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Level 2
posted Mar 15, 2024 1:10:31 PM

Can I use remote desktop connection to use my friend's Turbotax desktop software?

I see that Turbotax desktop software supports 5 free federal filings. My friend downloaded turbotax desktop onto his computer. Could I use a remote desktop connection to log into my friend's computer and use this turbotax to file my taxes? I want to make sure I'm not violating turbotax policies or rules. I want to operate with integrity.

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1 Best answer
Expert Alumni
Mar 18, 2024 1:17:50 PM

The TurboTax user license allows one user to install copies of TurboTax on up to five computers that the user owns. You can also prepare multiple returns, including returns for other people. But the license does not allow, and has never allowed, one copy to be shared among different people.  This year, that license is being enforced by requiring users to log into their TurboTax online account when they install the program for the first time. This locks one particular copy of the program and one license code to one user account. The only way you could install the program on a computer that you do not own, would be to give the other person your online username and password. And even though that workaround might allow the installation, it’s still a violation of the license.  

3 Replies
Expert Alumni
Mar 18, 2024 1:17:50 PM

The TurboTax user license allows one user to install copies of TurboTax on up to five computers that the user owns. You can also prepare multiple returns, including returns for other people. But the license does not allow, and has never allowed, one copy to be shared among different people.  This year, that license is being enforced by requiring users to log into their TurboTax online account when they install the program for the first time. This locks one particular copy of the program and one license code to one user account. The only way you could install the program on a computer that you do not own, would be to give the other person your online username and password. And even though that workaround might allow the installation, it’s still a violation of the license.  

Level 2
Mar 26, 2024 5:07:19 PM

@CatinaT1 

 

Thank you so much for taking the time to thoroughly answer my question!!!!

Level 2
Apr 1, 2024 6:39:50 AM

@CatinaT1 I used my friend's Turbotax desktop software in many previous years. What would Turbotax like me to do? I'm happy to pay Turbotax what I owe. Would Turbotax like me to purchase the number of versions of this year's Turbotax software to make up for each year I used my friend's software?