Is it true that TurboTax deluxe online is twice as expensive as the deluxe download? I see at Costco download is $39 but online is $39 each federal and state.

Forum|Forum|3 years ago
December 12, 2022
3 replies
12 views

My PC crashed last year so I got a Chromebook and I do not see any way to download the software and am being forced to do this online which appears to be more expensive. Are there any other options

TurboTax Online

Best answer by SteamTrain

All true....but @meganstilwell has indicated she only has a Chromebook now...so the download software is entirely immaterial to her situation.

Her only option now is the Online software, unless she buys a full MAC or Windows computer. She may also find that she might be required to upgrade to Online Premier if she has brokerage transactions (depends on what they were)....whereas Desktop Deluxe would have done those OK.

Critter-3

Level 15

Sure ... if you qualify to use one of the IRS FREE FILE options that will be available in January ... last year your AGI had to be $73K or less ... https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free

meganstilwellAuthor

Level 2

Unfortunately we are just above the free threshold. I just don’t understand how the same product can be twice as much on a different platform…

SteamTrain

Level 15

Right now, I don't see a $39 price for a Cosco Download...but maybe that's after signing in as a Cosco Memeber.

BUT...be really careful about Deluxe Downloads.

...Costco has one Deluxe that does NOT include one free state software set.

....and another that does for $8 more.

Don't forget that e-filing each state using desktop/download costs $20 or $25 more (except NY),

..........while with the Online software, the e-file of the state is a part of the purchase.

But if you don't have a full Windows or MAC computer anymore...the Online stuff is yoru only option

____________________________

And for "Online" prices...if I link thru a 3rd party site (fidelity), the cost of Online Deluxe is $29 right now (another $10 off Deluxe, but state add-on is still $39)....but you DO have to pay for the software before the price rises ....even if you don't file yet. (past years it was ~March 1, but we can't know when that will really happen...could be in Feb this year, or sooner)

TurboTax Discount - Fidelity

____________*Answers are correct to the best of my knowledge when posted, but should not be considered to be legal or official tax advice.*

VolvoGirl

Level 15

Yes the Online web version and the Desktop CD/Download program are different and have different prices and it's hard to compare them. And in the Desktop program it is $20 to efile a state return. There are many advantages to use the Desktop program over the Online version. And in the Online version you may have to upgrade to a higher version to enter investments or other things.

The Online web version is only good for one account and one return. You can log in and access your return from any computer. You only can see the forms after you pay and download the pdf. And you might need to upgrade to a higher version to enter different kinds of income. There are 4 Online versions. And you can add LIVE service or Full Service for expert help. In Online the fees are to prepare the federal and state returns (State is a separate charge) whether you efile or print and mail. Efiling is free and included. You can Transfer from last year's Desktop program. You can see the Online fees here, there are 2 tabs at the top to do it yourself or have an expert
https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/compare/online

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 early or $25 to efile or you can print and mail the state for free. The Desktop programs do not have the expert help that is available to add to Online versions.

If you used the Desktop program last year here’s How to transfer into the Online version, expand the blue link if you used the CD/download last year
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/entering-importing/help/how-do-i-transfer-last-year-s-return-into-turbotax-online/00/25953

If you used the Desktop program before you may notice several differences and not like the online version. It has less features and no Forms Mode. You can only do 1 return. Your return is only saved online so be sure to save both the .tax2022 data file and the pdf file to your computer when you are done. In case you need to amend in the future or if you need a copy to get a loan or something. You might not be able to access your online return when you need a copy.

rjs

Level 15

Costco sets its own prices. TurboTax sets the prices for TurboTax Online, but not for the downloads sold by Costco. So you are comparing prices in two different pricing structures.