While you are correct with your bird in the hand scenario, it’s unfortunate that Intuit chose not to allow direct import of PDFs for TT desktop since that would limit data entry errors which are common with manual entry. Would also limit security problems associated with online import.
Since this is my first year using TT desktop, I actually started online before making the decision. When I logged into desktop, it imported what I’d done online including the data from PDF imports of 1099s. I don’t know how it would work with individual 1099 imports but using online as an interface for importing PDFs before starting with desktop saves a lot of time; especially since desktop doesn’t even let you duplicate 1099 issuers (e.g., when you get a new account type at the same institution).
