@Bonnied1 At the risk of confusing you even more------here goes---
Desktop software is the software that goes on your own hard drive. Until this year it could be either downloaded or installed to your hard drive by using a CD. They eliminated the CD this year----so you just download it. But any reference to "desktop" software means the software that gives you five federal e-files, so that you can prepare returns for other family members, etc. The tax file is always stored on your own hard drive. It is not stored online. You pay for it before you start to use it, so the only additional fees are the state e-file fee of $25 if you e-file a state return, or any "add-on" stuff like audit defense if you choose to add it. Desktop software has a 16-digit license code that you must enter when you download the program. When you bought the Home and Business at Costco, you bought desktop software. Costco gave you the license code. You had to go "online" and use the internet to download the software, but now it is on your own hard drive. You can use it to prepare and e-file multiple returns. You do not pay for another license code or enter a license code for every return. Once is it.
The "toolbar" is at the top of your screen.
With desktop, the only thing you do "online" is go to an account online to register the software and enter the license code. You download the software and you are ready to use it --multiple times.
The names of the desktop download software include Deluxe, Premier and Home and Business. You have Home and Business.
"Online" TurboTax is a whole different animal. With online TurboTax you only get one return per fee, and you pay separate fees for every federal return and every state return. Every return needs its own account and user ID. You never use a license code for "online" software. You pay for it at the end before you e-file the return.
The names of the online software include Free Edition, Deluxe, and Premium. "Online" TurboTax is web-based; everything you do with it is online, and your tax files are stored online. The "toolbar" is on a vertical area on the left side of your screen.
Does that help---or confuse you more?
**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.**
