@Bill175 It sounds like you are confusing the CD/download with online software. The download software is installed to your computer's own hard drive. Once you download that software, you used it from your own hard drive, and all of your tax files are stored only on your own hard drive. They are not stored online. When you use the "online" software, you are using a web-based product, and your tax files are stored in your online TurboTax account. The software is not on your hard drive.
" But it is still a mystery why the same cannot be done for an online version order. "
First----the 2024 online software is not yet available. That will happen by late November/early December. And you do not purchase online TurboTax from retailers like Amazon. You have to purchase and use online TurboTax by coming directly to the TurboTax site. And....sorry....but you have to pay using a U.S. based debit or credit card.
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/payments/help/what-forms-of-payment-does-turbotax-online-accept/00...
**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.**
