topic I submitted taxes the past two years using the desktop app. Can I use the online version this year? in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

I submitted taxes the past two years using the desktop app. Can I use the online version this year?

nmlocketrust — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 11:04:28 GMT

I have used the desktop app for the past two years without a problem. Ever since I downloaded the 2022 version, I've been running into issues with the installer. I've tried almost everything to enable the installer to work, but without luck. I need to send out 1099s and would like to get started.

Thanks in advance for any assistance. I tried calling the phone number under "Contact Us," but it appears to be a non-working number.

Re: I submitted taxes the past two years using the desktop app. Can I use the online version this year?

VolvoGirl — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 22:08:08 GMT

The Online Self Employed version has access to the Quick Employer Forms.

If you used the Desktop program last year here’s How to transfer into the Online version, expand the blue link if you used the CD/download last year

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/entering-importing/help/how-do-i-transfer-last-year-s-return-into-turbotax-online/00/25953

If you used the Desktop program before you may notice several differences and not like the online version. It has less features and no Forms Mode. You can only do 1 return. Federal and state are separate fees.

Your return is only saved online so be sure to save both the .tax2022 data file and the pdf file to your computer when you are done. In case you need to amend in the future or if you need a copy to get a loan or something. You might not be able to access your online return when you need a copy.

Did you already buy the Desktop program? To use the Online version you would have to start over in a new online return and pay for Online separate from the Desktop program. Then try to get a refund for the Desktop program.

Start an Online return here,

https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/online/

Re: I submitted taxes the past two years using the desktop app. Can I use the online version this year?

nmlocketrust — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 22:11:50 GMT

I guess I'll try for another day or two to get the installation to work.

I did pay for the desktop version, so I'm not very happy with this solution.

Thanks for your prompt response.

Re: I submitted taxes the past two years using the desktop app. Can I use the online version this year?

Opus 17 — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 22:13:11 GMT

Yes.

You can upload your 2021 tax data file to start your 2022 return.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/import-export-data-files/transfer-last-year-return-turbotax-online/L279eUvY2_US_en_US

You can also return the desktop program within 60 days for a full refund, then you would pay separately for the online program when you are ready to file.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/intuit-account-billing/turbotax-satisfaction-guaranteed-refund-policy/L7kHGYVl8_US_en_US

However, there are significant differences between desktop and online you may want to know about.

Desktop	Online
Your file is on your computer only. You are responsible for backup and security.	Your file is in the cloud. You can work on your tax return from any web-connected computer, and Turbotax handles backups and security.
You can prepare an unlimited number of returns from one installed program, and e-file the first 5.	Each tax return requires a separate online account with a different user name and password, and each online account will require a separate filing fee.
Deluxe, Premier and Home&Business version all contain the same forms. More expensive versions contain extra help and support for complex situations. You can prepare advanced returns with the cheaper Deluxe version if you don't need the extra support.	You must upgrade to the more expensive Premier or Self-Employed version if you have a tax situation that requires those features.
Can directly view and edit all forms and worksheets in Forms mode. (Note that direct entry on forms may void the accuracy guarantee and/or block e-filing.)	Can't view any forms until after paying the fee, can't directly edit forms, must use interview mode.
Requires a relatively up to date operating system.	Works with almost any browser, even on older Macs and PCs.
Free telephone support includes help using the program as well as some basic tax advice.	Free telephone support only includes help using the program. For tax advice, online users must upgrade to the Turbotax Live version.
Live expert assistance not available	Expert assistance (Live Assistance or Live Full Service) is available at an extra cost
No free version (you must pay for the software up front)	Simple returns may be free to file.
Discounts may be available from reliable third party sellers (Amazon, Costco, others)	Must purchase directly from Turbotax, prices subject to change at any time.
Must purchase the software up front but there is a 60 day money back guarantee if you are not satisfied	Only pay when you are satisfied with your return and ready to file, no refunds after that.

Re: I submitted taxes the past two years using the desktop app. Can I use the online version this year?

nmlocketrust — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 22:19:00 GMT

I appreciate the response. I sure wish that the phone number for the "free telephone support" worked.

Re: I submitted taxes the past two years using the desktop app. Can I use the online version this year?

rjs — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 22:20:03 GMT

You didn't say what the problem is that you are having with the installation. See if anything in the following FAQ helps.

Troubleshoot installation and running TurboTax for Windows

Re: I submitted taxes the past two years using the desktop app. Can I use the online version this year?

nmlocketrust — Fri, 06 Jan 2023 02:39:33 GMT

Thanks for your responses. After trying everything that y'all provided and all I could find on the internet (it was an msi error), I gave up, deleted the exe, downloaded it again, and reran the install. And it worked. I don't know if anything I did helped, but it might have been corrupt exe.

Installed and running. With any luck, the installation was the hard part. 😉

Re: I submitted taxes the past two years using the desktop app. Can I use the online version this year?

nbjelica — Fri, 03 Feb 2023 13:56:15 GMT

Thank you for this detailed response. I was looking at the product in Sam's club and was not clear the difference between that one and the online version. So I searched the community for my question and your answer (though it was for a different question) clarified what I wanted to know.