topic License code, where do I enter for ONLINE turbotax? in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

License code, where do I enter for ONLINE turbotax?

poosterypoo — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 09:50:14 GMT

I have used TurboTax ONLINE for years and never had trouble before. I have purchased my TT Deluxe from the store since it's a good deal. I don't want to load it on my computer via CD or DL when there is no need.

Why does TurboTax make this part HARDER THAN DOING TAXES!?

Any help is much appreciated.

Re: License code, where do I enter for ONLINE turbotax?

DoninGA — Fri, 19 Jan 2024 22:40:36 GMT

There is no license code required when using the TurboTax online editions. You should not even be accessing the TurboTax online editions if you purchased the desktop editions.

You enter the license code on the TurboTax desktop software you install on your personal computer. You will be asked to sign onto your TurboTax account to activate the license code during installation of the software.

Re: License code, where do I enter for ONLINE turbotax?

poosterypoo — Fri, 19 Jan 2024 22:45:44 GMT

I know that... Let me be more clear.... I am not going to pay the inflated online TurboTax rate ($ 100+?) for Deluxe when I have purchased it for $44.00 from Sam's club.

For example I purchased TurboTax Deluxe last year from Sams club and had no issue entering my License code.

Re: License code, where do I enter for ONLINE turbotax?

DoninGA — Fri, 19 Jan 2024 22:50:17 GMT

You purchased the software from Sam's club. You cannot purchase a TurboTax online edition from a retailer.

If you want to use the online editions, I suggest you return the software you purchased from Sam's club for a refund.

The TurboTax Deluxe online edition is currently $39. If you also do a state return that is an additional $39.

Go to this TurboTax website for the TurboTax Deluxe online edition - https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/online/deluxe.jsp

Re: License code, where do I enter for ONLINE turbotax?

VolvoGirl — Fri, 19 Jan 2024 23:27:08 GMT

@poosterypoo wrote:
I know that... Let me be more clear.... I am not going to pay the inflated online TurboTax rate ($ 100+?) for Deluxe when I have purchased it for $44.00 from Sam's club.
For example I purchased TurboTax Deluxe last year from Sams club and had no issue entering my License code.

If you entered the License Code last year then you entered it into the installed Desktop program and didn't use the Online web version. Or if you used the Online version you didn't notice you paid again for Online or you used the Online Free Edition or had the Online fees deducted from your federal refund.

Sorry you can't apply the Desktop CD/Download program and License Code to the Online version. They are separate prices and work different. So you need to get a refund for the Desktop program and pay for the Online version. Or switch to your Desktop program.

Re: License code, where do I enter for ONLINE turbotax?

VolvoGirl — Fri, 19 Jan 2024 23:30:52 GMT

Oh wait! A couple years ago I think they did sell the Online version in the stores like Costco. But they only tried that for 1 year, not before or after. So sorry that is not available now. Check your package or invoice. It says how to install it or how to download the program.

Re: License code, where do I enter for Desktoo turbotax (CD installed)?

Wbigham — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 19:03:00 GMT

Getting very frustrated!!! Sign in and do not find a place to enter license code.

Re: License code, where do I enter for Desktoo turbotax (CD installed)?

CatinaT1 — Fri, 01 Mar 2024 14:50:24 GMT

Please call TurboTax Customer service.  Here is a link:  Turbo Tax Customer Service

Re: License code, where do I enter for Desktoo turbotax (CD installed)?

MyPeppers — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 23:42:40 GMT

I’m having the same issue. I just bought the cloud version from Costco and there is no spot to enter it online. Cloud version is for online not desktop. Please explain. Your prices online are triple than the store. If they don’t work then don’t sell them through stores. So what is the void version for and where do I activate the code?

Re: License code, where do I enter for Desktoo turbotax (CD installed)?

VolvoGirl — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 00:09:18 GMT

Costco only sells the Desktop CD/Download program. There is not a "Cloud" version. You either bought the CD from the actual Costco store or bought the download version from Costco online. I bought it from Costco Online.

I bought my Windows Home & Business program from Costco online. I have Windows 10. Here's how mine went.

I got the activation email in 20 minutes.

I clicked on the link in the email, then chose PC Download. It automatically went to my Downloads folder.

I double clicked on the file to to install it. It installed FAST! It launched and updated. Hasn't asked for the Activation code yet. It said to continue but nothing happened.

So I clicked on the Desktop Icon - got a sign in box. Had to log into my Turbo Tax account. They emailed me a code to verify me.

Then got the Activation box and entered the 16 digit code and was in. Actually I just copied and pasted it from the email.

Re: License code, where do I enter for ONLINE turbotax?

kkpilap — Sat, 27 Apr 2024 23:05:38 GMT

Totally agree. I spend more time looking for how to activate licence code than doing tax.

Re: License code, where do I enter for ONLINE turbotax?

hallbully — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 17:51:23 GMT

it only says it has installed click to start your taxes then it just disappears dont ask u **bleep** about nuthin to go to ur account sign in NOTHIN about license code anywhere

Re: License code, where do I enter for ONLINE turbotax?

DoninGA — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 18:09:48 GMT

@hallbully The TurboTax online web-based editions do not use a license code. Only the TurboTax desktop CD/Download editions that you install on a personal computer require a license code.

See this TurboTax support FAQ for license codes - https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/product-system-requirements/find-license-code/L4GHDgGpr_US_en_US?uid=m0464rom

Re: License code, where do I enter for ONLINE turbotax?

luciog22x — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 15:31:08 GMT

I just bought the software at my local club store....Inside the sealed portion there is a bi-fold "welcome to turbo tax"....the back of the pamphlet gives you the 5 steps needed to install the software and use the code....

Re: License code, where do I enter for ONLINE turbotax?

QueenMiMi — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 11:39:19 GMT

Same, and now it says my computer does not have the correct version for software, ugh

Re: License code, where do I enter for ONLINE turbotax?

taxtammer — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 02:05:38 GMT

you'd think that with so many of us having the same issue that the resolution would be easy to find

Re: License code, where do I enter for ONLINE turbotax?

xmasbaby0 — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 11:35:08 GMT

@taxtammer This thread began in January of 2024, and multiple users have posted here with a variety of remarks and issues. We cannot tell what "same issue" you are having, so it is not possible to help you unless you provide some details about the specific problem you are having now in June of 2025.

Re: License code, where do I enter for ONLINE turbotax?

taxtammer — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 19:06:45 GMT

yes started in 2024 and continues into 2025 - it's still hard to find. The search brings us to this thread. For anyone else trying to do what I tried - for online versions of the software in 2024 (not a download) go to turbotax.ca/activate to enter the license BEFORE trying to directly login. Hope this helps someone else down the line.

Re: License code, where do I enter for ONLINE turbotax?

xmasbaby0 — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 19:25:37 GMT

@taxtammer You are confused. And....you are giving a website for Canada returns. This is the user forum for U.S. returns--not for Canada.

For help with Canadian taxes, please post your question in the Canada TurboTax user forum., at the following link.

https://turbotax.community.intuit.ca/community/turbotax-support/help/03/en-ca https://turbotax.intuit.ca/tax-software/index.jsp

Users do not use a license code to use online TurboTax. The license codes are used only for desktop download software.

Online TurboTax is web-based---you use it by logging in your online account. With online TT you get one return per fee. Online software can only be paid for on your online account site or by choosing to pay your fees from a federal refund. Each return needs its own account and user ID. Returns are stored in your online account.

Desktop download software must be downloaded to your own hard drive; you use it from your own hard drive, and store your return on your own hard drive. With desktop download, you must go to your online account to enter your license code, but once you have done that, you work from your own computer. You pay for desktop download before you can get the license code or use it. Desktop software can be purchased from Intuit or from various retailers such as amazon, Costco, Sam's, Walmart, Best Buy, etc.

Re: License code, where do I enter for ONLINE turbotax?

taxtammer — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 19:58:26 GMT

I am not confused and worked with support to get it activated. It's now entered. Maybe you call it a product code. Either way "a code" has to be entered to be able to use the online version to show it was purchased.