Can TurboTax online be purchased through a third party such as Amazon or Staples?

[esfox]

I purchased TurboTax online for the first time last year. The cost is so pricey. In search of a discount, can I purchase the online version through a third party?

A CD or downloadable version of Premier can be had for $70, including state, compared to about $120 online from TurboTax.

Thanks.

[SteamTrain · Accepted solution]

Yes...a major retailer is allowed (don't use unknown scam sites) ....but it will be the desktop version, not an "online" version.  Amazon, Staples, BestBuy...Costco, Walmart all OK....but not all offer a download.   IF you buy Deluxe, make sure you get the version with one free state since Deluxe offers it both ways....but desktop Premier and H&B always have the one free state.

Even with the free state, it will cost another $25 to e-file the state part  (but can be printed and mail-filed by yourself for free).  Fed e-filing is no extra charge...max-out is 5 e-files.

[CarolCotten]

I purchased Turbo Tax Premier from Costco this year, as I have done so in prior years.  After spending 4 hours inputting data, I discovered a program error/bug having to do with a W-2 reporting retirement benefits for my husband.  This W-2 has been handled correctly for many years.  The customer support person that I spoke with told me since I purchased the software from Costco, it was not supported by their staff and that I would have to return the program disk to Costco; and that I should purchased the online program directly from Turbo Tax.  The support person told me that they could offer me a discount, however the price would still be more than what I paid at Costco.

I have two issues here:

1. They did not offer to refer the  W-2 bug to programers to fix, or suggest a work around.

2. That Turbo Tax is not supporting the software purchased from a third party retailer.  

This is insane!!