TurboTax Anti-Piracy Code Spurs Backlash

A new anti-piracy feature on Intuit Inc.’s popular TurboTax software has triggered a consumer backlash.

Intuit says the criticism stems from misconceptions about the product activation code, which customers must obtain to use the tax preparation software.

The activation code essentially ties the software to a single computer to prevent buyers from sharing.

Customers can use TurboTax on other computers, but printing and electronic filing of tax returns must be done from the original computer.

Customers are blasting the change as something that could cause problems if they buy a new computer before the April 15 tax-filing deadline or need to amend their 2002 returns a year or two later.

Mountain View, Calif.-based Intuit is making some changes in response to complaints.