If I bought the Costco version of turbotax can i start my taxes online and then add a code to show I already paid for it when I finish my taxes?

[mustardstain]

I also do not have a cd drive on my laptop.. I want to do my taxes online but use the one I bought at Costco. How will this work?

[mesquitebean]

If you bought a CD at Costco and do not have a CD drive, look to see if there is a piece of paper inside the box that has a telephone number on it where you can request a download.   If not, you can phone TurboTax Support on Monday, and they will place a download in your account.  See this FAQ:

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2590568-i-bought-the-cd-but-my-computer-doesn-t-have-a-cd-drive

You are welcome to begin a return Online for free if you wish, but there is no obligation to finish it online when the download is a better product, and you already paid for the desktop product.   You "could" talk to TurboTax Customer Support to see if they would let you finish online, but I'm not sure why someone would want to do that.  The download is a more fully-featured product than the online version.   You can even move what you've started online into the download product to finish. (steps to do that are in the FAQ down below).  

Also note that some Online editions cannot prepare all the forms.  For instance, Online Deluxe cannot handle Schedule C,D,E,F, or enter K-1 info.  Online Premier cannot handle Schedule C or F.  While ALL of the desktop (CD/download) versions can handle all of those forms.   The desktop version also has Forms Mode (which Online does not), and printing/viewing/archiving is easier in the desktop version, and you don't have a limit on future access to your files like the Online version, since you control all of them on your computer.  The desktop product also allows for multiple Federal returns, and your desktop version may already include a state program to prepare multiple state returns (of that one state).  In the Online product, a state return would be an extra 36.99 (39.99 later in filing season.)

So if you want to use Online instead, that would have to be an arrangement between you and Customer Support.

Once you have the download program installed, you can move the data you have prepared online into your desktop product so you don't have to start over.  Here's how:

https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/3302260

[jeanenmd]

I bought Turbotax Premier at Costco. When ready to file, I was asked how I want to pay. Turbotax charges an extra fee if you pay out of your refund, so pay with your credit card and you will only be charged the extra for your state. It's cheaper than paying using your refund. It took me an hour to figure that out with help from a human.

[jensenli]

So with the Costco downloadable turbotax you were still able to file online right? I dont' want to send any papers.

[jensenli]

That was really helpful. Thank you!

[VolvoGirl]

Yes you can efile with the Desktop program and the Online version.  

Desktop program info.......

The CD/Download Desktop you buy and install the program, can do unlimited returns. The returns are only saved on your computer and can not be accessed from anywhere else. And not saved at Turbo Tax. So Be sure to save Frequently and make backups. You get 5 federal efile for free. In Deluxe and above you get 1 state PROGRAM download to prepare unlimited state returns (in that state). Each state return including the first one is $20 early or $25 to efile or you can print and mail the state for free. The Desktop programs do not have the expert help that is available to add to Online versions.

[xmasbaby0]

@jensenli You can e-file when you use the CD/download if that is what you mean.   When you use the CD/download your tax file will not be stored online in an account.  It will only be stored on your own computer's hard drive or any back up device you use.  

[jensenli]

Thank you! That is what I meant. Happy New Year!

[genecat9jia]

I had the same situation. Still not able to fix it after reading all the replies. I guess I have to start over. Will NOT use Turbo tax next year.

[xmasbaby0]

@genecat9jia There are multiple posts in this thread from a variety of users.  No one can tell what "same situation" you have.    If you need some help please explain and be specific.