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New Member
posted Jun 4, 2019 10:34:07 PM

Can I do this year's turbo tax on an IPad instead of a laptop ?

0 27 56507
24 Replies
New Member
Jun 4, 2019 10:34:09 PM

Yes, you can log into TurboTax Online with the same account via multiple platforms - i.e desktop computer, ipad, iphone.  You just need to make sure you are logging into the account with the same user ID and password.  Your information gets stored online as you work on it and you can access it from any device.

There is also a CD/Download version of TurboTax (you will see it sold at stores like Costco or Amazon).  This version you need to install onto your computer and you can only work from your computer.  So, if you want to be able to access from multiple devices, then you need to use TurboTax Online.

Level 1
Nov 7, 2019 3:08:45 PM

I have been using TurboTax on a laptop for many years. For 2018 I purchased TurboTax Premier. I would much prefer being able to prepare my tax returns from my iPad, using a data file on either Onedrive or on Turbotax's servers. Is there any way to switch to TurboTax mobile and move my 2018 tax data file over with all of its data and history?  Please advise. Thank You

Level 15
Nov 7, 2019 3:58:59 PM

Your total history cannot be moved to the ONLINE version however you can transfer the 2018 tax file to the online version however that can only be done from the laptop you used  unless you can move the .tax2018 file to the tablet. 

 

2018 Downloaded to 2019 Online

Last year's tax data file (.tax files) can be transferred to Online Deluxe and higher-tier versions.

  1. Sign in to TurboTax Online, if you haven't already done so.
  2. Select Tools on the menu bar lower left on the screen.
  3. In the pop-up window, select Transfer last year's TurboTax return from your computer.
  4. Read the warning and then click Continue (or Cancel to abort the transfer).
  5. Browseto where you saved your .tax2017 file and select it.
  6. ClickTransfer Return and wait for your file to finish uploading.
  7. When you see Transfer Complete, click Continue to start working on your return.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900883-transfer-last-year-s-return-into-turbotax-online

New Member
May 4, 2020 9:21:19 AM

THANKS!!

New Member
May 19, 2020 8:05:37 AM

I already bought a cd from Costco but our computer crashed. I would like to do taxes on iPad so is there a way to apply the serial code to purchase state with my already purchased cd?

Expert Alumni
May 21, 2020 10:26:16 AM

You cannot download the software onto an iPad. You can use the TurboTax Online web version through a browser or download the TurboTax Mobile app.

Level 15
May 21, 2020 10:31:07 AM

Sorry you can't apply the Desktop purchase to the online version.  They are separate things and don't talk or sync to each other.  You would have to get a refund for the Desktop CD/Download program and pay for online separately.

 

If you used the Desktop program before you may not like the online version.  It has less features and no Forms Mode.  You can only do 1 return.  Your return is only saved online so be sure to save both the .tax2019 data file and the pdf file to your computer when you are done.  In case you need to amend in the future or if you need a copy to get a loan or something.  You might not be able to access your online return when you need a copy.

New Member
Jun 5, 2020 12:32:11 PM

When using my iPad I’m unable to search properly or use the “jump” function 

Expert Alumni
Jun 8, 2020 10:00:20 AM

To search in an online version of TurboTax, follow these steps:

  • From the menu on the left, choose Tax Tools
  • Click on Tools
  • Choose Topic Search
  • Enter the form number or description
  • Find the corresponding item and click GO

Returning Member
Jun 11, 2020 10:23:21 AM

Having trouble printing returns from iPad air to hp printer. i know printer is connected by wifi to printer.

Level 1
Jan 27, 2021 5:00:51 PM

I bought the IPad Air 4 for Xmas not anticipating TT problems. I would much rather have data on my IPad, especially since Air 4 is much better value/option than any MacBook. 

 

Many thanks for the expert response! Direct and to the point. 

Level 15
Jan 27, 2021 5:06:09 PM

@ROCO   Do you have a question?  You can not install the Desktop program to a iPad or mobile device.  You need a full Windows or Mac computer.  There is a mobile app but that is just a portal to the online version.  If you used the Desktop program last year you can transfer it into the online version.

 

If you used the Desktop program before you may not like the online version.  It has less features and no Forms Mode.  You can only do 1 return.  Your return is only saved online so be sure to save both the .tax2020 data file and the pdf file to your computer when you are done.  In case you need to amend in the future or if you need a copy to get a loan or something.  You might not be able to access your online return when you need a copy.

Level 1
Jan 28, 2021 3:33:19 PM

You rock Volvo Girl! 

 

I printed your detailed message as a ready reference in my tax preparations folder. Really appreciate your knowledge addressing follow up concerns and questions one might have switching from Desk top to IPad. You nailed it for me! 

 

Many thanks, 

ROCO

New Member
Mar 3, 2022 12:48:34 PM

  • Can I use my iPad to do my income tax with turbo tax delux

Intuit Alumni
Mar 3, 2022 1:53:56 PM

You will not be able to install the desktop program to an iPad.  You will need to use a Windows or Mac computer. 

New Member
Feb 2, 2023 9:10:15 AM

I recently purchased turbotax for 2022 from Costco on-line, and it will not upload to my Apple mini 4 IPAD, using the Software Activation Keys provided on-line. I have 28 gb available and software version 15.7.2.  Please give instructions on how to upload. 

Level 15
Feb 2, 2023 9:15:46 AM

No sorry,  you need a full Windows or Mac computer to install the Desktop program.  You can only use the Online web version on an iPad or mobile device.

 

You can't apply the Desktop CD/Download purchase to Online.  You have to pay for Online separately.  You will have to get a refund for the Desktop program.  Then you can use the Online web version.  Or try to find a computer to install it on.  The CD has both Windows and Mac programs on it.

 

 

Level 15
Feb 2, 2023 9:20:13 AM
New Member
Feb 6, 2023 10:32:37 AM

Can I install turbo tax 2022 on my apple iPad

Level 15
Feb 6, 2023 10:34:06 AM

No.  Just the mobile app.  Read the posts above.

New Member
Feb 6, 2023 10:37:44 AM

What does that mean apply using mobile apt.  I usually download to my computer but now your operating system will not download to my older operating system.  So can I download online to my iPad which is new?

Level 15
Feb 6, 2023 10:41:28 AM

The mobile app is just a portal to the online browser version.

 

If you can't install the Desktop program, you can use the Online version.

 

You can't apply the Desktop CD/Download purchase to Online.  You have to pay for Online separately.  You will have to get a refund for the Desktop program.  Then you can use the Online web version.  Or try to upgrade your computer or find another computer to install it on.  The CD has both Windows and Mac programs on it.

 

Or Call in for a refund. When you fill out the from use the word BILLING ISSUES instead of the word “refund.” Contact Customer Service 5am-9pm Pacific time 7 days a week, https://support.turbotax.intuit.com/contact

 

They might give you a service code to use the online version.

 

If you used the Desktop program last year here’s How to transfer into the Online version, expand the blue link if you used the CD/download last year

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/entering-importing/help/how-do-i-transfer-last-year-s-return-into-turbotax-online/00/25953

 

If you used the Desktop program before you may notice several differences and not like the online version.  It has less features and no Forms Mode.  You can only do 1 return.  Your return is only saved online so be sure to save both the .tax2022 data file and the pdf file to your computer when you are done.  In case you need to amend in the future or if you need a copy to get a loan or something.  You might not be able to access your online return when you need a copy.

 

Start an Online return here,

https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/online/

 

 

Level 15
Feb 6, 2023 10:43:12 AM
New Member
Jan 3, 2024 12:30:28 PM

I have the CD and can't get system installed.