Free TurboTax Premier (Federal E File) Online for Fidelity customers

The code they gave me is a one-time use unique code (called a pre-paid code) but it wasn't entirely clear to me how it worked. It almost sounded like it would downgrade me to the free edition without losing any of the data I had entered. So basically, better have all your data entered before activating it (else I couldn't go back and add investments, for example).

But then they made another comment that suggested it didn't work that way -- I could still add everything I needed it only affected the price. Can't see how that would work if it was a literal downgrade.

never mind

I had my Turbotax online showing a free Premier filing (from the fidelity link, I have about 5 Fidelity accounts).

Today I finished putting in my info and the payment page showed the normal discounted price for premier. Did some searches and looks like they pulled it because it was only supposed to be for certain customers. Here is the rub, you can't downgrade back to Deluxe (I've filed online with Turbotax for 3 years). I got on customer service and they gave me a code to get my price discounted, however they confirmed that when I log in next year to file I'll have to use the Premier product or start over with a new account (once you file premier you can't go back to deluxe or lower).

I'm feeling like just going to something else that's a little cheaper and not screwing me around (guess Turbotax isn't big on customer loyalty).

WELL

I tried chatting one more time after getting completely shot down yesterday and wound up speaking with some Indian guy who seemed very pleasant. I explained the problem and he offered a code that would "offset the fees".

It wound up making the entire return - federal AND state - FREE!

Quote from pakle : Mr.Slausen & Fletch113: Can you please elaborate on the code they give you? Is it like a one-time use code or something they tie into your acct that can only be used by you? Does it have to be used right away? I'd love to try to do this but can't file yet because most of the reported tax stuff hasn't arrived yet, so I'm hoping I can get a code that can be used when I'm ready to file.

Well I actually have an account with Fidelity...so don't know if Turbo Tax would actually know that...I don't see how though...but yes..spoke to someone probably from India...basically told them that I am a Fidelity customer...was given a link for free Turbo Tax Premier...all my forms had been completed and information entered...when I went to purchase...it was showing up for like $34.99...so I told them how are we going to fix this...the guy was very helpful and was like I'm sorry this happened and he was going to give me a "Service Code" to enter that would make it free...pretty easy actually...

Quote from kilroy13 : I had my Turbotax online showing a free Premier filing (from the fidelity link, I have about 5 Fidelity accounts). Today I finished putting in my info and the payment page showed the normal discounted price for premier. Did some searches and looks like they pulled it because it was only supposed to be for certain customers. Here is the rub, you can't downgrade back to Deluxe (I've filed online with Turbotax for 3 years). I got on customer service and they gave me a code to get my price discounted, however they confirmed that when I log in next year to file I'll have to use the Premier product or start over with a new account (once you file premier you can't go back to deluxe or lower). I'm feeling like just going to something else that's a little cheaper and not screwing me around (guess Turbotax isn't big on customer loyalty).

I also got a "downgrade code" through online chat because I had chosen Premier but really only needed Deluxe. However, the rep told me "Please be aware that next year when you start your return for the first time, you may default in this higher version. But there will be the option of choosing any version you like, so be sure to keep an eye out for that. I am making a note in your account that you received a downgrade code and the reason."

So I'll take their word for it that I can go back to Deluxe next year with this account.

I sent message to Fidelity and they are not helpful at all. Then I chat with TurboTax from the program (after a 25 min wait in line), the CSR offered me a downgrade code to reduce the price but not the service. It will remain Premier but with $0.00 cost. It took quite a few minutes to generate the code though.

I am adding this info to the wiki.

Tried 6 different chat sessions and all failed until the last one. All previous reps told me I had to contact Fidelity. The last one gave me a service code that made everything including state and e-filing FREE. I payed $0 to file my taxes this year!

Keep trying. If they won't help you, close the chat session and go back in and try again until you get someone who will.

I guess I am the lucky one. Not only I got the downgrade code from the first/only chat with a very nice CSR at TurboTax, Fidelity has responded to my message and is sending me a check of $35 to offset the cost since I have been their customer for 15 years.

When I tried to file today it said I owed $49.99 for federal and $36.99 for state. However, I opened an online chat and explained that I went through a Fidelity link that said $0.00. The customer service rep sent a code which gave me free federal and state!

Good job TurboTax, I'll be back next year

After about a 45 minute chat and a phone call, i was able to get a code and get federal for free :-)

tried 4 chat sessions, and finally someone incredibly nice helped me with a "downgrade code" which as others have mentioned gave me the fed for free and actually a 25% discount on my state. still a pain! but at least its solved now.

First chat gave me the "downgrade code" so fed was free. No state tax here in TX.

I called in. They tried telling me Fidelity only offers $15 off but then I just kept pushing and it didn't take much for her to just offer me the code for free federal and $28 state.

Thanks SD'ers