@ratanshah wrote:
Not sure why the online version is purposefully made inferior.
There are several considerations.
1) The desktop forms mode is mainly intended for trouble shooting and not direct form entry. In fact the license agreement specifically states that direct form entry and not using the interview mode will void the TurboTax accuracy guarantee since forms mode depends on the users expertise in knowing how to link various forms that the software does in the interview mode.
2) The desktop software is paid for in advance when the online is paid for when filing. If the forms were available prior to filing than anyone could simply copy the forms and mail then without ever paying for the use of the software. If fact you cannot even print the entire tax return online until you pay.
3) The desktop has additional features so as to keep the online product as simple as possible without confusing the average user. Most users of the desktop products are more sophisticated
computer users than the average online user.
4) All in all TurboTax marketing has determined that the more sophisticated tools would only be offered for the desktop products. In addition all versions of the desktop products have the same forms, the difference in the products is the detail and help in the interview while the online products have different forms depending on the version.
**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.**
