@tomlandgraf wrote:
To clarify, I realize I can only efile 5 for my family. But I understand my wife should be able to efile 5 for her family, correct? If so, can we use the same computer to efile all 10 using two different software license that we each purchase and using our own accounts and email addresses? Or do we need to go buy another computer and each install their own software and each computer.
Here's the thing -- we don't know what you might be able to get away with, and I don't think anyone here knows how the 5-efile limit is enforced. It is imposed by the IRS, and no one here can give you a way around it. It might be imposed by email address, device ID number, IP address,TT license number, or some combination of all of the above.
It might be, that if your spouse buys a separate copy with a separate TT account and separate email address, she might be able to e-file 5 more returns. But we can't guarantee, and if you try it and it doesn't work, don't say we didn't warn you. And you can't install two copies of the same program (say, TT Deluxe) on the same Mac or PC, it screws up the system. You used to be able to install, say, one copy of TT Deluxe and one copy of TT Home & Business without causing problems, but I can't promise that will still work. And it could cause problems when opening files -- you would have to open the program first and then go to File...Open to pick the file you want. If you double-click the tax file itself, it may open the wrong program. And as someone else said, if you finish your five returns and then uninstall copy A to install copy B, we can't promise that will work either. Your computer might be linked to the returns via a device number that the IRS can read.
As far as I know, a person can e-file an indefinite number of returns using TT online, but each return requires a separate online account with a different user name and password, and each return will incur a separate fee, unless the return is simple and qualifies for free filing. But, if the accounts are linked to the same e-mail address, that might trigger the limit, I don't think we know for sure one way or the other.
If some of your returns are simple returns that qualify for free filing, I would probably try to file the simple returns with separate online accounts and then stick to one copy of the desktop program. And of course, you could always file #6-10 by printing and mailing them.
