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Level 6
posted Mar 9, 2020 5:57:15 PM

How many computers can a turbotax installed on using one serial number?

How many computer can a turboxtax installed on using one serial number?

Each installation must have the same return? or can have different returns?

0 103 82173
24 Replies
Expert Alumni
Mar 9, 2020 6:18:05 PM

You can install TurboTax CD/Download on up to five different computers. Each installed copy can prepare different returns.

 

PLease read this TurboTax Help topic for more information.

 

@manbeing @VolvoGirl   I have edited my answer. Thank you.

 

Edited 03/10/2020  |  11:15 AM PST

Level 15
Mar 9, 2020 6:22:00 PM

You can install the Desktop program on 5 computers.   Can I install on more than 1 computer?
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/installing/help/can-i-install-turbotax-on-more-than-one-computer/01/25663

 

With the Desktop version you can prepare and print unlimited federal and unlimited state returns and efile up to 5 federal for free (IRS limit). And it has what if scenarios and you can see and enter directly into the actual forms. State is currently $24.99 each to efile but it is free to print and mail unlimited returns.

Level 15
Mar 9, 2020 6:22:54 PM

@MinhT1   That link you posted is for Canada.

Level 1
Jul 6, 2020 7:33:28 AM

I installed once in my computer and my computer had an issue that I have to reformat my computer. Then I lost the turbotax software in my computer. I have not even filed yet, does it consider I used one installation?

New Member
Dec 15, 2020 11:57:49 PM

for 2020 Turbo tax Home & Business,  can it be installed for 5 PCs at home? 

(I know it is 5 PCs for 2019 version) 

Thanks

Frank

Level 15
Dec 16, 2020 5:37:06 AM

Yes ----you are still limited to a TOTAL of five federal e-files.  More than five---print sign and mail them.

Level 15
Dec 16, 2020 6:01:26 AM

yes, it can be installed on 5 PCs but per the licensing agreement, that is 5 PCs YOU own....no sharing of the software outside your ownership is technically permitted. 

 

why would you want to install it on 5 computers in that your own? what is the value? just curious. 

Not applicable
Dec 16, 2020 1:05:26 PM

be wary of unauthorized sellers.   what they can do is buy a legit copy and then make illegal copies of the CD. then they can sell to 5 customers who will be able to activate only once.  

Level 2
Dec 29, 2020 8:01:41 PM

Do I need a CD drive, or can I download the program on 5 computers directly from Turbo Tax after purchasing at Costco?  Can it be downloaded to both Windows and a Mac computer?

Level 3
Dec 30, 2020 6:28:05 PM

That was true for Turbotax 2019. I just got off the phone with Turbotax support, and Turbotax for the tax year 2020 can only be installed on 1 computer.

Reference to case number: [number removed]

Level 15
Dec 30, 2020 6:41:10 PM

Not that's wrong.  It hasn't changed.  You can install 2020 on 5 computers you own.  Either you misunderstood Support or they misunderstood you.

 

@dinger2625  Yes you can download it.

 

How to download Turbo Tax instead of using the CD

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/installing/help/i-bought-the-cd-but-my-computer-doesn-t-have-a-cd-drive/01/26450

Level 15
Dec 30, 2020 6:42:57 PM

sorry - you were given incorrect information. This is the link to the 2020 license agreement

 

https://turbotax.intuit.com/corp/license/desktop.jsp

2. Supplemental License Grant and Restrictions.

In addition to the General License Grant you may: (i)

install and use a copy of the Software on up to five (5) computers owned by you (at home or at work);

(ii) use the Software only to prepare, print and/or electronically file your federal 2020 tax year returns and related state tax returns as described below; (iii) make one backup copy of the Software for your personal use as permitted under this license grant. Any software that is delivered by electronic transmission (regardless of whether a replacement copy is ordered) shall be deemed delivered on the date that Intuit makes such program available for download.

Level 15
Dec 30, 2020 6:48:36 PM

@ttlongtimeuser   

You can install the Turbo Tax Desktop program on up to 5 computers you own.  See the 2020 License, scroll down to Section B, #2

https://turbotax.intuit.com/corp/license/desktop.jsp

 

"In addition to the General License Grant you may: (i) install and use a copy of the Software on up to five (5) computers owned by you (at home or at work);..."

Level 3
Dec 30, 2020 8:27:51 PM

@VolvoGirl    Thank You, I am glad to hear that.  However, Intuit person (1-800-446-8848) told me today otherwise.  Reference to case number: [removed]    I like your answer better and will try to install it on my laptop and my desktop and will see what happens.     

Level 15
Dec 31, 2020 7:37:30 AM

@ttlongtimeuser   Are you asking about a Canada return?  Canada is different.  It might be only one install or computer.

New Member
Jan 22, 2021 9:40:31 AM

Your question is not directed to me, but I do want to install Turbo Tax on 2 of my home computers.  The reason is because one computer is brand new and will replace my older computer I am currently using in the coming months.  I want to download into both computers as I transition from the old to the new. 

Level 15
Jan 22, 2021 9:47:46 AM

for the US version of the desktop of  TT, it can be installed on 5 computers. 

Level 2
Feb 3, 2021 5:40:16 PM

So for the different people in one household can they have their own intuit account on the same key code or does it have to be the same intuit account? Daughter is trying to use the download where I used the CD and it's saying it needs my account to accept the key code on my daughter's computer.

Thanks

Level 2
Feb 3, 2021 6:00:16 PM

I ended up calling Turbo Tax.  I had used the CD that I purchased from Costco to install Turbo Tax on my PC.  My daughter wanted to download the program to her Mac while she was using my log in and password for the account.  We were unsuccessful.  Eventually Turbo Tax had to issue a new Key Code so that she was able to download the program. 

New Member
Feb 20, 2021 9:09:29 AM

so wow did it work out

Level 1
Mar 12, 2021 8:37:21 AM

@ttlongtimeuser 

 

Were you able to install the software on another device?

Level 15
Mar 12, 2021 8:39:01 AM

Yes, There is a problem if you first installed the CD. It doesn't connect you to an account you can find. You have to call in and ask for the download and a new License Code. Hopefully you get a customer service person who knows about it.

 

This guy explains it well
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/taxes/discussion/resolved-after-many-calls-cannot-reinstall-download-cd-product-on-second-computer/00/1770119

Level 3
Mar 12, 2021 4:58:34 PM

Yes, I was able to.   However, there are some other TT software problems.  On my one laptop, I need to have the USB stick with a tax return I started earlier, otherwise, it keeps asking me to activate TT over and over again and of course you can't use the same license#.

Returning Member
Mar 20, 2021 10:39:34 AM

I'm having trouble installing on more than one computer. I installed it on the first computer from a CD. I need to download it on the second computer.

I then went to InstallTurboTax.com and signed in to my account. When I entered my license number, I received this message: 

Let's get your download started

This license code has already been associated with an account. Please check that account and look for it in Downloads.

Enter your license code to confirm your purchase and retrieve your download. This code can be found on the instructions that came with your CD. Learn More

But I can't get it to show up in Downloads for my account.