Date April 15, 2025 | By TruthWire.News Staff
Who: TurboTax users nationwide
What: Complaints over unexpected, high tax filing fees
Where: Across the U.S., especially online (Reddit, X)
When: Mid-April 2025, as Tax Day approaches
Why: Upselling, unclear fee structures, and refund-based processing charges
Americans are expressing widespread outrage over unexpected TurboTax charges during this tax season, with many users reporting fees as high as $250 despite the company’s marketing of “free” filing options.
Across social media platforms, taxpayers are sharing their frustrations about being automatically enrolled in premium services without clear notification. The complaints largely center on unexpected upgrades to paid tiers and hidden processing fees. A particularly contentious issue is the company’s $40-plus charge for those who opt to pay filing fees through their tax refund.
One user shared their experience on Reddit:
"After being a loyal customer for over 15 years, they have charged me for live support even though I did not use live support. Apparently, it can be 'upgraded along the way' and can't be removed if you misclick some random toggle on all of the pages they try to make you misclick on."These complaints reflect a longstanding pattern of criticism against tax preparation services. While TurboTax prominently advertises its Free Edition, many users discover that this basic service only accommodates simple W-2 tax returns, with more complex filings requiring paid upgrades.
Meanwhile on X:
@SabioScientist
Before I leave this Earth, I'm taking @turbotax @HRBlock and related predatory tax filing companies down. I hate them with a fiery passion. Taxes should NEVER cost hundreds of dollars to file.The mounting frustration has made TurboTax a trending topic on social media, as users share stories of paying more in filing fees than anticipated. “I just wanted to file my taxes,” wrote one taxpayer, echoing a common sentiment among those caught off guard by the additional charges.