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I'm pretty bummed about this.  Are there any other brands of tax prep software that allows early December work?     To Turbo Tax -- Can't you just use 2024 forms (with the published 2025 brackets) so folks can estimate and plan for year end moves?  I understand these are just estimates and you can disclaimer.  

I agree usually we have it by now, and I start entering data to see what I’m looking at before the end of the year. I understand we have to have updates all the way towards the end of February but at least we could put our basic information in now! this feels ridiculous.

@persi03  As of today (December 2) Online TurboTax 2025 has become available at the early-season discounted prices. Be aware that the early-season discounts in past years have typically expired at the end of February, but can be locked in at that time by paying in advance.   I personally wouldn't lock it in now since you are unlikely to get a product refund for an online product if you change your mind. And sometimes there are additional temporary limited discounts that pop up during filing season. You can use it for free until you decide. It won't ask you to pay unless/until you try to print or file.

To enter the W-2G  or other documents For your Gambling winnings--Go to Federal>Wages & Income>Less Common Income>Gambling Winnings You can enter your winnings, and then keep clicking through the interview to enter gambling losses.   https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/how-do-i-claim-my-gambling-winnings-and-or-losses   Gambling winnings are taxable income.  Losses are an itemized deduction.  If you do not have enough itemized deductions to exceed your standard deduction, your losses will have no effect. https://blog.turbotax.intuit.com/income-and-investments/how-are-gambling-winnings-taxed-8891/   2025 STANDARD DEDUCTION AMOUNTS   SINGLE $15,750  (65 or older/legally blind + $2000) MARRIED FILING SEPARATELY $15,750  (65 or older/legally blind +1600) MARRIED FILING JOINTLY $31,500  (65 or older/legally blind + $1600) HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD $23,625 (65 or older/legally blind + $2000)     For 2025 through 2028 there is an extra  deduction amount of up to $6000 per individual 65 or older filing Single, MFJ, or HOH which is phased out above certain incomes.  

@ robertflittle wrote: Thanks for the response, MequiteBean! Very helpful.  You're welcome.   When TurboTax goes Online soon, it may offer a discounted rate.  The usual early-season discount typically has ended at the end of February, and there are sometimes additional one-off discounts before that time.  In any case, you can lock in a discounted price before the increase by paying at that time even if not ready to file.  I wouldn't now, as explained above, but such as late February (or before if there is a better discount.)  We can tell you how to do that when you're ready.  And you should know by then if you plan to use Live Assist, although you can still add it later, if needed, by paying the difference.   @ lefmif 

The answer should be "you can withhold whatever you want", because your tax rate could be anything between zero and 39% (depending on other income) and the plan has no way of knowing.  There is no tax regulation that specifies a maximum amount that can be withheld, but the plan might have their own rule. 

@sawdustguy wrote: I also will avoid subscription & cloud usage But not for long. DIY desktop (installed) tax preparation software is going downhill and seems to be gathering speed.   You may use H&R Block desktop this year, but they probably won't support Windows 10 next year, so you'll have to make other arrangements at some point.