Hello! How do we apply the 'Software Activation Keys" that we pre-purchase, such as from Costco? Thanks!

[VolvoGirl · Accepted solution]

Did you buy the CD or the download?  I bought the Download from Costco. Here's how mine went.

I got the activation email in 20 minutes.

I clicked on the link in  the email, then chose PC Download.  It automatically went to my Downloads folder.

I double clicked on the file to to install it.  It installed FAST! It launched and updated.  Hasn't asked for the Activation code yet.  It said to continue but nothing happened.

So I clicked on the Desktop Icon - got a sign in box.  Had to log into my Turbo Tax account.  They emailed me a code to verify me.  

Then got the Activation box and entered the 16 digit code and was in.  Actually I just copied and pasted it from the email.

This year I filled in the registration box so it should stop asking me every time I launch it.

[VolvoGirl · Accepted solution]

Or are you using the Online version?   If you have a License Code you need to install the Desktop CD/Download program and not use the Online version.  How to install with a License Code

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/tax-topics/help/activating-turbotax-cd-download-software/00/852971

Sorry you can't apply the Desktop CD/Download program purchase to the Online version.  They are separate prices and work different.  You have to pay for online and try to get a refund for the Desktop program.  Or switch to your program.

If you already started in the Online version you can move your return to the Desktop program even without paying for Online. 

[shawshah]

Thanks for the lightening fast and helpful replly! Yes, I purchased the 'download' option. I guess what confuses me is that I have filed in the past with TurboTax before and have an Intuit account, with prior history. So, I have already logged in and am looking at the option of completing via 'pay when you file/finish.'  It seems redundant to need to download the software when it's already available as Cloud-based. I was figuring when I get to the end, perhaps it would prompt me to enter the Software Activation Keys at that time, vs. downloading the software onto my laptop (I don't prefer to keep the data on my laptop, I am fine filing cloud-based and saving the electronic versions of all supportive documentation in a file) and starting from scratch again. I only purchased from Costco for the savings. Now I wonder if I did not need to go that route. I can reach out to their customer support, tomorrow, to double-check.

Thanks again, much appreciated!

[VolvoGirl]

Right the Desktop program is totally different than the Online web version.  But it has better features.  And the Desktop and Online version do not sync up, they are completely separate.

To use the Online version you need pay for Online separate from the Desktop program.  Then try to get a refund for the Desktop program.  

The CD/Download Desktop you buy and install the program, which can do unlimited returns. The returns are only saved on your computer and can not be accessed from anywhere else. And not saved at Turbo Tax. So Be sure to save Frequently and make backups. You get 5 federal efile for free. In Deluxe and above you get 1 state PROGRAM download to prepare unlimited state returns (in that state). Each state return including the first one is $20 early or $25 to efile or you can print and mail the state for free. The Desktop programs do not have the expert help that is available to add to Online versions.

Desktop also has many other features and advantages over the Online version. You can do more than 1 return. You can see and enter into the actual forms. It has a What-If worksheet. And you can use a lower version because all the Desktop versions have ALL the same forms. You just get more help in the higher versions. In online you have to upgrade to enter certain kinds of income. Like Premium for investments.

And the Desktop program is always available even after the year ends. Which is good if you ever need to amend your return after online website is closed or get audited and need your tax records.