Do any of the Turbo Tax desktop products allow multiple users to file both federal and state returns free?

[DoninGA]

The TurboTax desktop editions can be used by the purchaser of the software to complete and file an unlimited number of tax returns.  The license requires that the purchaser does not require payment for tax returns prepared with the software.  The license requires that the software can only be installed on no more than 5 computers that are owned by the purchaser.  The license requires that the purchaser cannot sell or send the software to others.

There is no requirement that the purchaser of the software must be the person who completes the tax returns on the computer on which the software is installed. 

The TurboTax desktop editions come with 5 free federal tax returns.  Any returns over 5 must be printed and mailed.

[NCperson]

@mbeukema000 - that is a "loaded" question....

once you buy the software, you can file up to 5 federal returns via efile for free; the rest can be paper filed (that is an IRS limitation not set by Turbo Tax)   

To file the State for free, you can mail it or if you are filing a NY State return, it's free.  Otherwise it's around $20 to efile a state return

However, a technical read of the EULA states: 

1. In addition to the license to Software in the Section A Terms, you agree that you may only: (i) install and use a copy of the Software on up to five (5) computers owned by you (at home or at work); (ii) use the Software only to prepare, print and/or electronically file your federal 2022 tax year returns and related 2022 state tax returns; and (iii) make one backup copy of the Software for your personal use as permitted under this license grant.

1. You are not licensed or permitted under this EULA to do any of the following: (i) allow any other person to use the Software; (ii) rent, loan, resell, share, distribute or redistribute the original CD or a copy of the Software to any other person or entity; (iii) make the Software available on any file-sharing or application hosting service; (iv) electronically send the Software to any other person or company; (v) copy the printed materials or user documentation accompanying the Software other than as necessary to support the uses permitted above; (vi) use the Software for any commercial purpose (i.e., tax return preparation for a fee or other consideration); or (vii) use the Software to electronically file more than five (5) federal returns. Any person or company who received the Software through any of the foregoing prohibited methods, or through any method other than purchasing a license for this Software from Intuit or an Intuit authorized retailer, is not authorized to use such Software.

Why are you REALLY asking? 

[fanfare]

To file truly free, choose the IRS Free File on the IRS website.

Some of the participants include free state filing.

@mbeukema000 

[NCperson]

@DoninGA - I think there is....thoughts? 

There is no requirement that the purchaser of the software must be the person who completes the tax returns on the computer on which the software is installed. 

https://turbotax.intuit.com/corp/license/desktop.jsp

1. You are not licensed or permitted under this EULA to do any of the following: (i) allow any other person to use the Software; (ii) rent, loan, resell, share, distribute or redistribute the original CD or a copy of the Software to any other person or entity; (iii) make the Software available on any file-sharing or application hosting service; (iv) electronically send the Software to any other person or company; (v) copy the printed materials or user documentation accompanying the Software other than as necessary to support the uses permitted above; (vi) use the Software for any commercial purpose (i.e., tax return preparation for a fee or other consideration); or (vii) use the Software to electronically file more than five (5) federal returns. Any person or company who received the Software through any of the foregoing prohibited methods, or through any method other than purchasing a license for this Software from Intuit or an Intuit authorized retailer, is not authorized to use such Software.

[DoninGA]

@NCperson Well, that is correct following the requirements under the EULA.  In reality however....???

[mbeukema000]

Thanks for the response.  I am inquiring as I do my own and my two sons taxes.  I've done theirs online and in the end it seems to cost more to file than using the deluxe desktop version I buy for myself.  I want to see what's legally allowed by using any desktop version to electronically file 3 federal and 3 state for 3 different individual filings at the most economical cost.

[NCperson]

@mbeukema000 - legally, you could complete the 3 tax returns, pay nothing to federally efile, pay about $20 to efile to each state (or just mail them).  and legally, you must complete the returns on computers YOU own and YOU must complete them.

That does assume that the 3 tax returns all require the same state filing; the desktop versions normally come with one state free, but if you are required to file in another state that normally adds about $45 to the price for each additional state  

I find it much cheaper than the online version..... 

[Anonymous_]

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@mbeukema000 wrote:

I want to see what's legally allowed by using any desktop version to electronically file 3 federal and 3 state for 3 different individual filings at the most economical cost.

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The desktop Deluxe version might be your best option. 

It includes one free state return, up to five free federal e-filed returns, and e-filing for each state runs $20-$25 (depending upon the state and the date you e-file).

See https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/cd-download

[mbeukema000]

Thanks again for the reply.  Had a feeling this would be the best approach but wanted to get other's opinions.

[VolvoGirl]

Yes for doing multiple returns the Desktop CD/Download program is usually better and more cost effective.  Unless someone can qualify for the Online Free Edition.  Especially if everyone is in the same state.   You can do umlimited returns in the Desktop program and efile 5 federal for free.  The rest you can print and mail.

You get 1 free state PROGRAM download to do unlimited returns in that state.  Then each state return is $20 to efile ($25 after March 1) or free to print and mail.   But New York is free to efile.    If you need to do a state return in a different state you have to buy another state Program for $45 plus the fee to efile it.   

[fanfare]

What is the point of allowing five e-Files unless you have five Form 1040 tax returns to submit ??

[Mike9241]

5 is the iRS limit.  many taxpayers have children for which separate returns need to be filed or the purchaser, uncompensated, can file for relatives.