Where to request your refund and what TurboTax needs from you

TurboTax refunds are handled through your account on the TurboTax website or mobile app, not through customer service phone calls. You start by signing into your account, finding your purchase history, and selecting the product you want to return. The process differs slightly depending on whether you bought TurboTax directly from Intuit, through a retailer, or as part of a bundle with other products.

The refund window is typically 60 days from the date you purchased the product. After that, TurboTax generally does not process refunds, though you may still contact support to explain your situation. If you bought the product within the refund period, you can start the return through your account without needing to call anyone first.

Key Takeaways

  • You have 60 days from purchase to request a refund through your TurboTax account online or in the app.
  • If you bought TurboTax through a retailer like Best Buy or Costco rather than directly from Intuit, you return it to that retailer instead.
  • TurboTax will refund your money to the original payment method, and the refund typically appears within 5 to 10 business days.
  • If you have already filed your tax return using the product, a refund may not be possible, and you should contact support to discuss your situation.

Requesting a refund directly through your TurboTax account

Sign into TurboTax.com or open the TurboTax app on your phone or tablet. Go to your account settings or profile menu — the exact location depends on which version you are using, but it is usually in the top right corner. Look for a section labeled "Purchase History," "My Products," or "Billing."

Find the TurboTax product you purchased in the list. Click or tap on it, and you should see an option to "Return" or "Request a Refund." Select that option and follow the prompts. TurboTax will ask you to confirm the reason for the return — common reasons include "I changed my mind," "I found a better product," or "I did not use it." You do not need to provide a detailed explanation, but being honest helps TurboTax process the request faster.

After you submit the request, you will see a confirmation message with a reference number. Save this number. The refund will go back to the payment method you used to buy the product — the same credit card, debit card, or PayPal account. The money typically appears within 5 to 10 business days, though it can take longer depending on your bank.

Refunds for products bought from retailers

If you purchased TurboTax at a physical store or through a retailer's website — Best Buy, Costco, Walmart, Amazon, or another seller — you return it to that retailer, not to Intuit or TurboTax directly. The retailer's return policy applies, not TurboTax's 60-day window. Most major retailers offer 30 to 90 days for returns, but this varies by store and by whether the product is opened or unopened.

Bring the product box, receipt, and any included materials back to the store where you bought it, or follow the retailer's online return process if you purchased it online. The retailer will issue the refund to your original payment method. If you have already opened the product and entered your license key, some retailers may not accept the return, so check their policy before you go.

What happens if you have already filed your return

If you have already filed your tax return using TurboTax, a refund becomes more complicated. TurboTax's policy generally does not allow refunds for products that have been used to file a return, because the service has been delivered. However, you should still contact TurboTax support to explain your situation — there are exceptions, particularly if you filed by mistake or within a very short window of purchase.

Contact TurboTax support through the help section in your account, by phone, or through their online chat. Have your purchase confirmation number and the date you filed ready. Support may be able to offer alternatives, such as a credit toward next year's product or a partial refund in unusual circumstances, even if a full refund is not possible.

Refunds for bundled or discounted products

If you bought a bundle — for example, TurboTax plus a state return product, or TurboTax plus a prior-year product — the refund applies to the entire bundle, not individual pieces. You cannot return just the state portion and keep the federal product. The refund amount is the total price you paid for the bundle.

If you purchased TurboTax at a discount or with a promotional code, the refund is still based on the price you actually paid, not the regular list price. For example, if you bought TurboTax Premium for $79 instead of the usual $119, your refund is $79. Some promotional offers, particularly those from employers or financial institutions, may have their own restrictions on refunds — check the terms of your promotion before you request one.

Contacting TurboTax support if you cannot process a refund online

If you cannot find the refund option in your account, if your purchase is outside the 60-day window, or if you have questions about your specific situation, contact TurboTax support. You can reach them through the help section in your account, which offers phone, chat, and email options. Phone support is usually the fastest way to get an answer, particularly if your situation is unusual.

Have the following information ready when you contact support: your purchase confirmation number or order number, the date you purchased the product, the email address associated with your TurboTax account, and the payment method you used. If you are requesting a refund for a product you bought through a retailer, let support know that as well — they can advise you on the retailer's process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if I already used TurboTax to file my taxes?

TurboTax's standard policy does not allow refunds after you have filed a return, because the service has been used. However, contact support with your situation — exceptions exist, particularly if you filed within days of purchase or by mistake. Support may offer alternatives like a credit toward next year's product.

How long does it take to see the refund in my bank account?

Refunds typically appear within 5 to 10 business days after you request them. The exact timing depends on your bank and payment method. If you paid by credit card, the refund may appear as a credit on your next statement rather than a deposit. Contact your bank if more than 10 business days have passed.

What if I bought TurboTax at Costco or Best Buy?

Return it to the retailer where you bought it, not to TurboTax. Each retailer has its own return policy — typically 30 to 90 days — and you will need your receipt. Some retailers may not accept returns if the product has been opened or the license key has been used.

Can I return just the state portion of my TurboTax bundle?

No. If you purchased a bundle, the refund covers the entire bundle, not individual components. You cannot keep the federal product and return the state product. If you need to return it, you return the whole purchase.

What if my refund request shows as pending but I do not see the money?

Check your TurboTax account for the refund status — it should show "Completed" or "Processed" once the money has been sent. If it still shows "Pending" after several days, contact TurboTax support with your reference number. If it shows completed but you have not seen the money after 10 business days, contact your bank.