1) When does 2018 become available? 2) I used the CD / PC version for my kids and the Online version for myself. Is the data interchangeable ?

[xmasbaby0 · Accepted solution]

You mean software for 2017, not 2018.  We will be preparing returns for the 2017 tax year and filing them in 2018.

When can I file for 2017?

Downloads for 2017 federal desktop software are currently available; online TurboTax will be available sometime in early December 2017.  State software typically takes longer to be available, so do not expect to be able to prepare a state return until later in January (at least).

Some federal forms are not finalized yet pending tax law changes that are still being worked on.  Many state forms are likewise not finalized.

Do not try to prepare your return using your pay stub.  The information on your pay stub will not match the W-2 that will be sent by your employers to the IRS.  Trying to file early and then ending up having to amend because you used incorrect/incomplete information is counter-productive.  If your return is incorrect, and you have to amend it, it will take months for the IRS to process your amended return.

Employers, banks, Social Security, brokers, etc. have until the end of January/early February 2018 to provide you with the documents you will need to enter on your 2017 tax return.

The IRS will not be accepting returns until an as yet undetermined date in January.  They will not begin issuing refunds until at least mid-February.

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-statement-on-2018-filing-season-start-date

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/get-ready-for-taxes-plan-ahead-for-2018-filing-season-to-avoid-refund-d...

[xmasbaby0]

When you use Online TurboTax, you get one return per fee.  Each return needs its own account and user ID.   If you use the same account and user ID for a second return, you overwrite the first one and lose it forever.
 When you use Desktop TurboTax, which you install from a CD or download to your own hard drive, you can prepare and e-file multiple returns for the cost of the software.  You can e-file up to 5 Federal returns—more if you mail the additional ones.  If you have multiple returns to prepare for family members, Desktop is more cost effective.

[VolvoGirl]

Why are you using the Online version if you have the Desktop CD version?  You can switch to Desktop.  You can transfer from 2016 Online into a new 2017 Desktop return.

[xmasbaby0]

If you were worried that the kids were using your PC to do their returns and might see your return, you can save your return as an encrypted file with a password so they cannot see it.