It's completely understandable to find yourself in a higher-priced TurboTax edition like "Deluxe" when your tax situation is simpler and you don't need all the bells and whistles. Many users aim for the free version or a lower-tier paid option to save money. The good news is that, in most cases, you can downgrade or switch to a less expensive edition if you haven't already paid or filed your return.
Let's dive into a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how to remove TurboTax Deluxe and get to the version that's right for you!
How to Remove TurboTax Deluxe and Downgrade Your Edition
Step 1: Assess Your Current Situation (and Engage Your Inner Tax Sleuth!)
Before we do anything, let's figure out where you stand. Have you already paid for TurboTax Deluxe? Have you filed your return?
If you haven't paid or filed: Excellent! You have the most flexibility. We'll likely be able to "clear and start over" or directly "switch products."
If you have paid but haven't filed: This can be a bit trickier. Depending on the specific features you've accessed, you might still be able to downgrade, but it might involve clearing your return.
If you have paid AND filed: Unfortunately, at this point, you generally cannot downgrade. Your return is already submitted with the features of the Deluxe version.
No matter your situation, understanding it is the first crucial step to finding the right solution!
Step 2: Navigate to Your Return (The Starting Point)
Log in to your TurboTax Online account. Once logged in, you'll need to access your current tax return.
Look for a button or link that says something like "Take me to my return," "Continue my return," or "Open my return." Click on it to enter your tax preparation workspace.
Step 3: Locate the "Tax Tools" or "My Account" Menu
This is where the magic often happens. In the left-hand navigation menu of your TurboTax Online screen, look for one of the following options:
Tax Tools: This is the most common path.
My Account: Sometimes the "Clear & Start Over" option is nested here.
Click on whichever of these options you see.
Step 4: Choosing Your Downgrade Path
Once you've clicked on "Tax Tools" or "My Account," a sub-menu will usually appear. Here, you'll be looking for options to change your product or start fresh. The exact wording might vary slightly depending on the TurboTax year and any recent updates to their interface.
Sub-heading A: Option 1: "Clear & Start Over" (The Most Common Method for Downgrading)
This is often the most reliable way to revert to a simpler or free version, especially if you've entered a fair amount of data that might have triggered the Deluxe upgrade.
Select "Clear & Start Over": Within the "Tax Tools" or "My Account" menu, find and click on "Clear & Start Over."
Confirm Your Decision: TurboTax will likely present a warning message, asking if you are sure you want to clear your entire return. Be absolutely certain you want to do this, as all entered data will be deleted. Confirm by selecting "Yes" or a similar affirmative option.
Choose Your New Product: After clearing your return, TurboTax will prompt you to select a product to begin your taxes anew. Look carefully for options like:
"TurboTax Free Edition"
"More TurboTax Products" (This is critical! Sometimes the free or lower-tier options are hidden behind this link when they want you to stick with Deluxe.)
Once you click "More TurboTax Products," you should see the full range of options, including the Free Edition, Deluxe, Premier, and Self-Employed. Select the version that best suits your tax situation.
Sub-heading B: Option 2: "Switch Products" (If Available and Your Return is Simple)
In some cases, if your tax situation is still very basic and hasn't triggered too many Deluxe-specific forms, you might see a "Switch Products" option directly.
Select "Switch Products": Within the "Tax Tools" or "My Account" menu, look for and click on "Switch Products."
Choose Your Desired Edition: TurboTax will present a list of available editions. Select the lower-tier option you wish to switch to (e.g., Free Edition).
Review Limitations: Be aware that if your current tax data requires forms or schedules only supported by Deluxe (or a higher version), TurboTax may prompt you to upgrade again as you proceed. The free edition, for instance, is typically for very simple 1040 returns with limited credits.
Sub-heading C: Option 3: "Downgrade" (Specifically for Live Services)
If you found yourself in TurboTax Deluxe Live (which includes expert assistance) and haven't used the expert feature, you might have a direct "Downgrade" option when reviewing your order.
Review Your Order: Proceed to the "Review Your Order" or "Just a few steps left..." screen.
Look for "Downgrade": On the order summary screen, see if a "Downgrade" option is available.
Confirm Downgrade: If you see it, click it and follow the prompts to remove the Live service. Note: This primarily removes the Live assistance, not necessarily all Deluxe features if your return still requires them. If you don't see this option or have used the expert feature, you'll likely need to use the "Clear & Start Over" method.
Step 5: Re-entering Your Information (If You Cleared Your Return)
If you used the "Clear & Start Over" option, you will need to re-enter your tax information from scratch. While this might seem tedious, it ensures that you're only inputting data relevant to the lower-tier version you've selected, preventing any automatic upgrades due to previously entered complex information.
Be Mindful of Triggers: As you re-enter your data, pay close attention to any warnings or prompts from TurboTax. Certain types of income (like investment income requiring Schedule D or rental income requiring Schedule E), deductions, or credits will automatically necessitate a higher-paid version. If you hit a point where TurboTax insists you upgrade, it means your tax situation genuinely requires the features of that higher edition.
Step 6: Final Review and Filing
Once you've entered all your information in the desired TurboTax edition, perform a thorough review of your tax return to ensure accuracy. Double-check all figures and personal details.
Preview Your Return: Most importantly, preview your return's forms to verify that no Deluxe-specific forms are still present unless genuinely required.
Proceed to File: Only when you are confident that your return is complete and accurate, proceed with the filing process. At this point, you will typically be asked to pay for the chosen version (unless you're using the Free Edition).
Important Considerations:
Complexity of Your Return: TurboTax automatically steers you toward higher-priced versions when your tax situation requires forms or schedules that are not supported by the Free Edition. For example, if you have itemized deductions (Schedule A), business income (Schedule C), investment income (Schedule D), or rental income (Schedule E), you will almost certainly need at least the Deluxe edition, if not Premier or Self-Employed.
Not Always Possible: While "Clear & Start Over" is effective, if you've already paid for a higher version or registered your free edition (which sometimes happens before filing), downgrading might be impossible without contacting TurboTax support directly.
Desktop vs. Online: This guide primarily focuses on TurboTax Online. Desktop versions have different mechanisms, but generally, you choose your version at purchase.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to know if I need TurboTax Deluxe?
You typically need TurboTax Deluxe if you have itemized deductions (like mortgage interest or charitable contributions), receive income from investments (stocks, bonds, mutual funds), or have income from rental properties.
How to switch from TurboTax Deluxe to Free Edition?
To switch from TurboTax Deluxe to the Free Edition, you generally need to use the "Clear & Start Over" option found under "Tax Tools" or "My Account" in your online return, and then select the Free Edition when prompted to start a new return.
How to avoid paying for TurboTax Deluxe if I don't need it?
To avoid paying for TurboTax Deluxe, always start with the Free Edition if you believe your tax situation is simple. If prompted to upgrade, review why it's suggesting the upgrade and only proceed if your tax situation truly requires those features.
How to get a refund if I accidentally paid for TurboTax Deluxe?
If you accidentally paid for TurboTax Deluxe but haven't filed, you may be eligible for a refund. Contact TurboTax customer support directly to inquire about their refund policy.
How to tell which TurboTax version I am currently using?
You can usually see the TurboTax version you are currently using displayed prominently at the top of your screen or within your account details once you log in and access your return.
How to clear and start over in TurboTax Online?
To clear and start over in TurboTax Online, go to the "Tax Tools" menu (or "My Account"), then select "Clear & Start Over." Confirm your decision when prompted.
How to find the "Switch Products" option in TurboTax?
The "Switch Products" option, if available, is typically located within the "Tax Tools" or "My Account" menu on the left-hand side of your TurboTax Online interface.
How to downgrade TurboTax Live services?
To downgrade TurboTax Live services, if you haven't used the expert assistance feature, you might find a "Downgrade" option on the "Review Your Order" screen. Otherwise, clearing and starting over is often the solution.
How to know if my tax situation is simple enough for TurboTax Free?
Your tax situation is generally simple enough for TurboTax Free if you only have W-2 income, take the standard deduction, and claim common credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit, without needing to file complex schedules.
How to prevent TurboTax from automatically upgrading my edition?
To prevent automatic upgrades, always start with the lowest-priced edition you think you qualify for. Be cautious when adding forms or features, and carefully read any prompts that suggest an upgrade, understanding why it's being suggested before proceeding.