How to Request a Refund from TurboTax

TurboTax refunds fall into two categories: money back for the software itself, and your federal or state tax refund that TurboTax helped you file. If you paid for TurboTax and want your money back, you can request a refund within 60 days of purchase through your TurboTax account or by contacting their support team. If you're waiting for your actual tax refund from the IRS or your state, TurboTax doesn't control that timeline — the government does — but you can track its status through TurboTax's tools or directly through the IRS.

The method you use depends on how you paid and when you bought the software. Refunds processed through your original payment method typically arrive within 5 to 10 business days, though some credit card companies and banks take longer to post the credit to your account.

Key Takeaways

  • TurboTax software refunds must be requested within 60 days of purchase and are processed back to your original payment method.
  • You can start a refund request through your TurboTax account under "Account Settings" or by calling TurboTax support at 1-800-209-2903.
  • Your actual tax refund from the IRS or state is separate from your TurboTax refund and follows government timelines, not TurboTax's.
  • If you used TurboTax's refund advance or refund transfer feature, your tax refund goes to that account first before reaching you.
  • You can track your IRS tax refund status through TurboTax's "Where's My Refund" tool or directly at IRS.gov using your Social Security number and filing status.

Requesting a Refund for TurboTax Software Within 60 Days

The 60-day window starts from the date you purchased TurboTax. If you're within that period, log into your TurboTax account and go to "Account Settings" or "Billing." Look for an option to view your purchase history or manage your subscription. You should see the option to request a refund next to your purchase.

If you can't find the refund option in your account, call TurboTax support at 1-800-209-2903. Have your purchase confirmation email or receipt ready. Tell them the date you bought the software and why you want the refund. They will process it back to the card or payment method you used to buy it.

Some TurboTax products have different refund policies. If you bought TurboTax Live (which includes a tax professional), the refund window may be shorter. Check your confirmation email for the specific terms of your purchase.

What Happens After You Request a Refund

Once TurboTax approves your refund, it goes back to your original payment method. If you paid by credit card, the refund appears as a credit on your next statement, though the timing depends on your card issuer. If you paid by debit card or bank transfer, the money returns to that account within 5 to 10 business days, but your bank may take an additional 1 to 3 business days to show it.

If you paid through a third-party service like PayPal or Apple Pay, the refund goes back to that account first, and then you may need to transfer it to your bank. Check your PayPal or Apple account to see when the credit arrives.

TurboTax will send you a confirmation email once the refund is processed. Keep this email for your records. If the refund doesn't show up within the timeframe your bank quoted, contact TurboTax support again with the confirmation number from the refund email.

Refunds After 60 Days: What You Can Do

If you're past the 60-day refund window, TurboTax generally does not issue refunds for the software purchase. However, you may still have options depending on your situation. If TurboTax failed to work correctly or you encountered a technical problem that prevented you from filing, contact support and explain the issue. They sometimes make exceptions or offer credits toward next year's software.

If you used a credit card to pay, you can also dispute the charge with your card issuer if you believe TurboTax didn't deliver what was promised. This is called a chargeback, and your card company will investigate. Be prepared to explain why you're disputing it and provide any relevant emails or screenshots.

If you bought TurboTax through a retailer like Costco or Best Buy rather than directly from TurboTax, return it to that retailer instead. Retailers often have their own return policies that may extend beyond 60 days.

Tracking Your Tax Refund Through TurboTax

Your actual tax refund from the IRS or your state is separate from your TurboTax refund. TurboTax filed your return, but the government processes and sends the refund. You can track it through TurboTax's "Where's My Refund" tool, which pulls information directly from the IRS or your state tax authority.

Log into your TurboTax account and look for "Where's My Refund" or "Track My Refund." Enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your return. The tool will show you the status: whether the IRS has received your return, is processing it, has approved it, or has sent it out.

The IRS typically processes refunds within 21 days of receiving your return if you filed electronically and chose direct deposit. State refunds vary by state but usually take 2 to 8 weeks. If you chose a paper check instead of direct deposit, add 1 to 2 weeks for mailing time.

If You Used TurboTax's Refund Advance or Refund Transfer

TurboTax offers two products that get you money before your actual tax refund arrives: the Refund Advance and the Refund Transfer. Both charge a fee, and both send your tax refund to a temporary account first.

With the Refund Advance, TurboTax loans you money against your expected refund. You get the loan within 1 to 2 business days, but you pay interest and fees. When your actual tax refund arrives from the IRS, it goes to TurboTax first to pay back the loan, then any remaining amount goes to you.

With the Refund Transfer, your tax refund is deposited into a temporary account that TurboTax sets up for you. You can transfer it to your own bank account, but there's a fee for this service. The refund arrives in the temporary account within 21 days of the IRS processing your return, and you can move it to your bank from there.

If you used either service and haven't received your money, check the status through your TurboTax account. Look for the temporary account number or loan confirmation. If the IRS has processed your return but the money hasn't arrived in the temporary account after 21 days, contact TurboTax support.

What to Do If Your Tax Refund Is Delayed or Missing

If the IRS or your state is taking longer than expected to process your refund, check the "Where's My Refund" tool again. Sometimes the status updates show a specific reason for the delay, such as a missing form or a discrepancy in your return.

Common reasons for delays include a mismatch between your Social Security number and name, a missing or incorrect bank account number for direct deposit, or an error in your income or deductions. If the tool shows an error, you may need to file an amended return or contact the IRS directly.

If your refund was supposed to arrive by direct deposit but didn't show up in your bank account after 21 days, contact your bank first. Ask them to search for the deposit using your routing number and account number. Sometimes the IRS sends the deposit to the wrong account if there was a typo when you filed.

If your bank confirms the deposit never arrived, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 or visit IRS.gov. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount ready. The IRS can trace where the refund went and reissue it if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if I already filed my taxes with TurboTax?

Yes, if you're within 60 days of purchase. Filing your taxes doesn't affect your ability to get a refund for the software itself. However, if you want a refund because you made a mistake on your return, you'll need to file an amended return (Form 1040-X), which is separate from refunding the TurboTax software.

What if TurboTax charged me twice?

Contact TurboTax support immediately at 1-800-209-2903 with your purchase confirmation emails. They can see both charges and will refund the duplicate. If support doesn't resolve it quickly, dispute the duplicate charge with your credit card or bank.

How long does it take for a TurboTax refund to show up in my bank account?

TurboTax processes the refund within 1 to 2 business days, but your bank controls when it appears in your account. Most banks post refunds within 5 to 10 business days, though some take up to 3 weeks depending on your institution.

Can I cancel my TurboTax subscription and get a refund?

If you're within 60 days of purchase, yes. If you're past 60 days, TurboTax generally won't refund a subscription. However, you can cancel future renewals in your account settings to avoid being charged next year.

What if the IRS rejected my return that I filed through TurboTax?

The IRS will send you a notice explaining why. You'll need to file an amended return to correct the error. TurboTax can help you file the amended return, but this is a separate filing from your original return and may have its own fee depending on which TurboTax product you use.