Tax season can be a wild ride, can't it? One minute you're breezing through your W-2, the next you're staring down a Schedule C and realizing your simple tax situation just got a lot more complex. Or perhaps you started with a higher-tier product, only to discover you don't actually need all those bells and whistles. Whatever your reason, if you're wondering how to change your TurboTax product, you're in the right place!
Navigating TurboTax products can feel a bit like a maze, especially with all the different editions like Free, Deluxe, Premier, Self-Employed, and the Live versions. But fear not, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, helping you either upgrade to a more robust version or downgrade to save some money.
Understanding TurboTax Products: Before You Make the Switch
Before we dive into the "how-to," it's crucial to understand why you might need to change your TurboTax product. Each edition is designed for different tax situations.
TurboTax Free Edition: Ideal for simple tax returns (Form 1040 only) with W-2 income, standard deductions, and basic credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit. It generally does not support itemized deductions, self-employment income, or investment income.
TurboTax Deluxe: This is a popular choice for most taxpayers. It includes everything in the Free Edition plus support for itemized deductions (Schedule A), interest and dividend income (Schedule B), and various other common tax situations.
TurboTax Premier: Geared towards investors and rental property owners. It includes everything in Deluxe, plus guidance for investments (stocks, bonds, crypto), rental property income and expenses (Schedule E), and other complex investment scenarios.
TurboTax Self-Employed (formerly Home & Business): Designed for freelancers, independent contractors, and small business owners. It covers everything in Premier, plus guidance for business income and expenses (Schedule C), and depreciation.
TurboTax Live Products (Basic, Deluxe, Premier, Self-Employed): These versions offer access to a tax expert who can review your return, provide advice, or even prepare your return for you. Be aware that downgrading from a Live product can be more challenging if you've already used expert advice.
Always check the specific forms and schedules supported by each product for the current tax year to ensure it meets your needs.
The Journey to a Different TurboTax Product: A Step-by-Step Guide
The process for changing your TurboTax product depends on whether you're upgrading or downgrading, and whether you're using the online version or desktop software.
Scenario 1: Changing Your TurboTax Online Product (Most Common)
This is where most users find themselves. You've started your return, and now you realize you need a different product.
Step 1: Ascertain Your Current Product and Needs
Alright, let's get started! Have you opened your TurboTax return yet? Excellent! Take a moment to glance at the type of income, deductions, or credits you've entered so far. Are you finding yourself with investment income (stocks, crypto, mutual funds), rental property income, or perhaps self-employment income from a side hustle? If so, you'll likely need to upgrade. If you initially selected a higher-tier product but your tax situation is simpler than anticipated, you might be looking to downgrade.
For Upgrading: As you enter more complex tax information (e.g., stock sales, rental income, self-employment), TurboTax Online is usually quite good at automatically prompting you to upgrade to the necessary product. You'll often see a notification or a pop-up suggesting a higher version.
For Downgrading: This requires a more deliberate action. If you realize you're in a product like Premier or Live Deluxe but only need the features of Deluxe or even Free, you'll need to actively seek out the "Switch Products" option.
Step 2: Locating the "Switch Products" Option
This is your golden ticket, especially for downgrading.
For Online Versions (Do-It-Yourself):
Open your tax return if it's not already open.
Look for the left-hand menu within your TurboTax account.
Scroll down, and you should see an option like "Switch Products" or "Tax Tools". Click on it.
Under "Tax Tools," you might then see "Switch Products" or "Clear & Start Over".
Step 3: Executing the Product Change
This step varies slightly depending on whether you're upgrading or downgrading.
Sub-step 3A: Upgrading Your TurboTax Online Product
Automatic Prompt: As mentioned, TurboTax often handles upgrades automatically. If you enter information that requires a higher product, the system will pop up a notification and guide you through the upgrade process. You'll simply accept the upgrade and pay the difference in price (if applicable).
Manual Upgrade (Less Common): If for some reason you wish to upgrade proactively, you might find an "Upgrade" option within the "Switch Products" menu, or you can simply continue entering your tax data, and the program will eventually prompt you. The system will generally only charge you the difference between your current product and the upgraded product.
Sub-step 3B: Downgrading Your TurboTax Online Product
This can be a bit trickier, particularly if you're trying to move from a Live product.
Select "Downgrade": After clicking "Switch Products," you should see an option to "Downgrade". Click on this.
Review Your Eligibility: TurboTax will assess your return and inform you if a downgrade is possible based on the forms and information you've already entered.
Important Note on TurboTax Live: If you started with a TurboTax Live product and have already used the expert advice feature, you might not be able to downgrade directly without clearing your return. This is because you've already consumed a paid service.
Confirm the Downgrade: If eligible, you'll be prompted to confirm the downgrade. Be sure to review the features of the new product to ensure it still meets your tax filing needs.
Potential "Clear and Start Over" Requirement: In some cases, especially when trying to downgrade significantly (e.g., from Premier to Free), or if you've interacted with a Live expert, the "Downgrade" option might be unavailable. In these situations, you might be instructed to "Clear & Start Over."
Caution: Clearing and starting over erases all the information you've entered. Only do this if you haven't invested significant time in your return, or if you have a backup of your data. To do this:
Go to "Tax Tools" (usually in the left menu).
Select "Clear & Start Over".
Confirm your decision.
You can then choose the correct, lower-priced TurboTax product from scratch. This is often the most reliable method if the direct "Downgrade" option isn't present or working.
Step 4: Verify Your New Product
Once you've completed the switch, always double-check that you are indeed in the desired TurboTax product. You can usually see the product name displayed prominently in your account or on the main tax return screen.
Scenario 2: Changing Your TurboTax Desktop Product (CD/Download)
Changing products with the desktop software is a bit different because you've purchased a specific program.
Step 1: Assess Your Needs (Again!)
Similar to the online version, identify why you need to change. Did you realize you need to report investments but bought Deluxe? Or did you buy Premier but only need the basic functions of Deluxe?
Step 2: Upgrading Your Desktop Product
Within the Program: TurboTax Desktop versions generally include all forms and schedules. The difference lies in the guidance and support provided. If you have Deluxe and realize you need Premier's guidance for investments, you can often "upgrade" within the program.
Look for an "Upgrade TurboTax" or "Switch Product" option, usually found in the Help menu or a prominent section of the program's interface.
You will typically pay the difference in price between the two versions.
Purchasing a New Product: If you bought a lower version and truly need a higher one that was missing forms (less common with desktop, but possible for specialized business versions), you might need to purchase the new software outright. Contact TurboTax customer support to inquire about potential refunds for your original purchase.
Step 3: Downgrading Your Desktop Product
No Direct Downgrade: You generally cannot "downgrade" a TurboTax Desktop product in the same way you can with the online version. Once you've purchased and installed a specific desktop edition (e.g., Premier), that's the software you have.
Refund Request (If Applicable): If you purchased a higher-tier desktop product and haven't used it much or at all, you may be eligible for a refund. TurboTax generally has a refund policy, often within 60 days of purchase, especially if the software hasn't been activated or used to file.
You would then purchase the lower-tier desktop product separately.
Contact TurboTax Customer Service directly for refund inquiries. They are the only ones who can process refunds for desktop software.
Continuing with Current Product: Keep in mind that all TurboTax Desktop versions generally include the same forms. So, if you bought Premier and only need Deluxe features, you can simply ignore the extra guidance and features that Premier offers. You've already paid for the software, and it will still allow you to complete a simpler return.
Important Considerations When Changing Products
Payment Status: The ability to change products is much easier if you haven't paid for your return yet, or if you haven't opted to pay with your refund. Once payment is processed or a refund deduction is chosen, changes become more complex.
E-filing Status: If you've already e-filed your return, you cannot change your product for that tax year's return. Any necessary changes would require filing an amended return (Form 1040-X), which can often be done within TurboTax for an additional fee.
Data Transfer: When you upgrade online, your data usually transfers seamlessly. If you have to "Clear & Start Over," remember you'll be re-entering everything.
State Filing: Remember that federal and state filings are often separate purchases or add-ons. Changing your federal product might not automatically change your state product, so be mindful of those fees.
Customer Support: If you encounter any issues or don't see the options described, do not hesitate to contact TurboTax customer support. They can often provide specific guidance or even apply credits if you've been inadvertently placed in the wrong product.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to switch from TurboTax Free to Deluxe?
You will typically be prompted to upgrade to Deluxe if you enter information that requires it, such as itemized deductions or specific investment income (though extensive investment income might push you to Premier). Simply accept the upgrade prompt and pay the difference.
How to downgrade from TurboTax Live to a regular TurboTax product?
If you haven't used the expert advice feature, you should see a "Switch Products" option on the left menu, where you can select "Downgrade." If you have used expert advice, you might need to "Clear & Start Over" (which erases your data) and then select a non-Live product from the beginning. Contact customer service if you encounter issues.
How to change TurboTax product after paying?
If you've already paid but haven't e-filed, your options become limited. You generally cannot directly downgrade for a refund. Your best bet is to contact TurboTax customer support to discuss your specific situation and see if any exceptions or credits can be applied.
How to get a refund after changing TurboTax product?
Refunds for product changes are typically only processed if you downgraded before paying or filing, or if you purchased desktop software and are within the refund policy timeframe (often 60 days) and haven't activated/used it. For any refund inquiries, directly contact TurboTax customer support.
How to know which TurboTax product is right for me?
TurboTax has a product comparison tool on its website. Review your income types (W-2, self-employment, investments, rental property), deductions (standard vs. itemized), and credits. If you're unsure, start with a lower-tier product; TurboTax will prompt you to upgrade if your tax situation becomes more complex.
How to switch from TurboTax Desktop to Online (or vice versa)?
You cannot directly "switch" an in-progress return between desktop and online versions. You'd typically need to start a new return on the desired platform. However, for online to desktop, TurboTax sometimes offers a "Continue From TurboTax Online" option in the desktop software to import data, but this is usually a one-way transfer.
How to remove TurboTax Live if I don't want it?
If you were defaulted into a Live product and haven't used the expert features, look for the "Switch Products" option in the left menu and then "Downgrade." If this isn't available, or if you've already interacted with an expert, you might need to "Clear & Start Over" and select a standard (non-Live) product.
How to change my TurboTax product if the "Switch Products" option isn't visible?
If the "Switch Products" option is missing, it could be due to your specific progress in the return, or you might be in a situation where a direct downgrade isn't possible (e.g., after using Live expert help). Try looking under "Tax Tools" for "Clear & Start Over" as an alternative, or contact TurboTax customer support for direct assistance.
How to upgrade from TurboTax Deluxe to Premier?
As you enter investment or rental property income within your Deluxe return, TurboTax will automatically detect the need for Premier and prompt you to upgrade. Simply follow the on-screen instructions to complete the upgrade and pay the difference.
How to change my TurboTax product if I made a mistake at checkout?
If you selected the wrong product at checkout before starting your return, it's best to immediately contact TurboTax customer support for guidance. They might be able to adjust your order or provide a credit. If you've already started filling out the return, the steps mentioned above (Switch Products or Clear & Start Over) apply.