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New Member
posted Apr 21, 2021 6:48:53 PM

Can I upgrade a download version of Home and Business to the Self Employed version?

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1 Best answer
Expert Alumni
Apr 22, 2021 2:25:08 PM

There is no need to upgrade the downloaded software.  The CD/downloaded Home and Business version is equivalent to the TurboTax Online Self-Employed version. 

 

They are both fully featured to handled self-employed taxpayers filing a Schedule C, along with many other tax situations.

6 Replies
Expert Alumni
Apr 22, 2021 2:25:08 PM

There is no need to upgrade the downloaded software.  The CD/downloaded Home and Business version is equivalent to the TurboTax Online Self-Employed version. 

 

They are both fully featured to handled self-employed taxpayers filing a Schedule C, along with many other tax situations.

Level 15
Apr 22, 2021 2:29:38 PM

@phlypp  Why do you want to switch to the online version?  Online is different than the Desktop program and has less features.  What problem are you having in Home & Business?

 

To use the Online version you would have to start over in a new online return and pay for Online separate from the Desktop program.  Then try to get a refund for the Desktop program.  

New Member
Apr 24, 2021 9:30:57 AM

I want to thank the people who replied to my question. I was under the impression that there was a download version of Turbotax Self-Employed that might be an upgrade to my downloaded Home and Business version because of how the products are advertised and marketed.

I researched and worked out my questions about how to account for certain specific freelance writing expenses in relation to Section 179 deductions and how to expense computer upgrades as opposed to complete computer replacement. The Turbotax program isn't clear where to put that, but listing them as miscellaneous business expenses seemed to recognize them appropriately.

 

New Member
Dec 11, 2021 8:44:32 AM

I purchased the download version of Premier on Amazon by mistake. Can I update that to Home & Business?

 

Level 15
Dec 11, 2021 8:58:39 AM

Yes.  But why do you want to?  All the Desktop programs have the same forms. You just get more help and guidance in the higher versions.  You could even use Deluxe.

 

How to upgrade to a higher Windows Desktop program

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/upgrading/help/how-do-i-upgrade-my-turbotax-for-windows-software/00/26238

Level 15
Dec 11, 2021 9:04:31 AM

Agreed ... try the program first and if you REALY want to upgrade you can later but you may not see the need.  In fact you could have always used the Deluxe version instead (Basic if you didn't need a state return) since the higher versions are only RECOMMENDED not required ... do you see the marketing ploy at work ???