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?

[VolvoGirl]

I think it goes by your IP address and email.  And probably in the Turbo Tax program.  5 efiles is an IRS limit. It's to prevent fraud and people filing fake returns. To do more you have to sign up as a ERO - Electronic Returns Originator and be an authorized E-file provider. https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/become-an-authorized-e-file-provider.  To do more than 5efiles you have to buy Intuit Products for Tax Professionals at https://proconnect.intuit.com

This post has info explaining 5 efiles
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/taxes/discussion/re-re-e-file-limits/01/2471668#M883293

[xmasbaby0]

It is not using the email addresses you enter for the individual people whose returns you are preparing.  So, no, entering different email addresses for them will not let you e-file more than five federal returns.   If you have more than five returns to file, some of them can be filed by mail.

Not sure what you think "registering" with the IRS means.   If you have the credentials to use professional tax software you can purchase and use that software, prepare tax returns for as many people as you want, and e-file them.  But you cannot use ordinary TurboTax for more than five federal e-files; paid tax preparers---or even generous people preparing returns for family members -- cannot get around that IRS limit with TurboTax.

• Professional tax software

From IRS PUB 1345 —- limit of 5 e-files

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

This appears on page 36 

Additional Requirements for Participants in Online Filing

 In addition to the above, participants in Online Filing must adhere to the following: 

1. Ensure that no more than five electronic returns are filed from one software package or one e-mail address.
2. 2. Supply a taxpayer with a correct Submission ID. 

[JAM777]

How does the IRS come up with or track the five, is it tied to the TurboTax serial number, and email address or the IP address from which the return was attempted to be filed?

[Cynthiad66]

If you use TurboTax Online, you can file one federal return with up to five state returns per Intuit Account.

If you use TurboTax Desktop, you can e-file five federal returns with up to three state returns each. However, you can paper-file as many returns as you’d like. 

Per IRS rules, you can only e-file up to five federal returns using the same email address or phone number with personal tax return preparation products.

Our license agreement doesn't allow TurboTax to be used for commercial or professional tax preparation. If you need to file multiple returns because you prepare taxes for a living, check out our professional tax software.

@JAM777