TurboTax is the worst! - was OK today

[question everything]

Last edited Tue Feb 18, 2025, 10:27 PM - Edit history (1)

Yes, I've already paid and I may have to forfeit it.

I have been using it since 2000. Was convenient, easy to use, kept track of previous returns but this time.

Ir started when it did not show form 8606. This is the one that I have been using for many years, when we rolled over funds from the employer 401K to Vanguard IRA. The part which was after tax should not have been mixed but it was. So each year the taxable RMD is reduced by about $200-$300. TurboTax did not use it and worse, when I viewed the 1040 the taxable RMD was reduced by $6,000!.

I had no idea from where that number came, so I deleted and started anew.

But today.... I still don't understand it, neither any of their agents, each spent about one hour on my screen.

One 1099-R had a state withheld tax. I entered all the data including the state id: MN/ 7816225.

Upon review I was told that I could use only numbers for the state ID. OK. I could not change it on the return so deleted that entry and started anew, making sure that only the number is being used.

But... same warning. Viewing that form it still contained the letters and I have to "fix it" before filing

I have deleted and reentered these data and TurboTax still has the letters on its forms.

And... since I already paid for both the federal and the state returns I cannot e-file only the Federal.

I suppose I can just print the forms and mail them.. But it still infuriates me. This is not helping with the program this is something really bad with the software that no one can help. Perhaps call Intuit headquarter?


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On edit: I decided to give it another chance. Reentered the data from the 1099-R, also deleted the state and started again.

There were still problems but when I viewed the MN return, form M1W was OK. Had only numbers, no letters.

I still had to "fix it" about public pension - was glad that I had the option of "none of the above."

There was last year rebate of $520 that I finally deleted and... everything was fine, all of a sudden. So I e-filed and hoping for the best.

Funny thing once filing, TurboTax "closes" the print section where one can choose how many of the return one wants.

But previously someone said that it can be opened again for "choosing another state" and this is what I did.

They wanted "evaluation" I gave them 3 stars out of five.

Woof. Now I wait.

[rsdsharp]

2. I stopped using TurboTax several years ago.

I bought a program with a free state download. When I installed it, I was informed there was a federal update, but it wouldn’t update. I figured it would later on, and went through the process for the federal return.

That completed, I tried to download the state program. I was informed I wasn’t entitled to a free state program — which was expressly included on the software package I had purchased. So I ponied up the money to buy a state program. Which refused to download.

So I had a federal program that wouldn’t update, and a state program that I had paid for twice which wouldn’t download. I threw my hands up, said “Fuck it!” and bought H&R Block. The federal refund was exactly the same as Turbo Tax. and I could download my free state program. I haven’t considered Turbo Tax since.

[bucolic_frolic]

3. Hate to say it

I used software once, more than 20 years ago. I now use .pdf forms and print them. This year I consulted AI for advice because it takes forever searching through the .pdf instruction books (with no search function). AI had it all answered quickly. Instantly recommended this or that and quoted from federal or state instructions and rules. Never easier.

[buzzycrumbhunger]

4. My vote this year is H&R Block

I used them last year. The IRS site sent me to use OLT instead this year. Whatever.

As always, I saved the .pdf—or what I assumed would be a .pdf because I have years’ worth of them saved. Nope. What I found when I went to look at last years adjusted gross income was a weird .html file—that would NOT open. The page even provided a link to DL a fresh copy if it didn’t load. Except that just spun endlessly.

Logged into H&R Block to DL it directly from them. Immediately got a message telling me that I had used the free version last year and they wouldn’t allow me access now unless I paid them for the “privilege.”

So pissed. Luckily, I was able to piece it together using my W2 from last year and filed successfully for 2024.

I will NEVER use H&R Block again, though.

BTW, I found OLT was way easier, faster, and more comprehensive than last year’s struggle.

[progree]

5. Ughh. BTW, do you have foreign tax credits/deductions - I found it impossible to understand the instructions

Using TurboTax since 2017 or so.

Every year I just plow through just guessing at some of the answers to questions (even though it uploads all that information from my downloaded 1099's). The foreign tax credits/deductions (one has to choose one or the other, so one has to do it both ways to see which comes out the best, usually the credit, but not always) arise from an emerging markets, international growth, and total international funds I have in a regular account. (I'm a big fan of diversity even though none of these have done anywhere near as well as an S&P 500 index fund for example).

So far have never gotten any audit notices or anything like that.

I know we might get the usual about how "I have a great tax preparer and it's done in 40 minutes" etc. etc. Well, I had one for 35 years, and interestingly his software had issues with Form 8606 too (I have some non-deductible IRA contributions). I check EVERYTHING, that's just the way I am, and sometimes I'd have to go 3 rounds with him before it was all OK. (In truth, I don't check the foreign tax credit / deduction part).

I haven't begun my taxes yet -- too much time just trying to keep up with the news.

[mitch96]

6. I had no problem with TT this year. Fed, no State. Only SSA and a couple of 1099'Rs. My problem was with the IPPIN.

Had to jump thru a bunch of hoops to get to the IRS page what had it..
m