topic 2025 Desktop downloading two Individual versions in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

2025 Desktop downloading two Individual versions

user17675539749 — Sun, 04 Jan 2026 19:25:45 GMT

I file 10 individual returns , 5 allowed per license. I purchase both the "Home and Business" and the "Deluxe" Individual versions. In the past I used two separate computers for this, with different Intuit accounts. I also purchase a Business version to file an 1120S. Since 2025 desktop is not supporting Windows 10, I purchased a new computer with Windows 11. I called TurboTax before I bought the new computer and was told I could load two Individual versions on the same new computer with Windows 11 as long as they were not the same version. For instance, you can't download two "Deluxe" versions. I have uploaded "Home and Business", and it will not allow me to upload "Deluxe". Why, when I was told verbally by TurboTax that you could?

Re: 2025 Desktop downloading two Individual versions

rjs — Sun, 04 Jan 2026 19:28:58 GMT

What you were told is wrong. You cannot install two individual versions of TurboTax on the same computer, even if they are different versions.

Re: 2025 Desktop downloading two Individual versions

M-MTax — Sun, 04 Jan 2026 19:30:25 GMT

No, you can have the Business edition and a personal edition of TurboTax installed on the same computer but NOT two personal editions, such as TurboTax Deluxe and TurboTax Home & Business.

Re: 2025 Desktop downloading two Individual versions

user17675539749 — Sun, 04 Jan 2026 19:33:49 GMT

Yes, but I explained to the TurboTax operator that I filed 10 returns for different family members and friends and she put me on hold and came back and told me I didn't need to purchase two new computers. Now, I guess I'll have to go purchase another new computer with Windows 11. Very disappointing!

Re: 2025 Desktop downloading two Individual versions

VolvoGirl — Sun, 04 Jan 2026 19:34:10 GMT

Here's how to activate a different version. There is a way to have 2 licenses. You don't need to install the second version just enter the License Code. Under Help - Switch Product - Activate new product. Don't know what that will do or what benefit you will get. It won't allow you to efile more than 5 or get a different free state program download.

And you don't need to buy Home & Business. All the Desktop programs have all the same forms, you just get more help in the higher versions. So you can use Deluxe for all. The install file is the same one for all the versions, the license code just unlocks the higher features.

And by the way.....you can still install the separate Business program on Windows 10.

Re: 2025 Desktop downloading two Individual versions

VolvoGirl — Sun, 04 Jan 2026 19:39:19 GMT

Well you can use one program to prepare unlimited returns (more than 5). But you can only efile 5. The rest you can print and mail. So maybe use the 5 efiles on the more complicated returns and mail the simple ones.

Re: 2025 Desktop downloading two Individual versions

Mike9241 — Sun, 04 Jan 2026 19:52:17 GMT

you are violating IRS rules that permit only 5 returns of any one type to be e-filed even if more than one computer is used or multiple versions of a tax app are used. for more you supposed to register with the IRS. failure, if caught, can carry penalties.

as to your question, contact support.

Re: 2025 Desktop downloading two Individual versions

M-MTax — Sun, 04 Jan 2026 20:11:18 GMT

@Mike9241 wrote:
you are violating IRS rules that permit only 5 returns of any one type to be e-filed.......

That is correct and you really don't need to buy two personal versions, @user17675539749 since you can't e-file more than 5 returns but you can file an unlimited number of returns (paper-filed) with any TurboTax desktop product. As a result, you only need to purchase a product like Home & Business (and also TT Business for your 1120-S).

Re: 2025 Desktop downloading two Individual versions

user17675539749 — Sun, 04 Jan 2026 20:30:32 GMT

I have an IPIN and am registered with the IRS. I'm a CPA, but thanks.

Re: 2025 Desktop downloading two Individual versions

M-MTax — Sun, 04 Jan 2026 21:20:25 GMT

@user17675539749 wrote:
I have an IPIN and am registered with the IRS. I'm a CPA, but thanks.

IP PIN is insufficient (see below)......and you're welcome.

https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/become-an-authorized-e-file-provider

Re: 2025 Desktop downloading two Individual versions

VolvoGirl — Sun, 04 Jan 2026 21:19:13 GMT

Then to efile more than 5 returns you need to be using a professional program. Intuit has 2 products for tax preparers. They are Lacerte and ProSeries. ProSeries is the least expensive. You can install ProSeries and Turbo Tax on the same computer.

Intuit Products for Tax Professionals,

Professional Tax Preparation Software (Online & Desktop) | Intuit Accountants

And to prepare more than five e-files, you will need to sign up with the IRS as an ERO - an Electronic Returns Originator. How to become an Authorized E-file Provider…..

http://www.irs.gov/Tax-Professionals/e-File-Providers-&-Partners/Become-an-Authorized-e-file-Provider

Re: 2025 Desktop downloading two Individual versions

dasignor — Sun, 01 Mar 2026 04:12:16 GMT

Yeah - I was told the same thing and now I'm having issues and have spent over 7 hours on the phone with TurboTax help. I never had this problem when I had two separate laptops. I also purchase two separate products with different logons and different associated emails / phone numbers to keep them separated, which I was told would work. It's NOT working though. I'm retired so I file for family members that's why it's more than 5

Re: 2025 Desktop downloading two Individual versions

M-MTax — Sun, 01 Mar 2026 06:39:58 GMT

@dasignor wrote:
I also purchase two separate products with different logons and different associated emails / phone numbers to keep them separated....

Pretty sure they can track your machine (device) ID and IP address, so there's that.

Re: 2025 Desktop downloading two Individual versions

user17675539749 — Sun, 01 Mar 2026 12:11:40 GMT

You can go to Amazon.com and get a refurbished laptop with Windows 11 for $300. That’s what I did. I now have two new laptops. An expensive one from Costco and a cheaper one from Amazon refurbished. It’s working. Not what TurboTax said but it’s a work around.

Re: 2025 Desktop downloading two Individual versions

M-MTax — Sun, 01 Mar 2026 15:58:31 GMT

@user17675539749 wrote:
Not what TurboTax said but it’s a work around.

Yeah, it will work because Intuit is getting a different machine ID from you since you're using 2 different machines. Another alternative, I believe, would be to use a different software package (like H&R Block).

The software packages are the ones enforcing the 5 e-file return limitation.

Re: 2025 Desktop downloading two Individual versions

dasignor — Sun, 01 Mar 2026 20:13:08 GMT

That's what I did too after learning that the download for 2025 would not work on a Windows 10 laptop - TurboTax says that's a security reason they wouldn't allow that. Once I'm finished I'll gift the laptop to a friend who doesn't have one.

Re: 2025 Desktop downloading two Individual versions

dasignor — Sun, 01 Mar 2026 20:14:48 GMT

understood but that is not how it worked previously. Always some kind of changes especially with taxes, let alone with technology advances. Best of luck to everyone dealing with these issues....

Re: 2025 Desktop downloading two Individual versions

M-MTax — Sun, 01 Mar 2026 20:19:03 GMT

@dasignor wrote:
understood but that is not how it worked previously.

But you used the same provider, correct? I mean, you bought two copies of TurboTax (perhaps different versions).

I was suggesting that it might work if you used one TurboTax product for 5 e-filed returns and then another product, say H&R Block, for the next 5 e-filed returns.

Re: 2025 Desktop downloading two Individual versions

queequeg92 — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 18:40:34 GMT

how do you file if you have 6 people

Re: 2025 Desktop downloading two Individual versions

DoninGA — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 18:42:03 GMT

@queequeg92 The sixth tax return has to be printed and mailed.