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Level 3
posted May 22, 2020 5:51:01 AM

2016, 2017, 2018 Turbotax CD activation code necessary?

Hi. My father has the CD editions of TurboTax Deluxe 2016, 2017, and 2018 that I'd like to use. He threw away the boxes though.

 

Do those CD editions of TurboTax require an activation code that was possibly in the box? 

 

Apparently, he installed one of them on a new computer and he was able to open the software, but I wasn't sure if it would eventually ask for a code and not work. 

0 4 2483
4 Replies
Level 15
May 22, 2020 5:52:50 AM

There was no activation code required for the TurboTax 2016, 2017 or 2018 software.  Only tax year 2019 has the license code requirement.

Level 3
May 22, 2020 5:55:24 AM

Thank you so much for the quick reply!

New Member
Jul 8, 2025 8:32:46 PM

I just tried to install turbotax 2016 and it definitely asks for a code... please help!

 

Level 15
Jul 8, 2025 9:43:48 PM

sorry but none of the Turbotax versions prior to 2021 can be installed and activated. They are no longer supported so having a CD for those years will do no good. if you have the xxxx.tax20xx file there is a website that may be able to print out those returns if you send them the file. there is a charge. they are not affiliated with Intuit/Turbotax.  

see their website

https://www.taxprinter.com/ 

 

 

if transcripts will do you could request them through the IRS website (free), but the earliest years may no longer be available. you could also request copies of the actual returns but again the earliest year may not be available and there is a fee per return - file form 4506. 

 https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript