Does Turbotax Deluxe no longer include basic Schedule C expenses? My situation is the same as prior years and I used Deluxe, but I'm being told to upgrade to Self-Emp'd.

[Yamana1249]

I'm not breaking down my expenses (except under misc.). Under the various categories provided by Turbotax (communications, advertising, etc.) I just include a single figure. I've always done it this way and never been told I need to upgrade.

[xmasbaby0]

Deluxe in desktop software can prepare  a Schedule C.   But you are using online ---so no,  Deluxe will not prepare a Schedule C.   When you use online software you need Self-Employed if you need a Schedule C.

[Yamana1249]

Thanks so much for your response. The thing I don't understand is why I was able to submit my Schedule C--including expenses--last year using Deluxe (the online version). Any thoughts?

[VolvoGirl]

Some reasons........You either used the Desktop Deluxe.  Or don't remember upgrading to Online Self Employed version.  Or didn't use the expenses (check Schedule C).   

Or you used the IRS Free File website.   That includes Schedule C.  

[Yamana1249]

Thanks! These are all good reasons, but I double checked and none of them apply to me. I still can't figure out why I was able to use Deluxe last year!

[TeresaM]

In general, with TurboTax Deluxe Online you should be able to report income on a Schedule C but if you need to report expenses TurboTax Self-Employed is required. VolvoGirl is correct about the exceptions above. Without seeing the return, I cannot say why it may have let you report expenses in that version last year.

Please see this TurboTax Online Product Guide which states:

TurboTax Deluxe includes the 1040 form with itemized deductions (Schedules 1–6, Schedule A and Schedule C income), along with everything in Free Edition and PLUS.

and
TurboTax Self-Employed handles income and expenses from self-employment (Schedule C) and farms (Schedule F), along with all forms and schedules in Premier.
 

TurboTax Online Product Guide 2021

[dcp3210]

I had the same thing happen.  Not sure how you can run a business and have income- which is ok with Deluxe, but not have expenses for a business- thus the new requirement by Turbotax to upgrade.  Misleading in my mind as Deluxe can no longer be used for a business, unless you have no expenses, then Deluxe will work!  Call it bait and switch... 

[xmasbaby0]

@dcp3210 If you use the CD/download then every version of the CD/download including Deluxe can handle the preparation of a Schedule C.   If you are using online TurboTax you must upgrade to Self-Employed if you need to prepare a Schedule C.

There is nothing "new" about that.

[dcp3210]

I believe I have not used a CD since 2015 (since the purchase of a Mac)?  I may be wrong.  Is there a way to easily use a CD with a Mac?  Otherwise, I would not do or have done this.   In which case this was new to me last year.  

Also why the differentiation  between CD and online?   Think it would be more costly for a CD, in which case TTax should make the upgrade for using  a CD version?   Think CD version is less convenient and harder to utilize (with a newer computer) and thus less and less popular, thus not as viable an option.  Seems like a bait and switch. 

[xmasbaby0]

If your Mac meets the system requirements you can use the CD/download.  There have always been pricing differences between the online software and the CD/download.   Always.   So...you need to evaluate for your own situation which software is more cost effective for you.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/system-requirements/help/minimum-system-requirements-for-turbotax-...

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/system-requirements/help/minimum-system-requirements-for-turbotax-...

If you started in online and want to switch to the CD/download it is possible to do that:

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/choosing-a-product/help/how-do-i-switch-from-turbotax-online-to-th...

Here is a summary of the differences between desktop and online.  

Desktop	Online
Your file is on your computer only.  You are responsible for backup and security.	Your file is in the cloud.  You can work on your tax return from any web-connected computer, and Turbotax handles backups and security.
You can prepare an unlimited number of returns from one installed program, and e-file the first 5.	Each tax return requires a separate online account with a different user name and password, and each online account will require a separate filing fee.
Deluxe, Premier and Home&Business version all contain the same forms.  More expensive versions contain extra help and support for complex situations.  You can prepare advanced returns with the cheaper Deluxe version if you don't need the extra support.	You must upgrade to the more expensive Premier or Self-Employed version if you have a tax situation that requires those features.
Can directly view and edit all forms and worksheets in Forms mode.  (Note that direct entry on forms may void the accuracy guarantee and/or block e-filing.)	Can't view any forms until after paying the fee, can't directly edit forms, must use interview mode.
Requires a relatively up to date operating system.	Works with almost any browser, even on older Macs and PCs.
Free telephone support includes help using the program as well as some basic tax advice.	Free telephone support only includes help using the program.  For tax advice, online users must upgrade to the Turbotax Live version.
Live expert assistance not available	Expert assistance (Live Assistance or Live Full Service) is available at an extra cost
No free version (you must pay for the software up front)	Simple returns may be free to file.
Discounts may be available from reliable third party sellers (Amazon, Costco, others)	Must purchase directly from Turbotax, prices subject to change at any time.
Must purchase the software up front but there is a 60 day money back guarantee if you are not satisfied	Only pay when you are satisfied with your return and ready to file, no refunds after that.

[jac911]

I purchased Turbotax Deluxe 2021 CD and used a CD/DVD reader to install on my MacBook and need to show Profit and Loss from Business but not sure how to get to the Schedule C to enter my expenses.  I have entered my wages and income from my regular job but where do i enter my consultant - 1099 income and expenses from my home?  Thank you.

[VolvoGirl]

Go to Federal Taxes Tab

Wages and Income,

Then scroll way down to Business Items

Business Income and Expenses - Click the Start or Update button

For the 1099 income,  Actually I would just enter your total income as Other self employment income or as Cash or General income.  You don't need to get a 1099NEC or 1099Misc or 1099K.  Even if you did you can enter all your income as Cash.  Only the total goes to schedule C.

[jac911]

Thank you so much @VolvoGirl

[jac911]

VolvoGirl,

One other question, to fill in Sales of Business Property Form 4797 is that part of the Wages & Earnings Business section or is it populated after completing another part of the 1040?  This is to show loss on an auto for depreciation.

Thank you.

[AmyC]

Using the words:

• "show loss on auto for depreciation" I will assume that you want to enter the vehicle and depreciate it on form 4562. You can:
  •  return to the business section  
  • scroll down to Business Expenses. 
  • Locate Business vehicle expense and start/ edit/ update
  • your basis will depend on when purchased and if converted to business use. The program will walk you through it.

•  "business, auto depreciation , sale 4797",  I am going to assume you have sold an asset (car) in your business. You should:
  • Return to the business, 
  • go to business vehicle, 
  • edit the auto 
  • mark that it was sold and the amount. The checkbox is at the bottom of Tell us about your business vehicle. 
  • You will want to verify the basis is correct after depreciation.

Either way, you need the correct basis for the vehicle. See: 

• Publication 551 (12/2022), Basis of Assets - IRS
• Small business