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Level 2
posted Mar 6, 2021 8:12:46 AM

Anyone having this installation problem with the License Code ?

I bought a valid copy of TurboTax 2020 Standard edition from Staples. I installed the application via the enclosed CD. When prompted I entered the License Code that was provided with the CD. It seemed to be accepted, but every time I launch TurboTax it again prompts me to enter the License Code. Sometime I can get into the full program and other times it does nothing. I have rebooted the PC (Windows 10 - 20H2 19042.844). I have uninstalled, rebooted, and reinstalled. But still nothing changes this behavior. So I contacted Intuit for support and was given a phone number to call. The support tech was knowledgeable and helpful. He had me allow him to view my screen so he could help. We tried various things and he could clearly see the problem. He thought it might be a network issue. My network is WIFI based and we have numerous devices on the WIFI without any problems (except TurboTax 2020). He talked me through setting up my cell phone with an internet hotspot and we switched my PC to use that instead of the household WIFI. And this seems to fix the problem, but it is not the way I want to use the software. He said that since it was a network problem this was all he could do - and I understand that. BUT, this does seem to be a Intuit problem, as it is only the License Code activation that seems to fail. I still cannot run the software reliably over my household WIFI.

 

I am wondering if anyone else has experienced this kind of issue, or is it only me.

 

Any thoughts?

 

Peter

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20 Replies
Level 3
Mar 6, 2021 8:45:52 AM

Hi Peter,

TurboTax seems to have a variety of problems this year with activations. I purchased a download version from Costco, as I've done for several years now. It installed fine (Windows 8 64-bit), but the licence key activation window never opens, so I can't activate it. Have spoken to tech support twice. First one didn't have any answers. Second one blamed it on my McAfee security software, but I uninstalled McAfee and reinstalled TurboTax 2020. It still wouldn't work. I think they have enough issues trying to get it to work with Windows 10 that they don't even care about anyone still running Windows 8, which they advertise as being compatible by the way.

I've been trying since January and still can't get the Licence Code Activation Window to open, so TurboTax is no good for me this year. I returned it to Costco for a refund and went with another tax software that works just fine.

Good luck!

Level 2
Mar 6, 2021 10:08:54 AM

Hey, thanks for the response. Yes, from what I've read here it does seem that TurboTax 2020 is off to a bad start this year (pun intended).

May I ask which alternate tax software you went with?  At this point I am considering recommendations. It's a shame - we've been using this software for more than 20 years, back when it was called QuickTax. It was a no brainer to buy it each January - this is the first time I can't use it.

I also just placed an order with Bell Alliant to have my 10 year old WIFI modem upgraded, mostly because of today's fiasco attempting to get TurboTax working.

 

Peter

Level 3
Mar 6, 2021 10:57:28 AM

Yes, I also go all the way back to QuickTax. It's a shame that TurboTax can't seem to get their act together this year. It was always a good product and easy to use.

Anyway, on the recommendation of a friend who is a retired CFO and has used this software for years, I switched to GenuTax Standard for Windows. Note that it's recommended for use with a desktop computer. It's approved by CRA for NetFile. 

It took a bit longer, just not being familiar with it and having to enter the personal info that I can usually pull forward with TT. I also opted for the detailed questionnaire, but having gone through it, the short form questionnaire would have been fine for me. The additional time spent was way less than the time I've spent trying to get TT to work this year. The bonus with GenuTax is that it's free! They do suggest a donation if you're happy with it. Check it out if you wish.

Jim

 

Level 1
Mar 6, 2021 7:43:06 PM

I have exactly the same problem

New Member
Mar 7, 2021 8:28:34 AM

Just bought mine (Standard) from Intuit yesterday, but the installation never completes. As the extraction files begins, the download asks for permission to download two apps, Sony's "SensMe" and "Content Transfer". They are legitimate Sony products but have no business being in the download. As a result, even if you accept, the Turbo Tax installation never completes. I had an IT friend take a look at my computer to make sure it wasn't corrupted by malware, but he says the error is definitely in the file from Intuit. Suggested perhaps either an error in coding, or somebody tampered with the download code as they were walking out the door. I got through on a helpline, but the help is outsourced to Salesform.com, and was of little help. Either way, I'm out $35 and can't download the program. I love the transfer of data from previous years returns.

Anybody have success downloading the TurboTax_2020.exe file on March 6th or 7th?

Level 2
Mar 11, 2021 5:39:30 AM

Today, Bell Aliant upgraded (at a cost to me) my WIFI router/modem (since the old one was about 11 years old) and now when I launch TurboTax 2020 I no longer have to enter the License Code each time. I don't know whether this is a cause and effect of the router upgrade, or merely a coincidence - did a TurboTax update sneak  in and fix the issue. I dunno.

 

Cheers,

Peter

Level 1
Apr 1, 2021 11:24:02 AM

I'm having the same problem. 

It says, something's not right, try re-entering your code. And I tried to contact turbo tax but it was just an automated response and send me the community link.

New Member
Apr 16, 2021 12:26:16 PM

Yes I am in the middle of it and I have now wasted 4 1/2hr and the program will not accept my licence code that was in the box that I bought at Staples. I have used their program for 5 years without any problems.

Returning Member
Apr 17, 2021 4:50:48 AM

after i got this activated it will open ONLY if i go offline first. Check out how i activated under "bernie22"

Returning Member
Apr 24, 2021 12:09:19 PM

I purchased 2 programs.  The first one worked fine.  The second one will not ask me for the license code.  Also someone (another computer) used up 2 of my returns on the the first purchase ???

New Member
Apr 25, 2021 6:53:48 AM

Same i got a problem on installing the turbo tax sstandard i bought at walmart anybody can help

New Member
Apr 25, 2021 6:55:56 AM

Mine is windows 10 which is also i did it for many years .please help

Level 1
Jun 21, 2021 3:12:17 PM

Hi

TurboTax Corporate purchased from Staples in Ontario decided that we had already used our licence on the first attempt at filing.

Trying to find a workaround without buying another licence.

Doug

Level 3
Feb 2, 2023 5:41:20 PM

I can't input my licence code from the download (I also purchased the software box). Turbotax system will not accept code and I've typed in the correct code at least 6 times.

I cannot use the CD so I guess I'm out the cash I paid for software box.

2022 TurboTax for PC (Windows 10 or later)

Level 3
Feb 2, 2023 5:44:42 PM

I've used this software for over a decade so I'm not a newbie.

I am beyond frustrated as it's obvious from reading the Community comments that the licence code input issue has been around for YEARS.

 

Level 15
Feb 3, 2023 6:14:05 AM

This issue is usually from the screen resolution. This is a work around for now- When you get the white box, move your cursor around. At some point around the left side in the middle, your cursor will change from an arrow to what you normally get over a dialogue box.  Click here and type in the licence code.  Then move to the bottom right and your cursor will change again when you get over the “ok” button.  Click on that area.  It should get you in.

 

Thank you for choosing TurboTax.

New Member
Feb 15, 2024 11:08:21 AM

I have never had a problem installing from CD, today  I tried and system will not accept the activation code for my 2023 Basic.  Tried calling, but you talk to a stupid computer...........grrr they should have humans on the phones.................really pist off

 

Level 7
Feb 15, 2024 11:22:56 AM

We sent you a DM, and we will do our best to assist you.

 

Thank you for choosing TurboTax.

New Member
Apr 26, 2024 8:30:40 AM

I am very disappointed - I am ready to file my 2023 Tax Return and when I go to submit to CRA, Turbo Tax asks for the Licence Code which I have entered multiple times now but it won't accept it. 

I purchased the program from Costco.  This isn't the first year it's been an issue.  Why is it impossible to speak with a Customer Support person...!!!!  

I hope to have this resolved asap as I am not willing to pay 2X for this product...

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Moderator
Apr 26, 2024 2:46:43 PM

Please kindly download the software from our website. All recent updates will be included on your software and you will not be facing these challenges.

 

Thank you for choosing TurboTax.