Warning: Turbotax

[cmort666]

I just spent a good two hours screwing around with the Turbotax support desk.

Having finally managed to access the two online W2s for last year, rather than file an extension, I figured I'd just download Turbotax 2017 and get my relatively simple taxes done.

Every time I tried to import the 2016 data, it crashed, so I called Turbotax.

After an hour with first level support, I was escalated to second level.

Nothing second level suggested worked either. Then he told me to start Windows 10 with only basic components. When Windows started I had the lock screen and no way to enter my password. No account name, no "Enter Ctl-Alt-Del", NOTHING but the three icons in the lower right corner.

At one point he suggested that I just reinstall Windows 10, losing ALL of my apps, to which I replied "Not gonna happen". He then purported to send me to third level support. I got a message that support was closed and the call was dropped. Calling back immediately got me the "closed" message.

That's right, Intuit:

1. installed a product that couldn't be used.
2. rendered my system unusable.
3. hung up on me.

Fortunately, I had recently:

1. had to recover a customer's Win 10.
2. created an emergency boot flash drive.
3. bought a 4tb usb hard drive and created a recovery image.

I booted from the flash drive and did a system recovery to a restore point, which worked. I didn't have to restore the system image.

If you try to upgrade Turbotax from one year to the next, make sure:

1. you have the ability to boot from DVD or flash drive.
2. have good restore points.
3. have an image backup in case you have to start over from scratch, leaving your data, but no apps with which to use it.

I can understand having problems with software. I have them all night long working on somebody else's support desk. But having somebody break their system, then kick them over the side is completely unacceptable. That's Ameritech levels of "support".

We're going to have a little "conversation" tomorrow...

 

[LouisianaJoe]

I have used H&R Block software for years with no problems.

 

[STCM(SW)]

BS to all of them! I used for free Credit Karma for two years now with no problems....

 

[bullmack]

Been using Turbo Tax for years and never had a software issue. Course I use it on a Mac.

 

[JH1951]

TurboTax has disappointed me several times in the last five or so years to the point where I demanded my money back two years ago.
I used FreeTaxUSA this year and it was painless. Federal is free, state taxes cost about $12.00. It worked well for me.

 

[OLDSTER]

Sorry to hear of your issues. I've been using TaxSlayer since it was introduced, and couldn't be more satisfied.

 

[Minorcan]

Sorry to hear of your problems. Lots of programs won’t run on a Windows 10 system. If I hit an issue on the Webb downloading I go to Chrome solves 99% of the issues. Issues like this is why I quit Windows IE and use Chrome for work. At home I,m Windows free and use an IPad Pro. Life’s much easier.

 

[Retired LTC USAR]

Have used Turbo Tax since I got my first computer and have never had any problems.

 

[johngalt]

I have been using it for years, before intuit bought it and was called Macintax. It has always worked well. I had to do a 1040x for the first time and had to call them for help. They seem to want everyone to do the online version. Um, no thanks!

 

[Muss Muggins]

I've never "installed" TurboTax. In today's world, there's only a few programs and applications that truly need to reside on your hard drive. I just use the website and the iPhone app and pay the fee when I get done. Your data is automatically saved from year to year (that is a point for another discussion), and there are no worries about hard drive crashes or new computer, browser, or iPhone changes. Just did my son's taxes yesterday. Took about 15 minutes and $29.99 to complete a 1040EZ and state return and file . . .

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Using TurboTax on Win 10 with no problems.
Have used it for years with no problems.

 

[NYlakesider]

So glad I have a good person to do mine. I gave up doing my own stuff long before I got a computer!

 

[cmort666]

I just finished my taxes using Turbotax.

I could have sworn that last year it did my city taxes, but this year it didn't and I saw no option to do so. I ended up using the [expectedly confusing] RITA website.

The actual software issue was probably caused by a Windows update. Crashing WINDOWS, then hanging up on me was all on Turbotax.

I may have to reconsider products next year.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

Heh heh heh. Accountant's revenge.
Like I tell people, that Legal Zoom feller might be fast and cheap but he don't take phone calls, does not make court appearances and will not go to court with you and to my knowledge doesn't really offer and really good sage advice regarding what to do when the ex wife is lying about you not paying da baby support. He ain't real good at doing title research in the courthouse before you sign your name to that great act of sale he sold you.

 

[Funflyer]

I also use TT on a Windows 10 machine and it installed and imported all previous year information just fine. My wife also does three other family member's taxes and they imported as well. Of course we don't wait until the last minute to do our taxes, it keeps the anxiety down.

 

[Weimar]

I've done my own taxes for yrs, about 12 yrs ago I owed $4,000 - so I went to an accountant. After a couple hundred bucks and a week or so, he told me I owed $4000 - didn't save me a dime. Did turbotax a few times, but the last 6 or 7 yrs have used H&R block, no issues

---
A bit unsure why you didn't just type in the info, since you had that already instead of trying the import function?

----

This next yr I may use an accountant, as I have two houses, one short sale and moving cross country.

 

[cmort666]

I also use TT on a Windows 10 machine and it installed and imported all previous year information just fine. My wife also does three other family member's taxes and they imported as well. Of course we don't wait until the last minute to do our taxes, it keeps the anxiety down.

I couldn't remember where my paper W2s were and had trouble downloading one of them. Once I was able to get the second W2, I figured I might as well just do my taxes instead of filing an extension.

I spent more time trying to install Turbotax... and then fix my PC than doing my taxes.

 

[Lee in Quartzsite]

I have used a CPA for the last 5 years. He gets it done in a day, e-files the return and I have my refund check in two weeks. Best 100 bucks I have ever spent.

 

[Craver]

Why install anything? I just use the web version. Do some on my home laptop, then some at work, maybe some on the john with my tablet. No issues other than the irs thinks I'm rich.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

 

[labworm]

Every year I request forms and publications from the IRS.

Once received I just do it the old fashion way.

Never tried any Tax applications.

Today is D day, hurry up and get those returns done.