Online verses installed turbotax

Forum|Forum|1 year ago
January 16, 2025
3 replies
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Is the online TurboTax exactly like the windows installed turbo tax?

IE can I online pick and choose the options I want to update myself (manually) rather than turbo tax walking me through every option?

I tried it last year and had no success.

Hope this is clear. Thanks in advance. Keith

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xmasbaby0

Level 15

No---online is not "exactly" like the desktop download. You cannot choose updates with online, and you will not have forms mode.

When you use Online TurboTax, you get one return per fee. Each return needs its own account and user ID. If you use the same account and user ID for a second return, you overwrite the first one and lose it forever.

https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/online/

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/using-turbotax/help/how-do-i-start-another-return-in-turbotax-online/00/25596

When you use Desktop TurboTax, which you install from a CD or download to your own hard drive, you can prepare and e-file multiple returns for the cost of the software. You can e-file up to 5 Federal returns—more if you mail the additional ones. If you have multiple returns to prepare for family members, Desktop is more cost effective.

Desktop --unless you specifically buy federal Deluxe only from a retailer-- will include the software for one specific state. You can prepare as many returns for that state as the number of federal returns you prepare. E-filing state returns is an extra fee which can be avoided by printing and mailing the states. Additional--other--state software is an additional fee for the software.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901306-how-many-times-can-i-e-file-using-the-turbotax-cd-or-download

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2750704-what-are-the-advantages-of-the-turbotax-cd-download-software-over-the-online-version

**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**

K

krplunAuthor

Level 2

Sorry I don't think I explained myself properly. Let me ask a different way:

In the desktop version when you pick an option like business or personal - turbo-tax asks if you want to be guided (have turbo-tax walk through everything) or explore on my own (I'll choose what I want to do).

So my question is does the online turbo-tax also give the user the same 2 options as the desktop version does?

I believed I tried this last year and didn't see these options. Thanks again, Keith

VolvoGirl

Level 15

@krplun I don't think the Online version has that choice. You can jump around by clicking on the tabs and selecting the item you want to enter. Here's some other differences. Oh and if you use a different way than last year you can still transfer from 2023 Online to Desktop -or- Desktop to Online

ONLINE
The Online web version is only good for one account and one return. But you can use the same email address for 5 accounts. You can log in and access your return from any computer. You only can see the forms after you pay and download the pdf. And you might need to upgrade to a higher version to enter different kinds of income. And you can add LIVE service or Full Service for expert help. In Online the fees are to prepare the federal and state returns (State is a separate charge) whether you efile or print and mail. Efiling is free and included. Your return is only saved online so be sure to save both the .tax2024 data file and the pdf file to your computer when you are done in case you need to amend in the future or if you need a copy to get a loan or something. You might not be able to access your online return when you need a copy.

DESKTOP
The Download Desktop program you buy and install the program on a full Windows or Mac computer (a desktop or laptop), which can do unlimited returns. And you can buy any version. All the Desktop programs have all the forms, you just get more help in the higher versions. And the Desktop program has many other features over the Online versions. Like seeing and entering into the actual forms. And it has a What-If worksheet to test in.

The Desktop returns are only saved on your computer and can not be accessed from anywhere else. And not saved at Turbo Tax. So Be sure to save Frequently and make backups. You get 5 federal efiles for free. In Deluxe and above you get 1 state PROGRAM download to prepare unlimited state returns (in that state). Each state return including the first one is $20 early or $25 (March 1) to efile or you can print and mail the state for free. And the Desktop program is always available even after the year ends. Which is good if you ever need to amend your return after online website is closed or get audited and need your tax records.

VolvoGirl

Level 15

There are 2 ways to use Turbo Tax. You can use the Online web browser version or buy and install the Desktop program.

ONLINE
The Online web version is only good for one account and one return. But you can use the same email address for 5 accounts. You can log in and access your return from any computer. You only can see the forms after you pay and download the pdf. And you might need to upgrade to a higher version to enter different kinds of income. And you can add LIVE service or Full Service for expert help. In Online the fees are to prepare the federal and state returns (State is a separate charge) whether you efile or print and mail. Efiling is free and included. Your return is only saved online so be sure to save both the .tax2024 data file and the pdf file to your computer when you are done in case you need to amend in the future or if you need a copy to get a loan or something. You might not be able to access your online return when you need a copy.

DESKTOP
The Download Desktop program you buy and install the program on a full Windows or Mac computer (a desktop or laptop), which can do unlimited returns. And you can buy any version. All the Desktop programs have all the forms, you just get more help in the higher versions. And the Desktop program has many other features over the Online versions. Like seeing and entering into the actual forms. And it has a What-If worksheet to test in.

The Desktop returns are only saved on your computer and can not be accessed from anywhere else. And not saved at Turbo Tax. So Be sure to save Frequently and make backups. You get 5 federal efiles for free. In Deluxe and above you get 1 state PROGRAM download to prepare unlimited state returns (in that state). Each state return including the first one is $20 early or $25 (March 1) to efile or you can print and mail the state for free. And the Desktop program is always available even after the year ends. Which is good if you ever need to amend your return after online website is closed or get audited and need your tax records.

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TaxmanDan_2026

Level 2

Yeah....been using TurboTax for 28 years. HOWEVER, I bought the desktop version and it WILL NOT WORK on Windows 10. I paid Microsoft for ONE YEAR of additional support for Windows 10, so the desktop product SHOULD work on Windows 10. I don't want to use the ONLINE version. Shame