@madison1137
There are 2 ways to use Turbo Tax. You can use the Desktop program installed on your computer and prepare your return Off Line. Or log into the Online web browser version which you can access from any computer or mobile device. The Desktop program and Online versions have different features and are priced differently.
You install the Desktop program either from the CD or by downloading the program. Even if you buy the CD you can use the download method to install it. After you install it you have to Activate it with the 16 digit License Code. After you install the CD then the CD is useless. The CD doesn't have all the forms and any IRS changes for the new year. It is an early version just because people want to start before the IRS is ready. You will still need to update the program frequently, like once a week. Updates usually come out on Thursdays or more often. The download is always up to date and has all the current updates and forms (at the time you download it).
Do not confuse downloading the Desktop program with the Online version, just because you go online to download it. After you download and install it, it is still the Desktop program and only done locally on your own computer.
Hope that clears it up for you.
