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New Member
posted Jun 6, 2019 12:51:54 AM

I purchased 2 cds can i load on one computer

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24 Replies
Level 15
Jun 6, 2019 12:51:56 AM

You cannot install two copies of the personal TurboTax software for the same year on one computer. Personal TurboTax software means TurboTax Basic, Deluxe, Premier, or Home & Business - anything except TurboTax Business (which is not the same as Home & Business). You can install one personal edition and TurboTax Business on the same computer. You can install personal editions for different years on one computer, so you could have 2017 Deluxe and 2018 Deluxe on the same computer. But you cannot install two copies of 2018 Deluxe on one computer, and you cannot install, for example, 2018 Deluxe and 2018 Premier on the same computer.

Level 1
Mar 4, 2020 2:27:19 PM

What if a person installed one copy of Turbotax, used that copy to electronically file 5 returns, uninstalled that copy, and then installed a second copy in order to file 5 more returns? (Note - all of the returns are being prepared for free - not a paid tax preparer.)

Intuit Alumni
Mar 5, 2020 8:17:40 AM

@cyberry With a TurboTax CD, you're able to electronically file 5 returns. Even upon re-installing the software, you will not be able to e-file any more returns but you can prepare more. You just will need to print them and mail them off for processing. For more information, see: How many returns can I e-file in the TurboTax CD/Download software?

Level 1
Mar 5, 2020 9:42:59 AM

Doesn't quite answer my question.

 

I have TWO copies of Turbotax Deluxe, both purchased. I am not trying to uninstall a copy of the program and then reinstall the same copy. I would be uninstalling one copy and then installing a DIFFERENT, purchased copy of the program. 

Expert Alumni
Mar 5, 2020 9:57:44 AM

You can install a second copy of TurboTax on your computer.  To install the second copy you will have to set up a new TurboTax account with a new user ID.  When you have two copies of TurboTax installed you will only be allowed to have one copy open at a time.

New Member
Mar 22, 2020 3:03:33 PM

Did you figure this out? Same question. bought two copies. Uninstalled the first. Installed the second, but it's giving me trouble like i've already used my 5 e-files even though this is a second copy. 

Expert Alumni
Mar 22, 2020 6:33:56 PM

 

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.

New Member
Mar 22, 2020 11:03:42 PM

I installed the Home & Business and used the 5 electronic filings.  Then I purchased the Deluxe because I have more returns to file - all are for family members.  I also have a family member who I will need to use the Business edition (Corporation) for, which I also have purchased.  I uninstalled the Home & Business so I could install the Deluxe.  It seemed to work fine for the Federal, but when I tried to do the State I got an error message 190.  

 

I'm really disappointed in your software and doubt I will use this going forward.  I never had trouble before doing taxes for my family and extended family.  They do not pay me!  I do it to help out and I am not in business.  I have now purchased THREE different copies of Turbo Tax to get everyone's returns done and I am stuck.  I feel like this is a money making scheme for Turbo Tax.  You should not do this to your faithful customers.  I used your software for years.  Whoever came up with this idea is stupid - putting restrictions on the number of returns we can file, just so you can gouge people because you think they have a business.  

 

What do I do now?  I have tax returns to finish and send off.

New Member
Mar 22, 2020 11:05:44 PM

I want a refund!

Intuit Alumni
Mar 23, 2020 8:21:39 AM

Our Satisfaction Guaranteed (or Guaranteed Easy) policy says that if you're not satisfied with your TurboTax software, you can return it within 60 days of purchase for a full refund. If it's the software that you want a refund on, click here. If you want a refund on something else dealing with filing your taxes using TurboTax, you would want to use the TurboTax Customer Support link provided below to reach out to someone directly:

 

TurboTax Customer Support

Level 15
Mar 23, 2020 8:40:47 AM

@gkattouah The limit for five federal e-files is an

IRS

limit---not a TurboTax limit.  Your expectations were mistaken when you thought you could install a second CD and e-file more returns.  The IRS does not allow it. When you have any more than five individual tax returns to file, the extra ones have to be printed, signed and mailed.

Since the TT expert has explained the return policy to you, you should try contacting customer support if you purchased the software from TT.

 

You can install the TurboTax Business program on the same computer and use it to e-file returns since those are business returns--not individual Form 1040's.

 

 

Returning Member
Mar 23, 2020 10:15:49 AM

I'm not filing as a paid tax preparer. I work for a not for profit and use the program to help individuals file their tax returns, for no charge. So the returns are not being electronically filed as, e.g., 10 returns filed by Paid Tax Preparer for 10 individual clients. They are being filed for each individual.  Since preparer who worked on the returns is not paid, name of preparer is not listed on the returns.

 

I have no problem with each copy of the program limiting me to filing five returns electronically, and bought two copies of the program anticipating that would allow me to assist 10 individuals to file their returns electronically. (Also, NY State, where I work, requires returns prepared by tax software to be filed electronically, at least while electronic filing is open.)

Returning Member
Mar 23, 2020 10:16:52 AM

[by the way, I'm the same person as "cyberry", who posted the replies above. For some reason the site required me to set up a new username.]

New Member
Mar 23, 2021 4:05:25 PM

I'm in a situation similar to yours as I'm doing multiple returns for family, unpaid, and just finished e-filing the first 5 returns.  Did the install program 1, e-file 5, uninstall program 1, install program 2, e-file 5 more work for you?  Any problem with the state tax returns?  Do you know if your 10 tax returns for 2020  will transfer to begin next year's 2021? 

Intuit Alumni
Mar 23, 2021 5:43:59 PM

If you are having issues and need assistance, please contact customer support. Please see the Customer Support phone number hereIf you would like to reach out through our website, please see the TurboTax FAQ below for contact information: https://support.turbotax.intuit.com/contact/

Level 15
Mar 23, 2021 5:50:27 PM

Sorry no.  You can not get more efiles by installing another program.  5 is an IRS limit.  If you need to efile more you have to buy Intuit Products for Tax Professionals https://taxpro.intuit.com  and sign up with the IRS as an ERO - an Electronic Returns Originator.  How to become an Authorized E-file Provider…..

http://www.irs.gov/Tax-Professionals/e-File-Providers-&-Partners/Become-an-Authorized-e-file-Provider

 

Yes you can transfer all prior year returns into the next year.  All you need is the .tax2020 file to transfer into 2021.

 

And be sure to save each return with a unique name so it doesn’t get confused with another return.  Go to File-Save or Save As.  Because if you do another return and they have the same first name or initial as you their return might save over yours.

New Member
Oct 2, 2021 11:57:38 AM

If I become an authorized e file provider, can I then e file more than 5 returns if I buy 2 copies and install both on my computer?

 

Level 15
Oct 2, 2021 12:01:54 PM

@gtagg NO.   You cannot e-file more than 5 federal returns using the TurboTax software which is NOT intended for use by paid tax preparers.  You cannot just install a second CD.  That does not work,

 

If you have the credentials to be a paid tax preparer then you should use professional tax software.

 

https://proconnect.intuit.com/?s_cid=TT.com_MoreProds-Footer_ProTaxSoftware

Level 15
Oct 2, 2021 3:39:15 PM

@gtagg 

 

If you have to file more than 5 returns for family/friends (not as a paid tax pro) then  may I suggest you use one of the IRS FREE FILE  options for those with easy returns that qualify... for 2020 your AGI must be $72K or less ...  https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free

 

 

New Member
Jan 14, 2022 9:13:24 AM

Leonard, trying to install a second copy of TT Premiere on my computer but get the message it can't be done. I can set up a new TurboTax account and have a new user ID but how does my computer recognize that when installing the new Disc.  Thanks! Ted8533

Level 15
Jan 14, 2022 9:17:01 AM

@Ted8533   Why do you need to install another copy?  You can only have 1 program installed.  And you can not buy and install a second program to get more efiles.   And you don't need a new program for another return. or to get another free state program.   The Desktop program can do unlimited returns and efile 5 for free.  And you don't need to install a different version.  All the Desktop versions have the same forms.  You just get more help in the higher versions.  You can use Basic or Deluxe for all.

Level 15
Jan 14, 2022 9:17:40 AM

@Ted8533 You cannot install two copies of the 2021 desktop software on the same computer.   And why are you trying to do that?   The CD/download can be used to prepare and e-file up to five federal returns; if you need to file more than five federal returns they have to be sent by mail.   Five is an IRS limit.  Installing a second CD will not "beat" that limit.   And all versions of the desktop software have all of the forms and schedules.   You can upgrade the first CD to a higher version if you think you need a higher version.

New Member
Dec 15, 2022 11:49:05 AM

i am processing my children and grandchildren taxes this year so i will need more than file e-files how can i purchase more e-files for them

Level 15
Dec 15, 2022 11:52:04 AM

@keymans You cannot get more than five federal e-files.   That is an

IRS

rule, not a TurboTax rule.  The IRS will not let you e-file more than five federal returns.  If you have the CD/download software and need to file more than five returns, the other ones can be filed by mail.