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posted Jun 26, 2020 2:03:28 PM

Old Apple Macs Cannot Use TurboTax 2019 Software

So I cannot run TT2019 unless I update my OS? I have three Macs two with El Capitan because it's stable and doesn't burn my computers out like macOS did to my 2016 Macbook Pro. My iMac has Sierra installed and I still can't run this software. 

 

So are you telling me that in order to use TurboTax 2019, I have to buy a new computer or complete my taxes online, which can also possibly pose as a security issue? 

 

How is this good business? By forcing your customers to move to another software because TT won't work with a majority of older macs. This is ridiculous. 

 

Will there a patch to correct this or another option available for those who prefer to keep their files secure on their personal computers instead of an online server? 

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2 Replies
Level 15
Jun 26, 2020 2:54:06 PM

TurboTax uses the Apple supplied developers tools to compile the software.      When Apple releases a new OS  they issue a new toolset to support the new features of that OS but Apple only supports 3 years with the developer tools.   It is not TurboTax's decision which versions are supported by Apple.   If the Apple developers tools don't support older Mac versions, TurboTax cannot.

 

Some 3rd party Mac software developers maintain old Apple toolsets and release several versions of their software so that you can get differed versions for different Macs, but those vendors usually only have one product and only update it once a year.     TurboTax has 4 different Mac products and as the tax law changes and the IRS issues new and revised forms, usually must release an update on a bi-weekly basis - I believe there have been about 15 updates to the 2019 products since released last December.   Maintaining several versions for different Macs of each product version and updates would be unmanageable and too expensive to test and support for each release would not be cost effective for a small customer base.

Not applicable
Jun 26, 2020 7:50:51 PM

next year Windows 7 users will be in the same position. upgrade  OS, if possible (hardware may not support upgrade) or use online.   even some pro software will require tax preparers to upgrade.  pro software can cost in the thousands of $.