TurboTax software vs. e-filing from the website?

Forum|Forum|5 years ago
April 2, 2021
1 reply
4 views

What is the main reason for someone to purchase software rather than filing on the website?

Not much difference between the costs. If purchasing software, you still need to print it out and mail the form to IRS, then IRS will manually enter your data into the system (it could cause typing error).

While e-filing is convenient, the website can also save a lot of data for following year.

So why some people choose sofeware over e-filing? I don't get it, do I miss anything?

Thanks.

TurboTax Premier Online

Best answer by VolvoGirl

Lots of reasons. You can efile from the Desktop program and do more than 1 return.

The CD/Download Desktop you buy and install the program, which can do unlimited returns. The returns are only saved on your computer and can not be accessed from anywhere else. And not saved at Turbo Tax. So Be sure to save Frequently and make backups. You get 5 federal efile for free. In Deluxe and above you get 1 state PROGRAM download to prepare unlimited state returns (in that state). Each state return including the first one is $20/25 to efile or you can print and mail the state for free.

Desktop also has many other features and advantages over the Online version. You can do more than 1 return. You can see and enter into the actual forms. And you can use a lower version because all the Desktop versions have ALL the same forms. You just get more help in the higher versions. In online you have to upgrade to enter certain kinds of income. Like Premier for investments.

You can buy the personal Desktop CD/Download program now here,
https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/cd-download

VolvoGirlAnswer

Level 15

Lots of reasons. You can efile from the Desktop program and do more than 1 return.

The CD/Download Desktop you buy and install the program, which can do unlimited returns. The returns are only saved on your computer and can not be accessed from anywhere else. And not saved at Turbo Tax. So Be sure to save Frequently and make backups. You get 5 federal efile for free. In Deluxe and above you get 1 state PROGRAM download to prepare unlimited state returns (in that state). Each state return including the first one is $20/25 to efile or you can print and mail the state for free.

Desktop also has many other features and advantages over the Online version. You can do more than 1 return. You can see and enter into the actual forms. And you can use a lower version because all the Desktop versions have ALL the same forms. You just get more help in the higher versions. In online you have to upgrade to enter certain kinds of income. Like Premier for investments.

You can buy the personal Desktop CD/Download program now here,
https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/cd-download

VAerAuthor

Level 6

You can also e-file from downloaded software? I mistakenly thought it is for print out only. Can the desktop import W2 and 1099 form from other financial institution?