I bought from amazon, downloaded and installed TT Deluxe for 2021. In the past I have done my taxes in my Windows/Chrome browser. Are these different products?

[HeatherPLO]

@claresessums

One is web-based and the other is software.  Is there a specific one you would rather use?  Please post your question here and someone will reach out with the next steps.  

[claresessums]

I bought two copies of turbotax (one for each kid) from amazon and downloaded and installed it. I then, as I started to do taxes, discovered that I had been using the online version over the last few years. How can I transfer over to the online version from the download version that I will not be using. I don't want to have to pay twice for turbotax.

[Katina S]

Here is how you can switch from the CD/Desktop version of Turbo Tax to the online version.

@claresessums

[VolvoGirl]

You should be able to download the .tax2020 file from Online.  See this to download the .tax data file, the second section on how to get the data file from the prior year.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/saving/help/how-do-i-save-my-turbotax-online-return-as-a-tax-data-...

One way is to start a 2021 Online return and transfer into that.  Then you can download the .tax2021 file from online and just OPEN it in the Desktop program.

OR

If you used the online version last year and need to transfer your info to this year's Desktop version there are 2 ways depending on what you have.

1.  If you saved the actual .tax2020 file (not just the pdf file) to your computer before online was shut down in Oct. then start a new return  and the very first thing you do is Transfer from .tax file.  You can only transfer at the very beginning.  You should be able to download the .tax2020 file from Online.  See this to download the .tax data file, the second section on how to get the data file from the prior year.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/saving/help/how-do-i-save-my-turbotax-online-return-as-a-tax-data-...

2.  If you didn't save the .tax  file to your computer or lost it,  there is a way to do it by starting a 2021 return in the Online version, transfer to that and then continue in the desktop version.  You won't have to pay for Online.   

First transfer into the Online version

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

Then to switch to the Desktop program

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/choosing-a-product/help/how-do-i-switch-from-turbotax-online-to-th...

[VolvoGirl]

@claresessums   ps......You didn't need to buy 2 copies.  The Desktop CD/Download program can come unlimited returns and efile 5 Federal for free.   Each state return (including the first one) is $25 to efile.  And you can install it on 5 computers you own.   Maybe you can get a refund for one.

Also your return is only saved on your computer so save frequently!  On the Windows Desktop program you have to manually save.  It doesn't automatically save although it should ask if you want to save when you start a new return or exit the program.

Also if your Child's name (or another return) is the same or similar to yours then it might overwrite your return.  You have to save each return with different names so you can tell them apart.  Like if your name is John and your son is also named John it will save them with the same name so the second one will overwrite the first return.  Go to File-SaveAs and give it a unique name.

[VolvoGirl]

Oh you want to go back to the Online version?  You can not move a current year Desktop return to the online version.  Why don't you want to use the Desktop program?   It has more features and advantages over the online web version.   You can do more than 1 return.  You can see and enter into the actual forms.  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 Premier for investments.

[suretgs]

My son already used the 5 efiles on my computer so rhe computer is not recognizing my new program to do my efile.  keep telling me I reached my limit of 5 efiles but this is a new program

[MarilynG1]

You shouldn't have two versions of TurboTax 2024 on the same computer.

Since your son has already Efiled five returns, you can uninstall his copy.  He can reinstall it later, if he needs to. 

Be sure to reboot afterwards to clear any traces of the other copy.

@suretgs 

[VolvoGirl]

Even if you install and activate a new program you won't be able to get any more efiles since 5 have already been used from your computer.  Sorry.  It doesn't matter which program you use, you have to print and mail the rest.  5 is a IRS hard limit.  

There is a way to activate a different version and have 2 licenses.  You don't need to install the second version just enter the License Code.  Under Help-Switch Product - Activate new product.  Don't know what that will do or what benefit you will get.  Don't think it will allow you to efile more than 5.  Also you can sign in or out of your account under File.