Facing unexpected charges or realizing you don't need all the bells and whistles of TurboTax Premium? You're not alone! Many users find themselves in this situation, and thankfully, getting rid of TurboTax Premium (or downgrading to a lower version) is usually a straightforward process. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to ensure you're only paying for the tax preparation services you truly need.
Are You Ready to Ditch TurboTax Premium? Let's Find Out!
Before we dive into the "how-to," let's consider why you might want to get rid of TurboTax Premium. Perhaps your tax situation turned out to be simpler than anticipated, or you've decided to use a different tax preparation method altogether. Whatever your reason, understanding what led you to this decision will help ensure you choose the right path forward.
Remember, TurboTax Premium is generally designed for those with complex tax situations, such as:
Investment income (stocks, bonds, crypto, mutual funds)
Rental property income and expenses
Self-employment income or freelance work (1099 income with expenses)
Those requiring unlimited expert help and advanced deduction finding tools.
If your tax situation doesn't involve these complexities, you might be paying for features you simply don't need.
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| How To Get Rid Of Turbotax Premium |
Step 1: Assess Your Current Tax Return Status
This is the most crucial first step. The options available to you for downgrading or cancelling TurboTax Premium depend heavily on where you are in the tax filing process.
Sub-heading: Have You Paid or Filed Yet?
If you HAVE NOT paid for your TurboTax Online edition OR filed your tax return: This is the ideal scenario! You'll likely have the most flexibility to downgrade or even clear your return and start over.
If you HAVE paid for your TurboTax Online edition but NOT filed: Your options might be slightly more limited, but downgrading could still be possible, though a refund might involve contacting customer support.
If you HAVE filed your tax return: Unfortunately, at this point, you generally cannot "get rid of" TurboTax Premium for that specific tax year. The service has already been rendered. Your focus will then shift to preventing auto-renewal for the next tax year.
Step 2: Downgrading Your TurboTax Online Product (Before Paying/Filing)
If you haven't paid or filed your tax return yet, you're in luck! TurboTax typically allows you to downgrade to a lower-priced edition.
Sub-heading: Navigating the Downgrade Option
Tip: Compare what you read here with other sources.
Open or Continue Your Return: Log in to your TurboTax account and open the tax return you're currently working on.
Look for "File" or "Review Your Order":
In the left-hand menu, look for an option like "File" or "Tax Tools."
Clicking on "File" will usually lead you to the final steps before filing, including reviewing your order.
Find the "Downgrade" or "Remove Premium Services" Option:
As you proceed through the screens, keep an eye out for a section related to your chosen product or services.
You might see an option to "Downgrade" or "Remove Premium Services bundle." This is often found near the payment or order summary screen.
Important Note: If you've already started using specific Premium features (like live expert help), the "Remove" option might not be available.
Confirm Your Downgrade:
If you find the "Downgrade" option, select it.
You'll likely be presented with choices for lower-tier products (e.g., Deluxe, Premier, or even the Free Edition if your situation qualifies). Choose the one that best fits your needs.
Confirm your selection. The price will adjust accordingly.
Sub-heading: "Clear & Start Over" as an Alternative
If the "Downgrade" option isn't readily available or if you've only just started and haven't entered much data, you might have the option to "Clear & Start Over."
Go to "Tax Tools": In the left menu of your TurboTax Online account, find and click on "Tax Tools."
Select "Clear & Start Over": Under "Tax Tools," you should see an option to "Clear & Start Over."
Confirm the Action: Be absolutely sure you want to do this, as it will erase all the data you've entered for that return. It's wise to take screenshots of your entered data if you think you might need to re-enter it.
Choose a New Product: After clearing your return, you'll be able to select the TurboTax product that aligns with your revised needs (e.g., Deluxe, Premier, or Free Edition).
Step 3: Cancelling TurboTax Advantage Auto-Renewal
If you subscribed to TurboTax Advantage, which automatically renews your chosen TurboTax product each year, you'll need to cancel this specific subscription to avoid future charges. This is particularly important if you've already filed your taxes for the current year with Premium and just want to prevent it for the next year.
Sub-heading: Managing Your TurboTax Advantage Account
Log in to Your TurboTax Advantage Account: This is separate from your general TurboTax account login for filing. Go to the TurboTax Advantage website (you can usually find a direct link on the main TurboTax site).
Navigate to "Your Products" or "Manage My Account": Once logged in, look for sections like "Your Products," "My Account," or "Manage My Subscription."
Locate the Premium Product and "Remove Product": Find the TurboTax Premium product listed under your subscriptions. There should be an option to "Remove Product" or "Cancel Auto-Renewal."
Confirm Cancellation: Follow the prompts to confirm the cancellation. You should receive a confirmation email.
Remember: Cancelling TurboTax Advantage only stops future automatic renewals. It doesn't necessarily refund you for a product you've already paid for in the current tax year if you've processed the payment.
Step 4: Contacting TurboTax Customer Service for Refunds or Complex Situations
Sometimes, the self-service options might not be available, or you might have a unique situation (e.g., you paid for Premium but immediately realized you don't need it before filing). In such cases, contacting TurboTax customer support is your best bet.
Sub-heading: When to Call Support
You've paid for TurboTax Premium but haven't filed, and the downgrade option isn't visible.
You believe you were incorrectly charged for Premium.
You've encountered technical issues preventing you from downgrading.
You need clarity on refund policies after a downgrade.
QuickTip: Skim the intro, then dive deeper.
Sub-heading: How to Reach TurboTax Customer Service
Visit the TurboTax Support Website: Go to the official TurboTax support page on their website.
Look for "Contact Us" or "Support": Navigate to the "Contact Us" or "Support" section.
Choose Your Preferred Contact Method: TurboTax typically offers:
Live Chat: Often the quickest way to get assistance for common issues.
Phone Support: For more complex issues or if you prefer speaking to someone directly. Look for their customer service phone number (it's often 1-800-446-8848 for Intuit products, but verify on their site).
Be Prepared with Information: Have your TurboTax account details, the tax year in question, and a clear explanation of your situation ready. Be polite and patient.
Step 5: Understanding Refund Policies and What to Expect
TurboTax's refund policy can vary depending on when you attempt to downgrade or cancel.
Sub-heading: Key Considerations for Refunds
Before Payment or Filing: If you downgrade before paying for the product or e-filing your return, you generally won't be charged for the Premium version, and thus, no refund is needed for that specific instance.
After Payment, Before Filing: If you paid for Premium but then successfully downgraded before filing, you might be eligible for a partial or full refund of the difference in price. This often requires contacting customer support.
After Filing: Once you've filed your tax return, a refund for the TurboTax Premium service is generally not possible, as you've already utilized the service for that tax year.
It's crucial to review TurboTax's official terms of service and refund policies on their website for the most up-to-date and specific information.
Step 6: Verifying Your Downgrade/Cancellation
After taking the necessary steps, it's a good practice to verify that your TurboTax Premium service has been successfully removed or downgraded.
Sub-heading: Confirming the Change
Check Your Account Dashboard: Log back into your TurboTax account and view your active products for the current tax year. It should reflect the lower-tier product you selected.
Review Confirmation Emails: If you cancelled TurboTax Advantage or downgraded, you should receive a confirmation email from TurboTax/Intuit. Keep this email for your records.
Monitor Your Payment Method: If a refund is expected, keep an eye on your bank or credit card statements to ensure it's processed within the stated timeframe.
By following these steps, you can effectively manage your TurboTax Premium subscription and ensure you're getting the tax preparation solution that's right for your needs and budget.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Reminder: Short breaks can improve focus.
How to check which TurboTax version I am currently using?
You can typically see the TurboTax version you are using by logging into your TurboTax Online account and looking at the product name displayed on your dashboard or within your open tax return.
How to switch from TurboTax Premium to Deluxe?
Log in to your TurboTax account, go to the "File" section or "Tax Tools," and look for a "Downgrade" or "Switch Products" option. If you haven't paid or filed, you should be able to select Deluxe.
How to get a refund if I downgraded TurboTax Premium before filing?
If you downgraded after paying for Premium but before filing, you might be eligible for a refund of the price difference. Contact TurboTax customer service directly to discuss your eligibility.
How to prevent TurboTax Premium from auto-renewing next year?
Cancel your TurboTax Advantage subscription (if you have one) by logging into your TurboTax Advantage account and selecting "Remove Product" or "Cancel Auto-Renewal" under your subscriptions.
How to tell if my tax situation requires TurboTax Premium?
TurboTax Premium is generally recommended for those with investments (stocks, bonds, crypto), rental property income, or self-employment income, as it offers specialized forms and guidance for these situations.
Tip: The details are worth a second look.
How to clear and start over in TurboTax Online?
In your TurboTax Online account, go to "Tax Tools" (usually in the left-hand menu) and then select "Clear & Start Over." Be aware that this will erase all data for your current return.
How to contact TurboTax customer support for billing issues?
Visit the TurboTax support website and look for "Contact Us" or "Support." You can often find options for live chat or a phone number to speak with a representative about billing inquiries.
How to choose the right TurboTax product for my needs?
Consider your income sources, deductions, and credits. If you have simple W-2 income and take the standard deduction, Free or Deluxe might suffice. Investments, rental properties, or self-employment often necessitate Premier or Self-Employed.
How to know if I've already used TurboTax Premium features?
If you've accessed or entered data related to investments, rental properties, or used live expert assistance, you've likely engaged with Premium features, which might affect your ability to downgrade without starting over.
How to download a copy of my in-progress tax return before clearing it?
While working on your return, look for an option to "Print Center" or "Save a PDF." You can usually generate a PDF copy of your current progress, which is useful if you plan to clear and start over.
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