Many TurboTax users may not consider billing details until they encounter an unexpected charge, such as an automatic subscription renewal. This guide is designed to clarify how TurboTax refunds operate, including who qualifies for them and the straightforward steps to request your money back efficiently. We are here to help you navigate the process with ease, ensuring you understand your options every step of the way.
What You Should Prepare Before Applying For Refund
TurboTax Account Details: Ensure you have your TurboTax account email and password ready to log in and access your transaction history.
Order Confirmation Email: Locate the email confirmation for your TurboTax purchase, which includes your transaction ID and the date of purchase.
Transaction History: Review your TurboTax account for the detailed transaction history related to your purchase, including dates and amounts.
Refund Eligibility: Check the refund policy on the TurboTax website to confirm if your purchase is eligible for a refund based on the time frame and conditions.
Proof of Payment: Obtain a copy of your payment receipt, either from your email or within your TurboTax account, as proof of purchase.
Software Version Information: Know the specific version of TurboTax you purchased (e.g., Deluxe, Premier) as it may impact your refund eligibility.
Reason for Refund: Clearly outline the reason for requesting the refund, as TurboTax may require this information to process your request.
Contact Information: Have your current contact information ready in case TurboTax needs to reach you for additional information.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Refund?
Payment method
How long it takes*
Direct Deposit
1 to 2 weeks
Prepaid Debit Card
1 to 2 weeks
Check
3 to 4 weeks
*Working days are Monday to Friday, and don't include public holidays.
What are my Rights? Am I eligible for a Refund from TurboTax
When using TurboTax services, users have specific rights regarding their purchases and potential refunds. TurboTax offers a range of tax preparation solutions, designed to assist individuals and businesses in their tax filing process. Understanding the circumstances under which users may be eligible for a refund can help clarify their options.
Here are some situations that may qualify users for a refund from TurboTax:
Annual Subscription Changes: If a user has opted for a subscription model, they may assess their eligibility for a refund if they determine that they no longer wish to use the service for the remainder of the subscription period, based on their account management decisions.
Service-Based Refunds: If there is an unforeseen technical issue that prevents users from completing their tax returns or accessing their purchased features, they could explore their refund options based on their user experience.
Incorrect Product Selection: Users who realize that the product version purchased does not meet their tax preparation needs, such as choosing a version that doesn’t support specific forms or situations, might inquire about eligibility for a refund.
Refund Guarantees: TurboTax may have specific promotions or policies that include guarantees for accuracy or satisfaction. Users may be eligible for a refund if these guarantees are not met and they have completed the appropriate steps outlined in the policy.
Account Deactivation: If a user decides to deactivate their TurboTax account during the tax season and meets certain criteria, they might want to review potential refund policies that apply to their situation.
It's important for users to review TurboTax's specific refund policies, as these can provide more detailed guidance on eligibility based on individual circumstances. Each situation will be evaluated according to TurboTax’s established procedures and terms of service.
Step-by-Step Process to Request Your TurboTax Refund Like a Pro
If you purchased through TurboTax.com:
Visit the official TurboTax website and log into your account.
Click on your profile icon at the top right corner, then select "Account Settings".
Navigate to the "Billing" section on the left sidebar.
Find the "Manage Subscription" options and look for any recent charges.
If a subscription has renewed, click on "Request a Refund".
In the refund request, mention that the subscription renewed without prior notice.
Highlight that the account was unused in the past billing period.
Submit the request and take note of any confirmation number provided.
If you purchased through Apple:
Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
Tap on your Apple ID at the top of the screen.
Select "Subscriptions".
Find and tap on your TurboTax subscription.
Click on "Cancel Subscription" if applicable (required to initiate a refund).
After cancellation, scroll down and tap on "Report a Problem".
Select "I want to request a refund".
In your request, emphasize that the subscription renewed without notice and your account has been unused.
Submit your request and check your email for updates from Apple.
If you purchased through Google Play:
Open the Google Play Store on your device.
Tap on the menu icon (three lines) in the top-left corner.
Select "Subscriptions" from the menu.
Find your TurboTax subscription and tap on it.
Select "Cancel Subscription" (required to initiate a refund).
After cancellation, go back to the Play Store menu and select "Account".
Scroll to "Order History", find the TurboTax transaction, and tap on it.
Click on "Request a Refund".
In your message, mention that the subscription renewed unexpectedly and you have not used the service.
Submit your request and monitor your email for a response from Google.
If you purchased through Roku:
Visit the Roku website and log in to your account.
Go to the My Account section.
Scroll down to "Manage Subscriptions" and find your TurboTax subscription.
At the bottom, click on "Cancel Subscription" (necessary to proceed with a refund request).
After cancellation, return to "Manage Subscriptions".
Look for contact or support options on the page.
Send a message to customer service through the available channel, stating that the subscription renewed without notice and the account was not used.
Include any relevant details for swift processing.
Wait for a response regarding your refund request.
Disclaimer
Chargeback is an independent consumer resource that provides educational information to help users understand how to cancel, manage, or request refunds for various subscriptions. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any of the companies mentioned on this site. All trademarks, logos, and brand names are the property of their respective owners.
The information we provide is based on publicly available sources and user reports and may contain inaccuracies or become outdated over time. Our guides are intended for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as official company instructions or legal advice.
Consumers are solely responsible for reviewing their own contracts, terms of service, and refund or cancellation obligations before taking any action. Nothing on this site should be interpreted as legal, financial, or contractual guidance.
Chargeback does not encourage or condone disputing valid charges, misrepresenting transactions, or taking any action that could violate a company's terms, service agreement, or applicable laws. We promote fair, transparent, and lawful communication between consumers and businesses.
I am writing to discuss a billing situation related to my account. Specifically, [describe reason].
I would like to request a refund in the amount of [Amount]. I have attached relevant documentation for your review.
Could you please confirm receipt of this request and provide an update within 3-5 business days?
Thank you for your assistance.
Best regards, [Your Name] [Your Phone Number]
Common refund statuses
Status
Meaning
What It Means for You
Pending
Your refund request is being reviewed.
This status indicates that TurboTax has received your request & is in the process of verifying it. Wait for further updates.
Processing
Your refund is currently being processed.
This status means your refund is being initiated. Expect to see movement shortly, typically within 1-3 business days.
Refunded
Your refund has been successfully issued.
Funds should now be on their way to your specified account. Check with your bank for precise timing.
Partially Refunded
A portion of your refund has been issued.
You will receive only part of the expected refund amount. Check your account for details & follow up if necessary.
Completed
The refund process has been finalized.
Your refund is complete & any funds have been fully processed. No further action is needed from your side.
Cancelled
Your refund request has been canceled.
If you see this status, your refund will not proceed. Contact customer service for more details on how to resolve it.
Real User Scenarios: When and How Refunds Were Successfully Claimed
TurboTax provides a range of tax preparation services that help users navigate their tax filings securely and efficiently. Occasionally, users may encounter scenarios where a refund becomes necessary due to their unique situations. Below are several examples illustrating how users successfully claimed refunds from TurboTax.
Subscription Plan Change: A user realized mid-year that they needed more advanced features offered in TurboTax Premier for their tax situation. They upgraded successfully and later noticed that they were charged for both their previous plan and the new one. Upon clarifying their account and usage, TurboTax promptly refunded the charge for the earlier plan as they no longer used that service.
Service Interruption: During the last days of tax season, a user faced technical difficulties that prevented them from completing their filing on TurboTax. After contacting customer support, they learned that their situation qualified for a refund due to the service interruption. TurboTax processed the refund efficiently to help alleviate the user's stress during peak filing time.
Unintentional Subscription Renewal: A user intended to cancel their TurboTax subscription before the renewal but accidentally missed the deadline. Upon recognizing the charge, they contacted TurboTax’s support team to explain their circumstances. They were guided through the cancellation process and received a refund for the renewal fee, ensuring they only paid for the services they needed.
Incorrect Product Selection: A user purchased TurboTax for Self-Employed but later discovered it was not the right fit for their tax situation. After reaching out to support with their concern, they were assisted in switching to a more suitable product and received a refund for the difference in price, allowing them to proceed with the right tools for their filing needs.
The Easiest Way to Get a TurboTax Refund
If you're frustrated trying to get a refund from TurboTax—or if you didn't even realize you were being charged—Chargeback can help. Chargeback is a personal subscription manager that automatically detects hidden, recurring charges like Netflix, Hulu, and hundreds of others. With one click, we can cancel unwanted subscriptions, flag suspicious billing, and even initiate refund requests on your behalf. No more waiting on hold or navigating confusing help pages. Just connect your bank or card account, and we'll take care of the rest.
How to Track Your Refund Status Efficiently
Tracking your refund status with TurboTax is straightforward, thanks to various efficient communication channels and tools provided by the platform. To ensure you stay updated, follow these tips:
Check Your Email: TurboTax sends regular email updates regarding your refund status. Look out for emails titled "Refund Status Update" to stay informed about any changes or important notifications.
Use the TurboTax Mobile App: If you have the TurboTax mobile app, you can easily track your refund status. Navigate to the "Refund" section in the app to see real-time updates and notifications directly on your mobile device.
Visit Your Account Dashboard: Log into your TurboTax account at myturbotax.intuit.com and check your account dashboard. The refund status will be prominently displayed in the "Order History" section.
Access the Billing Section: Within your account settings, the billing section also provides details on your refund progress, including potential processing times and estimated delivery dates.
Utilize the Refund Tracker Feature: TurboTax may offer a specific refund tracker feature that gives a visual representation of where your refund stands, including phases such as "Pending", "Processing", or "Refund Issued".
Review Notifications in-App: Make sure to enable notifications for the TurboTax app. Important updates about your refund will be sent as in-app notifications, ensuring you don't miss any critical information.
Contact TurboTax Support: If you have specific questions or need more detailed updates, contact TurboTax support directly via their help section. They can provide tailored information about your refund status.
FAQ
If you forget to cancel your TurboTax subscription before the renewal date, refunds are generally not issued for that charge. However, you can reach out to TurboTax customer support to discuss your situation, as they may be able to offer assistance or alternative options.
Typically, refunds from TurboTax can take anywhere from 21 to 28 days to process, depending on the method of payment and tax filing details. You may also want to check the status of your refund through the IRS or TurboTax’s tracking tools for more specific information related to your case.
If you see a charge but do not have an active subscription, first check your TurboTax account to verify any associated products or services. If you still believe there's an error, you can contact TurboTax customer support for assistance in reviewing the transaction and obtaining further clarification.
If you're unable to obtain a refund directly from TurboTax, consider reaching out to customer service for further assistance. You may also explore escalating your issue within TurboTax's support system to ensure it is reviewed thoroughly. Additionally, reviewing your account details and transaction history may provide further insights into the process.
If TurboTax refuses to issue a refund, you may want to carefully review their refund policy to ensure you understand the terms. Consider reaching out to their customer support team again for further clarification or to discuss your situation in more detail. Additionally, verify your account details to ensure everything is accurate and up to date, which may help facilitate a resolution.
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¹ Total savings is calculated based on internal annualized estimates of savings for customers. ² Average requests times may vary depending on volume of requests
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