topic The online version of turbotax is horrific and I don't like being penalized because I don't go out and purchase win 11 or buy a new pc in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

The online version of turbotax is horrific and I don't like being penalized because I don't go out and purchase win 11 or buy a new pc

colospgs5735 — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 11:54:43 GMT

I've used turbotax for over 20 years and the pc version was always intuitive and easy to use. Now I'm forced to use an online version that is anything but intuitive and not easy at all. Why do I have to pay for the "privilege" of getting turbo tax online because I can't afford win 11????

Re: The online version of turbotax is horrific and I don't like being penalized because I don't g...

CatinaT1 — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 13:55:03 GMT

Here is a FAQ: How does the end of support for Windows 10 affect my TurboTax Desktop experience?

Re: The online version of turbotax is horrific and I don't like being penalized because I don't go out and purchase win 11 or buy a new pc

baldietax — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 14:19:48 GMT

if you can't upgrade to Win 11 at this time, and don't like or want to use the online version which I agree is a different experience to desktop and has limitations (no forms mode, only 1 return per account), then you will need to seek out other tax s/w that still supports Win 10 this year - HR Block or TaxAct.

If cost is the issue rather than functionality, there is an offer intended for Win10 users to switch a desktop license to Online Premium Fed+State for no extra cost; but note this is only good for 1 return. See offer details and comments in the screenshot below when trying to install desktop on Win 10.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/marketing/ty25-ttd-direct-offer/L0aUgksJd_US_en_US

Another more technical approach others have used is setting up a Win 11 Virtual Machine (VM) on their Win 10 machine to run Turbotax desktop within the VM.

Re: The online version of turbotax is horrific and I don't like being penalized because I don't go out and purchase win 11 or buy a new pc

colospgs5735 — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 14:50:52 GMT

I had absolutely NO IDEA I can only have 1 free return on the online version since I can’t afford to upgrade to a win 11 pc!! I have been a loyal user for over 20 years and now I’ll tell everyone I know to avoid TurboTax like the plague (especially senior citizens, like me, on a very fixed income!

I guess I’ll have to eat the $50 I paid (and budget for, every year) and go to another preparing software—that’s not good AT ALL!!😟

Re: The online version of turbotax is horrific and I don't like being penalized because I don't g...

colospgs5735 — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 11:58:21 GMT

That may be the best answer TurboTax can give but that's not an answer as to why other tax preparing software is still compatible with Win 10 and why I was not notified, after so many years, that I wouldn't be able to use the desktop version. I really think a refund of my purchase price should be given so I can buy a product that is intuitive and user friendly for my Win 10 desktop. I'm still really upset!!

Re: The online version of turbotax is horrific and I don't like being penalized because I don't g...

baldietax — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 12:07:47 GMT

@colospgs5735 the Win 10 decision was announced 6 months ago and emails went out, not sure why you didn't get those or see this issue before now; it was also very clear in the system requirements for the s/w.

I can't speak for Intuit but it's clearly a business decision not just technical limitation, due to the liability of incomplete security updates on an OS which is out of technical support, and their projection of low usage not justifying the testing and support, and Intuit's strategic direction is clearly towards online as desktop is very low revenue and in decline; other s/w providers made a different decision. See blog post here from last year.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/articles/community-news-announcements/turbotax-windows-10-desktop-software-end-of-life/05/3708302

you can request a refund here and have to use something else if online or VM doesn't work you

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/intuit-refunds/request-refund-turbotax-product/L834M6uyW_US_en_US

Re: The online version of turbotax is horrific and I don't like being penalized because I don't go out and purchase win 11 or buy a new pc

dwace77 — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 13:47:18 GMT

The desktop version and download application was wonderful and now this online only mode sucks. I've decided to seek another application.

Re: The online version of turbotax is horrific and I don't like being penalized because I don't go out and purchase win 11 or buy a new pc

colospgs5735 — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 14:36:40 GMT

I’ve submitted a refund request to TurboTax so I can’t buy another preparation software until I get that refund!!! On a fixed income🙁

Re: The online version of turbotax is horrific and I don't like being penalized because I don't go out and purchase win 11 or buy a new pc

calvinwallace — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 15:48:33 GMT

The online version is terrible too. I paid for a deluxe kit at the store, then when I entered all my details into a new return on my account, it says I used "live services and help" and they wanted to charge me AGAIN!!!??

Deceptive practices.

To top all that, it won't upload my previous years info TT4 file. Just sits there after clicking continue.

Restore the software to Windows 10.

Re: The online version of turbotax is horrific and I don't like being penalized because I don't go out and purchase win 11 or buy a new pc

user17719669973 — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 21:09:12 GMT

I have been long term TurboTax user and NOW, I wont continue with TurboTax !

Going to online usage, cloud storage saying safe enxcreption of personal tax data, yada yada.....dont trust them and its USA based. Not for me anymore.

Re: The online version of turbotax is horrific and I don't like being penalized because I don't g...

MarilynG1 — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 02:29:55 GMT

If you used TurboTax Desktop for 2024 and are using TurboTax Online for 2025, here's how to transfer your saved tax file from desktop to online:

Steps to Transfer 2024 Desktop File to 2025 Online:

Locate File: Ensure you have your 2024 tax file (.tax2024) saved on your computer.
Start Online: Sign in to TurboTax Online and start a new 2025 return.
Transfer: Select Tax Tools > Tools > Transfer last year's TurboTax return from your computer in the left-side menu
Upload: Follow the prompts to upload your 2024 file.

Important Notes:

You must start with a new, blank 2025 return.
If you already entered data, you may need to use "Clear and start over" to use the transfer feature.
The transfer carries over personal information, employer details, and 1099/1098 data, but not specific 2024 financial numbers for 2025 calculations.

@calvinwallace

Re: The online version of turbotax is horrific and I don't like being penalized because I don't go out and purchase win 11 or buy a new pc

user17728047370 — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 13:49:15 GMT

I have a MAC and have to use the online version. I have had nothing but problems this year. Customer support is awful! Their staff are polite, do not get me wrong, but there has been no fixes at all...even simple medical expenses (like claiming mileage) they have not been able to fix (of note, I have spent over 1.5 hours with online support, screen sharing, etc to no avail). Also, there are forms they say are not finalized as yet with the online version and blame CRA -- we are now in March and still not fixed. Like many others, I have used Turbo Tax for years without issue. Sadly I think that streak has come to an end (I also pay per return because I am a MAC user).

Re: The online version of turbotax is horrific and I don't like being penalized because I don't go out and purchase win 11 or buy a new pc

Philg4 — Sat, 07 Mar 2026 20:22:13 GMT

My experience with the online version was so bad that I aborted mid stream and reverted to my desktop as I have done for many years. I contacted TT asking how to abort an online return (not completed or submitted). I was directed to JustAnswer who eventually helped me accomplish this (I think). I was told that I would not be charged even though I was required to sign up for a JustAnswer account. I attempted to follow all directions but I find that I have been charged $65 + $5 for this answer. JustAnswer says tough luck. As a long time TT user, I am very unhappy!

Re: The online version of turbotax is horrific and I don't like being penalized because I don't go out and purchase win 11 or buy a new pc

user17731630747 — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 17:29:43 GMT

Freetaxusa is what you should be using for personal taxes, as it's free except for state, which isn't that much. It's a nice, comprehensive program that walks you through the most common stuff, though you have to dig a little for less common things.

Re: The online version of turbotax is horrific and I don't like being penalized because I don't go out and purchase win 11 or buy a new pc

OldTurboxtaxUser — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 14:53:06 GMT

I prefer to use desktop version as well and I am not ready for Windows 11 yet. I think Turbobox should support Window 10 for 2025. At least for another year because Microsoft will support Windows 10 under end of 2026 (if requested).

Re: The online version of turbotax is horrific and I don't like being penalized because I don't go out and purchase win 11 or buy a new pc

baldietax — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 17:45:02 GMT

@OldTurboxtaxUser Win10 technical support ended last October. ESU is extended security not full support and expires this October. Win 10 is down to 22% of Windows market share in the US. With 5 weeks left to main filing season it's extremely unlikely that Intuit would suddenly support Win 10. Either set up a Win 11 VM to use Turbotax desktop, or switch to HR Block / TaxAct who are still supporting Win 10.

Re: The online version of turbotax is horrific and I don't like being penalized because I don't go out and purchase win 11 or buy a new pc

Absentme — Sat, 04 Apr 2026 22:40:10 GMT

I agree completely. The online version is so bad I'm looking for another tax software. Another product destroyed.

Re: The online version of turbotax is horrific and I don't like being penalized because I don't go out and purchase win 11 or buy a new pc

marynewman — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 02:38:42 GMT

I also have used the program for years. I believe I'll find a different program to use or pay someone in person!! I am so disappointed in this year's program.