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Turbo Tax Program Issues, Editions no longer support their historical forms (Less $$)
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Dave C
Jan 12, 2015, 1:45:05 PM1/12/15
to
For those whom use Turbo Tax, beware of these issues, as reported by
the NYT's (and many other sources)
More
Taxes | Your Money Adviser
Users Say TurboTax Deluxe Is Less Deluxe Than It Used to Be
By ANN CARRNSJAN. 9, 2015
TAXPAYERS buying commercial software to prepare and electronically
file their 2014 income tax returns should double-check that the
version they are purchasing fits their needs.
TurboTax, the tax software from Intuit, drew ire from consumers when
they learned that its “deluxe” desktop offering, available by download
or on CD, had curtailed functions for some tax schedules that
previously had been included. To get the program’s full
question-and-answer help to complete the schedules, users must upgrade
within the program to a version with an extra cost of $30 to $40.
Edgar Dworsky, publisher of the Consumer World website, said this
year’s deluxe desktop version doesn’t offer step-by-step interview
help for filling out Schedule C (for self-employment and small
business income), D (investments) and E (rental and partnership
income). Deluxe desktop users may not realize until they are part way
through their taxes that they must pay an extra fee to upgrade and
finish, he said.
“I think people are going to be surprised,” Mr. Dworsky said, “because
the change was not communicated well.”
Consumers have been complaining and posting negative reviews on
Amazon.com and in other online forums.
Colleen Gatlin, an Intuit spokeswoman, said TurboTax customers who
used the deluxe desktop version to report investment or rental
property income generally must use either the “premier” or “home &
business” versions, while those who are self-employed must use “home &
business.” (However, some simple investment and business situations,
like dividends from investments in mutual funds, are still supported
in deluxe, she said.)
TurboTax, which has 29 million customers, made the changes last year
to its online service, which allowed users to prepare and file returns
without downloading programs onto their computer, she said. Customers
are migrating away from the desktop offerings, she said, and 80
percent of them now use the online product.
“Bottom line,” she said, “only a small percentage of desktop
customers, who make up about 20 percent of all TurboTax customers,
will be impacted by these changes.”
Nevertheless, H&R Block jumped at the chance to lure some users away
from its larger rival. Block is offering anyone who bought TurboTax’s
basic or deluxe software a free download of its own deluxe software.
(Block says it has 7.1 million do-it-yourself customers; more than
five million use the online product and two million use its desktop
software.)
Here are some questions about tax software for filing 2014 taxes
? How do I take advantage of the no-cost upgrade offer?
To get the free H&R Block deluxe program, you must provide proof, such
as an invoice, that you bought a TurboTax basic or deluxe program and
email it to switch...@hrblock.com. The company will then send a
link for a free download. (Block’s deluxe software sells for $44.95 as
a download on its website).
TurboTax is working with unhappy customers “case by case,” said Ms.
Gatlin. Mr. Dworsky of Consumer World said he called Intuit to
complain and was offered a free upgrade. He advised others who were
unhappy to do the same thing.
? What if I don’t need any of those complex tax schedules?
If you have a simple tax return, you may be eligible for free
electronic preparation and filing of your federal taxes from some of
the major software providers. TurboTax, for instance, offers free
online software and electronic filing for taxpayers using Form 1040 A
or 1040 EZ and is also including free state software and filing.
TaxAct, another provider, offers a free federal preparation and filing
option for simple and complex returns.
Free filing options are also available from the public/private Free
File Alliance if you make $60,000 or less.
? What is this year’s federal tax filing deadline?
Wednesday, April 15. The opening of tax filing season is on Jan. 20
Email: yourmone...@nytimes.com
Make the most of your money. Every Monday get articles about
retirement, saving for college, investing, new online financial
services and much more. Sign up for the Your Money newsletter here.
A version of this article appears in print on January 10, 2015, on
page B5 of the New York edition with the headline: Users Say TurboTax
Deluxe Is Less Deluxe Than It Used to Be. Order Reprints| Today's
Paper|Subscribe
Most Emailed
--
<< ------------------------------------------------------- >>
<< The foregoing was not intended or written to be used, >>
<< nor can it used, for the purpose of avoiding penalties >>
<< that may be imposed upon the taxpayer. >>
<< >>
<< The Charter and the Guidelines for submitting posts >>
<< to this newsgroup as well as our anti-spamming policy >>
<< are at www.asktax.org. >>
<< Copyright (2011) - All rights reserved. >>
<< ------------------------------------------------------- >>
the NYT's (and many other sources)
More
Taxes | Your Money Adviser
Users Say TurboTax Deluxe Is Less Deluxe Than It Used to Be
By ANN CARRNSJAN. 9, 2015
TAXPAYERS buying commercial software to prepare and electronically
file their 2014 income tax returns should double-check that the
version they are purchasing fits their needs.
TurboTax, the tax software from Intuit, drew ire from consumers when
they learned that its “deluxe” desktop offering, available by download
or on CD, had curtailed functions for some tax schedules that
previously had been included. To get the program’s full
question-and-answer help to complete the schedules, users must upgrade
within the program to a version with an extra cost of $30 to $40.
Edgar Dworsky, publisher of the Consumer World website, said this
year’s deluxe desktop version doesn’t offer step-by-step interview
help for filling out Schedule C (for self-employment and small
business income), D (investments) and E (rental and partnership
income). Deluxe desktop users may not realize until they are part way
through their taxes that they must pay an extra fee to upgrade and
finish, he said.
“I think people are going to be surprised,” Mr. Dworsky said, “because
the change was not communicated well.”
Consumers have been complaining and posting negative reviews on
Amazon.com and in other online forums.
Colleen Gatlin, an Intuit spokeswoman, said TurboTax customers who
used the deluxe desktop version to report investment or rental
property income generally must use either the “premier” or “home &
business” versions, while those who are self-employed must use “home &
business.” (However, some simple investment and business situations,
like dividends from investments in mutual funds, are still supported
in deluxe, she said.)
TurboTax, which has 29 million customers, made the changes last year
to its online service, which allowed users to prepare and file returns
without downloading programs onto their computer, she said. Customers
are migrating away from the desktop offerings, she said, and 80
percent of them now use the online product.
“Bottom line,” she said, “only a small percentage of desktop
customers, who make up about 20 percent of all TurboTax customers,
will be impacted by these changes.”
Nevertheless, H&R Block jumped at the chance to lure some users away
from its larger rival. Block is offering anyone who bought TurboTax’s
basic or deluxe software a free download of its own deluxe software.
(Block says it has 7.1 million do-it-yourself customers; more than
five million use the online product and two million use its desktop
software.)
Here are some questions about tax software for filing 2014 taxes
? How do I take advantage of the no-cost upgrade offer?
To get the free H&R Block deluxe program, you must provide proof, such
as an invoice, that you bought a TurboTax basic or deluxe program and
email it to switch...@hrblock.com. The company will then send a
link for a free download. (Block’s deluxe software sells for $44.95 as
a download on its website).
TurboTax is working with unhappy customers “case by case,” said Ms.
Gatlin. Mr. Dworsky of Consumer World said he called Intuit to
complain and was offered a free upgrade. He advised others who were
unhappy to do the same thing.
? What if I don’t need any of those complex tax schedules?
If you have a simple tax return, you may be eligible for free
electronic preparation and filing of your federal taxes from some of
the major software providers. TurboTax, for instance, offers free
online software and electronic filing for taxpayers using Form 1040 A
or 1040 EZ and is also including free state software and filing.
TaxAct, another provider, offers a free federal preparation and filing
option for simple and complex returns.
Free filing options are also available from the public/private Free
File Alliance if you make $60,000 or less.
? What is this year’s federal tax filing deadline?
Wednesday, April 15. The opening of tax filing season is on Jan. 20
Email: yourmone...@nytimes.com
Make the most of your money. Every Monday get articles about
retirement, saving for college, investing, new online financial
services and much more. Sign up for the Your Money newsletter here.
A version of this article appears in print on January 10, 2015, on
page B5 of the New York edition with the headline: Users Say TurboTax
Deluxe Is Less Deluxe Than It Used to Be. Order Reprints| Today's
Paper|Subscribe
Most Emailed
--
<< ------------------------------------------------------- >>
<< The foregoing was not intended or written to be used, >>
<< nor can it used, for the purpose of avoiding penalties >>
<< that may be imposed upon the taxpayer. >>
<< >>
<< The Charter and the Guidelines for submitting posts >>
<< to this newsgroup as well as our anti-spamming policy >>
<< are at www.asktax.org. >>
<< Copyright (2011) - All rights reserved. >>
<< ------------------------------------------------------- >>
Barry Margolin
Jan 12, 2015, 2:50:03 PM1/12/15
to
In article <gbs7ba91rf3tqfc9g...@4ax.com>,
these forms, but you can still fill out the forms using the manual
method.
I just discovered something worse, though. I'm still running Mac OS
10.6.8 (Snow Leopard). I just tried starting up the TurboTax Deluxe 2014
that I purchased, and it said it requires 10.7.
I wonder if I can convert to the online version, and get a rebate for
the difference. I had an automatic upgrade subscription, so I never saw
minimum system requirements before purchasing this year's version.
--
Barry Margolin
Arlington, MA
Dave C <da...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Edgar Dworsky, publisher of the Consumer World website, said this
> year’s deluxe desktop version doesn’t offer step-by-step interview
> help for filling out Schedule C (for self-employment and small
> business income), D (investments) and E (rental and partnership
> income). Deluxe desktop users may not realize until they are part way
> through their taxes that they must pay an extra fee to upgrade and
> finish, he said.
It sounds like they just don't offer all the "interview" features for
> Edgar Dworsky, publisher of the Consumer World website, said this
> year’s deluxe desktop version doesn’t offer step-by-step interview
> help for filling out Schedule C (for self-employment and small
> business income), D (investments) and E (rental and partnership
> income). Deluxe desktop users may not realize until they are part way
> through their taxes that they must pay an extra fee to upgrade and
> finish, he said.
these forms, but you can still fill out the forms using the manual
method.
I just discovered something worse, though. I'm still running Mac OS
10.6.8 (Snow Leopard). I just tried starting up the TurboTax Deluxe 2014
that I purchased, and it said it requires 10.7.
I wonder if I can convert to the online version, and get a rebate for
the difference. I had an automatic upgrade subscription, so I never saw
minimum system requirements before purchasing this year's version.
--
Barry Margolin
Arlington, MA
dvsarwate
Jan 12, 2015, 4:25:03 PM1/12/15
to
Barry Margolin commented
"It sounds like they just don't offer all the "interview" features for
these forms, but you can still fill out the forms using the manual
method. "
Yes, information about capital gains and losses from
sales of stock AND mutual fund shares can be entered
manually into Schedule D and associated forms in TurboTax
Deluxe for 2014 returns **but** the final result cannot be
sent to the IRS via TurboTax's electronic filing system.
Capital gains from **mutual fund distributions** are handled
just fine, and electronic filing will work, but not **mutual
fund redemptions**
Dilip Sarwate
"It sounds like they just don't offer all the "interview" features for
these forms, but you can still fill out the forms using the manual
method. "
sales of stock AND mutual fund shares can be entered
manually into Schedule D and associated forms in TurboTax
Deluxe for 2014 returns **but** the final result cannot be
sent to the IRS via TurboTax's electronic filing system.
Capital gains from **mutual fund distributions** are handled
just fine, and electronic filing will work, but not **mutual
fund redemptions**
Dilip Sarwate
W. Baker
Jan 12, 2015, 5:30:02 PM1/12/15
to
dvsarwate <dvsa...@yahoo.com> wrote:
: Barry Margolin commented
: "It sounds like they just don't offer all the "interview" features for
: these forms, but you can still fill out the forms using the manual
: method. "
: Yes, information about capital gains and losses from
: sales of stock AND mutual fund shares can be entered
: manually into Schedule D and associated forms in TurboTax
: Deluxe for 2014 returns **but** the final result cannot be
: sent to the IRS via TurboTax's electronic filing system.
: Capital gains from **mutual fund distributions** are handled
: just fine, and electronic filing will work, but not **mutual
: fund redemptions**
: Dilip Sarwate
What about downloads form brokerage houses that get transferred directly?
I have dividends and sales of individual stocks as well as sale of a
mutual fund this year.
Wendy
: Barry Margolin commented
: "It sounds like they just don't offer all the "interview" features for
: these forms, but you can still fill out the forms using the manual
: method. "
: Yes, information about capital gains and losses from
: sales of stock AND mutual fund shares can be entered
: manually into Schedule D and associated forms in TurboTax
: Deluxe for 2014 returns **but** the final result cannot be
: sent to the IRS via TurboTax's electronic filing system.
: Capital gains from **mutual fund distributions** are handled
: just fine, and electronic filing will work, but not **mutual
: fund redemptions**
: Dilip Sarwate
I have dividends and sales of individual stocks as well as sale of a
mutual fund this year.
Wendy
Dave C
Jan 13, 2015, 11:01:53 AM1/13/15
to
For those whom bought the TTax, and found it did not meet your needs,
HR Bloch has a FREE upgrade offer. This NYT article discusses that
issue.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/10/your-money/taxes/users-say-turbotax-deluxe-is-not-as-deluxe-as-previous-versions.html?_r=1
Of note, from that article
“Bottom line,” she said, “only a small percentage of desktop
customers, who make up about 20 percent of all TurboTax customers,
will be impacted by these changes.”
Nevertheless, H&R Block jumped at the chance to lure some users away
from its larger rival. Block is offering anyone who bought TurboTax’s
basic or deluxe software a free download of its own deluxe software.
(Block says it has 7.1 million do-it-yourself customers; more than
five million use the online product and two million use its desktop
software.)
Here are some questions about tax software for filing 2014 taxes
¦ How do I take advantage of the no-cost upgrade offer?
HR Bloch has a FREE upgrade offer. This NYT article discusses that
issue.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/10/your-money/taxes/users-say-turbotax-deluxe-is-not-as-deluxe-as-previous-versions.html?_r=1
Of note, from that article
“Bottom line,” she said, “only a small percentage of desktop
customers, who make up about 20 percent of all TurboTax customers,
will be impacted by these changes.”
Nevertheless, H&R Block jumped at the chance to lure some users away
from its larger rival. Block is offering anyone who bought TurboTax’s
basic or deluxe software a free download of its own deluxe software.
(Block says it has 7.1 million do-it-yourself customers; more than
five million use the online product and two million use its desktop
software.)
Here are some questions about tax software for filing 2014 taxes
dvsarwate
Jan 14, 2015, 10:55:04 AM1/14/15
to
On Monday, January 12, 2015 at 4:30:02 PM UTC-6, W. Baker wrote:
> What about downloads form brokerage houses that get transferred directly?
> I have dividends and sales of individual stocks as well as sale of a
> mutual fund this year.
As I understand it, TurboTax Deluxe will not allow for
> What about downloads form brokerage houses that get transferred directly?
> I have dividends and sales of individual stocks as well as sale of a
> mutual fund this year.
electronic filing of the tax return if there are entries
on Form 8949 Sales and Other Disposition of Capital Assets,
regardless of how those entries were filled out. The calculations
done by TurboTax Deluxe will include any such entries and the
tax due/refund due etc will all be correct, but electronic filing
cannot be done. Whether TurboTax Deluxe supports electronic
download of data from Form 1099-B issued by a brokerage or
mutual fund house into Form 8949 is something I do not know.
Dilip Sarwate
W. Baker
Jan 14, 2015, 1:40:03 PM1/14/15
to
dvsarwate <dvsa...@yahoo.com> wrote:
so hand copying all the little numbers is kid of risky for me. I have
used the turbotax delux, but might switch to the Premium if it is likely
to work better for me, eventhough its special features don't affect me.
I will, I guess, also have to get the new upgrade for my Mac.
I don'tknwo enough about the Block tax programs to know if I can handle
them and get what I want.
f I don't get a program I canuse I willhave to pay someone to do my taxes
because of this vision problem.
Wendy
: On Monday, January 12, 2015 at 4:30:02 PM UTC-6, W. Baker wrote:
: > What about downloads form brokerage houses that get transferred directly?
: > I have dividends and sales of individual stocks as well as sale of a
: > mutual fund this year.
: As I understand it, TurboTax Deluxe will not allow for
: electronic filing of the tax return if there are entries
: on Form 8949 Sales and Other Disposition of Capital Assets,
: regardless of how those entries were filled out. The calculations
: done by TurboTax Deluxe will include any such entries and the
: tax due/refund due etc will all be correct, but electronic filing
: cannot be done. Whether TurboTax Deluxe supports electronic
: download of data from Form 1099-B issued by a brokerage or
: mutual fund house into Form 8949 is something I do not know.
: Dilip Sarwate
I have been doing this kid of electronic downloading as my vision is poor
: > What about downloads form brokerage houses that get transferred directly?
: > I have dividends and sales of individual stocks as well as sale of a
: > mutual fund this year.
: As I understand it, TurboTax Deluxe will not allow for
: electronic filing of the tax return if there are entries
: on Form 8949 Sales and Other Disposition of Capital Assets,
: regardless of how those entries were filled out. The calculations
: done by TurboTax Deluxe will include any such entries and the
: tax due/refund due etc will all be correct, but electronic filing
: cannot be done. Whether TurboTax Deluxe supports electronic
: download of data from Form 1099-B issued by a brokerage or
: mutual fund house into Form 8949 is something I do not know.
: Dilip Sarwate
so hand copying all the little numbers is kid of risky for me. I have
used the turbotax delux, but might switch to the Premium if it is likely
to work better for me, eventhough its special features don't affect me.
I will, I guess, also have to get the new upgrade for my Mac.
I don'tknwo enough about the Block tax programs to know if I can handle
them and get what I want.
f I don't get a program I canuse I willhave to pay someone to do my taxes
because of this vision problem.
Wendy
JoeTaxpayer
Jan 14, 2015, 10:25:04 PM1/14/15
to
On 1/12/15 2:49 PM, Barry Margolin wrote:
> I just discovered something worse, though. I'm still running Mac OS
> 10.6.8 (Snow Leopard). I just tried starting up the TurboTax Deluxe 2014
> that I purchased, and it said it requires 10.7.
>
>
Same issue for me, Barry. I have a lot of paid software (such as
> I just discovered something worse, though. I'm still running Mac OS
> 10.6.8 (Snow Leopard). I just tried starting up the TurboTax Deluxe 2014
> that I purchased, and it said it requires 10.7.
>
>
Microsoft office) that won't run higher than 10.6.8 without buying a new
version, and was hoping to get another year or two out of Snow Leopard.
After reading the TurboTax box when I got home, I wound up running
Yosemite on a second drive. Over time, I'll start to use that drive for
10.7+ software and the first drive for 10.6.8. Eventually, I'll bite the
bullet and drop Snow Leo altogether. Open Office is starting to look
pretty good right now.
(sorry, Barry, I think I sent this directly to you, by accident)
MZB
Jan 26, 2015, 10:10:03 AM1/26/15
to
these type of investments. Can I just print it out and mail it in (ie:
not file electronically?)
Mel
MZB
Jan 26, 2015, 10:10:03 AM1/26/15
to
using TT Deluxe as I have for many years. I researched it further and it
is clear to me that this version will not work for me. It appears that
even if I get my 1099-B information in (which is problematical), it will
not let me file electronically.
So, I am going to upgrade to Premier for $30. It appears I can then
apply for a rebate after I file my taxes. But, good grief, HOW
UNETHICAL! I hate to change software as I am very comfortable using TT.
But I just might do that next year.
Mel
scott s.
Jan 26, 2015, 4:35:03 PM1/26/15
to
MZB <m...@noway.prudigy.net> wrote in news:ma4llu$qr4$1...@dont-email.me:
> Wow. This is news to me. I am using TT Deluxe and I will have plenty
> of these type of investments. Can I just print it out and mail it in
> (ie: not file electronically?)
Yes. But you will have to use "forms mode" to enter data. If you are
familiar with TT from the past, and the "smart worksheets" you could
probably do OK in forms mode, but "interview mode" might find some
gotcha that you might otherwise miss. I'm not sure if you can import
from Quicken though.
scott s.
..
> Wow. This is news to me. I am using TT Deluxe and I will have plenty
> of these type of investments. Can I just print it out and mail it in
> (ie: not file electronically?)
familiar with TT from the past, and the "smart worksheets" you could
probably do OK in forms mode, but "interview mode" might find some
gotcha that you might otherwise miss. I'm not sure if you can import
from Quicken though.
scott s.
..
MZB
Jan 27, 2015, 11:15:04 AM1/27/15
to
On 1/26/2015 4:31 PM, scott s. wrote:
> MZB <m...@noway.prudigy.net> wrote in news:ma4llu$qr4$1...@dont-email.me:
>
>
>> Wow. This is news to me. I am using TT Deluxe and I will have plenty
>> of these type of investments. Can I just print it out and mail it in
>> (ie: not file electronically?)
>
> Yes. But you will have to use "forms mode" to enter data. If you are
> familiar with TT from the past, and the "smart worksheets" you could
> probably do OK in forms mode, but "interview mode" might find some
> gotcha that you might otherwise miss. I'm not sure if you can import
> from Quicken though.
>
> scott s.
> ..
>
I did upgrade to TT Premier, for $30 (very quick, easy upgrade).
> MZB <m...@noway.prudigy.net> wrote in news:ma4llu$qr4$1...@dont-email.me:
>
>
>> Wow. This is news to me. I am using TT Deluxe and I will have plenty
>> of these type of investments. Can I just print it out and mail it in
>> (ie: not file electronically?)
>
> Yes. But you will have to use "forms mode" to enter data. If you are
> familiar with TT from the past, and the "smart worksheets" you could
> probably do OK in forms mode, but "interview mode" might find some
> gotcha that you might otherwise miss. I'm not sure if you can import
> from Quicken though.
>
> scott s.
> ..
>
It's not worth my time to fart around with a cumbersome TT version and I
do want to file electronically
Mel
ann2...@yahoo.com
Jan 30, 2015, 10:55:02 PM1/30/15
to
I've used TT deluxe for years including last year. I'm also registered with Intuit. A few days ago I got a long email from Intuit that included a $25 rebate offer if you used TTdeluxe in 2013 and cannot use it for 2014 due to loss of included forms It also had a long rambling apology! Seems like Intuit does things and then is surprised when people get mad! Remember the printing of a limited number of returns? Just wanted people to know there's a rebate offer out there.
Barry Margolin
Jan 31, 2015, 12:25:04 PM1/31/15
to
In article <8f25008d-ad61-4b00...@googlegroups.com>,
customers use, it may be cheaper in the long run to drop the feature and
give a one-time rebate to those customers. They'll piss and moan when it
happens, but the company can live with that.
--
Barry Margolin
Arlington, MA
ann2...@yahoo.com wrote:
> I've used TT deluxe for years including last year. I'm also registered with
> Intuit. A few days ago I got a long email from Intuit that included a $25
> rebate offer if you used TTdeluxe in 2013 and cannot use it for 2014 due to
> loss of included forms It also had a long rambling apology! Seems like
> Intuit does things and then is surprised when people get mad! Remember the
> printing of a limited number of returns? Just wanted people to know there's
> a rebate offer out there.
Lots of companies do that. If there's something that less than 5% of
> I've used TT deluxe for years including last year. I'm also registered with
> Intuit. A few days ago I got a long email from Intuit that included a $25
> rebate offer if you used TTdeluxe in 2013 and cannot use it for 2014 due to
> loss of included forms It also had a long rambling apology! Seems like
> Intuit does things and then is surprised when people get mad! Remember the
> printing of a limited number of returns? Just wanted people to know there's
> a rebate offer out there.
customers use, it may be cheaper in the long run to drop the feature and
give a one-time rebate to those customers. They'll piss and moan when it
happens, but the company can live with that.
--
Barry Margolin
Arlington, MA
Jonathan Kamens
Feb 10, 2015, 4:45:05 PM2/10/15
to
A couple of clarifications that I don't think were addressed
in other messages in this thread:
1) Yes, you can enter the information into the forms by hand.
And yes, that means you won't be able to efile. But it will
cause another problem as well: TurboTax won't do the math on
these forms or check your math for correctness when it audits
your return.
2) Intuit has apologized for removing functionality from Basic
and Deluxe, offered to make it right for everyone who had to
pay to upgrade to get the same functionality they had last
year, and has promised to put the functionality back next
year. In other words, they've admitted that they screwed up,
apologized for it, and doing their best to reverse it, not
just for this year, but for future years as well.
I've been a TurboTax user for many, many years, and I've been
less then impressed by a number of their shenanigans over the
years, but this really was the worst. When I heard about it, I
decided to switch to H&R Block, and I went ahead and bought
the H&R Block software, because I needed to do at least a
preliminary version of my 2014 taxes to be able to apply for
school financial aid by their deadline.
After Intuit apologized, I tweeted to them and told them that
after this and other questionable things they'd done over the
years, I wasn't even sure I wanted to switch back to TurboTax,
but in any case I wasn't even going to consider it unless they
gave me Premium this year for free, since I'd already paid for
H&R Block and Block certainly wasn't going to give me a
refund. And they did! So now I have both H&R Block's software
and TurboTax's. I still haven't decided whether I'm going to
switch back to TurboTax; one of my friends has joked that I
should enter my data into both and compare the results.
Now that I've used H&R Block, I'm frankly not impressed.
Intuit may engage in some shady, consumer-hostile practices,
but in my opinion they've got a much better product.
in other messages in this thread:
1) Yes, you can enter the information into the forms by hand.
And yes, that means you won't be able to efile. But it will
cause another problem as well: TurboTax won't do the math on
these forms or check your math for correctness when it audits
your return.
2) Intuit has apologized for removing functionality from Basic
and Deluxe, offered to make it right for everyone who had to
pay to upgrade to get the same functionality they had last
year, and has promised to put the functionality back next
year. In other words, they've admitted that they screwed up,
apologized for it, and doing their best to reverse it, not
just for this year, but for future years as well.
I've been a TurboTax user for many, many years, and I've been
less then impressed by a number of their shenanigans over the
years, but this really was the worst. When I heard about it, I
decided to switch to H&R Block, and I went ahead and bought
the H&R Block software, because I needed to do at least a
preliminary version of my 2014 taxes to be able to apply for
school financial aid by their deadline.
After Intuit apologized, I tweeted to them and told them that
after this and other questionable things they'd done over the
years, I wasn't even sure I wanted to switch back to TurboTax,
but in any case I wasn't even going to consider it unless they
gave me Premium this year for free, since I'd already paid for
H&R Block and Block certainly wasn't going to give me a
refund. And they did! So now I have both H&R Block's software
and TurboTax's. I still haven't decided whether I'm going to
switch back to TurboTax; one of my friends has joked that I
should enter my data into both and compare the results.
Now that I've used H&R Block, I'm frankly not impressed.
Intuit may engage in some shady, consumer-hostile practices,
but in my opinion they've got a much better product.
Mark Bole
Feb 10, 2015, 6:40:04 PM2/10/15
to
On 2015-02-10 13:44, Jonathan Kamens wrote:
>
> Now that I've used H&R Block, I'm frankly not impressed.
> Intuit may engage in some shady, consumer-hostile practices,
> but in my opinion they've got a much better product.
>
Given the pedigree of the products, I'm not surprised. Intuit acquired
>
> Now that I've used H&R Block, I'm frankly not impressed.
> Intuit may engage in some shady, consumer-hostile practices,
> but in my opinion they've got a much better product.
>
the original TurboTax from Chipsoft a long time ago. I think H&R
acquired Kiplinger TaxCut much later. One year last decade when I was
working in an H&R office, I recall they even sent all employees a free
copy of TaxCut (now called "H&R Block At Home") to encourage us to
promote it, but I still was doing my own return back then in TurboTax.
I think clearly both companies are trying to steer consumers away from
the desktop products to online, and in the case of H&R, they are really
trying to steer you to their offices. So, for H&R to enhance their
desktop product is almost counter-productive; having it at all is just a
defensive move against Intuit, I think.
--
Mark Bole, EA
http://markboletax.com
MZB
Feb 11, 2015, 12:30:03 AM2/11/15
to
I'm in a similar situation. H&R Block offered their Deluxe version for
free to TT Deluxe users. I got it for free. I like the H&R program, but
TT is better. I am still ticked with TT. I had to PAY $30. to upgrade.
Yes, I know I can get $25. back by filling out some form after I've
filed. What a bunch of CRAP. I should have been able to upgrade for
free. How did you get them to do that? Did you email someone?
Mel
VinnyB
Feb 11, 2015, 10:25:04 AM2/11/15
to
On Tue, 10 Feb 2015 18:39:21 EST, Mark Bole <ma...@pacbell.net> wrote
in <mbe4ph$h3s$1...@dont-email.me>
>I think clearly both companies are trying to steer consumers away from
>the desktop products to online, and in the case of H&R, they are really
>trying to steer you to their offices. So, for H&R to enhance their
>desktop product is almost counter-productive; having it at all is just a
>defensive move against Intuit, I think.
Over the years I've used TT, TaxCut/H&R and now TaxAct. I've been
using TaxAct for the past 10 or 12 years now.
in <mbe4ph$h3s$1...@dont-email.me>
>I think clearly both companies are trying to steer consumers away from
>the desktop products to online, and in the case of H&R, they are really
>trying to steer you to their offices. So, for H&R to enhance their
>desktop product is almost counter-productive; having it at all is just a
>defensive move against Intuit, I think.
using TaxAct for the past 10 or 12 years now.
Por...@nospam.invalid
Feb 13, 2015, 6:20:03 PM2/13/15
to
On Fri, 30 Jan 2015 22:50:54 EST, ann2...@yahoo.com wrote:
>I've used TT deluxe for years including last year. I'm also registered
>with Intuit. A few days ago I got a long email from Intuit that included
>a $25 rebate offer if you used TTdeluxe in 2013 and cannot use it for
>2014 due to loss of included forms It also had a long rambling
> apology!
I received the same email. But I've been the victim of so many Intuit
>I've used TT deluxe for years including last year. I'm also registered
>with Intuit. A few days ago I got a long email from Intuit that included
>a $25 rebate offer if you used TTdeluxe in 2013 and cannot use it for
>2014 due to loss of included forms It also had a long rambling
> apology!
"Gotchas" over the years, I feel like Charlie Brown with Intuit
holding the football. However, I clicked the link in the email, which
took me to a page that lists 3 conditions that must be met. I can meet
them all, no problem. Then it sent me to another page that asks for
SS#, zip code, and email address. Below that information section
there's a button that says "See if I qualify". I didn't click the
button yet but I have a feeling that's where the "Gotcha" is hiding.
Has anyone here actually gone through this process and received their
$25 rebate? If it's for real, I might try TT one last time although I
swore last year (and year before that) that's I'd never use Intuit
again. Sam's has the Premier version for $70 though so with a $25
rebate, I'm tempted to take another running kick at it.
Sooooo... does anybody know what's hiding behind that "See if I
qualify" button? And how long do you expect to wait for a check?
Por...@nospam.invalid
Apr 29, 2015, 8:30:03 AM4/29/15
to
On Fri, 30 Jan 2015 22:50:54 EST, ann2...@yahoo.com wrote:
>>I've used TT deluxe for years including last year. I'm also registered
>>with Intuit. A few days ago I got a long email from Intuit that included
>>a $25 rebate offer if you used TTdeluxe in 2013 and cannot use it for
>>2014 due to loss of included forms It also had a long rambling
>> apology!
>>I've used TT deluxe for years including last year. I'm also registered
>>with Intuit. A few days ago I got a long email from Intuit that included
>>a $25 rebate offer if you used TTdeluxe in 2013 and cannot use it for
>>2014 due to loss of included forms It also had a long rambling
>> apology!
On Fri, 13 Feb 2015 18:17:07 EST, Por...@nospam.invalid wrote:
>I received the same email. But I've been the victim of so many Intuit
>"Gotchas" over the years, I feel like Charlie Brown with Intuit
>holding the football. However, I clicked the link in the email, which
>took me to a page that lists 3 conditions that must be met. I can meet
>them all, no problem. Then it sent me to another page that asks for
>SS#, zip code, and email address. Below that information section
>there's a button that says "See if I qualify". I didn't click the
>button yet but I have a feeling that's where the "Gotcha" is hiding.
You can just call me "Charlie Brown" from now on. And as I've said in
>I received the same email. But I've been the victim of so many Intuit
>"Gotchas" over the years, I feel like Charlie Brown with Intuit
>holding the football. However, I clicked the link in the email, which
>took me to a page that lists 3 conditions that must be met. I can meet
>them all, no problem. Then it sent me to another page that asks for
>SS#, zip code, and email address. Below that information section
>there's a button that says "See if I qualify". I didn't click the
>button yet but I have a feeling that's where the "Gotcha" is hiding.
several years past, I won't be using Turbo Tax again. And btw, I'm not
sure how long the "offer" lasted, but it's no longer available.
W. Baker
Apr 29, 2015, 11:35:03 AM4/29/15
to
Por...@nospam.invalid wrote:
I filed my taxes near the April deadline adnused the Premium rather
thanthe delux edition I had used in earlier years, I qualified. I saved
the relevan email until I had filed my taxes. At least this worked well.
In addition, I don'tknwo if it ws improvements in general between TT and
the brokerage houses, but I was able to complete my taxes from sorting my
papers(including som elists of donations, taxes paid etc I had done
previously) to pushing the button to e-file in 5 hours. No hitches I
couldn't fix esily, not fractic attempts to reach them by "chat" or
evenphone calls as I had in previous years. I am pushing 80 and have
vision issues(hench frequent uncaught typos)
Wendy Baker
: On Fri, 30 Jan 2015 22:50:54 EST, ann2...@yahoo.com wrote:
: >>I've used TT deluxe for years including last year. I'm also registered
: >>with Intuit. A few days ago I got a long email from Intuit that included
: >>a $25 rebate offer if you used TTdeluxe in 2013 and cannot use it for
: >>2014 due to loss of included forms It also had a long rambling
: >> apology!
: On Fri, 13 Feb 2015 18:17:07 EST, Por...@nospam.invalid wrote:
: >I received the same email. But I've been the victim of so many Intuit
: >"Gotchas" over the years, I feel like Charlie Brown with Intuit
: >holding the football. However, I clicked the link in the email, which
: >took me to a page that lists 3 conditions that must be met. I can meet
: >them all, no problem. Then it sent me to another page that asks for
: >SS#, zip code, and email address. Below that information section
: >there's a button that says "See if I qualify". I didn't click the
: >button yet but I have a feeling that's where the "Gotcha" is hiding.
: You can just call me "Charlie Brown" from now on. And as I've said in
: several years past, I won't be using Turbo Tax again. And btw, I'm not
: sure how long the "offer" lasted, but it's no longer available.
Just this wek I received and depositeda check for $25 from turbo Tax. As
: >>I've used TT deluxe for years including last year. I'm also registered
: >>with Intuit. A few days ago I got a long email from Intuit that included
: >>a $25 rebate offer if you used TTdeluxe in 2013 and cannot use it for
: >>2014 due to loss of included forms It also had a long rambling
: >> apology!
: On Fri, 13 Feb 2015 18:17:07 EST, Por...@nospam.invalid wrote:
: >I received the same email. But I've been the victim of so many Intuit
: >"Gotchas" over the years, I feel like Charlie Brown with Intuit
: >holding the football. However, I clicked the link in the email, which
: >took me to a page that lists 3 conditions that must be met. I can meet
: >them all, no problem. Then it sent me to another page that asks for
: >SS#, zip code, and email address. Below that information section
: >there's a button that says "See if I qualify". I didn't click the
: >button yet but I have a feeling that's where the "Gotcha" is hiding.
: You can just call me "Charlie Brown" from now on. And as I've said in
: several years past, I won't be using Turbo Tax again. And btw, I'm not
: sure how long the "offer" lasted, but it's no longer available.
I filed my taxes near the April deadline adnused the Premium rather
thanthe delux edition I had used in earlier years, I qualified. I saved
the relevan email until I had filed my taxes. At least this worked well.
In addition, I don'tknwo if it ws improvements in general between TT and
the brokerage houses, but I was able to complete my taxes from sorting my
papers(including som elists of donations, taxes paid etc I had done
previously) to pushing the button to e-file in 5 hours. No hitches I
couldn't fix esily, not fractic attempts to reach them by "chat" or
evenphone calls as I had in previous years. I am pushing 80 and have
vision issues(hench frequent uncaught typos)
Wendy Baker
Barry Margolin
Apr 29, 2015, 12:20:04 PM4/29/15
to
In article <mhqte6$lbo$1...@reader1.panix.com>,
The problem I ran into was that the download version of TurboTax no
longer runs on OS X Snow Leopard. I called Intuit, they gave me a refund.
I used the online version instead this year. There were a few minor
glitches (it was able to import from my last year's return, but didn't
pick up everything, like the initial list of brokerage accounts). I had
to upgrade to Premiere to handle my Limited Partnership K-1.
The most annoying thing I ran into was when I discovered an error after
I'd submitted my return, so I had to file an amended return. The online
version doesn't have a way to automatically print just the forms that
changed. I had to print everything to a PDF (which I would do anyway),
then find the pages by hand and print them from Preview.
But I'm still satisfied enough to stick with TT in the future.
--
Barry Margolin
Arlington, MA
longer runs on OS X Snow Leopard. I called Intuit, they gave me a refund.
I used the online version instead this year. There were a few minor
glitches (it was able to import from my last year's return, but didn't
pick up everything, like the initial list of brokerage accounts). I had
to upgrade to Premiere to handle my Limited Partnership K-1.
The most annoying thing I ran into was when I discovered an error after
I'd submitted my return, so I had to file an amended return. The online
version doesn't have a way to automatically print just the forms that
changed. I had to print everything to a PDF (which I would do anyway),
then find the pages by hand and print them from Preview.
But I'm still satisfied enough to stick with TT in the future.
--
Barry Margolin
Arlington, MA
W. Baker
Apr 29, 2015, 5:30:03 PM4/29/15
to
Barry Margolin <bar...@alum.mit.edu> wrote:
: In article <mhqte6$lbo$1...@reader1.panix.com>,
I had just recently downloaded the new OSX or whatever it is called after
hvign to get a new FIOS internet as my DSL was not fast enough to
download that huge operating system. As a result I was able to you a
disk, which I prefer, perhaps because I feel there is something more real
avbout hvign the disc and also not havign a fast system earlier so I don't
think of making long downloads. As I said, I am pushig 80 and am a bit
less eager to always try new things:-) The download of the new system was
free from Apple, but, unfortunately, the new FIOS system is not:-(
I will, probably use the , more expensive Premiere next year although I
have no partnerships, or unusual income other than paneions, IRA and
income form stocks and some bonds< altough few of those in these low
interest times. It all just went so smoothly for me this year and I hope
to be able to do it myself, again, next year. It is only the ability to
download from the brokerage houses that enables me to still do this, as
the man numbers with my eye problems increases the probability of errors
too much for me to risk it. For me, at my time of life, simplification is
a much desired thing.
I must say , I had absolutely no issue with them about the refund and I
asked only asked a few days after the April 15th date.
Wendy
: In article <mhqte6$lbo$1...@reader1.panix.com>,
hvign to get a new FIOS internet as my DSL was not fast enough to
download that huge operating system. As a result I was able to you a
disk, which I prefer, perhaps because I feel there is something more real
avbout hvign the disc and also not havign a fast system earlier so I don't
think of making long downloads. As I said, I am pushig 80 and am a bit
less eager to always try new things:-) The download of the new system was
free from Apple, but, unfortunately, the new FIOS system is not:-(
I will, probably use the , more expensive Premiere next year although I
have no partnerships, or unusual income other than paneions, IRA and
income form stocks and some bonds< altough few of those in these low
interest times. It all just went so smoothly for me this year and I hope
to be able to do it myself, again, next year. It is only the ability to
download from the brokerage houses that enables me to still do this, as
the man numbers with my eye problems increases the probability of errors
too much for me to risk it. For me, at my time of life, simplification is
a much desired thing.
I must say , I had absolutely no issue with them about the refund and I
asked only asked a few days after the April 15th date.
Wendy
JoeTaxpayer
May 10, 2015, 12:35:03 PM5/10/15
to
On 4/29/15 12:16 PM, Barry Margolin wrote:
> The problem I ran into was that the download version of TurboTax no
> longer runs on OS X Snow Leopard. I called Intuit, they gave me a refund.
The disc version was also not compatible with Snow Leo.
> The problem I ran into was that the download version of TurboTax no
> longer runs on OS X Snow Leopard. I called Intuit, they gave me a refund.
The issue of when to update my OS is tough. A move to Yosemite means
losing all the software that Snow Leo ran under Rosetta, i.e. the legacy
PPC based software. Since my Mac is a desktop, I wound up installing
Yosemite on a second drive, and reboot to run TurboTax.
jmfbahciv
May 11, 2015, 9:15:04 AM5/11/15
to
JoeTaxpayer wrote:
> On 4/29/15 12:16 PM, Barry Margolin wrote:
>
>> The problem I ran into was that the download version of TurboTax no
>> longer runs on OS X Snow Leopard. I called Intuit, they gave me a refund.
>
> The disc version was also not compatible with Snow Leo.
>
> The issue of when to update my OS is tough. A move to Yosemite means
> losing all the software that Snow Leo ran under Rosetta, i.e. the legacy
> PPC based software. Since my Mac is a desktop, I wound up installing
> Yosemite on a second drive, and reboot to run TurboTax.
>
Or find an emulator of Snow Leopard. then you can keep all the
> On 4/29/15 12:16 PM, Barry Margolin wrote:
>
>> The problem I ran into was that the download version of TurboTax no
>> longer runs on OS X Snow Leopard. I called Intuit, they gave me a refund.
>
> The disc version was also not compatible with Snow Leo.
>
> The issue of when to update my OS is tough. A move to Yosemite means
> losing all the software that Snow Leo ran under Rosetta, i.e. the legacy
> PPC based software. Since my Mac is a desktop, I wound up installing
> Yosemite on a second drive, and reboot to run TurboTax.
>
software you like.
/BAH
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