"We have apologized for the way we have handled it or as many of you have told it, mishandled it," Smith said. He apologized for hitting Deluxe customers with the removal of schedules C, D, E and F, which meant they had to pay for the more expensive Premier form next year. But customers were telling Intuit they wanted more than an apology.

"The change caught many of you off guard," Smith said. The change does not apply to TurboTax Online, whole editions had previously been realigned.

The forms will be restored to the Deluxe package for tax year 2015. "Next year, we are changing back to the TurboTax desktop software you've known and loved," he said.

For this year, Deluxe customers who have not purchased their software can upgrade to Premier for free. Those who have already paid can apply by April 20 to get $25 back.