is extremely important. If you have, the process becomes more complex, and a direct cancellation might not be possible for the current tax year's purchase.
Which TurboTax product am I using (Online, Desktop, Live)?
Did I specifically select Audit Defense, or was it part of a bundle I chose?
Am I in California and chose to pay my state e-file fee from my federal refund?
Knowing the answers to these questions will save you a lot of time and frustration!
Step 2: Navigate to the "Review" or "File" Section (Pre-E-File)
If you haven't e-filed your return yet, you're in the best position to remove Audit Defense. The process generally involves going back to the review or filing stages of your TurboTax program.
Sub-heading: For TurboTax Online
Log in to your TurboTax account.
From your tax return summary or dashboard, look for options like "Review" or "File" in the left-hand menu.
Click through these sections carefully. You'll likely encounter screens detailing your fees and any add-ons you've selected.
Look for a section related to "Audit Protection," "MAX Benefits," or "Premium Services."
There should be an option to uncheck or remove these services. Sometimes, it's a simple toggle.
Crucially, if you chose to pay your TurboTax fees (including Audit Defense) out of your refund, you might need to change your payment method to direct credit/debit card payment to remove the bundled services.
Sub-heading: For TurboTax Desktop Software
Open your tax return in the TurboTax desktop software.
Go to the "File" tab at the top of the program.
Slowly navigate through the screens in the filing process. Read each screen carefully!
You might encounter a screen where Audit Defense is offered, or where "Premium Services" (which includes Audit Defense) is selected.
If you initially accepted it in error, you might be able to go back and deselect it.
Special Note for California Filers: If Audit Defense was added because you opted to pay the state e-file fee from your federal refund, you will likely need to change your payment method for the state e-file fee. Go back through the "File" tab and find the screen where you select how to pay for your state e-file. Choose to pay by credit card directly. This often unbundles "Premium Services" and, by extension, Audit Defense.
After making changes, remember to save your file!
Sub-heading: Checking the "Review" Tab (Desktop)
Some users have found an option to decline standalone Audit Defense under the "Review" tab, specifically a sub-tab called "Audit Protection." Navigate past any "Audit Risk Meter" screens and look for an option to decline.
Step 3: Confirm the Removal and Fee Adjustment
After you deselect Audit Defense or the associated bundle, you should see an immediate change in your TurboTax fees.
Review your total fees before proceeding to e-file.
Ensure that the charge for Audit Defense (or MAX/Premium Services, if that's what you removed) is no longer present.
If the fees don't change, do not e-file! Go back and re-evaluate your steps. Sometimes it takes a couple of tries or navigating different paths within the software to get it to register.
Step 4: What if I've Already E-Filed? (Post-E-File Scenarios)
If you've already e-filed your return and paid for Audit Defense, removing it becomes significantly more challenging, if not impossible, for that tax year's purchase directly through TurboTax's interface.
Sub-heading: Contacting TaxAudit Directly
TurboTax partners with TaxAudit for their Audit Defense services. If you've already purchased it, your contract is essentially with TaxAudit.
You can try contacting TaxAudit directly to inquire about their cancellation and refund policy. Their website (taxaudit.com) often has a "Contact Us" section.
You can also call their customer service. A common number is 1-877-829-9695.
Be aware: Their refund policy usually has a time limit, often 30 days from the date of purchase. If you're outside this window, a refund might not be possible.
Sub-heading: Contacting TurboTax Customer Service (for billing issues)
If you believe there was an error in the charge or you were forced into the purchase, you can try contacting TurboTax customer service.
You can typically find their contact information on the TurboTax support website by searching for "contact us" or "customer service." They may offer phone support or a callback option.
Be prepared to explain your situation clearly, including the specific TurboTax product you used and when the charge occurred.
Step 5: Preventing Future Audit Defense Purchases
To avoid this situation next year, be proactive!
Sub-heading: Read Carefully During Checkout
When you are nearing the end of your tax preparation in TurboTax, pay very close attention to all the screens, especially those related to add-on services and payment options.
Do not blindly click "Continue" or "Next."
Sub-heading: Understand Bundled Services
Be aware that some TurboTax packages automatically include Audit Defense. If you don't want it, you might need to choose a different, less comprehensive (and less expensive) TurboTax product.
Sub-heading: Choose Payment Method Wisely
If you're a California filer or in a similar situation where paying fees out of your refund bundles services, consider paying your TurboTax fees upfront with a credit or debit card instead.
Remember: While TurboTax aims to make tax filing easy, it's essential to be diligent and review all choices before finalizing your return and payment.
10 Related FAQ Questions (Starting with 'How to')
Here are some frequently asked questions related to removing Audit Defense from TurboTax, with quick answers:
How to know if I purchased Audit Defense in TurboTax?
Sign in to your TurboTax account, select the tax year under "Your tax returns & documents," and then "View order details." If you have PLUS, MAX Benefits, or Premium Services listed, Audit Defense is likely included.
How to remove Audit Defense if I haven't filed my taxes yet?
Navigate back through the "Review" or "File" section of your TurboTax product. Look for options to deselect Audit Defense or the bundle it's part of (like MAX Benefits or Premium Services).
How to get a refund for TurboTax Audit Defense?
If you've already paid, contact TaxAudit (often at 1-877-829-9695) directly. Their refund policy usually has a limited window (e.g., 30 days from purchase).
How to change my payment method in TurboTax to avoid bundled services?
During the "File" or "Payment" section, choose to pay your TurboTax fees directly with a credit/debit card instead of having them deducted from your federal refund. This can often unbundle services like Premium Services which include Audit Defense.
How to contact TurboTax customer service for billing issues related to Audit Defense?
Visit the TurboTax support website and look for "Contact Us" to find options for phone support or a callback service. Be prepared with your account details and specific issue.
How to avoid getting Audit Defense automatically added next year?
Carefully review all add-on offers and payment options during the filing process. Consider choosing a TurboTax product that doesn't automatically bundle Audit Defense if you don't want it.
How to determine if Audit Defense is truly necessary for my tax situation?
Audit Defense is typically more beneficial for complex returns, self-employed individuals, or those with significant deductions that might attract IRS scrutiny. For simple returns, the free basic audit support provided by TurboTax might suffice.
How to check my Audit Defense membership status with TaxAudit?
You can usually sign in to your Audit Defense account directly on the TaxAudit website (taxaudit.com) to view your membership details.
How to get basic audit support from TurboTax without purchasing Audit Defense?
TurboTax typically offers a free "Audit Support Center" that provides guidance, information, and answers to common audit questions, even if you don't purchase the full Audit Defense service.
How to handle an IRS audit if I don't have Audit Defense?
Do not panic. Contact a tax professional (CPA, Enrolled Agent, or tax attorney) immediately. They can help you understand the audit notice, gather necessary documentation, and represent you before the IRS or state agency.