##master-page:Unknown-Page ##master-date:2008-01-21 ##acl MoinPagesEditorGroup:read,write,delete,revert All:read #format wiki #language en == Turbo Tax Online == === Background === [[http://turbotax.intuit.com/|Turbo Tax Online]] is convenient way to file federal income tax in the United States through a web browser. Your author has used Firefox on Linux to file his taxes 2001 - 2007. However, as of January 2008, that website is now checking the [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User_agent|user agent]] string reported by Firefox to specifically exclude Linux users. === Modifying Firefox's User Agent String === Fortunately, it is trivial to change the user agent string in Firefox and step around this disappointing exclusion. 1. Point Firefox to the special url: ''about:config'' 1. Filter on the string ''useragent'' 1. Change the value of ''general.useragent.vendor'' from ''Ubuntu'' to ''Windows'' 1. Change the value of ''general.useragent.vendor'' from ''gutsy'' to ''Windows NT 5.1'' Now, try [[http://turbotax.intuit.com/]] again. * '''Don't forget to change your ''general.useragent.vendor'' and ''general.useragent.vendor'' values back to their originals when you're done!''' An alternative method of changing your user agent string is to install the [[https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/user-agent-switcher/|user agent switcher]] add on for Firefox. It is useful in any situation of this type and then you don't have to remember the string instructions. Remember to reload the page after switching user agents. === Alternative Approach === For now, it seems that this link bypasses the system requirements check (for now): * [[https://turbotaxweb.turbotaxonline.intuit.com/open/registration/Start.htm]] === Disclaimers === It is possible that the good people at Turbo Tax have a reason for excluding Linux users. Their technical support team has been contacted to report the problem. The response has been that Turbo Tax only supports Windows and Mac users. In the meantime, one may use the above workaround. === References === * [[http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?p=4186259&posted=1#post4186259|Discussion in the Ubuntu Forums]] ---- ---- CategoryApplications