Can I get a version of Turbotax that I can use on both a Mac and a PC ?

[gregdavel]

I'd like to order Turbotax 2016 CD for Mac and Windows. I have an IMAC desktop computer and a Windows Surface Pro4 laptop so I'd like to be able to store my tax return on the cloud and access it from home (on my IMAC) and on the road (on my windows laptop). Is this possible ?

[retiree · Accepted solution]

The CD version of TTax contains versions for PC and MAC.

Be aware of the minimum system requirements:
Minimum System Requirements: Windows   ** NOTE: Win XP is NO LONGER SUPPORTED  for TTax 2016
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901571-minimum-system-requirements-for-turbotax-windows-software

Minimum System Requirements: MAC
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899173-minimum-system-requirements-for-turbotax-mac-software

[mesquitebean]

You asked this question while using Mac OS X 10.7.   As you'll see in the Mac system requirements link that retiree gave you above, you need OS X 10.9 or higher for 2016 desktop TurboTax.    It will not install on v. 10.7.

You could use Online TurboTax, however, since it's accessed via a browser, and your account and return-in-progress would be accessible by either of your computers.

Be aware that Online TurboTax is not as fully-featured as desktop TurboTax.    Unlike the CD/download version, it does not have "Forms Mode", for viewing and editing on the forms.  Only 1 Federal return can be prepared per online account.  Some of the Online versions are limited in which forms they can handle, while all of the desktop versions can handle all the usual forms.  In the Online version, there is an extra fee to prepare a state return.   A desktop program may or may not have a state program included, depending on the edition.

[Critter]

Also be aware that using 2 computers to complete a return is tricky ... you have to keep moving the working .taxfile back and forth until it is complete.  If that is something you want to do then using the Online version is better for you as the program is web based and access is universal and it will always be the most current version of the return.

[gregdavel]

Thanks for the feedback. How do you know what version of OS X I'm using ???
 After what you said about the limitations of the web-based version, I think I want to stick with the CD/downloadable version (btw this is for 2015 tax return). So if I upgrade my software on my IMAC to OS X 10.9 (or whatever the latest version is) then I could start my tax return on the IMAC at home. I will be traveling for 3 weeks starting next week so I'd like to be able to finish my return on my Windows Surface Pro while I'm traveling. Can I just save my tax return in Dropbox or Icloud and then continue the tax return using my Surface Pro ?

[Critter]

A thumb drive would be a safer medium to transport the file between computers unless you can secure the cloud. Every time you save the .taxfile add the date to the file name so you always know you are working with the most recent file.  Also you cannot work on the file on the thumb drive ... always copy it to the hard drive first.

[Critter]

PS ... you can't see it but there is an "envelope" of info that comes thru that the superusers can see to help in answering the questions.

[retiree]

Your original question and one of your comments contradict each other.  You originally stated that you wanted to "... order Turbotax 2016 CD ...".  But, your comment states "I think I want to stick with the CD/downloadable version (btw this is for 2015 tax return)."  There are some problems therein.  IF you want to work on a 2015 tax return you MUST use Desktop software --the On-Line version will no longer permit you to start a 2015 return.

With regard to the Desktop software: Be Aware that the DOWNLOAD version must be ordered specifically for either WINDOWS or MAC.  As stated previously, the CD version has BOTH WINDOWS and MAC.

[VolvoGirl]

Ummmm,  And I think they only sell the download for prior  years.  You would have to find the 2015 CD somewhere else like Amazon, Ebay, etc.

[Tyndall1959]

If I buy a Turbo Tax Download that says Mac on it, can I use it to download on my Windows PC?

[Critter-3]

No ... only the CD has install files for both OS ... but you can call TT support and they will push you the download of the other system. 

[xmasbaby0]

@Tyndall1959 If your computers have actual disk drives into which you can insert a CD, the CD has both Mac and Windows software.    Or you purchase the operating system specific version for Mac and ask customer support for a Windows download (or vice versa).

To call TurboTax customer support

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899263-what-is-the-turbotax-phone-number

Customer support is available from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time Monday-Friday.