How many returns can I prepare (not file - Fed and State) with TurboTax Deluxe 2025 desktop version but have to switch to Online since I have a Windows 10 laptop

[RMD20201]

Hi,

I purchased TurboTax Deluxe 2025 desktop version and in the past I have always been able to prepare two returns (Fed and State) and file one set. My laptop has Windows 10 which is not supported. 

Question 1: I am given an option before installation to convert to an online version. As I understand, the online version will be able to take the *.tax2024 file and it should be no different than how I was preparing on the laptop - is this correct?

Question 2: Does the online version provide the same as the desktop version in terms of number of tax returns I can prepare. I usually have 2 to prepare. And if not, what are my options that are cost-effective?

Question 3: Down the road when I purchase another laptop with a supported version of Windows (currently Windows 11), will I be able to go back to the desktop version or am I stuck with the online version? 

Question 4: Will the online version allow me to download the .tax2025 and rest of the files to download? I usually do not file electronically and send a paper tax return.

Question 5: How secure is it to fill out the information online?

Question 6: Any other things to take into consideration?

Thank you.

[RMD20201]

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 Thank you!

[baldietax]

Can't answer everything but will give is a try and maybe @VolvoGirl or @DoninGA or others can add further 

For Online you can only prepare 1 return (Fed+State) per account; not sure from your post if the 2 returns you are referring to are Fed (1) and State (1), or 2 returns both with Fed and State, but hopefully this answers your question on that.  So if you convert a desktop license over to Online Premium Fed+State through this 2025 offer you would need another account to file a 2nd return.  What is cost effective depends on how complex the second return is.  Online is generally more expensive than Desktop especially if you have multiple returns.  Whereas on Desktop the Deluxe and Premier versions both contain all the forms, in the Online world the Free/Deluxe/Premium versions have more forms in the higher versions.  Online Deluxe is not the same as Desktop Deluxe.

Online is not the same functionality / user experience as Desktop either ... there is no Forms mode, you can review 1040 and Schedules 1/2/3 online any time but otherwise need to pay for the right version (usually by first inputting your information to determine what forms you need) then you can review the full return in PDF and make further edits.  It's a lot more interview-heavy than desktop EasyStep, and will try to upsell you expert/live advice along the way, be careful what you click on.

You can transfer your .tax2024 file to online with some caveats (need to remove the password), and then export .tax2025 and print or e-file etc.  See

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/download-products/end-support-windows-8-...

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/uninstall-products/switch-turbotax-cd-do...

Once you commit to switching the desktop license to online I believe that is a one-way trip, you cannot go back and use it for desktop later, you would have to buy a new license.

Hope that helps - good luck!

[RMD20201]

Thank you, @baldietax, for your response. Unfortunately now I am more lost.

All these years, I have used the Desktop version of TT Deluxe and prepared the Fed/State returns for my parents and myself. But I only file online for one and send the paper tax return to the IRS/State.

Now with that context, can you or @VolvoGirl or @DoninGA or someone please help me understand so I can determine if I should just buy a new laptop with Windows 11 or will the online version suffice for our needs.

Thank you so much in advance.

[baldietax]

ok so 2 returns.  Online will only let you prepare and file a single return per account - whether you e-file or print it doesn't matter.  That offer to switch from desktop will only be good for 1 return.

For the 2nd return you'd need to set up a second account for TT Online to file that, and pay depending the complexity and forms needed there is the Free version or Deluxe or Premium (under DIY).

https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/compare/online/

You can also try Online out a bit, you should be able to sign on and put in some information and see if you like it, you will just a reach a point where you will need to pay (or use the desktop license) to see the full return and do final edits and review etc.  It will also start to tell you which version you need as you input more stuff and trigger more forms.

If you're planning to get Win 11 anyway because ESU expires in October unless MS extends it, if you have multiple returns and want to just keep the desktop process the same, you may find that an easier approach rather than switching to online and maybe back to desktop in the future; but some don't like the added pressure of upgrading just for taxes.  Turbotax is still pushing out a lot of updates for the 2025 changes so unless you're in a rush to file you have some time - I'm not touching anything til late Feb.

Your other options in the desktop arena are HR Block and TaxAct which are still supporting Win 10 this year.

[VolvoGirl]

@RMD20201   If you switch to the Online version……

If you used the Desktop program last year here’s How to transfer into the Online version, expand the blue link if you used the CD/download last year

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/entering-importing/help/how-do-i-transfer-last-year-s-return-into-...

If you used the Desktop program before you may notice several differences and not like the online version.  It has less features and no Forms Mode.  You can only do 1 return per account.   Although you can use the same email address for 5 separate accounts.  Your return is only saved online so be sure to save both the .tax2025 data file and the pdf file to your computer when you are done.  In case you need to amend in the future or if you need a copy to get a loan or something.  You might not be able to access your online return when you need a copy.

[RMD20201]

Thank you for the explanation @baldietax and @VolvoGirl. Very helpful - I think I will just buy a new laptop - did not want to spend the money but that may be the best option. And TT is not doing any updates for 2025 tax to allow Windows 10, correct?

Thank you again.

[baldietax]

it's way above my $0 pay grade as someone who has nothing to do with Intuit, but I would say that it's highly unlikely they would reverse course on Win 10 at this stage, given it's been 6 months since the formal decision to not support it and only 2 months go to in peak filing season, and they seem to have their hands full getting out final forms updates in the next few weeks.  Desktop is only 1% of revenues for Intuit, their focus is clearly in growing higher revenue online and live advice services.

[garyhein66]

I want to file federal and state for myself and my partner.  can I do that on my desktop verion of deluxe?

[VolvoGirl]

Yes.  Go up to File-NEW.  The Desktop program can do unlimited returns (like to test) and efile 5 federal for free.  There is a separate charge to efile each state return or you can print and mail state for free.  

[garyhein66]

I COMPLETED THE SECOND RETURN ON DESKTOP DELUX BUT THE SECOND ONE WON'T OPEN

SCHEDULE 1-A.  IT OPENS ON MY FIRST ONE AND HR BLOCK VERSION I BOUGHT.  I'VE SPENT MANY HOURS ON PHONE WITH TURBOTAX SUPPORT AND THEN AGAIN WITH LIVE-SUPPORT.  MAYBE YOU COULD HELP WHERE THEY COULDN'T

[garyhein66]

Form 1040 - schedule 1-a.  it opens on my first return and also on an  h&r block version I bought. I've spent many hours on phone with turbotax support and then again with live-support.  Why would only one form not work?

[VolvoGirl]

What is the filing status on the second return?  I assumed you switched to Forms?  If a schedule is not showing up in the list on the left then go to Open Form and type in 1-a, then click on it and open form.  I can make you a screenshot.  

Is the gross income too high?  Is it over the max?

For Single the deduction starts to phase out at 75,000 and maxes out at 175,000
For Joint the deductions starts to phase out at 150,000 and maxes out at 250,000
If you are married you have to file a Joint return

[garyhein66]

net income is 120K.  with pencil and paper or the H & h block form it yield a 2400 deduction.  it's not income level or age.  what else could turbo be using to not block us from using secion 5?

[VolvoGirl]

2/12/26 new reason for not getting the 6,000 Enhanced Senior Deduction.   Someone posted that their ssn was marked NOT VALID for employment.  Uncheck that and it was ok.  Should be under My Info.