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Level 3
posted Dec 20, 2024 10:14:40 AM

Is there a way for me to download Turbotax to a thumb drive or SD card for a friend who has limited download speeds on his own computer so he can use the product?

My friend has limited speed for downloads and has asked me to download the new TurboTax program but I was thinking if I did this, I could use the program but he couldn't.

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1 Best answer
Level 15
Dec 20, 2024 10:49:12 AM

Just came across this, he can get a CD.   But as stated above all the updates and state programs will need to be downloaded and if you efile.

 

As of 12/20/24, Looks like you can buy a CD for 2024 after you buy a License Code

TurboTax® Desktop 2024-2025 | Tax Software Download

 

@xmasbaby0  @DoninGA  pass it on

11 Replies
Level 15
Dec 20, 2024 10:21:50 AM

TurboTax software can only be installed on up to 5 personal computers owed by the purchaser of the software.  The tax return for your friend can be completed and filed on one of the computers that you own if you are the purchase of the software.

Level 15
Dec 20, 2024 10:42:21 AM

And.....all of the updates and the state software are only via download.   A thumb drive or SD card will not help with any of that after the initial installation of the program.  Perhaps you could prepare your friend's return for him on your own computer, or allow your friend to use one of your computers and encrypt his file so you will not be able to see it.

Level 15
Dec 20, 2024 10:49:12 AM

Just came across this, he can get a CD.   But as stated above all the updates and state programs will need to be downloaded and if you efile.

 

As of 12/20/24, Looks like you can buy a CD for 2024 after you buy a License Code

TurboTax® Desktop 2024-2025 | Tax Software Download

 

@xmasbaby0  @DoninGA  pass it on

Level 15
Dec 20, 2024 10:53:53 AM

@VolvoGirl I saw this also.  Bookmarked.

Level 3
Dec 20, 2024 12:05:16 PM

Yes, he won't be able to use my computer. I was hoping I could download the program to my computer via a thumb drive and give it to him. Could this be done if he used his credit card on my computer so he would have the program on the thumb drive and then I could download my own copy to the same computer?? Or, maybe it can't be downloaded to a thumb drive at all?

Level 3
Dec 20, 2024 12:06:47 PM

My friend has a very complicated return. He is a farmer with many deductions etc. 

Level 15
Dec 20, 2024 12:18:55 PM


@jmillsp wrote:

My friend has a very complicated return. He is a farmer with many deductions etc. 


Is there some reason he cannot use the TurboTax 2024 online editions since there is no need to download large MB files using the online editions?

Level 15
Dec 20, 2024 12:38:32 PM

Really not sure...but :

 

I really see no reason he couldn't use your computer to buy/download the installation .exe file and transfer it to a thumb drive......as long as he uses his own account to buy it and access it from his own account that he logs into on your computer.

 

(and you-yourself don't attempt to use that download and license...i.e. delete it and buy it separately from your own account yourself for a separate download)

_____________________________

But, right now, that installation will still be the ...essentially.....a somewhat updated beta copy, that he will not be able to file using (many forms not final).... and he will still have to (slowly) update it himself from his home to get the final forms in late January...and maybe even later as I'm not sure of the necessary ready date for the Farm schedules, along with the state download that is going to be really slow, if he needs one.  

Returning Member
Jan 23, 2025 8:00:36 PM

RE: "TurboTax software can only be installed on up to 5 personal computers owed by the purchaser of the software".

For those of us who are Computer Illiterate, HOW, do you download onto more than one computer? CAN the software be downloaded/saved onto a USB drive?

Level 15
Jan 24, 2025 9:16:36 AM

@solomank    Since you now have to log into an Intuit Account when you first install it, all your downloads and licenses are listed there (even if you bought it from somewhere else) so if you need to install it again or install on another computer, even on the other operating system (Windows, Mac) you can download it again.


Access your downloads here
https://shop.turbotax.intuit.com/commerce/account/secure/login.jsp?pagecontext=download

 

You can burn the installation file to a CD or save to a usb flash drive.  My Windows Download program is listed under Downloads and is named Windows_PC_TurboTax_Downloads.exe

 

New Member
Apr 10, 2025 10:57:08 AM

I think it sucks that you’ve gone to NOT selling a CD and only offer it as a download, and THEN make you pay MORE for a CD if you want the program on a CD.  Ive already paid for this program TWICE because the stupid store I bought it from gave me the DISPLAY BOX and NOT the program with an activation code and I live 3 hrs away from that store to return it, so had to buy another one.  Then had LOTS of problems downloading it, and. NOW you want me to pay another $10 to get a CD!!  I wish y’all would’ve left it like it was.  Give the customer the option of owning a CD or just downloading it!!  What happens if I delete it from my computer and then have to go back in to file an amended return or something?  I have to download it all over again!! I think y’all are being greedy just like Amazon and Apple.