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Level 3
December 13, 2023
Question

Can I share turbo tax 2023 product key with a family member if we have different turbo tax log in accounts?

  • December 13, 2023
  • 6 replies
  • 27 views
In the past I have purchased Turbo Tax with a family member to share costs.  They have their own Turbo Tax user ID and password.  We plan on only using on 4 computers total.  With the new Product Key System  we want to conform it will work for us or do we need to purchase our own Product Key?  We only file 3 returns in total.

6 replies

VolvoGirl
Level 15
December 13, 2023

The License Code is for the Desktop CD/Download program.  You can install it on 5 computers you own.   Sounds like they were using the Online version before?  You can only install it from your account.  They should use your computer.  If you only file 3 returns why do you need 4 computers?

DofdearAuthor
Level 3
December 13, 2023

Thanks for responding.  So you are saying that the product key is tied to the turbo tax account and will fail if the same key is used with 2 accounts.  Do I have this correct?

I use 2 computers when preparing, filing and backing up my work.  Other family member uses only one.  And I prepare 3 returns.   Thanks again,

VolvoGirl
Level 15
December 13, 2023
Level 2
February 7, 2024

I spoke with a software representative about having a second user in our household added, with another account identity (email and phone).  The representative said NO, that starting this year an online account is required for one person (email and phone identity) but that person may install it on 5 computers.  It will all be linked to one identity (email and phone).  If that's satisfactory for your household then set it up on up to 5 devices.  If they need to recheck identity they will send a key to that email and or phone.  I also asked if it's possible for me to erase another's tax they stored online if I wanted to, and they said yes you can do that if you want.   To me that setup sounds like an urgent security issue.  so be sure to double check with others before erase their taxes 

Level 2
February 11, 2024

Hi,

I logged into my Intuit account and then selected my TurboTax product. I was not able to find my previous year tax return documents even though I have used TurboTax locally and e-filed for many prior years. I’ve never used the online version of TurboTax. Can you confirm if you were able to access your return online when you used only used the desktop version?  Is it possible that you had access to the previous years’ returns because you used online TurboTax?  Thanks. 

Level 2
February 11, 2024

After all my research on this topic, I know that if you use the desktop version of TT, that your data and tax return will be stored locally on your PC and not online / cloud. To get your data and tax return in the online version, you must use the online version of TT. 
This is the way I prefer it as well. Don’t put my data on the cloud unless I request it or initiate it. 

Level 2
February 12, 2024

For a CD purchase -just solved and verified last night. Long time family sharer, it is now slightly more complicated with 2023.  You just can't pass the CD as you did in the past, everyone has to setup an Intuit account now.  The CD license code gets attached to the Intuit account of the first person that installs/registers the CD.  When the next people try to install, it asks them to set up an Intuit account, but then does not allow the CD to set up/install, because that license code from the CD label is already associated  with another account(i.e. the first person).  So for the 2nd/3rd, etc person to install, they must have the login info (user name & password) from the first person that registered it.  THIS IS ONLY NEEDED FOR THE CD INSTALLATION, NOT THE ACTUAL TAX RETURN.  Once you install there is a product installation screen which will have the email from the first person and that i can't be changed, this info is only for the product registration/marketing emails, and you can skip over it.  So don't fill out anything hit continue.    This now takes you into starting your tax return.  You can either start with a brand new tax return and enter your name/info or if you have a previous tax turn on your computer, it will ask you to transfer and it will start your 2023 tax return with YOUR name/info and you can get started with your 2023 tax return. 

I can't believe there was 4 pages worth of vague answers  from "experts" and  the Turbo Tax people can't explain the process.   Again, this was for a CD install, I am not sure about purchasing and sharing a download version. 

 

I did setup an intuit account when I first tried to install, but I never ended up using it, even after I used the first person login info for the install.  There was a screen at the beginning of the install process that showed 1/5 installs (and then I would be 2/5).  And just to confirm, I can't see anything of the first users tax return and they can't see anything of mine.  All of this intuit account stuff has to do with the installation of the CD, not the tax return or filing.  I believe my situation is very similar to most people.  My father bought the CD, he installs in on his computer at his house, and I install in it on mine at my house. I do believe this new process is in place to keep the sharing limited to 5 immediate family/close friends.   I believe in the past CDs were past around entire dorms/apartment buildings and shared hundreds of times.  Good Luck Everyone.

Edit: The license holder owns the computer in my house . 

Final update: both my father and I have electronically filed our taxes with no issues, and can not see each others returns. 

 

Level 3
February 14, 2024

Thx a lot Sir. This the most clear answer I have seen so far.  My main concern was whether each user can see the tax return of each other. 

 

That is the answer I wish to know. Thx for telling me this after you have tried out. 

"I can't see anything of the first users tax return and they can't see anything of mine. "

Level 2
March 26, 2024

Will my tax return be visible on all computers I sign into or only the one which I did my return? Meaning if I share my Product Key by logging into my family member's computer will they be able to see the tax return I did on my own computer?

DoninGA
Level 15
Level 15
March 26, 2024

@cardinale6 The tax return you complete and file on one computer cannot be seen or accessed by anyone else regardless if you install the software on another computer.

 

The TurboTax license for the software allows you to install the software on up to 5 computer that you own.  You have to use your Intuit account to install the software you purchased on all computers that own.  No one else can use their Intuit account to install the software you purchased.

Level 2
February 13, 2026

Can I share turbo tax 2025 product key with a family member if we have different turbo tax log in accounts?

 

Level 15
February 13, 2026

No.    The license key is to be used for up to five computers that you own, and every download will be linked to your TT account; they cannot be linked to a different account.

**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**