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Best option for filing separately for two people, one simple, and one including a Schedule C.

Just wondering what is the best or most economical choice of software download or online preparation for filing for both myself and my girlfriend. My taxes are simple, but she requires a Schedule C as a consultant with Mary Kay. We each need to file NY state taxes as well. Also, I filed both of our taxes with the online software last year, so I'm uncertain how that system would mesh if I switched to the downloadable software this year.
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Best option for filing separately for two people, one simple, and one including a Schedule C.

Yes you can use the Desktop CD/Download program instead of online.  You can even use a lower version like Deluxe to do the schedule C.  All the Desktop programs have all the same forms.  You just get more help in the Home & Business version.   You can buy the Desktop program from Turbo Tax, https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/cd-download/
Or look around for better prices at Amazon, Staples, Costco, Walmart, etc.

The Desktop program can do unlimited returns and efile 5 for free.  You get one state program download to prepare unlimited state returns (for the same state).  You can print and mail the state for free or each state is 24.99 to efile.

You can transfer from 2015 online versions.  There are two ways to transfer from an Online 2015 return into the 2016 Windows Desktop program

1.     You will need to download the .tax2015 file from online.   See this for how to download the .tax2015 file,
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/3371455-how-do-i-get-a-copy-of-the-2015-return-i-filed-in-turbotax...

Then start a new return in 2016 (go to FILE - NEW) and the very first thing it should do is search your computer for all 2015 files.  If it doesn't find it you can click Browse and point to where you saved it.

2.     If you can't get or didn't save the .tax2015 file to your computer before online was shut down in mid Oct. or lost it,  there is a way to do it by starting your 2016 return in the Online version, transfer into that and then you can switch and continue in the Desktop program without having to pay for the Online version. Here's how:
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901476-how-do-i-switch-from-turbotax-online-to-the-turbotax-softw...

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2 Replies

Best option for filing separately for two people, one simple, and one including a Schedule C.

Yes you can use the Desktop CD/Download program instead of online.  You can even use a lower version like Deluxe to do the schedule C.  All the Desktop programs have all the same forms.  You just get more help in the Home & Business version.   You can buy the Desktop program from Turbo Tax, https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/cd-download/
Or look around for better prices at Amazon, Staples, Costco, Walmart, etc.

The Desktop program can do unlimited returns and efile 5 for free.  You get one state program download to prepare unlimited state returns (for the same state).  You can print and mail the state for free or each state is 24.99 to efile.

You can transfer from 2015 online versions.  There are two ways to transfer from an Online 2015 return into the 2016 Windows Desktop program

1.     You will need to download the .tax2015 file from online.   See this for how to download the .tax2015 file,
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/3371455-how-do-i-get-a-copy-of-the-2015-return-i-filed-in-turbotax...

Then start a new return in 2016 (go to FILE - NEW) and the very first thing it should do is search your computer for all 2015 files.  If it doesn't find it you can click Browse and point to where you saved it.

2.     If you can't get or didn't save the .tax2015 file to your computer before online was shut down in mid Oct. or lost it,  there is a way to do it by starting your 2016 return in the Online version, transfer into that and then you can switch and continue in the Desktop program without having to pay for the Online version. Here's how:
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901476-how-do-i-switch-from-turbotax-online-to-the-turbotax-softw...

Best option for filing separately for two people, one simple, and one including a Schedule C.

Oh, and there are other advantages to using the Desktop program.  You can see and enter directly into the actual forms.  There is a What-If worksheet.  You can save your return with another name to test things, etc.

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