No U.S. Credit Card. Unable to Buy TurboTax

Forum|Forum|5 years ago
March 20, 2021
3 replies
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I am a long term resident of Japan but a U.S. citizen. This year I would like to purchase the TurboTax software. I used to just file directly with the IRS but they require a US phone number, which I do not have. I was at the checkout for the software, but the billing options is limited to US only. I do not currently posses any US credit cards but have VISA and MC linked to my Japan address. Please advise.

ToddL99

Why is this happening?  It is not a TurboTax limitation. U.S. banks require the card's billing address in order to validate on-line charges, and the databases they use for this purpose do not include foreign addresses (too many possible formats). Also, a great deal of on-line credit card fraud emanates from foreign countries; requiring a valid U.S. billing address reduces the chance that someone overseas is stealing your card number.

There are a few ways around this limitation. 

If you have a refund coming, you can use it to pay your TurboTax fees - this is a rather expensive option because of the service charge. 

The only other option is to pay for your TurboTax with someone else's U.S. credit card (close relative or close friend), one with a U.S. billing address. The payment process is completely separate from the tax return preparation, so using a card with a different name & address won't be a problem

Noob2020Author

Thanks!

mesquitebean

Employee

If you file with a foreign address, however, then you cannot use the option to pay any TurboTax fees out of the Federal refund. See this FAQ:

FAQ: Why can't I deduct my TurboTax fees from my refund?

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/charges-and-fees/help/why-can-t-i-deduct-my-turbotax-fees-from-my-refund/00/25621

toastal_

It's not just US credit card. You can have a US bank and a US card, but if it's addressed to a foreign country TurboTax won't take it. It's bad enough expats have all sort of extra hoops to deal with while filing, and they shouldn't have to be stonewalled by this as the final step. The fact that the best option is to ask for a friend or relative's credit card number is a disgrace and could compromise folk's security. If my bank allows foreign address and it verifies on other platform's TurboTax should as well.

CassLO

Please see the TurboTax FAQ's below for additional information on filing your taxes with a foreign address:

@toastal_

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Dilibou

TuboTax too persnickety, not customer focused. Their policy wrt USCIT ExPat is unpatriotic! I had to switch to H&R Block two years ago as they accept US Debit or Credit Card from ExPats with Foreign Addresses. They are slightly more expensive than TurboTax but it is what it is…at least I was able to complete my U.S. Tax obligation as an overseas ExOat thanks to H&R Block 🙏

Kavata Johanna

Hi!

I am running into this same issue, and it makes me just as stressed every time tax season comes around. This is my third year abroad now, and I'm dreading it every year as I feel uncomfortable asking my friends to help me out over and over again. Is HR Block legit for Americans living abroad? Can someone send me the link? I am seriously looking into better options than Turbo Tax at this point.. because of this ridiculous issue!

Thank you!