Tag Archives: TurboTax

Costco TurboTax 2025 Discount (February 2025 Update)

Updated on Friday, February 14, 2025: We are happy to report that TurboTax is once again back at Costco for 2025 and now available at all local warehouse stores!

With their early season discount, you’ll save up to $20.00 on select CD/download versions of the software vs. the regular retail price. Here’s how much Costco is offering for each version at the moment:

  • TurboTax Deluxe Federal and/or Deluxe Federal + State on sale for $44.99 (normally $55.99).
  • TurboTax Premier Federal + State on sale for $64.99 (normally $82.99).
  • TurboTax Home & Business on sale for $75.99 (normally $95.99).
  • TurboTax Business (not available in warehouses, online only).

Just keep in mind that there is typically a limit of 2/each per customer. The applicable discount is automatically applied at checkout. Unfortunately, the online versions are not offered at Costco but you can still pick up a deal today at turbotax.intuit.com (online versions are now on sale through February 28, 2025 at 20% off).

What’s the difference between “CD/Download” versions and “Online” versions of TurboTax?

TurboTax’s ultimate goal is to help you file your tax return for tax year 2024. But the version you choose determines how you get it done.

If you pick up the CD/Download version of Deluxe, Premier, Home & Business, or Business at Costco then you will need to install the software on your personal computer. You will then only be able to use that computer to work on, file and submit your tax return using TurboTax. All your personal data will be locally stored on your machine. And unless you used TurboTax last year + the same computer to file your 2024 tax return, then you will also need to have your previous tax return handy to help you complete this year’s return.

On the flip side, if you decide to go with an “Online” version of TurboTax (our preferred method) then you will complete and file your tax return using your online TurboTax account. The benefits of this is that you can work on your tax return and save-as-you-go from any internet connected device; laptop, desktop, tablet and smartphone (including through the TurboTax app). That means you can start your return and, for example, your spouse can finish it off from a different device at a later date from where you left off. And if you used TurboTax Online last year then it remembers and instantly imputes last year’s tax data automatically for you where needed.

Which version of TurboTax do I need?

If you’re not sure if you need to buy Deluxe, Premier, Home & Business, or Business versions of TurboTax 2025, then be sure to get the lower-priced version of the two that you’re deciding on. That’s because regardless if you choose one of the CD/download versions or one of the online versions of TurboTax, you’ll also have an option to upgrade within the program if you need to based on your specific tax situation. The program will guide you through the process and if an upgrade is needed, then you will be directed to a payment option for the upgrade.

Current Offers

Before you run out to your nearest Costco or anywhere else to pick up a copy of TurboTax, be sure to see all the current TurboTax deals available today. Eligible military families and students with simple tax returns may also qualify for free filing with TurboTax this year. As we do every year, we’re tracking all of the top deals on TurboTax all season long through the April 15th tax deadline.

Questions & Comments

Not sure which version of TurboTax to buy? Found a better deal on TurboTax that you would like to share? Then leave your questions, thoughts and comments below.

TurboTax 2025 Return Policy – How to Get A Refund

Updated on Friday, February 14, 2025: Did you buy a copy of TurboTax — maybe at Amazon or at your local retail store like Costco or Best Buy — only to realize that you don’t need it? Maybe you bought the wrong version? Or you changed your mind and decided to file your taxes this year with the help of a certified public accountant (CPA) like those offered by H&R Block? Whatever the reason, we’ll help you see if you qualify for a refund and help you return your unwanted TurboTax software.

Can I Return my Unwanted TurboTax 2025 Software?

If you purchased your CD/digital download version of TurboTax 2025 software directly from intuit.com or at any one of their authorized retailers then you are covered by their 60-day money-back guarantee. That’s even if the store that you purchased the software from does not accept returns on either sealed or opened software programs. That incudes a qualifying purchases of TurboTax Basic, Deluxe, Premier and Home & Business versions.

For 2025, the list of Intuit’s authorized retailers include:

  • AAFES (Army Air Force Exchange Store)
  • Amazon (only when the order was “Shipped and Sold by Amazon.”
  • Best Buy
  • BJ’s Warehouse
  • CDW
  • Costco
  • Dell
  • Fred Meyer
  • Marine Corps
  • Meijer
  • Micro Center
  • Nebraska Furniture Mart
  • Newegg.com
  • NexWeb (Navy)
  • Office Depot/OfficeMax
  • PC Mall
  • Quill
  • Sam’s Club
  • Staples
  • Target

If you purchased your boxed CD, download or activation code of TurboTax elsewhere — including on eBay — then it’s possible that your have a bootlegged, pirated or otherwise illegal/non-resalable version of the program. If that’s the case, you may be declined a return and refund of your purchase price. If you believe that you are a victim of a scam then be sure dispute the changes with your Credit Card company and report the issue to Intuit directly at [email protected].


How Can I Request a Refund from TurboTax?

You will need to complete this form when requesting a refund. You will need to provide a scanned copy of receipt/proof of purchase (or order number if purchased directly from Intuit), your product license code (included in your purchase confirmation email or on the DVD case), your contact information including your physical mailing address, and answer a few other basic questions. Your request must be made within 60 calendar days from the purchase date in order to qualify. Keep in mind that any incurred shipping and handling charges are not refundable.


Track your TurboTax Refund Request.

A refund request may take a few weeks to process by Intuit, especially if it’s may on or around April 15th as their customer service team is usually exceptional busy around this time of the year. However, you can track your refund request at any time using this app. Be prepared to provide your case number and email address used in the initial request.


Can I Get a Refund for TurboTax Online 2025 Products?

Because all TurboTax Online and Mobile/App products are paid for at the time you submit your completed tax return for efiling, just prior to printing/saving your completed tax return (not prepaid beforehand as is the case with all TurboTax CD/download versions) there are no refunds/returns accepted and no money-back guarantees offered on any of these products.


Comments

Stuck with your TurboTax refund? Then leave your questions or comments below and we’ll do our best to help you out!

TurboTax Student Discount 2025 – How to File for Free

Updated on Friday, February 14, 2025: Did you know that TurboTax can now specifically help college students in filing their 2025 tax returns? It’ll not only help you check and see if you qualify for up to $1000 in education related credits and deductions but also help you get the biggest refund possible. Best of all, if you have a simple tax return to file this year then you can use TurboTax completely for free (about 37% of taxpayers will qualify for it, form 1040 plus limited credits only).

How to get started?

You can start your tax return for free on TurboTax’s main start page. Once there, you’ll be able to use the education credits and deductions finder widget to see what you will be eligible to claim on your tax return. And it’s not only for full-time or part-time college and university students but also for those that were enrolled in a degree, certificate, credential or any other programs or courses used to improve job skills. After you answer a few questions about your specific situation then you’ll be able to see how much you can claim in lifetime learning credits and/or deduct in tuition and school related fees. If you also paid any student loan interest during this tax filing period then you’ll also see how much of that you can deduct.


Can can I file with TurboTax for free?

If you’re a student and need to file a simple tax return (form 1040 only) then you may be able to qualify for the TurboTax Free Edition, TurboTax Live Basic Edition, or the TurboTax Live Full Service Basic Edition. This incudes instances where you may have W-2 income, limited interest and dividend income reported on 1099-INT or 1099-DIV forms (i.e. interest earned in a bank savings account), Earned Income Tax Credit (EIC), or child tax credits. However anything beyond that — such as calculating itemized deductions, reporting stock sales, having unemployment income reported on a 1099-G form, reporting business or rental property related income, or anything reported on schedules 1-3 — won’t qualify for free filing with TurboTax.

If you don’t qualify for free tax filing this year then you can still save 10% off your TurboTax purchase by using one of these current offers (the list is updated daily and available to everyone regardless of current student status).


What if I’m an international student?

U.S. law requires international college and university students that are here on F-1 Visas to file U.S. tax returns if they have worked in the United States, received grants, made income from a U.S. source, received an allowance, or received a stipend (usually by filing a 1040NR tax form). If after your studies ended and you were unable to leave the United States because of a medical condition or medical problem then you might also need to file Form 8843 to exclude days present in the United States for purposes of the substantial presence test.


Try the free tax simulator.

If this is your first time filing your own tax return and are no longer claimed as someones dependent, but want to take a dry-run before working on the real thing, then you check out Everfi’s free tax simulator. They’ve partnered with TurboTax to design a free tax prep course to help become familiar with the information needed to fill out basic tax forms and learn about the tax filing process. At the moment there are five courses available ranging from “Taxes for Students” to “Tax for Investments and Cryptocurrency”.


Is there a specific TurboTax “service code” for students?

If you ended up using one of the TurboTax Online versions to file your taxes this year — such as Deluxe, Premier or Self-Employed — you may notice a “service code” box right before you complete your return. This section does not apply to students and there is no service code that you need to enter. This is an area that’s typically only used when being helped by a customer service agent (i.e. to apply an individualized order credit or to tie back a transaction to a specific customer service representative or referral).


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