Doing 1 1040 return including 2 states return on multiple computers

[cheerful]

Hi,

I'm filing one 1040 tax return for 2019 including 2 states.  I have 2 computers, 1 desktop and 1 laptop.

The retail box purchase contains the federal and 1 free state download.

I do travel quite a bit during the tax season.  So I was thinking to use my time on the flight to prepare my tax return, which means the laptop.  At home though, it's far more convenient to use the desktop.

Can I install the Turbotax on both PC?  How do I download 2 states on both of them?

Or if this is not possible, what's the best way to do this?  

Thanks

[DawnC]

Yes, you can load TurboTax on more than one computer along with the States.  TurboTax Basic, Deluxe, Premier, and Home & Business software lets you prepare and paper-file (you can e-file 3 state returns) as many state returns as you want.

You can access and install your downloads from your account - see instructions below:  

• Sign in to your TurboTax account using the same login you used when you made your purchase.
• If you're not already on the Downloads tab, select it.
• Select the corresponding blue button for the product you wish to download.
  • If you don’t see your product, use account recovery to find out if you have other usernames associated with your email.
• Save the download somewhere on your computer where you can find it.
  • If you need help finding your download, check our instructions for Windows or Mac.
• Finally, install your software by double-clicking the downloaded file.
  • If you need help installing, we can help with Windows or Mac.

How do I download the software I purchased at TurboTax.com?

[VolvoGirl]

After you download the free state program you will have to buy one of the state program download on one of the computers.  Then you should be able to download it again to the other computer.  

Download and install the states on one computer first.  Then on the other computer download the same state for the free state. On the second computer you will have to start a new fake return to be able to download the free state and paid state programs.

After you have both states installed, you can copy the .tax2019 from one computer to the other.

[Steerpike58]

Regarding your comment: "TurboTax Basic, Deluxe, Premier, and Home & Business software lets you prepare and paper-file (you can e-file 3 state returns) as many state returns as you want."

How do you download 'as many states' without paying for these extra states? That is - if I don't want to e-file, how can I get more than one state loaded into TT without buying the extra states? 

[SteamTrain]

@Steerpike58 

For the "Desktop " software only:

1)  Deluxe, Premier, and H&B will allow you to download and use 1...."one" free state software set.

2)  For any extra states beyond that one....you have to pay for each extra different state you want to download and use

3)   For each state you use  (free one or extra ones you buy/downlaod) you can e-file up to 3 states associated with that particular Federal tax return.   If you have purchased more states beyond the 3 you may have, they can be used and prepared, but the extra ones have to be printed-mail-filed by you at your Post Office.

4)  For any state that you do e-file (with the desktop software)  there is an extra e-file fee....usually $20 until March...then $25 after some day in March, even though you may have purchased the software for a couple of them.   (Except the state of NY.  NY e-filing is free).  

________________________

Only the Online software includes a free e-file after you have purchased the state software....but every state has to be purchased...no "one Free" state set.

Finally....some Desktop Deluxe programs purchased thru 3rd parties, some do not contain one free state download, so check your purchase carefully.   These are primarily for folks who happen to live in a state without an income tax, where they don't need a state software set. 

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.............And Desktop BASIC never contains one free software set.....you have to buy any state you want to use, so Deluxe with one state is usually cheaper.

[xmasbaby0]

@Steerpike58 

"How do you download 'as many states' without paying for these extra states? That is - if I don't want to e-file, how can I get more than one state loaded into TT without buying the extra states? "

You do not get the extra state software programs without paying for the software.   You can get the federal software that includes the software for ONE of your states, but additional state software programs cost you more---about $45 per each state software program.   The only thing you can save on is the state e-file fee---instead of paying $20 to e-file each state you can print, sign and mail those state returns.