I prefer to talk to a cpa if covered in the software. Does the online version covers that compared to the downloaded version?

[hameshatumkochaha]

I used TT download version for the year 2019.

[hameshatumkochaha]

ver1. download/cd version feb+state is $65: https://www.costco.com/turbotax-home-%2526-business-2020%2c-federal-and-state-returns-%2b-federal-e-...

ver2. live version is $175: https://www.costco.com/turbotax-live-self-employed-2020-online%2c-with-real-tax-experts-federal-%2b-...

but I cannot find side by side comparison of the two. 

ver1 states: "Free product support via phone; Extra guidance for self-employment & business deductions"

ver2 states: "Connect Live On-screen With Real Tax Experts; Talk With A Tax Expert" etc.  

What does ver1 give with "Free product support via phone" and what is offered in ver2 that's missing in ver1?  If I start with ver1 & later want to upgrade, can the credit be applied ?

[VolvoGirl]

The Desktop CD/Download program is totally separate from the Online version.  The LIVE added help feature and full service option is only available in the online versions.  If you start in the Online version you can add the Live help later.  

You can not apply the Desktop purchase to the online version.

What is LIVE

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/choosing-a-product/help/what-is-turbotax-live/00/27191

Full Service is in addition to Live

https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/online/live/full-service/

What is Full Service?

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/choosing-a-product/help/what-is-full-service-by-turbotax-live/00/2...

Live service purchased through retail.  It is only for the Online versions

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/authorize-funds/help/what-is-turbotax-live-purchased-through-retai...

[VolvoGirl]

If you decide to use the Online version this year you can transfer from the Desktop program.

If you used the Desktop program last year here’s How to transfer into the Online version.  You need to have the prior year ..tax2019 file on your computer.  Expand the link if you used the CD/download last year........

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

If you used the Desktop program before you may not like the online version.  It has less features and no Forms Mode.  You can only do 1 return.  Your return is only saved online so be sure to save both the .tax2020 data file and the pdf file to your computer when you are done.  In case you need to amend in the future or if you need a copy to get a loan or something.  You might not be able to access your online return when you need a copy.