New sign in requirement for downloading desktop version for 2023

[star40]

Can one still file for another person though it is now needed to sign into one’s account to activate the desktop key.

how does that work?
I realize I need to sign into to my account to activate the desktop 2023 turbo tax and can file my own taxes

can I also file my brothers and if so how if signed into my own account 

[VolvoGirl]

Yes.  That's only to install the program.  You can still do unlimited returns and efile 5 federal for free.  You can install the program on 5 computers you own.  

See this FAQ for why do I need to sign in to an Intuit Account this year?
https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/license-information/install-turbotax-cd-...

[star40]

Thank you for replying and link.

on that link it says you can file up to 5 of your OWN

my brother is not mine so that word usage is confusing with the change.

That is why asking for clarification 

That page makes it appear as if you can no longer share one desktop key for 5 individual returns because of using term your own and having to sign into to your account to activate

I am not alone in thinking this and that needs to be better clarified by Turbo tax 

[VolvoGirl]

It's 5 COMPUTERS you own.  Are you going to do his return on your computer?   I didn't see on that link it says 5 anywhere.  It really hasn't changed from last year except you need to log into an account to install the program.  

[star40]

I would also like to understand without having to buy platform how this works

So after it is activated can you access it on your computer like last year without signing in or do you need to sign in

again there is online and desktop and the new sign in for desk top activation is confusing without clearly stating 

[VolvoGirl]

You only need to sign in once when you first install it .  Then you can close and open it like before.

[star40]

This is turbo tax response in link you gave

Yes. You can prepare and print or e-file up to 5 of your own federal and state tax returns with TurboTax Desktop. You’ll still be able to install the software on up to 5 computers owned by you (at home or at work).

I get 5 computers you own 

but they said 5 of your own tax returns which is cause of confusion 

[DoninGA]

You only need to sign in Once to activate your desktop software.  After that there is no need to be sign back on to your TurboTax account.

[star40]

Thank you for taking the time and telling me how it is really unchanged except for login to activate

i was hesitant on buying since expensive and if I had to buy again then going with another tax product 

[VolvoGirl]

Oh that?  You can only efile 5 returns.  You can print and mail more.  It's only to efile up to 5.   Don't worry about "your own".  Yeah it could be clearer.  

[ScruffyCurmudgeon]

Just to fill in one missing info element:

The limit of five (5) e-Files is an IRS-imposed limitation, not one related to TurboTax, or any other product.
It is a limit presumably determined by the Internet IP address of the source of the eFiling

[Anonymous]

with the download it seems intuit keeps track of what you are doing, what state you downloaded.  I wonder if the disc version is different.  Last year it was possible to use the  disc without registering thus use it on different computers simply with the disc.  Does it work the same this year or make you register and keep track of the state download?

[MarilynG1]

You can skip the Registration, which is the first page when you open TurboTax from a download, and Continue.

You do need to access your Account to download on another computer, though. 

You can download as many states as you want, but you are correct, the downloads are tracked.

Here's more info on Downloading TurboTax.

@Anonymous 

[Anonymous]

Not downloading, using the disc

[VolvoGirl]

The disc is the same as the download, at least after you install it.  Don't know if it keeps track of your first free state download.  But if you need to buy additional states then they would be kept in your online account so if you needed to install them again.