The software called Self-Employed is the ONLINE software. The desktop software that has all of the same capabilities is called Home and Business. The pricing is different for online and desktop software. When you use online software you "log on" to an online account to use the web-based software. When you use the CD/download (also called desktop software) you do NOT log on to an online account. You open the program up from your own hard drive, just like you do with any other programs that you have installed to your own computer. We see people who are confused that make the mistake of purchasing the CD/download but out of habit they "log on" and instead of using the download they use online and then have to pay for it again.
If they catch their mistake in time they can switch the data to the purchased download software--and we help lots of users with that every year.
If you are self-employed you either need the online Self-Employed software OR any version of the CD/download. All of the CD/download software versions can provide the forms and schedules needed---you just get more help with Home and Business. You could start with desktop Deluxe from Costco and upgrade if you want to----that is easy to do even when you are in progress preparing the return.
The 2021 tax file you prepared using online can be transferred to the 2022 software whether you use online or the CD/download.
If you choose to use the CD/download you are going to have to be extra careful to use the desktop software you purchased instead of accidentally "logging on" and using the online Self-Employed again.
How to transfer last year’s return? https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900883
If you purchase the software from Costco there should be instructions in the box for how to download the software and enter the license code. You enter that code in the beginning after the download. Do not "log on" to your online TT account. Install the software to your own hard drive, update it, and from then on, open it from your own hard drive.
**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.**
