Turbotax/Intuit fees charged

[philipgrange]

re my Turbotax Invoice.

We were both charged for a "Home Business"  version of Turbotax, even though my wife has no home business.

Why?

Philip Grange and Gillian Kidd

[VolvoGirl]

What do you mean you were both charged?  Did you buy 2 programs?  You only need 1 program.  The Desktop program can do unlimited returns.  Are you filing as Married Filing Separately?  Not Joint?  Or are you using the Online web version?  If you are not filing Joint, why not?  Joint is usually the best way to file.

[philipgrange]

thx Volvogirl , for taking the time

I spoke with an agent of Intuit but was told it was the normal way to charge for a joint return.

we each get charged for a "home business" return.

of course we must file together for best optimization.

anyway , no offer of a more equitable  way as yet.

P.

[VolvoGirl]

No.  You only get charged for 1.  A Joint return is one return combined for the both of you.  You only fill out one return.  They didn't understand you or you didn't understand them.  You are only filing 1 federal return and 1 state return.  

Are you using the Home & Business Desktop program you buy and install on your computer?  Or the Online Self Employed version?  

[philipgrange]

hi 

I just went online as usual . I have not downloaded an app. as yet .

what are the advantages?

P

[VolvoGirl]

If you haven't done a return  yet then what did you get charged for?

The Online web version is only good for one account and one return. You only can see the forms after you pay and download the pdf. And you might need to upgrade to a higher version to enter different kinds of income. You can start an Online return here,
https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/online

The CD/Download Desktop you buy and install the program, which can do unlimited returns. The returns are only saved on your computer and can not be accessed from anywhere else. And not saved at Turbo Tax. So Be sure to save Frequently and make backups. You get 5 federal efile for free. In Deluxe and above you get 1 state PROGRAM download to prepare unlimited state returns (in that state). Each state return including the first one is $20/25 to efile or you can print and mail the state for free.

Desktop also has many other features and advantages over the Online version. You can do more than 1 return. You can see and enter into the actual forms. And there is a What-If worksheet. And you can use a lower version because all the Desktop versions have ALL the same forms. You just get more help in the higher versions. In online you have to upgrade to enter certain kinds of income. Like Premier for investments. And the Desktop program is always available even after the year ends. Which is good if you ever need to amend your return after online website is closed or get audited and need your tax records.

Advantages of Desktop over Online
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2750704-what-are-the-advantages-of-the-turbotax-cd-download-softwa...

You can buy the Desktop CD/Download program here.  You need a full Windows or Mac computer to install it on
https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/cd-download

Window System Requirements
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/system-requirements/help/minimum-system-requirements-for-turbotax-...

Mac System Requirements
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/system-requirements/help/minimum-system-requirements-for-turbotax-...

[philipgrange]

we filed jointly .

just clicked on a Turbotax ad in my email.

this I suppose is an online version

P