Turbotax Desktop: I clicked on wrong option - Now my licence code is for Online version

Forum|Forum|1 month ago
April 27, 2026
2 replies
152 views

I purchased the Desktop version (Home and Business) - during installation / activation, after entering the licence code I got on my purchase confirmation (I bought directly on intuit.ca), I inadvertently clicked the wrong option. It seems this has now associated my licence with the ONLINE version.

There doesn't seem to be a way to go back to use the desktop version. I called their support but apparently there is no way for them to generate a new licence code for me (desktop version). All they could offer was to refund my order and have me re-order, however I wouldn't be able to take advantage of my 30% discount I got in March. This is crazy...

Would anybody have a solution?

TurboTax Business Windows

DawnC

Level 15

If you installed TurboTax desktop, you should be able to access it and use it from your personal computer. You create an online account when you register the desktop product, but you do not have to use TurboTax Online to prepare your tax return. Open up the desktop software on your computer and select Start New Return. Use this link to check your download account.

How do I get started with TurboTax Desktop?

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floriwAuthor

Level 2

Sorry I must have not explained this properly. I understand about using the software when you buy / install the desktop version. But you do need to register / activate online. This is not the issue. The issue is that somehow the licence code for the Desktop version has been changed for an Online version code, when I clicked an option by mistake. Now I cannot go back and activate the DESKTOP version. It will always either get me to activate the online version or ask for a new licence code, as the current one is not a desktop code anymore.

VolvoGirl

Level 15

@floriw You still posted in the USA forum.

Here is the Canada forum

https://turbotax.community.intuit.ca/tax-help

Or Contact TurboTax Canada Support

https://support.turbotax.intuit.ca/contact/

rjs

Level 15

You wrote: "I bought directly on intuit.ca"

That's the Canadian TurboTax website. This is the U.S. TurboTax support community. If you are asking about Canadian TurboTax software please post your question in the Canada TurboTax support community.