Vanguard TurboTax - Not Available 2015?
Vanguard TurboTax - Not Available 2015?
I was contacted by Vanguard today stating that the discount for TurboTax would not be available any more (starting with 2015). Anyone else have any info on this?
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Re: Vanguard TurboTax - Not Available 2015?
I may be incorrect but I thought there was a message earlier in the year on Vanguard's website.
John C. Bogle: “Simplicity is the master key to financial success."
Re: Vanguard TurboTax - Not Available 2015?
I just looked on the Vanguard site and found nothing about this. I sent a note to my rep to find out. Will post results when I hear back unless someone else has already done so.
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Re: Vanguard TurboTax - Not Available 2015?
I went to site and noticed the benefits are no longer listed.RudyS wrote:I just looked on the Vanguard site and found nothing about this. I sent a note to my rep to find out. Will post results when I hear back unless someone else has already done so.
This is a disappointment, if true.
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Re: Vanguard TurboTax - Not Available 2015?
Vanguard usually posts its TurboTax discounts in mid-December, so I wouldn’t expect to see any discounts posted before then.
Re: Vanguard TurboTax - Not Available 2015?
A recent thread about flagship customers had several posters, including me, note it as the only useful perquisite. Onward and downward New Vanguard!
Edit- perhaps partially unfair, since it's as likely Intuit is the obstruction here, such as raising prices to Vanguard after hooking us for a few years. But it would be nice if we simply knew, one way or the other, what they will be offering so we can get on with it. The less communicative a company is, the less interested I am in doing business with it.
Edit- perhaps partially unfair, since it's as likely Intuit is the obstruction here, such as raising prices to Vanguard after hooking us for a few years. But it would be nice if we simply knew, one way or the other, what they will be offering so we can get on with it. The less communicative a company is, the less interested I am in doing business with it.
Last edited by gd on Tue Dec 01, 2015 7:48 am, edited 2 times in total.
Re: Vanguard TurboTax - Not Available 2015?
TT is often available on Amazon - and if you get part of your tax refund via Amazon funds, you get a 10% boost. I cover the cost of TT via this method.
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Re: Vanguard TurboTax - Not Available 2015?
When I asked my rep a week ago I was told the decision by VG had not been made yet.
If it is not offered -
GoodBye TT
Hello TaxAct
If it is not offered -
GoodBye TT
Hello TaxAct
"There's a crack in everything, that's how the light gets in" - Leonard Cohen (RIP)
Re: Vanguard TurboTax - Not Available 2015?
Note that Tax Act has evidently adopted the same business model that TT tried last year, which is basically different features and forms in different versions. I find that difficult to understand after all the grief TT got when they tried that last year.tommoran2 wrote:When I asked my rep a week ago I was told the decision by VG had not been made yet.
If it is not offered -
GoodBye TT
Hello TaxAct
Re: Vanguard TurboTax - Not Available 2015?
Confirmed, they won't be offering discounts on TT this year. 2015
Last edited by rustymutt on Tue Dec 01, 2015 10:24 am, edited 1 time in total.
Even educators need education. And some can be hard headed to the point of needing time out.
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Re: Vanguard TurboTax - Not Available 2015?
Just spoke to VG. They will not offer the discount this year.
"There's a crack in everything, that's how the light gets in" - Leonard Cohen (RIP)
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Re: Vanguard TurboTax - Not Available 2015?
A buck is a buck, for sure, and free is good.
But the cost of Turbotax vs its benefit is one of the great bargains in life. I just buy mine every year. Costco and other places run specials on it usually.
But the cost of Turbotax vs its benefit is one of the great bargains in life. I just buy mine every year. Costco and other places run specials on it usually.
Re: Vanguard TurboTax - Not Available 2015?
I can also confirm this now. Just got off phone with Vanguard rep. They won't be offering any discounts this year.tommoran2 wrote:Just spoke to VG. They will not offer the discount this year.
Even educators need education. And some can be hard headed to the point of needing time out.
Re: Vanguard TurboTax - Not Available 2015?
"One does not accumulate but eliminate. It is not daily increase but daily decrease. The height of cultivation always runs to simplicity" –Bruce Lee
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Re: Vanguard TurboTax - Not Available 2015?
Yes I received this email today:
Dear Valued Customer,
Last year, as a Vanguard customer, you received a special discount on your TurboTax product. Unfortunately, Vanguard decided to discontinue this TurboTax program.
As a result of Vanguard's decision, you will no longer be able to get TurboTax at a discounted price through Vanguard.com.
You may see TurboTax offered through Vanguard.com this year. However, using those links will not provide you a discount as they have in prior years. We hope that you'll continue to trust your taxes to TurboTax. You will still be able to download your Vanguard tax forms into TurboTax. In addition, we're pleased to offer you a discount of $10 off the TurboTax federal product of your choice. Take advantage of this offer now.
If you have any questions or comments regarding Vanguard's decision, please contact Vanguard at 1-877-662-7447.
Sincerely,
Your TurboTax Team
Dear Valued Customer,
Last year, as a Vanguard customer, you received a special discount on your TurboTax product. Unfortunately, Vanguard decided to discontinue this TurboTax program.
As a result of Vanguard's decision, you will no longer be able to get TurboTax at a discounted price through Vanguard.com.
You may see TurboTax offered through Vanguard.com this year. However, using those links will not provide you a discount as they have in prior years. We hope that you'll continue to trust your taxes to TurboTax. You will still be able to download your Vanguard tax forms into TurboTax. In addition, we're pleased to offer you a discount of $10 off the TurboTax federal product of your choice. Take advantage of this offer now.
If you have any questions or comments regarding Vanguard's decision, please contact Vanguard at 1-877-662-7447.
Sincerely,
Your TurboTax Team
“Those who move forward with a happy spirit will find that things always work out.” -Retired 13 years 😀
Re: Vanguard TurboTax - Not Available 2015?
I like TaxAct, it's much less of an annoying nanny than Turbotax. They've raised prices a bit this year.
https://www.taxact.com/tax-preparation/
If you're really stuck on TurboTax, USAA offers up to $20 off.
https://www.usaa.com/inet/pages/advice_tax_center_main
Of course, that's the same as Amazon or Costco.
https://www.taxact.com/tax-preparation/
If you're really stuck on TurboTax, USAA offers up to $20 off.
https://www.usaa.com/inet/pages/advice_tax_center_main
Of course, that's the same as Amazon or Costco.
Work is the curse of the drinking class - Oscar Wilde
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Re: Vanguard TurboTax - Not Available 2015?
Discount is available through Fidelity website..
Re: Vanguard TurboTax - Not Available 2015?
Just tell them that you are one of the owners and maybe they will cut you a deal.tommoran2 wrote:Just spoke to VG. They will not offer the discount this year.
"Earn All You Can; Give All You Can; Save All You Can." .... John Wesley
Re: Vanguard TurboTax - Not Available 2015?
I assume this means no complimentary version for flagship clients, either?
Re: Vanguard TurboTax - Not Available 2015?
Many of TurboTax’s customers were angry about TurboTax’s a la carte pricing last year. Perhaps Vanguard’s clients complained to Vanguard about it, and perhaps Vanguard decided to pull the plug for that reason.
Re: Vanguard TurboTax - Not Available 2015?
Here’s what Vanguard says about TurboTax. This is from an email sent to Flagship clients today.
"Update for TurboTax users
Vanguard will continue to offer access to TurboTax® products to clients on our website, but we're discontinuing our discounted and complimentary offerings beginning with the 2015 tax season. During a recent review, we decided to align our offerings with Vanguard's core investment products and services.
Rest assured that you'll still be able to import Vanguard-generated tax forms into TurboTax through our website if you wish, and we'll continue to assist you with any technical issues that may occur when importing your forms. If you prefer to file your taxes online, we recommend that you go directly to the TurboTax website or another provider to obtain any available discounts."
"Update for TurboTax users
Vanguard will continue to offer access to TurboTax® products to clients on our website, but we're discontinuing our discounted and complimentary offerings beginning with the 2015 tax season. During a recent review, we decided to align our offerings with Vanguard's core investment products and services.
Rest assured that you'll still be able to import Vanguard-generated tax forms into TurboTax through our website if you wish, and we'll continue to assist you with any technical issues that may occur when importing your forms. If you prefer to file your taxes online, we recommend that you go directly to the TurboTax website or another provider to obtain any available discounts."
Re: Vanguard TurboTax - Not Available 2015?
Well, no need to be a Flagship client anymore! The free TT was the only use I had in the Flagship level. I was a previous Tax Act customer, and now they will get me back, though their prices are up this year.
Re: Vanguard TurboTax - Not Available 2015?
Please correct me if I read it wrong... TaxAct includes a state return (other than "free" product) in the download version, but is extra in the online version? Would expect it to be the reverse.
download: http://www.taxact.com/tax-preparation/
online: http://www.taxact.com/taxes-online/
Thanks,
Paul
download: http://www.taxact.com/tax-preparation/
online: http://www.taxact.com/taxes-online/
Thanks,
Paul
Re: Vanguard TurboTax - Not Available 2015?
Looks that way to me. I'll also note that Tax Act doesn't have a Mac download. So, for me, I'll have to compare their more expensive browser offering against Turbo Tax.sddiehard wrote:Please correct me if I read it wrong... TaxAct includes a state return (other than "free" product) in the download version, but is extra in the online version? Would expect it to be the
Paul
Re: Vanguard TurboTax - Not Available 2015?
furwut wrote:Looks that way to me. I'll also note that Tax Act doesn't have a Mac download. So, for me, I'll have to compare their more expensive browser offering against Turbo Tax.sddiehard wrote:Please correct me if I read it wrong... TaxAct includes a state return (other than "free" product) in the download version, but is extra in the online version? Would expect it to be the
Paul
furwut,
Thanks for the confirmation. Yes, seems Tax Act download doesn't support any other platform than Windows.
Also noticed Turbo Tax also includes the state in the download and not in the online version, although their pricing is different.
Paul
Re: Vanguard TurboTax - Not Available 2015?
Yep, I got an email from Vanguard a few minutes ago indicated NO discounted or complimentary TurboTax for the 2015 tax year.
Bummer.
Bummer.
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Re: Vanguard TurboTax - Not Available 2015?
I've gotten used to the discounted TT from Vanguard. I'd like to use the desktop version, but I'm flexible when/where I buy it. Any collective wisdom on when Intuit historically has discounts and via which channel? Amazon and Costco are obvious choices ... but I recently received "trial" DVD from Intuit which I didn't look at carefully but I imagine won't have a meaningful discount...
Re: Vanguard TurboTax - Not Available 2015?
Some time after April 15 but before the fall rush of filers, you can probably get a good deal. There might be good deals before April 15 but after that, retailers probably want to get rid of their inventory.jonathan2001 wrote:I've gotten used to the discounted TT from Vanguard. I'd like to use the desktop version, but I'm flexible when/where I buy it. Any collective wisdom on when Intuit historically has discounts and via which channel? Amazon and Costco are obvious choices ... but I recently received "trial" DVD from Intuit which I didn't look at carefully but I imagine won't have a meaningful discount...
I always wanted to be a procrastinator.
Re: Vanguard TurboTax - Not Available 2015?
I've used [(removed) -- admin LadyGeek] the past couple years. The name sounds gimmicky, but I've been happy with it. They don't restrict access to any forms, it's all one-tier pricing (free federal and $12.95 state). It looks like they'll import prior-year TurboTax returns.
Re: Vanguard TurboTax - Not Available 2015?
Looks interesting and it's all online. Will consider using it for 2015.rendrag wrote:I've used [(removed) -- admin LadyGeek] the past couple years. The name sounds gimmicky, but I've been happy with it. They don't restrict access to any forms, it's all one-tier pricing (free federal and $12.95 state). It looks like they'll import prior-year TurboTax returns.
Thanks for sharing your take on FreeTaxUSA.
Paul
Re: Vanguard TurboTax - Not Available 2015?
I narrowly chose Vanguard over Fidelity and the free Flagship TurboTax was the deciding factor. I'm tempted to switch to Fidelity to get the $2500 sign on bonus. I think I'll pass on the $20 TurboTax discount because I don't want want to give my credit card number to TurboTax.Jimbandit24 wrote:Discount is available through Fidelity website..
In an ideal world, Vanguard would replace TurboTax (now operated by Somali pirates) with TaxAct.
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2015 TurboTax -- Vanguard discount gone
Sadly I received this in my e-mail today from Vanguard. The days of subsidized or free TurboTax software appear to be over...
"Year End Tax information from Vanguard"
....
"Update for TurboTax users
Vanguard will continue to offer access to TurboTax® products to clients on our website, but we're discontinuing our discounted and complimentary offerings beginning with the 2015 tax season. During a recent review, we decided to align our offerings with Vanguard's core investment products and services.
Rest assured that you'll still be able to import Vanguard-generated tax forms into TurboTax through our website if you wish, and we'll continue to assist you with any technical issues that may occur when importing your forms. If you prefer to file your taxes online, we recommend that you go directly to the TurboTax website or another provider to obtain any available discounts."
"Year End Tax information from Vanguard"
....
"Update for TurboTax users
Vanguard will continue to offer access to TurboTax® products to clients on our website, but we're discontinuing our discounted and complimentary offerings beginning with the 2015 tax season. During a recent review, we decided to align our offerings with Vanguard's core investment products and services.
Rest assured that you'll still be able to import Vanguard-generated tax forms into TurboTax through our website if you wish, and we'll continue to assist you with any technical issues that may occur when importing your forms. If you prefer to file your taxes online, we recommend that you go directly to the TurboTax website or another provider to obtain any available discounts."
Re: Vanguard TurboTax - Not Available 2015?
I too leaned towards Vanguard due to the free TurboTax policy. The timing of this announcement is also bad. At worse, today's announcement should have been that this is the last year of the free TurboTax policy and to plan accordingly next year.
Re: Vanguard TurboTax - Not Available 2015?
I’m still curious as to why Vanguard pulled the plug on TurboTax. Did Vanguard fear legal liability if a Vanguard client who used Vanguard’s discounts to purchase TurboTax later decided for some reason to sue TurboTax?
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Re: Vanguard TurboTax - Not Available 2015?
My return is fairly straight forward.rendrag wrote:I've used FreeTaxUSA the past couple years. The name sounds gimmicky, but I've been happy with it. They don't restrict access to any forms, it's all one-tier pricing (free federal and $12.95 state). It looks like they'll import prior-year TurboTax returns.
Has anyone else used FreeTaxUSA? TT charges $54.99, TaxAct charges $14.99 and this one is free. Opinions? Thanks.
Re: Vanguard TurboTax - Not Available 2015?
I merged winterescape's post into here, which is in the Personal Finance (Not Investing) forum.
Re: Vanguard TurboTax - Not Available 2015?
With all the bad press that Intuit gets with TurboTax marketing and misinformation, why would Vanguard even want to be remotely associated with Intuit?John151 wrote:I’m still curious as to why Vanguard pulled the plug on TurboTax.
What if Vanguard increased the cost of all Vanguard Admiral funds a little bit for all Flagship members and then gave all of them a check for $50 to use to buy any tax software they wanted?
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Re: Vanguard TurboTax - Not Available 2015?
I also find this quite frustrating. I switched from my longtime TaxACT use to TT, based on expectation that I would get this from Vanguard going forward. First year was a learning exercise. Last year was a challenge with the changes to forms and versions. This year, I'm apparently cut off and now get to fend for myself. I guess I've seen several deals online, but I feel like a sucker for making the switch to TT, only to learn that I should have stayed with TaxACT.Well, no need to be a Flagship client anymore! The free TT was the only use I had in the Flagship level. I was a previous Tax Act customer, and now they will get me back, though their prices are up this year.
Re: Vanguard TurboTax - Not Available 2015?
Livesoft, I’m a cheapskate. I’d rather leave Vanguard’s costs where they are and do my income taxes by hand!livesoft wrote:With all the bad press that Intuit gets with TurboTax marketing and misinformation, why would Vanguard even want to be remotely associated with Intuit?John151 wrote:I’m still curious as to why Vanguard pulled the plug on TurboTax.
What if Vanguard increased the cost of all Vanguard Admiral funds a little bit for all Flagship members and then gave all of them a check for $50 to use to buy any tax software they wanted?
Re: Vanguard TurboTax - Not Available 2015?
I think this sort of speculation is overthinking it. Vanguard's gone big time, the days of doing stuff on some sort of better principle are faded. They can't quantify the positive effect of it as clearly as the cost. Probably more importantly, there's no telling what Intuit has done on their end-- I'd assume they were offering a good deal for a few years hoping to hook high-end customers, and are trying to play in the line now.John151 wrote:I’m still curious as to why Vanguard pulled the plug on TurboTax. Did Vanguard fear legal liability if a Vanguard client who used Vanguard’s discounts to purchase TurboTax later decided for some reason to sue TurboTax?
Re: Vanguard TurboTax - Not Available 2015?
Long time Vanguard TurboTax user.
What are the downsides to switching to TaxAct? $22 for 5 Fed e-files and one state.
Last year I did need TT Premier (now $70 on Amazon)for stock sales and MLP's.
I recall trying one, maybe TaxAct, that required downloading the brokerage info to Excel/cvs??
Thanks
What are the downsides to switching to TaxAct? $22 for 5 Fed e-files and one state.
Last year I did need TT Premier (now $70 on Amazon)for stock sales and MLP's.
I recall trying one, maybe TaxAct, that required downloading the brokerage info to Excel/cvs??
Thanks
Re: Vanguard TurboTax - Not Available 2015?
I switched to TaxACT 2 years ago and have no reason to go elsewhere.fred9x wrote:What are the downsides to switching to TaxAct? $22 for 5 Fed e-files and one state.
The only downside is that you'll probably need to manually enter last year's tax info manually. However, you can easily copy-n-paste info from TurboTax's PDF export. Once that's done, it's a matter of getting used to the new software.
I think TaxACT easier to navigate, once you get over the learning curve. It's a more of a "plain vanilla" interface - functionality over fancy formatting. The Explorer-like forms view made it really easy to copy-n-paste info into multiple forms.
Re: Vanguard TurboTax - Not Available 2015?
Thank you, Lady Geek!
Re: Vanguard TurboTax - Not Available 2015?
"He who hesitates has lost."
I just went to the TaxAct site and found TaxAct Plus that was $22 is now $30.
I just went to the TaxAct site and found TaxAct Plus that was $22 is now $30.
Re: Vanguard TurboTax - Not Available 2015?
TaxACT this year will re-attempt the forms-based forced pricing TurboTax tried and failed last year. The free version used to include all forms and schedules, only no import capabilities. Now it only includes simple forms. If you want Schedule D, the Basic version won't do; you have to use the Plus version. If you want Schedule C, you have to use the Premium version. The new price is catching up with that of TurboTax Deluxe, which includes all forms.LadyGeek wrote:I switched to TaxACT 2 years ago and have no reason to go elsewhere.
Last edited by tfb on Thu Dec 03, 2015 12:57 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Vanguard TurboTax - Not Available 2015?
I know I'm in the minority but I think it's great Vanguard stopped supporting a company with the ethics that has been displayed in the TT products over a decade or more.
|
Rob |
Its a dangerous business going out your front door. - J.R.R.Tolkien
Re: Vanguard TurboTax - Not Available 2015?
Vanguard did not stop supporting Intuit.rob wrote:I know I'm in the minority but I think it's great Vanguard stopped supporting a company with the ethics that has been displayed in the TT products over a decade or more.
Linking to another company's products from a trusted site is worth a lot of money. Intuit no doubt pays for it. It just means Vanguard will keep the referral revenue to itself instead of using it to subsidize free TurboTax to Flagship customers. Maybe Vanguard was upside down. Now it won't be.Vanguard wrote:Vanguard will continue to offer access to TurboTax® products to clients on our website
Harry Sit has left the forums.
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Re: Vanguard TurboTax - Not Available 2015?
For those of us that need Sched D -tfb wrote:TaxACT this year will re-attempt the forms-based forced pricing TurboTax tried and failed last year. The free version used to include all forms and schedules, only no import capabilities. Now it only includes simple forms. If you want Schedule D, the Basic version won't do; you have to use the Plus version. If you want Schedule C, you have to use the Premium version. The new price is catching up with that of TurboTax Deluxe, which includes all forms.LadyGeek wrote:I switched to TaxACT 2 years ago and have no reason to go elsewhere.
The TaxAct (Plus) Download is 1/3 the price (30 dollars) of TurboTax Premier download (90 dollars).
"There's a crack in everything, that's how the light gets in" - Leonard Cohen (RIP)
Re: Vanguard TurboTax - Not Available 2015?
But one doesn't need TurboTax Premier for Schedule D nor Schedule C. I found TT Deluxe for $35 already. Note that this did not have a state return.tommoran2 wrote:For those of us that need Sched D -
The TaxAct (Plus) Download is 1/3 the price (30 dollars) of TurboTax Premier download (90 dollars).
Now what would be good for me is if a place like BestBuy had different versions of the various tax softwares installed on computers in their stores, so that one could try them out in person and see what they actually provide.
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Re: Vanguard TurboTax - Not Available 2015?
What is the difference between TaxAct and FreeTaxUSA ?
“The intelligent investor is a realist who sells to optimists and buys from pessimists.” |
― Benjamin Graham, The Intelligent Investor (75/25 - 50/50 - 25/75)