I own TurboTax Premier, but am thinking I need the live expert help. I don't see an option to ADD it to a previous purchase... am I required to purchase it again?

[bryanlanser]

Is there any way to add expert help to a hard copy Turbo Tax purchased at Costco?

[macuser_22]

No.  The CD/download version does not have that.  Only online does.  (The "experts" cannot access your computer to help - only the online versions.)

[DawnC]

Unfortunately no, TurboTax Live can only be used with TurboTax Online.   Desktop prepared returns cannot be accessed through TurboTax Live.    You can switch to TurboTax Online however.   You would need to return the desktop software to Costco and get a refund from them though.  

How do I switch from TurboTax CD/Download to TurboTax Online?

TurboTax Live includes help from a tax expert when you need it, and the option for a final review of your return. There are two ways to add these benefits.

1. Start with TurboTax Live

     When you first start your return you can choose a TurboTax Live product:

• TurboTax Live Basic
• TurboTax Live Deluxe
• TurboTax Live Premier
• TurboTax Live Self-Employed

You'll see the cost for your version of TurboTax Live when you select it.

2. Upgrade to TurboTax Live if you started with a different TurboTax product

     If you originally selected TurboTax Free Edition, Deluxe, Premier, or Self-Employed, you can add TurboTax Live.

     You can do this at different points while working on your return, but to add it now:

1. Sign into your current account and open or continue your return.
2. Select the Upgrade button in the left menu.
3. Select the Live tab to select your product.

You'll see your TurboTax Live price in this screen.   Don't worry about paying for TurboTax Live before you speak to a tax expert.   You'll pay when you file your taxes.

If you have a question about your return and aren’t sure if it requires the help of a Tax Expert, enter your question in the Search box and we'll let you know if you need a tax expert.

Related Information:

• What is TurboTax Live?

[bryanlanser]

This is a pretty unaccommodating policy on the part of Intuit, and really short-sighted of them.  I know I’m not alone in starting my returns on the CD version and thinking it would be better to upgrade to online and get tax help.  Really unfortunate and really unfair to Costco to make them the bearer of the lost revenue.  Next year I will just use a Paid preparer to do my taxes and avoid all this Intuit nonsense!

[macuser_22]

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@bryanlanser wrote:

This is a pretty unaccommodating policy on the part of Intuit, and really short-sighted of them.  I know I’m not alone in starting my returns on the CD version and thinking it would be better to upgrade to online and get tax help.  Really unfortunate and really unfair to Costco to make them the bearer of the lost revenue.  Next year I will just use a Paid preparer to do my taxes and avoid all this Intuit nonsense!

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TurboTax "live" require that the live agent have access to your tax return.    Online is on TurboTax's own servers so they have access to your "live" account.    Nobody but you has access to your home computer.   It simply cannot work with the CD/download desktop versions.