I prepare many family member's taxes, but can only e-file 5 returns with my Home and Business Turbo Tax software. If I buy another package, can I e-file 5 more returns?

[pk]

generally you can e-file five returns  using the same machine --- that is IRS dictum.  You can move to a different machine, install . prepare and file  up to five more.  I am not sure but TurboTax may prefer that you buy another CD and install on a different machine.

Note though that per the software agreement , you cannot charge  for any returns you prepare ( for family or otherwise) -- this is not a business product.  For preparing as a professional , Intuit offers Lacerte, ProSeries etc.

[SweetieJean]

The IRS limit is 5 efiles total.

[SweetieJean]

Per IRS Pub 1345:
"Ensure that no more than five tax returns are filed electronically by one software package or from one e-mail address"

[gtboyd]

I am not charging the relatives that i do this for and i only have two computers to install the software on.  15 returns would require 3 computers.  There no software progam between individual  and professional?

[Opus 17]

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@gtboyd wrote:

I am not charging the relatives that i do this for and i only have two computers to install the software on.  15 returns would require 3 computers.  There no software progam between individual  and professional?

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Correct.  (What else would there be, "semi-pro"?)

The IRS imposes the 5 e-file limit on individuals, and users of Turbotax are considered individual taxpayers who are getting computer help, Turbotax is not a "tax preparer" in the way a professional accountant is.  You probably can't get around the 5 e-file limit even by buying 3 copies of the program, although we don't officially know how the IRS tracks those 5 (and I won't tell you my guesses to help you violate regulations). 

However, a single copy of Turbotax installed on your own computer can certainly prepare 15 tax returns, each return is a separate data file, like having different spreadsheets for a spreadsheet program or different word processing documents.  You would have to file the last 10 by printing and mailing them to the IRS and any states. 

[Critter-3]

Professional programs require you to sign up as an ERO with the IRS to use them which the non pro user will not be able to do easily.  And the programs are NOT interview based ... you must know what you are doing.  

Simple returns can be prepared and filed for free  using the ONLINE TT free program   https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/online/

OR by using  one of the 8 other options in the IRS FREE FILE alliance ... 

Use this IRS site for other ways to file for free  when the program opens in January

https://apps.irs.gov/app/freeFile/

[Carl]

The IRS has imposed an e-file limit of 5 returns per e-mail address. Now you can use the TurboTax software to prepare as many returns as needed/desired. But after you e-file 5 of those returns, any additional returns must be printed, signed and mailed to the IRS.

I do not know if you can e-file 5 with one e-mail address, and then e-file 5 more for example, with another e-mail address. But I think (don't know for a fact) that per IRS mandates, tax programs produced for self-prepared tax returns are limited to 5 e-files per installation, regardless.

[Critter-3]

To reduce the incident of income tax fraud the IRS set a limit of 5 efiled returns using the same DIY program not per email address.  The 5 efiles are registered by the program you purchased and once you hit the limit no further efiling will be allowed.  I don't know for sure but I also believe they track the IPN of the computer sending the efiles ... this is to stop a fraudster from buying several programs to get more filings using the same computer or bank of computers. Over the years the feds have shut down many income tax fraud rings so these rules have been put in place to stop the crooks with unfortunate side effects on the honest folk.  

Now you could have some of these people that you help to file get their own program on their own computers  and you go to their home and complete their returns.