"If you need to itemize on Schedule A, you'll need to use TurboTax Deluxe," an Intuit spokesperson acknowledges. "Customers in this situation will pay more this year vs. last year." However, customers with concerns or questions are being urged to contact TurboTax and "we'll work with them on a case-by-case basis."

She says the changes bring the desktop product in line with the features offered in the similar edition of TurboTax Online "As more customers move from TurboTax desktop to Online to mobile solutions, this change creates a more consistent experience across TurboTax products and platforms," she says

Similarly, those who have purchased TurboTax Deluxe find they have to buy the more expensive TurboTax Premier to get the ability to electronically files schedules. C, D, E and F. While those using the forms input method can complete those schedules, electronic filing is no longer included.

Arch competitor H&R Block countered offering buyers free copies of Deluxe + State desktop software if they have already purchased TurboTax Basic or Deluxe. Block says that those forced to move from TurboTax Basic to Deluxe are paying $40 more while the software it is offering them costs $19.95, giving the TurboTax Basic subscribers access to Schedule A.

Those seeking to accept the offering much email information to
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. This includes name, address, phone number, operating system used and proof of purchase. The latter can be a photo or scan of a store receipt or the email showing download code. They will receive an email for one free download of H&R Block Deluxe + State. Block says participants can import last year's tax returns directly from TurboTax for free.

Block also has a similar offer for TurboTax Deluxe clients to move to of H&R Block Deluxe + State. The Block product includes access to Schedules C and D. State users will receive a 10-percent refund bonus on a federal refund when the taxpayer puts some or all of their refund on e-gift cards.

The Block product offers five federal e-files and one state product download.