I need to efile more than federal returns, for family members. Can I do this if I buy another desktop version of TurboTax, and put it on another computer?

[CrystalS2]

Do you have a Desktop program already? If so which one?

[maw111194]

I meant to say I need to efile more than 5 federal returns.   Yes - I have the desktop Home & Business version.   The additional returns (on top of the first 5), would require the desktop version Premium version, which I have not yet purchased.

[maw111194]

Thank you

[CrystalS2]

The IRS imposes a limit of 5 e-mail returns.  Preparing greater than 5 returns is viewed by the IRS as being 'a preparer' and requires registration with the IRS.  It is NOT a TurboTax limitation, and it does not matter how many TurboTax packages you buy; if you try to e-file more than 5 returns you should consider it an invitation to the IRS to contact you.

NOTE: To prepare more than five e-files, you will need to become an Authorized e-file Provider and register as an ERO (Electronic Returns Originator) with the IRS, see:
http://www.irs.gov/Tax-Professionals/e-File-Providers-&-Partners/Become-an-Authorized-e-file-Provide...
    Intuit has 2 products for tax preparers:
      ProSeries    http://proseries.intuit.com/
      Lacerte    http://lacerte.intuit.com/index.jsp

However; while you can only e-file 5 returns, the TurboTax software will let you PRINT and MAIL as many additional copies as you need at NO additional charge for the federal returns.

[dmpdlib56]

premier

[Critter]

May I suggest using one of the IRS FREE FILE options for those returns that qualify so as to not use up the 5 returns in the program you purchased ... this is a good option for kid returns ...

https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free

[pops]

So if I use a different email to file a 6th return it should work right? 

[Critter]

Wrong ... the account registration is limited to 5 per email address  and has nothing to do with the   Efiling limitations on the downloaded version which  is limited to 5 per the IRS regulations. 

[Sastre70]

I retired from IRS after 32 years and serve as a volunteer in the Free Tax Prep program  IRS/United Way partner program using Taxslayer.  IRS doesn't care how many tax returns Turbo tax filers efile and none of my IRS colleagues have ever heard of such a policy. All IRS cares about is folks file and pay taxes. If you are a paid preparer by law you are required to file and pay the appropriate taxes. whether you get paid to prepare 1 tax return or1,000s.  I use to e-file tax returns for my family and friends FREE using Turbo Tax but now that they have limited the number of returns that can be efiled, which includes the ones rejected by IRS, I have referred my family and friends to our Free Tax Prep site staff by volunteers who are IRS employees, retirees, attorneys, CPAs, etc., where we prepare and e-file an unlimited number of federal and state tax returns FREE for the average worker bee (if you are rich you should get a professional CPA or tax attorney). I believe Turbo Tax got greedy. Paying $500.00 or more for Turbo Tax's Pro Series to file 6 or more tax returns is ridiculous. Turbotax is not authorized to monitor the number of paid tax preparers. After numerous years of purchasing Turbotax software I can save my money now and bring my family and friends to our Tax Free Prep and E-File site for their federal AND state returns.

[VolvoGirl]

Heres some some posts that might help explain it

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/4779716-i-purchased-a-2nd-home-business-software-to-file-more-tax-...

[macuser_22]

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@Sastre70 wrote:

I retired from IRS after 32 years and serve as a volunteer in the Free Tax Prep program  IRS/United Way partner program using Taxslayer.  IRS doesn't care how many tax returns Turbo tax filers efile and none of my IRS colleagues have ever heard of such a policy. All IRS cares about is folks file and pay taxes. If you are a paid preparer by law you are required to file and pay the appropriate taxes. whether you get paid to prepare 1 tax return or1,000s.  I use to e-file tax returns for my family and friends FREE using Turbo Tax but now that they have limited the number of returns that can be efiled, which includes the ones rejected by IRS, I have referred my family and friends to our Free Tax Prep site staff by volunteers who are IRS employees, retirees, attorneys, CPAs, etc., where we prepare and e-file an unlimited number of federal and state tax returns FREE for the average worker bee (if you are rich you should get a professional CPA or tax attorney). I believe Turbo Tax got greedy. Paying $500.00 or more for Turbo Tax's Pro Series to file 6 or more tax returns is ridiculous. Turbotax is not authorized to monitor the number of paid tax preparers. After numerous years of purchasing Turbotax software I can save my money now and bring my family and friends to our Tax Free Prep and E-File site for their federal AND state returns.

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Then you have not read the IRS rules and restrictions  for self-prepared  e-file providers.

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p1345.pdf

5. Ensure that it does not transmit or accept for transmission more than five electronic returns originating from one software package or from one e-mail address;

This requirement is spelled out in detail  in the ERO providers contract with the IRS.

[user2828]

: I need to efile more than 5 federal returns, for family members. Can I do this if I buy another desktop version of TurboTax

[MichelleLO]

Assuming you are using TurboTax CD/Download software, you can prepare as many returns as you need to, but only 5 of those returns can be e-filed per IRS regulations. Purchasing additional software will not change this limit imposed by the IRS. For more information, please see the below TurboTax FAQ.

How many returns can I e-file in the TurboTax CD/Download software?

@user2828

[MartyDC]

I prepare returns for no money for family/friends.  If I'm using these people's email address how does the IRS know that I've prepared more than 5?  If I did register with the IRS, would the Turbo Tax program then let me exceed the 5 limit?