How to request a refund from TurboTax

TurboTax refunds fall into two categories: refunds for the software itself (what you paid to use the product) and refunds for your tax refund (the money the IRS owes you). The process for each is different. If you paid for TurboTax and want your money back, you contact Intuit directly through your account or by phone. If you're waiting for a tax refund from the IRS, that's a separate issue handled by the IRS, not TurboTax—though TurboTax can help you track it.

This guide covers how to request money back from TurboTax the company, and what to do if your tax refund is delayed or missing.

Key Takeaways

  • TurboTax offers a refund for the software cost within 60 days of purchase if you haven't filed your return yet, but the important date and conditions vary by product version.
  • You can request a refund through your TurboTax account online, by phone at 1-800-474-5353, or through your credit card company if TurboTax won't process one.
  • If you've already filed your tax return, TurboTax refunds are not available—the company considers the service delivered once you file.
  • A delayed or missing tax refund from the IRS is tracked through IRS.gov's Where's My Refund tool, not through TurboTax, though TurboTax displays the same information.
  • If TurboTax charged you twice or made an error, document the charge and contact support with your receipt and transaction ID.

Refund may be able to access and the 60-day window

TurboTax allows refunds for the software cost under specific conditions. You must request the refund within 60 days of purchase, and you must not have filed your tax return yet. Once your return is filed with the IRS, TurboTax considers the service complete and will not refund the software fee.

The 60-day clock starts from the date you purchased the product, not from the date you started using it. If you bought TurboTax on January 15 and want a refund, you have until March 16 to request it—but only if your return hasn't been filed. Check your receipt or account to confirm the exact purchase date.

Different TurboTax versions (Free, Deluxe, Premier, Self-Employed) have the same refund window, but some versions may have different terms if purchased through a third party like Costco or Amazon. Check your original receipt to see where you bought it.

How to request a refund through your TurboTax account

Log into your TurboTax account at turbotax.intuit.com. Go to the account settings or help section—the exact location varies depending on whether you're using TurboTax Online or the desktop version. Look for "Refund" or "Return a Product" in the menu.

Select the tax year and product you want to refund. TurboTax will ask you to confirm that you haven't filed your return yet. Answer honestly; if you have filed, the system will not process the refund. Once confirmed, TurboTax will process the refund to your original payment method, usually within 5 to 10 business days.

If the refund option doesn't appear in your account, it means either the 60-day window has closed or your return has already been filed. In that case, contact TurboTax support directly.

Requesting a refund by phone or chat

Call TurboTax customer support at 1-800-474-5353. Have your receipt, account email, and the last four digits of the card you used to purchase ready. The representative will verify your purchase and confirm that you haven't filed your return.

TurboTax also offers chat support through the website. Log into your account, click the help icon, and select "Chat with an agent." Chat wait times vary, but this option is useful if you prefer not to call. The agent will walk you through the same verification process and can process the refund when ready if you're within the 60-day window.

Be prepared to explain why you want the refund. TurboTax doesn't require a reason, but the representative may ask. Common reasons include changing your mind about the product, finding a cheaper option, or discovering the product didn't meet your needs.

Disputing a charge through your credit card or bank

If TurboTax won't process a refund and you believe you're may have access to to one, you can dispute the charge with your credit card company or bank. This is called a chargeback. Contact your card issuer and explain that you purchased TurboTax but did not file your return within the 60-day window and requested a refund that was denied.

Provide your card issuer with your TurboTax receipt, the date of purchase, and documentation of your refund request (email confirmation, chat transcript, or call notes). Your card issuer will investigate and may reverse the charge if they determine the refund was valid.

This process takes 30 to 90 days. Your card issuer may temporarily credit your account while they investigate. Note that disputing a charge may affect your relationship with TurboTax or Intuit, and they may restrict your account.

What to do if you were charged twice

If TurboTax charged you twice for the same product, contact support when ready with both transaction IDs and receipts. This is a billing error, not a standard refund request, and TurboTax handles it differently.

Explain that you see two identical charges on your statement for the same tax year and product. Provide the dates and amounts. TurboTax will investigate and reverse the duplicate charge, usually within 5 to 10 business days. If the duplicate charge was made more than 60 days ago, you may still be refunded because this is an error on TurboTax's side, not a change of mind on yours.

Keep records of all communication with TurboTax about the duplicate charge. If the refund doesn't appear after two weeks, follow up with a second contact.

Tracking your tax refund from the IRS

If you filed your return through TurboTax and are waiting for your tax refund from the IRS, that's a separate process. TurboTax does not issue your tax refund—the IRS does. TurboTax can show you the status, but the information comes directly from the IRS.

Use the IRS tool Where's My Refund at irs.gov. You'll need your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your return. The tool updates once per day, usually overnight. TurboTax displays the same information through its own refund tracker, but going directly to the IRS site is more reliable.

If your tax refund is delayed or missing, contact the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040, not TurboTax. The IRS can explain why the refund hasn't arrived and what to do next. TurboTax cannot speed up an IRS refund or change its status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if I already filed my return?

No. TurboTax's refund policy applies only to the software cost, and only if you haven't filed your return yet. Once your return is filed with the IRS, the service is considered complete and non-refundable. If you believe you were overcharged or made an error, contact support to discuss your options.

How long does a TurboTax refund take?

Refunds typically appear in your original payment method within 5 to 10 business days after you request them. If you paid by credit card, the refund may take longer to post depending on your card issuer. If you don't see the refund after two weeks, contact TurboTax support with your confirmation number.

What if I bought TurboTax through Costco or Amazon?

Contact the retailer where you purchased it, not TurboTax directly. Costco and Amazon have their own return policies, which may differ from TurboTax's standard 60-day window. Check your receipt for the seller's return instructions.

Can TurboTax speed up my IRS refund?

No. TurboTax has no ability to speed up or change an IRS refund. The IRS processes refunds on its own timeline, which varies based on how you filed and whether your return requires review. Track your refund through Where's My Refund at irs.gov.

What if TurboTax says I'm not within the refund window?

If you believe you are within 60 days of purchase and haven't filed, provide TurboTax with your receipt showing the purchase date. If TurboTax still refuses, dispute the charge with your credit card company. Document your refund request and the company's denial.