I just saw the turbo tax app. What is the difference between the online/desktop and app? I have a very simple return <79,000 Married Joint return.

[81rxv1te]

Is there a difference between all three methods? I am only reporting my retirement income of 15k, my spouse 10k, (less 29,2000 deduction) and additional withdrawals to help me survive - I will be in the 10% tax bracket. I was wondering if the app on the phone is the same and secure? Regardless of any three methods, is my data being collected and store with Intuit?

[xmasbaby0]

The calculations are the same whether you use the online program or the desktop download on a full PC or Mac.

When you use Online TurboTax, you get one return per fee.  Each return needs its own account and user ID.   If you use the same account and user ID for a second return, you overwrite the first one and lose it forever.   When you use online software, your return is stored online for seven years.

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

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/using-turbotax/help/how-do-i-start-another-return-in-turbotax-onli...

 When you use Desktop TurboTax, which you install from a CD or download to your own hard drive, you can prepare and e-file multiple returns for the cost of the software.  You can e-file up to 5 Federal returns—more if you mail the additional ones.  If you have multiple returns to prepare for family members, Desktop is more cost effective.   When you use the download your return is NOT stored online; it is stored on your own hard drive.

Desktop --unless you specifically buy federal  Deluxe only from a retailer-- will include the software for one specific state.   You can prepare as many returns for that state as the number of federal returns you prepare.  E-filing state returns is an extra fee which can be avoided by printing and mailing the states.   Additional--other--state software is an additional fee for the software.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901306-how-many-times-can-i-e-file-using-the-turbotax-cd-or-downl...

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2750704-what-are-the-advantages-of-the-turbotax-cd-download-softwa...

To answer your question about security:

https://turbotax.intuit.com/best-tax-software/secure-online-tax-prep/

[guywong]

If your tax return is really that simple, perhaps consider using the IRS Direct File if you live in one of the 24 states offered by the IRS, it's free of charge but you may have to wait until March 2025 when 1099-R reporting is added to the program.

Here's the IRS link:

IRS Direct File for free | Internal Revenue Service

Here's an article on eligibility

Free tax filing with IRS Direct File: What you need to know

[rjs]

The TurboTax mobile app is just an interface to TurboTax Online. When you use the mobile app you are using TurboTax Online, with an interface tailored to a mobile device. See the following FAQs for more information.

How do I use the mobile app?

What's the difference between TurboTax Online and the mobile app?