Review by Nicholas Wilson

As a freelance photographer, I have used TurboTax Deluxe for over a decade for federal and California state income tax filing, including Sole Proprietor Sched. C and equipment depreciation schedules. I just ordered it again because TurboTax now says if you used TT Deluxe last year you can use it again this year and they will FREE UPGRADE you to Premier or Home and Business, if necessary to do what you used Deluxe for in the past. I had already bit the bullet and purchased TT Home and Business, but didn’t open the package or use it, so now I’m returning it to Amazon for a refund, less return shipping. If I had opened the package and installed it, then Turbotax offers a $25 refund as long as you use the software to file by April 20, 2015.

Clearly, TurboTax got the message from negative reviews and complaints from the thousands of angry customers who bought TT Deluxe and discovered it no longer does everything it did in the past, or read all the product details and found they had to buy a more expensive version than Deluxe. They are very apologetic and trying to repair the PR damage caused by the sudden product change. First came the emailed apology and offer of $25 refund if you bought a higher product. Then today Turbotax emailed the free upgrade offer if you buy Deluxe and need functions not included this year. The TT chief also promises that the features we are accustomed to will be restored to TTDeluxe for next year.

I’ve been happy with TurboTax Deluxe every year in the past, and expect to be happy with it this year. If not, you can be sure I’ll post an update. I’m docking them 3 stars for the messy situation and giving 2 back for doing the right thing after all.