When you use Online TurboTax, you get one return per fee. Each return needs its own account and user ID. If you use the same account and user ID for a second return, you overwrite the first one and lose it forever.
When you use Desktop TurboTax, which you install from a CD or download to your own hard drive, you can prepare and e-file multiple returns for the cost of the software. You can e-file up to 5 Federal returns—more if you mail the additional ones. If you have multiple returns to prepare for family members, Desktop is more cost effective.
Desktop --unless you specifically buy federal Deluxe only from a retailer-- will include the software for one specific state. You can prepare as many returns for that state as the number of federal returns you prepare. E-filing state returns is an extra fee which can be avoided by printing and mailing the states. Additional--other--state software is an additional fee for the software.
2024 changed the rules. I used to be able to allow my two children and my partner to do their own taxes - now its all being processed through my intuit account. Does this mean I have to do their taxes for them?
@jac61 You can do their returns for them or they can prepare them for themselves as long as they use a computer owned by YOU. You are allowed to download the software to up to five computers that YOU own. The download is linked to your own account----they cannot use your download on a different account--if that is what you mean.
I've had a family member complete her return on her computer for years.
1. Are you certain she can now only do this if I own the computer?
2. How would TurboTax know who owns a computer?
Thanks in advance
TurboTax has cracked down on people just giving away their license keys to others. Your desktop download can be used on computers owned by you. Any installation/download of the software will be linked to YOUR online account with TT. You could prepare your family member's return for them on your computer and that would be fine. Or let them come and use your computer to prepare it.
@Paolooch Did she install your Desktop program? 5 computers has always been the rule but now they are enforcing it more. To install the program you bought she would have to log in to your account and have the License Code.
She installed the download version on her computer using my key. When she finished prepping her return, including State, she held on to the electronic file until she paid us a visit. I reviewed her return, and filed it for her from my laptop. No intended subterfuge on our part. I've been letting her prepare her taxes with my software for years. Lately it's been from a download, used to be from the TT CD.
Thanks
How did you file it for her from your computer. Thanks.
You would need to copy the tax data file ending in .tax2024 to your computer then open it in the program and file it. For Windows, they are usually in My Documents in the Turbo Tax folder or search your hard drive for all files ending in .tax.
If I use my friend key, install it in my computer and file my tax return. Then my friend file his tax return in my computer or his computer using same key, username and password, can he see my data and tax information? Thank you.