TurboTax and the Microsoft .NET Framework

TurboTax for Windows 2009 and later relies heavily on the .NET Framework, so it's crucial that the .NET Framework files on your computer are up-to-date and functional. If the installer finds any missing or corrupted files, installation freezes or aborts.

It is possible to have a corrupted or nonfunctional .NET Framework on your Windows operating system without you noticing anything amiss. The .NET Framework is generally used only by newer programs; even then, many programs currently built off the .NET Framework aren't as tightly connected to it as is TurboTax.

However, as time goes by, your chances of encountering issues related to broken .NET Framework will increase, as more and more programs tied to the .NET Framework are being released.

Because TurboTax was an early adopter of the .NET Framework, think of it as an "early warning system" for missing or corrupted .NET Framework files that could potentially create additional problems in the future.

As part of its pre-installation routine, TurboTax checks for common .NET Framework issues using tools provided by Microsoft. If it finds a problem, it tries to fix it.

While TurboTax can fix many of these issues, there are some that cannot be fixed solely by the installer.

Microsoft has acknowledged that .NET Framework files can and so become corrupted. While most of these problems can be fixed using their tools, a handful have proved difficult to fix. Our engineers have been working with their Microsoft contacts to find an easy and comprehensive solution that works for all Windows customers.

If you're having problems manually installing the .NET Framework, click here and follow the instructions in the Microsoft knowledgebase article.

Otherwise, start by finding out which version(s) of .NET Framework is installed on your computer:

1. Open Control Panel in your Start menu.
2. Click Uninstall a Program (or Add or Remove Programs in Windows XP).
3. Wait for the list to finish loading.
4. Find the version number(s) for Microsoft .NET Framework, close the window, and proceed to the appropriate set of instructions below.

Version 4 not installed

Click here and follow the instructions in the Microsoft knowledgebase article.

Version 4 installed

1. Run the .NET Verification tool.
2. Make a note of which version failed. Failed versions of .NET Framework will need to be repaired or reinstalled.
3. After repairing or reinstalling, run the .NET Verification tool again.
4. After the verification completes, the Current Status line should read Product verification succeeded.

If the .NET Verification tool continues to detect problems, or if you are still having .NET Framework issues after passing verification, click here to visit Microsoft employee and .NET expert Aaron Stebner's WebLog and carefully follow his directions to download and run the .NET Framework Cleanup tool.

Consider using TurboTax Online, which doesn't rely on the .NET Framework. How TurboTax Online compares to TurboTax software.

If you decide to switch to TurboTax Online, click here to request a voucher.