You've found yourself in a situation many TurboTax users encounter: you started with the convenience of TurboTax Full Service, but now you're wondering if a self-guided approach might be better for your current tax situation or your wallet. Perhaps your tax situation turned out to be simpler than anticipated, or you simply prefer to take the reins yourself. Whatever the reason, downgrading from TurboTax Full Service is absolutely possible, though the exact steps depend on how far along you are in the process.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to successfully downgrade from TurboTax Full Service, ensuring you can navigate the process with confidence.
The Path to Downgrading Your TurboTax Full Service
Before we dive into the "how-to," let's understand why you might want to downgrade and what that entails. TurboTax Full Service provides a tax expert who handles your taxes from start to finish. While incredibly convenient, it comes with a higher price tag. Downgrading typically means switching to a self-guided TurboTax Online product (like Deluxe, Premier, or Self-Employed) or even the Free Edition, where you input your own information with TurboTax's guidance.
Ready to take control of your tax filing? Let's get started!
Step 1: Assess Your Current Situation and Progress
This is the most crucial initial step. Your ability to downgrade easily depends heavily on whether you've already paid for the service or if your expert has already started significant work on your return.
Sub-heading: Have You Paid for TurboTax Full Service Yet?
If you haven't paid: This is the easiest scenario for a downgrade. You have the most flexibility to switch products.
If you have paid: Downgrading becomes more complex, and a refund might not be guaranteed unless specific conditions are met (e.g., duplicate charges, known product defects, or within a very short grace period). You might need to contact customer support directly.
Sub-heading: Has Your Tax Expert Begun Work?
If your expert has not started significant work or you haven't yet connected with one: You're in a good position to downgrade within the system.
If your expert has already started preparing your return or you've utilized their advice: The "downgrade" option might not be readily available within the online interface. In this case, you might need to "clear and start over," which means losing the data entered by the expert and re-entering it yourself in a new, lower-tier product.
Step 2: Navigate to the "Switch Products" or "Downgrade" Option
Assuming you haven't paid or an expert hasn't deeply engaged with your return, follow these steps to find the downgrade option within your TurboTax account.
Log in to your TurboTax Account: Go to the TurboTax website and sign in with your Intuit account credentials.
Open or Continue Your Return: Make sure you're in the tax return you want to downgrade.
Look for "Tax Tools" or the Left-Hand Menu: On the left side of your screen, you'll typically find a menu.
Find "Switch Products" or "Downgrade":
Some users will see a "Switch Products" option directly in the left-hand menu. Click on it.
Others might need to click on "Tax Tools" first, and then look for "Clear & Start Over" or "Downgrade."
If you're on the "Order Summary" screen, you might see a "Downgrade" option there as well.
Sub-heading: Important Considerations if "Downgrade" Isn't Visible
If you don't see an immediate "Downgrade" option, it's often because:
You've already gone too far into the Full Service process (e.g., an expert has been assigned and is working).
You're on a screen where the option isn't typically displayed.
In these situations, your primary recourse might be to "Clear & Start Over" (see Step 3) or contact TurboTax Customer Service (see Step 4).
Step 3: "Clear & Start Over" (If Downgrade Isn't Available)
This is the most common path if you've progressed somewhat with Full Service but haven't paid, and the direct "Downgrade" option isn't visible. Be aware: this will erase all data currently in your return, and you'll need to re-enter it.
Access "Tax Tools": From within your open tax return, locate "Tax Tools" on the left-hand menu.
Select "Clear & Start Over": Click on this option.
Confirm Your Decision: TurboTax will ask for confirmation, as this action cannot be undone. Proceed with caution.
Choose Your New Product: After clearing your return, you'll be taken back to the product selection screen. Carefully choose the TurboTax Online product that best suits your needs (e.g., Deluxe, Premier, or the Free Edition if applicable).
Re-enter Your Information: Now you'll need to re-enter all your tax data into the newly selected, lower-tier product. While this can be time-consuming, it ensures you're on the correct product for your needs and budget.
Sub-heading: Tips for Re-entering Data
Gather all your tax documents beforehand: W-2s, 1099s, receipts, etc.
Take screenshots: If you've already input a lot of data in the Full Service version, take screenshots of completed sections to help you re-enter it quickly.
Allocate dedicated time: Don't rush the re-entry process. It's important to be accurate.
Step 4: Contact TurboTax Customer Service (For Specific Scenarios)
There are instances where direct intervention from TurboTax support is the best course of action.
Sub-heading: When to Contact Support
You've already paid for Full Service and want a refund: As mentioned, refunds are not guaranteed for TurboTax Online once payment is submitted unless there's a specific issue like a duplicate charge or a defect. However, it's worth discussing your situation with them.
You've used significant expert advice and want to downgrade without starting over: This is often not possible within the online system itself, but support might be able to offer specific guidance or solutions.
You're encountering persistent errors or technical difficulties during the downgrade process.
You're confused about which product is right for you after downgrading from Full Service.
Sub-heading: How to Contact TurboTax Support
Via Phone: TurboTax typically provides a phone number for direct support. You can usually find this on their "Contact Us" or "Help" pages.
Via Live Chat: Many users find success with their live chat feature for quick answers and guidance.
Through the TurboTax Community: While not direct support, the TurboTax Community forums (ttlc.intuit.com) often have experienced users and experts who can offer advice.
Be prepared to explain your situation clearly and concisely to the support agent.
Step 5: Confirm Your Downgrade and Continue Your Return
Once you've successfully downgraded (either through the "Switch Products" option or by clearing and starting over), ensure that you're now in the correct, lower-tier product.
Verify Your Product: Look for the product name displayed in your TurboTax account (e.g., "TurboTax Deluxe," "TurboTax Premier").
Continue Preparing Your Return: Proceed with entering your tax information as you normally would in a self-guided TurboTax product.
Review All Sections: Even if you re-entered data, take the time to thoroughly review all sections of your tax return to ensure accuracy and completeness before filing.
Related FAQ Questions (How To's)
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to downgrading from TurboTax Full Service, with quick answers:
How to know if I'm on TurboTax Full Service? You'll typically see "Full Service" or "Live Full Service" prominently displayed in your TurboTax account interface, and you would have been prompted to connect with a tax expert.
How to switch from TurboTax Live Full Service to TurboTax Live Assisted? If you're still in the process and haven't paid, you might find a "Switch Products" or "Downgrade" option in your account. If not, you may need to "Clear & Start Over" and select the Live Assisted product.
How to get a refund after downgrading from TurboTax Full Service? Refunds for TurboTax Online, especially after payment, are generally not guaranteed unless there's a specific issue like a duplicate charge or a product defect. Contact TurboTax Customer Service to discuss your eligibility.
How to clear my TurboTax return and start over? In your TurboTax online account, go to "Tax Tools" on the left-hand menu and select "Clear & Start Over." Confirm your decision when prompted.
How to find the "Switch Products" option in TurboTax? The "Switch Products" option is usually located in the left-hand menu when you're logged into your TurboTax account and have your return open.
How to contact TurboTax customer support for downgrade issues? Visit the TurboTax "Contact Us" or "Help" page on their official website to find their phone number or options for live chat support.
How to ensure I don't get charged for Full Service after downgrading? Always verify that your product has indeed changed to the lower tier. The payment screen will reflect the new product's price. If you cleared and started over, you'll be paying for the new product you selected.
How to import my tax data after clearing and starting over? Unfortunately, if you "Clear & Start Over," any data previously entered is erased. You will need to manually re-enter all your tax information into the new product.
How to decide which TurboTax product to downgrade to? Consider your tax situation:
Simple W-2 income, standard deduction: Free Edition or Basic.
Itemized deductions, investments, rental income: Deluxe or Premier.
Self-employment income: Self-Employed. TurboTax will usually guide you to the appropriate product based on your inputs.
How to avoid inadvertently upgrading to Full Service again? Be mindful of the options presented during your tax preparation process. TurboTax often offers upgrades to Live or Full Service. Simply decline these offers if you intend to stick with a self-guided product.
