Online and desktop are not the same.
Online is simply a code change in TurboTax's OWN web server that they can done anytime.
Desktop updates must be complied and packaged for 4 different Windows versions and 4 different Mac versions. The Mac update is about a 220MB file that can take an hour to download on a slow internet connection (that many still have have to pay by the MB) and 1/2 hour or more to install. Too many updates is very time consuming and inconvenient for many desktop users.
Because of this and other delays is one of the reasons that the IRS delayed the filing date form Apt. 15 to May 17, to give extra time to file because of tax law changes.
There is a desktop update currently scheduled for 3/26.
**Disclaimer: This post is for discussion purposes only and is NOT tax advice. The author takes no responsibility for the accuracy of any information in this post.**
