It makes no sense, if requiring us to purchase a download instead of the cd, the price should be much less due to not having to make the cd and the cost of mailing it. Instead they have removed these costs and increased the price thinking we won't have a choice in the matter.
Prices for many things are higher. All of the tax software companies have eliminated CD's now and only offer downloads. If you want a CD, TurboTax is offering to provide one for $10 after you pay for the download and have your license key.
TURBOTAX DESKTOP INSTALL CD FOR $10
https://turbotax.intuit.com/lp/ttd/4021/
Or—-Use this IRS site for other ways to file for free. There are 8 free software versions available from the IRS Free File site
https://apps.irs.gov/app/freeFile/
Or—if you live in certain states you may be eligible to use the new IRS Direct File
In Filing Season 2025, Direct File will be available in Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2629