[kristi_mc]

Just wondering (or warning) if anyone else has had difficulty using Turbo Tax Deluxe 2003?

We bought the program so we could be walked through the adoption tax credit. (We adopted 2 children last year). However, Turbo Tax does not have the current 2003 information on the program and it does not even allow you to access the interview. It prompts you to update the software online, but when you attempt to do so, it tells you there is no update available. I was finally able to contact the chat help line after a long wait (there is no toll free help line) and they told me an online update would be available today (Feb 2) however that isn't true -it is still unavailable and we are very anxious to file.

We have a lot of deductions/tax situations and the tax programs USUALLY make it quicker and easier for the non-accountant types like me. We feel like we've made a costly mistake and still have no idea when they may come up with an update.

Has anyone else had a problem or better yet - can someone recommend some "adoption tax credit" friendly software?

Suggestions appreciated!
Thanks in advance,
Kristi

[Darci]

My husband and I also had this problem with TurboTax. We used TaxCut (I think this is what it is called) and were able to file 2/1.



Darci

[kristi_mc]

Hi Darci!

That is good info to know and if I'm not mistaken Tax Cut is a less expensive program as well, isn't it? (Don't you know I'm REALLY kicking myself right about now!)

Just an update - I spent 1 1/2 hours on the Turbo Tax "help chat" tonight and I'm still trying to figure out why. Now they are saying updates will not be out until sometime in mid-February. Of course these are the same people that said updates will be out Feb. 2nd.
I asked for a refund of my purchase price because the adoption credit is not available on Turbo Tax and was refused. They asked that I wait until it is available...

If you haven't done taxes, follow Darci - - go with TaxCut or an "adoption friendly" accountant!

Wishing you more luck than myself,
Kristi

[HappyMomAnna]

Thank you for the info here and just so that everyone knows--I went to turbotax.com and offered feedback that while I have used their product in the past--the warnings I have learned from several of the 55,000 members of 'an' adoption web forum have lead me to another tax method this year--due to the fact a promise was made for the adoption credit info to be part of the software by 2/3 and it has not been delivered.....

I think any FORMER Turbo Tax users might take a moment to let their feelings be known as well.

[Darci]

We had a lot of problems with turbo tax even though we have been using them for about 5 years...We were originally told the updates would be avail. 1/15. When that didn't happen we had to pay $20 to find out why the online forms werent working (the refuse to refund us this money as well). Then they said updates would be avail 1/16. Not true. Then they said the next week...still not true. That is when we switched.

I don't remember what TurboTax cost, but TaxCut was 24.99 (I think) and we just did it all online...didn't buy software in the store.



Darci

P.S. TurboTax offers (supposedly) a 60 day money back satisfaction guarantee. If you still have your original receipt, take TurboTax back to the store where you bought it and demand your money back. We haven't tried this since we recently moved and have yet to locate the receipt.

[kristi_mc]

Anna, Thank you! Maybe when enough users hit them in the pocketbook they might start marketing and updating their products in accordance with current adoption credit tax laws.

I also went to the website at www.turbotax.com and went to feedback and sent them another "issue" of my feedback.

Darci - I don't believe our software can be returned in store since it has been opened. (Not sure on that one.) Intuit, the Turbo Tax "company", does offer a 60-day money back guarantee - - - supposedly. Not a good sign when they aren't willing to issue information regarding their refunds on their support and service line. The Turbo Tax Deluxe 2003 sells for $40 so TaxCut is still a better deal!

However, the conditions of the 60 day guarantee are not spelled out so I guess if anyone wants to wait until Turbo Tax comes out with the updated adoption law forms (if they ever do) and go ahead and file using their software and then return for refund... ??? ---No, for the record I'm not recommending that.

Anyway, I have the address now for returns. If anyone sends the software back to the company with a receipt for a refund and you need the address, let me know.

As if tax time isn't enough of a pain...
And to think I was going to file early and avoid hassles!
Kristi

[willjack4]

TRY USING TUBOTAX.COM TO FILE YOUR TAXES CLICK BASIC RETURN AND EVERYTHING IS IN IT IT WILL TAKE YOU STEP BY STEP ALL YOU NEED DO IS ENTER THE INFO. IT HAS THE ADOPTION CREDIT IN IT IF YOU USE THE ONLINE SITE .TURBOTAX.COM

[Sarah'smommy]

I talked to a live chat person today with TT and they are now saying that the update will be in mid-Feb. I'm really starting to get a little angry about this delay!!

[kristi_mc]

Be aware if you have already purchased software, you will pay additionally for online filing. Basic is $19.95 and cannot be used if you have investments to claim, business income, rental property, etc.

Sarah's Mommy - They told me Mid February as well. I guess I don't understand why adoption credit is on the "online" version, but you cannot do the online one click update with the software because "update is not available". BTW - not to change the subject, but I love your ava pic! How precious!

[Sarah'smommy]

Thanks!

It was taken In Culebra! It's a Island in between Puerto Rico and St. Thomas. My husband is in th USCG and we live here in PR so we take a ferry over there for weekend trips! We moved to PR we DD was only 7 months old. What a adventure!

[Darci]

double checked turbotax.com and cannot access the adoption forms even in the online version. I still say go with TaxCut.

[kristi_mc]

For those waiting to file...

Turbo Tax (at least the Deluxe 2003 - I'm assuming others?) now has the online update for Form 8839 (Qualified Adoption Expenses) to include adoption tax credit.

If you have not filed yet, you can update software online. Go to "Online" on toolbar and click "One-click updates".

Good luck and happy taxing!
Kristi

[outlaw7x77]

I too tried to seee about this deduction today. Same thing happend to me. Update etc...no update available etc...

I have a feeling though that I'm not eligible for it as I am a birthfather who just reunited with my birthson last year. I was wondering if by any chance the airfair, motel, car rental, etc... for my trip to see him would be deductabe. He's 21 yr's old now. Wouldn't it be great if things like this went your way?

Oh well.

Outlaw7x77