Lots of changes in life this year. Confused on which software to get.

[joannechen3]

Hi, I got married this year (filing jointly) and was gifted a new home (no mortgage - bought May 2018, escrow closing Feb 2019). Does the house need to be accounted for on this year? Do I need to get forms from someone? 

Which software should I get?

[SharonC1]

Do you use TurboTax online (cloud based) or do you download it to your computer?

[SharonC1]

FYI - you do not record the gift.  If anyone does, it is the person who gifted it to you.

[joannechen3]

I can do both. I haven't bought it yet! So if I don't record the gift, do I mark down that I bought a new home or no?

[SharonC1 · Accepted solution]

You can use whichever format you are most comfortable with: 

TurboTax online is cloud based and

TurboTax desktop is a software you put on your computer

There really isn't a better option.  It just boils down to your comfort level.  

Click here for TurboTax personal return pricing.  Be sure to notice the two tabs – online and desktop. 

Answer "no" to the question about buying a home this year since it was gifted to you.  If you answered "yes", the program is going to try to give you a bunch of deductions you aren't eligible for (sorry).

Congratulations on the wedding.  

[joannechen3]

Alright, thank you! I was worried I would have to get the homeowners version but in that case, I think just the basic one will work for me 😄 Thank you!

[SharonC1]

You are welcome.

[JaDa8346]

I've been using Turbo Tax Premier for years on my laptop. This year I was able to Install it but it won't Activate. I've used both the CD & Online Download approaches. Working with a TurboTax representative didn't work either. Any suggestions? 

[TiffanyL]

You may need to try a lower screen resolution such as 800x600.  If unsuccessful, try 1024x768. Once you get the license activated, you can revert your resolution setting back like it was. If this does not work, you can contact TurboTax customer support for additional support.

@JaDa8346