How to request a refund from TurboTax
TurboTax refunds fall into two categories: refunds for the software itself (if you paid for the product and want your money back) and refunds related to your tax return (if TurboTax made an error that cost you money, or if you used a paid product by mistake). The process and timeline differ significantly between them.
For a software refund, you contact TurboTax directly through their website or phone line within 60 days of purchase. For a tax return error, you may need to file an amended return or contact TurboTax support to determine whether they will cover the cost of correction. Neither process is automatic, and both require documentation of your purchase or the error.
Key Takeaways
- TurboTax offers a 60-day money-back may provide on software purchases, but you must request the refund within that window or you forfeit it.
- Refunds for software purchases are processed through TurboTax's customer service team and typically take 5 to 10 business days after approval.
- If TurboTax made an error on your return, contact their support team with proof of the error and your original return; they may cover the cost of an amended return or provide a credit.
- Keep your purchase receipt, confirmation email, and any correspondence with TurboTax support, as you will need these to document your request.
The 60-day money-back may provide for software purchases
TurboTax offers a 60-day money-back may provide on most of its tax software products. This means if you purchase TurboTax and change your mind, you can request a full refund of the software cost within 60 days of the purchase date. This may provide applies to the product itself, not to tax return errors or amended returns.
The 60-day window starts on the date you made the purchase, not the date you filed your return. If you bought TurboTax in January and filed in March, you still have until the 60th day from purchase to request the refund. After that date, TurboTax will not process a refund for the software cost.
This may provide does not cover state return products purchased separately, though some state products may have their own refund policies. Check your purchase confirmation email to see which products are covered under the may provide.
How to request a software refund online
To request a refund through TurboTax's website, log into your TurboTax account and navigate to the Help or Account Settings section. Look for an option labeled "Refund Request" or "Return Product." You will need to provide your reason for the refund and confirm your purchase details. TurboTax will ask you to verify your email address and the product you purchased.
After you submit the request, TurboTax sends a confirmation email to the address on your account. This email will include a reference number and an estimated timeline for processing. Keep this email—you will need the reference number if you have to follow up on your refund status.
Online refund requests typically take 5 to 10 business days to process once TurboTax approves them. If your request is approved, the refund is issued to the original payment method (credit card, debit card, or bank account, depending on how you paid). Check your bank or card statement 7 to 14 days after approval to confirm the refund arrived.
Requesting a refund by phone
If you prefer to speak with someone, call TurboTax customer support at the number listed on your purchase receipt or on the TurboTax website. Have your purchase confirmation email, the email address associated with your account, and your payment method information ready when you call.
The support representative will verify your identity, confirm that you are within the 60-day window, and process the refund request over the phone. They will provide you with a reference number and tell you how long the refund will take. Phone support is available during business hours, and wait times vary depending on the time of year (they are longer during tax season).
Refunds requested by phone follow the same timeline as online requests: 5 to 10 business days to process, then 7 to 14 days for the money to appear in your account.
What to do if TurboTax made an error on your return
If TurboTax made a mistake that affected your tax return—such as miscalculating a deduction, entering a number incorrectly, or applying a credit you did not may have access to for—contact TurboTax support with documentation of the error. You will need a copy of your filed return, proof of the correct information (such as a W-2 or 1099 form), and a clear explanation of what went wrong.
TurboTax support will review your case and determine whether the error was caused by the software or by incorrect information you entered. If TurboTax is responsible, they may offer to cover the cost of filing an amended return (Form 1040-X) or provide a credit toward next year's software purchase. They will not automatically refund the software cost, but they may waive it or offer a partial refund depending on the severity of the error and its impact on your taxes.
If the error resulted in you owing additional taxes or losing a refund you should have received, keep records of any penalties or interest the IRS assesses. TurboTax may cover these costs if they determine the error was their responsibility, though this is handled on a case-by-case basis.
Tracking your refund status
After you submit a refund request, use the reference number TurboTax provided to check the status of your request. Log into your TurboTax account and look for a "Refund Status" or "My Requests" section, or call customer support with your reference number.
TurboTax will show you whether your request is pending, approved, or denied. If it is approved, they will tell you the expected date the refund will reach your account. If it is denied, they will explain why (usually because the 60-day window has passed or because the product does not may have access to for the may provide).
If more than 10 business days have passed since approval and you have not seen the refund in your account, contact your bank or card issuer to confirm they received the refund. Sometimes refunds are delayed on the financial institution's side, not TurboTax's.
Refunds for state return products
State return products purchased separately from the federal return may have different refund policies. Some states allow refunds within 60 days, while others have shorter windows or no refund may provide at all. Check your purchase confirmation email or the TurboTax website for the specific state product's refund policy.
If you purchased a state product and want a refund, follow the same process as for the federal product: request it online or by phone within the allowed timeframe. TurboTax will process state refunds separately from federal refunds, so you may see two separate transactions in your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund if I filed my return already?
Yes, as long as you are within 60 days of your purchase date. The refund may provide is based on when you bought the software, not when you filed. However, if you filed and then request a refund, TurboTax may ask you to confirm that you understand the refund does not affect your filed return.
What if I paid for TurboTax with a gift card or promotional code?
Refunds are issued to the original payment method. If you used a gift card, the refund goes back to that card. If you used a promotional code that reduced the price, the refund covers only the amount you actually paid. Contact TurboTax support if you are unsure how your refund will be processed.
Does TurboTax refund the cost of amended returns?
TurboTax does not automatically refund the cost of amended returns. If you filed an amended return because of an error TurboTax made, contact support with proof of the error. They may cover the cost or provide a credit, but this is not may provide and depends on the circumstances.
What happens if I miss the 60-day window?
Once 60 days have passed from your purchase date, TurboTax will not process a refund for the software cost. The money-back may provide expires after that date, and you forfeit the right to a refund. Plan ahead if you think you might want to return the product.
How do I know if my refund was approved?
TurboTax sends an email confirmation when your refund request is approved. Check the email address associated with your account, including your spam folder. You can also log into your account and check the refund status section, or call customer support with your reference number.